Pyar to Hona hi tha2 Story Contest Result on page9 - Page 2

Ch 8

After 7 days of engagement

7 days passed since the attack, but still the killer was on loose. Our efficient intelligence and the spies were working day and night for getting some clue, but they found none. The good outcome of the attack was that my marriage was postponed and the worst part was that the officers of my security team visited me every day asking for the same questions again and again about that incident testing my patience. But I tried to remain calm as much as possible as I realized that they were just trying to help me. Prince Rudra was a great support for me to deal with the whole incident. But still sometimes I lost my cool due to the sarcastic remarks of my so called mother.And then one day, she crossed her line, hitting me below the belt.

In the living room

"That's quite odd that no one found the killer yet..." Sameera said making a confused face. The officers stopped interrogating me and looked at her in confusion. Prince Rudra narrowed his eyes and Prince Saras just shifted more towards her.

"What do u mean, Sam?" Saras asked her.

"Yes, ur majesty...If u have anything in mind, share with us...It could be useful for us," the officer-in-charge (OIC) said.

"Actually...umm...I...I don't want to offend Princess Kumud , but I think she just hallucinated the whole thing..." Sameera said looking uncomfortable.

"So , u want to say that I am mad..." I said fuming in anger.

"No...not at all..." she shook her head. "I just want to say that u lost a lot in ur life...1^st ur mom...then ur father...It must be hard for u to deal with everything that u loved so dearly...It certainly affected u a lot...And for that reason...umm...U know that it can be treated, right?" she said again looking at me in concern.

"Shuttt uppp..." I yelled.My whole body trembled in extreme anger and my eyes spit fire.I wish...I wish I could kill her right at that moment. Rudra hugged me from behind to calm me down.

"U should watch ur words before u speak , Sam..." Rudra gritted his teeth.

"Kumud, calm down...U..." she said again with her fake concern. But I was quite mad at her. Unable to control myself, I pulled myself roughly from Rudra's grip as I walked past him. Sameera exactly knew what she was doing because when she saw me she posed herself ready to take me down.

The fury was roaring in my head. A blown fire was blazing inside me ready to burn her alive. I didn't look at anything else, neither at Rudra and the officers nor the threatening gaze of Saras.

I pounced on her, pounded her head and her face with my closed fists. I grinned hearing her pleadings to live her alone. And my grin broadened as I saw blood coming out of her nose.

"You bitch!" she hissed at, claws scratching my face and neck, drawing blood.

I snapped at her angrily and punched her nose breaking it. As I saw her getting dizzy due to my blow, I blew air on my fist proudly and gave her my best smirk. But before I could feel the victory more, a hand grabbed my elbow and pulled me strongly.

"How dare u hurt my fiance?" Saras screamed at me. His eyes were bloodshot and his whole body was shaking in anger.

"Fiancee?" I whispered blankly. All my feelings of teaching Sameera a lesson and my pride to knock her down like a bitch were gone.

"U...U both are engaged?" I asked him painfully. My eyes started to well up feeling defeated.

"YES...MY FIANCEE...I PROPOSED HER LAST NIGHT TO BE MY QUEEN...AND SHE AGREED..." Saras said with a bitter scowl. I looked at him for some time and then my eyes met Sameera's dark green eyes. She was giving me a How does that hurt?' look.She winced in pain drawing Saras's attention at once. He rushed towards her and picked her up in his strong arms. She ran her hands up and down his muscular arms through his long sleeve, fitted black shirt he was wearing. He dropped her gently on the nearby sofa and adjusted the pillows carefully to make her sit comfortably.

Rudra came towards me and pulled me by waist, whispering in my ear, "Leave them...Let's go."

"No...I want my answers," I whispered back blinking back my tears.

"LEAVE...NOW..." I said dangerously at the officers who left without a word.Then I marched towards the PDA couple for getting some answers.

My anger rose to the peak when I saw Sameera hugging MY SARAS, pressing her breasts to his chest.

"Get off him," I yelled at Sameera. She was startled for a minute and then seeing me she poured her crocodile tears instigating Saras more.

"Mind ur attitude, Princess Kumud," he gritted his teeth.

"Why didn't u say about ur engagement to me?" I hissed in anger inching closer to him.

"Because u are no one whom I think is important to inform about my personal life," he replied with the same anger.

"So...so, I am no one?" I whispered with difficulty as I tried to stand in front of him without losing my strength and dignity. I couldn't let him know that I was dead at that moment. My heart stopped beating seeing the hatred in the eyes of MY PRINCE CHARMING OF MY DREAMS. He looked at me for some time and then suddenly his eyes widened thinking something.

"One second...U...U thought that I am in love with u?" he asked me in surprise. I looked away immediately feeling that my heart would burst any moment in pain and rejection.

"U...U are such a fool," he laughed at me clutching his stomach as his whole body shook in laughter. He looked at Sameera once and then looked back at me with a mocking smile. Straightening himself up , he wiped off his tears that poured due to excessive laughing & said again, "Sam warned me not to flirt with u as she thinks that u will misinterpret my harmless flirting...But I didn't take her seriously...So , I flirted with u like I do with other princesses...But u...U surprised me with ur dumbness... How could u just think that I love u? Did I ever say those magical 3 words to u?" he said in amusement.

"How can u think that a guy like me who is the most eligible bachelor can fall for a girl like u?" he said to me looking at me from top to bottom. My ears were hot by that moment in insult and shame.

"U are so plain...rude...impolite...unladylike with no sense of fashion and grace...And even if I forget about that for a moment , then u are f**king dyslexic...Who can take a girl like u in his life? U can never rule a country with this flaw," he said with a dirty smirk. Then he tilted his head and said again, "U are lucky that King of Samora is very kind and generous to accept u...otherwise..." He looked again at me from top to bottom and said, "...it was difficult to get u married..."

"That's enough..." Rudra suddenly yelled seeing me losing my composure. He marched towards Saras and punched him hard making him stumble back, but he controlled himself from falling back and looked at Rudra with a grin.

"Don't waste ur time on me, lover boy...Just take care of ur doll before she breaks down losing the leftover dignity she has in my eyes..." Saras grinned at him.

I was speechless to see the man in front of me. It was not the same man I loved...Who was he?

I gazed at him painfully as my all strength was lost. Losing all my control I finally broke down in front of him. Tears cascaded my eyes and made its way down my cheeks without a stop. Rudra held me with his strength and hauled me away from that place saving me from more pain.

Ch 9

In my room

"I...I...I am such a fool," I hiccupped.

"He...he...he was right...I am plain, rude and I am dyslexic...I can never rule a country...never can..." I sobbed hard clutching the shirt of Rudra.

"Nooo...that's not true...U can't let that idiot get under ur skin," he said trying to calm me down.

"No , Rudra...He is right...That's what father also thought...maybe that's why he didn't handover the country to me," I sobbed again.

"No , he didn't do it because u were too young to take the responsibility," he said. But nothing got inside my head as I was too hurt.

"Baby...please stop crying...please...I can't see u like this," he said taking me in a comforting hug. But I was not in my control. I always ignored the remarks of others about my flaws as I believed that I was better than anyone else. I might not be gorgeous with attractive body & high academic qualifications, but I was content with who I am - confident, honest and truthful to my loved ones and to my countrymen. But listening to the hurtful words from MY PRINCE CHARMING broke my confidence and made me think that people talking behind me were probably right - I CAN NEVER BE A GOOD QUEEN TO MY PEOPLE...MAYBE THAT'S WHY FATHER HANDOVER HIS KINGDOM TO QUEEN SAMEERA.

"He...he showed me the mirror..." I whispered as I looked at him painfully with tears nowhere to stop.

"No, Kumud...u are beautiful...Ur beauty lies inside...Looks are deceptive...It can only capture ur eyes, but inner beauty captures ur heart..." he said cupping my face.

"Yeah..." I laughed amidst of my tears. "But seems like my inner beauty failed to capture the heart of Prince Saras," I said nodding my head wiping off my tears as fresh tears made its place.

"These are just words, Rudra..." I whispered wrapping my arms around myself suddenly feeling cold. I smiled sadly looking at him and then whispered again, "Truth is that no one cares about inner beauty...They just see the beauty that could make one proud when they hold it in their arms..."

18+ started

"No...that's not true," he whispered shaking his head. "I always admired ur inner beauty...It always amazed me to see the strength u have to deal with everything bad around u," he whispered inching his lips closer to me. I stared at him feeling exhausted with all the crying. His eyes were intensely staring at my quivering lips. As if we both were in a trance, he closed the gap between us and kissed me softly. I froze at my place quite shocked with the sudden turn of events. As I tried to pull away from the kiss, the painful words of Saras rang in my ears. So, I gave in committing the best mistake of my life.

Rudra pushed me on bed gently and hovered over me. Caressing my cheeks, he leaned down and took my lips again for another breathless kiss. His tongue gently pushed my lips apart and without thinking straight I let him invade my mouth. His tongue danced with my tongue as he sucked all my juices with perfect ease. His lips trailed over my throat as he nibbled my adam's apple. I clutched the sheets underneath me feeling my control slipping away. He slipped his hands inside my gown and pulled it above my thighs. Then he flipped me over and untied the strings at my back undressing me completely leaving me only in my inners. I breathed heavily pressing my cheeks on the soft pillow as his lips continued to kiss and lick down my entire back. Flipping me over again, he held my hips firmly and kissed my lips, but this time it was hard and dominating. I couldn't help but the pressure built inside me and I moaned loudly turning him on more. He left my lips when he found me breathless and headed towards the bulges of my breast. He licked it several times and then nibbled my nipples over my lacy bra. I felt goosebumps as the hair on my body stood on end feeling the intimate touch of a man for the 1^st time.

He kissed down more and more and bit my bellybutton playfully making me wince in a mixture of pain and pleasure. He gently removed my remaining clothes leaving me naked to his hungry eyes. As he took in my each and every part, I closed my eyes. My heart told me to stop before it's too late, but my mind told me to go on and show Saras that I was not a lost case...I can be loved. He leaned down and inhaled my scent deeply.

"I love ur smell..." he whispered with a faint smile playing on his lips.His tongue travelled each part of my body, leaving me completely at his mercy.

"Do u want me to stop," he whispered between my thighs. I was by then panting heavily feeling myself lost in the momentary pleasure of his seductive touches.

"Noo..." I moaned. He smiled at me lovingly and instantly his warm mouth moved from my loins and leaped up to find my lips kissing me with the intensity of hellfire. As the kiss deepened more, he entered me with slow thrust letting me adjust. My eyes widened as my trance broke. Realization hit me hard and immediately fear started consuming me. My whole body trembled & urged me to stop Rudra to proceed further, but it seemed that I was frozen.

Rudra who was drowned in passion failed to realize that I had stopped responding. He thrust for the 2^nd time entering me fully making me wince in pain. I felt my hymen breaking and his length filling inside me completely. I knew that it was the end. My one act had destroyed what I had - my chance of getting the love of MY PRINCE CHARMING, and probably losing the precious friendship of Rudra. As the guilt started rushing back at me, tears welled up my eyes. They escaped wetting the pillow underneath me. I was ashamed of my impulsive action. Everything was over for me. Feeling nothing could be done to take back what I did; I stared blankly at the ceiling as Rudra kept on claiming my body. One by one, all of Saras's memories flashed in front of me.

How dare u hurt my fiance?

Rudra buried his head between my breasts and panted heavily as he thrust for the 3^rd time.

U are no one whom I think is important to inform about my personal life..

Rudra kissed the crook of my neck and bit it softly leaving several hickeys as he thrust inside me for the 4^th time.

U are so plain...rude...impolite...unladylike with no sense of fashion and grace...And even if I forget about that for a moment , then u are f**king dyslexic...Who can take a girl like u in his life? U can never rule a country with this flaw...

Rudra sucked my shoulder blades hard leaving red marks and trailed down kissing my chest as he thrust inside me for the 5^th time.

U are lucky that King of Samora is very kind and generous to accept u...otherwise...

...it was difficult to get u married...

Rudra brushed his nose on my chest panting heavily as his sweat trickled down my body and smeared with mine.

Feeling satisfied, he whispered in my ear in concern, "Are u okay?" But I didn't respond. I just closed my eyes and let sleep consume my tired body. All the hateful words of Saras seemed to wash away from my mind as I remembered the sweet memories of MY PRINCE CHARMING...MY SARAS...

U are beautiful...

I blushed in my sleep.

U have honest eyes...so serene and kind...

I smiled biting my lower lips.

I can never sleep without knowing the girl I fancy is upset with me...

I breathed heavily...

U are strong...very strong...U know how to survive even if everything is not in ur favour...U have the ability to come out victorious surprising everyone who never believed in u...Practical in ur approach to everything...but still...somewhere, a part of u is a dreamer...U dream that u believe can never be fulfilled..

I sighed deeply...

I smiled again in my sleep as I relived those precious memories in a loop consoling my poor heart that at least he was the same person in my dreams as I thought him to be. He might not be mine to love in real, but the person in my dreams was ONLY MINE. His memories would remain in my heart forever.

18+ ended

Ch 10

Next morning (8^th day after engagement party)

I opened my drowsy eyes with a smile on my lips. I could still feel the touch of Saras in my dreams. He was so soft yet passionate. Suddenly I heard the creaking sound of the door of my washroom and I looked at that direction to find a topless Rudra in his trouser walking inside the room as he dried his hair with a towel in his hand. My lips that were curved into a sweet smile suddenly lost all its reason to be happy. Last night's moments between us came rushing into my memory making my heartbeat run faster.

"What will I say to him when he will talk about it?" I panicked.

"Hell that would be secondary...How will I able to meet his eyes?" I thought again in nervousness.

"Kumud?" I heard a voice as soft as silk. I looked to my side and saw Rudra looking at me with worries.I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't realize his presence beside me until he called my name.

"Kumud, do u regret?" he asked in a trembling voice. I could hear his raised heart beat; probably he was nervous just like I was.

"I...I...U...Rudra..." I stammered. I didn't know how to say to him that whatever happened last night was a moment of weakness for me. I got carried away with his intimacy and kisses. It was not out of love, but was definitely out of lust and probably the heart break from Saras pushed me far to act without thinking about the consequences.

"U...U don't have to say...I can see the regret in ur eyes," he said with tears welling up his eyes. Before I could say anything, he looked away, wiped off his tears and stood up, and went towards the sofa where his vest was lying carelessly. He wore it up with a blank look in his face and headed towards the door to leave me...may be forever.

"Wait..." I suddenly spoke up. He looked at me in confusion. His brows were slightly creased and his gaze was empty. I walked to him not bothering that I was in his shirt that reached up to my thighs.

"Don't leave, please..." I whispered softly. I held his face in my hands and tip-toed to kiss his forehead. With a sharp intake of air, he responded to my acceptance of him in my life. His closed eyes poured tears of happiness and I could feel him smiling in content.

"I love u, Kumud," he confessed. My eyes widened in shock hearing his love confession. He opened his eyes and smiled at me lovingly.

"Sorry to give u a heart attack...but...but I always loved u..." he said shyly.

"Then why u didn't ever say?" I asked him in surprise as I tried to sink in the new revelations of my life.

"I...I was scared...Scared to lose our precious bond...," he replied. I nodded my head softly understanding his dilemma.

"Kumud...Will u marry me?" he said holding my hand as he bent on his knees. I gasped hearing his proposal. My head spun and I seemed blank unable to think anything. Everything was going so fast...my falling in love with Saras...seeing him with Sameera in an intimate way...a killer on the loose ready to end my life any time...Saras-Sameera's engagement...my heartbreak...sleeping with my best friend...his love confession...and now this marriage proposal...I was sure that if my life goes in this speed then I would probably end up in a mental asylum.

"U...u are quiet...Is this a yes or no?" he said biting his lower lip. I stared at him and saw the most amazing person I had known all my life. I thought that probably it was god's will. He had wrapped Rudra in a gift pack and presented me. So, I accepted...for HIM...for ME...and for my COUNTRY...But a small part of me knew that I was cheating him and myself as every dream of my life would have no place for him. That would be only reserved for MY PRINCE CHARMING SARAS. And I was sad that even if I want I could never accept Rudra as my prince charming. May be one day he would become, but I knew that it was just a way to console my poor heart.

"I will...but I have one condition," I said.

"Anything for u..." he said waiting eagerly like a child.

"U will let me choose movies in our sleepover...u will go for a shopping with me...mmm...and u will eat all dishes cooked by me and...yes...u will let me drive ur car," I said giving him a broad smile.

"What?" he said giving me a weird look.

"Yes, u heard it right...Promise me this and I will then think about our marriage," I grinned at him looking at his funny expression.

"So, think about it," I patted his cheek and left the room as he remained bent on his knees looking quite shocked hearing my conditions.

After 7 days

Living room

Last 7 days went in a blur. As promised by Rudra, he gathered every piece of information about Prince Saras. There was nothing unusual in his past. According to the news, Prince Saras & Sameera met each other 4 months back and since then they had been seeing each other. I was shocked a little because father was still alive when they were in an illegal affair. Another info that made me restless was that Saras was in the same hotel where my father checked in before he was killed mercilessly by someone. Initially I thought to investigate more, but I dropped it feeling that I would leave my past behind and move forward with Rudra. I chose to be happy rather than digging other's scandalous past.

On the other side, Rudra & I flew back to Samora for confronting the king of Samora. As expected, the confrontation was full of drama. King of Samora was furious knowing that his nephew was in love with his fiance. He slapped Rudra in front of all the senator making me shocked.I was by then boiling with double anger. Marching towards him, I gave him a long lecture and made him realize that we can't help with whom we fall in love. At least we were honest enough to confess in front of him. We could have cheated him, but we didn't as we respect his feelings a lot. King of Samora was not that bad as I thought him to be. He understood and broke his engagement with me. He even blessed us and decided to talk to Sameera regarding my marriage alliance with Rudra. As I looked at Rudra, I saw a child who just got his favourite toy after a long wait.

When we flew back to Dordale, I was welcomed by a lot of congratulation notes and gifts along with some hate messages from the princesses who admired Rudra. It was clear that the news travelled faster than us.

"Kumud?" I heard a voice that always skipped my heartbeat. I placed the flower bouquet on the table which was sent by King of Milich.I didn't turn back and used my full strength not to look back at him and lose myself in those blue eyes.

"Okay...now u will just pretend that I don't exist?" I heard him say. I closed my eyes and let out a deep sigh, and then turned back to face him with a straight face. Looking straight into his eyes I said, "Yes, u are right...U will get such treatment from me after what u did to me."

"I...I am sorry," he whispered as his gaze lowered in remorse.

"It doesn't matter anymore..." I said shaking my head. I tried to walk past him, but he blocked my way.

"Kumud, please," he whispered as tears slid down his cheeks.

"Leave my way..."I demanded.

"Please...please, kumud...don't shut me out," he suddenly started crying helplessly. He came closer to me and held my face in between his hands and began to whisper, "I know I am flawed , but I swear...no one can love u like I do...Just give me one chance , Kumud...And I will prove my love to u."

"It's too late..." I whispered back as I felt warm tears wetting my cheeks too.

"Don't say like that...Please...just one last chance...that's all I ask," he sobbed.

"U expect me to trust u, but u hold secrets from me...how is that fair, Saras?" I said giving him an accusing look. He looked away still crying in pain.

"I can see that u are scared...very scared about something...Tell me...maybe I can help u," I asked him in a hope.

"U don't understand...My one wrong step will end the bright future of my country...I am not alone...I have responsibilities of crores of people on me..." he replied shaking his head.

"I will keep all ur secret...trust me..." I assured him.

His hands slid down my face. Stepping back, he looked at me in hesitation whether to disclose his secrets or not. His lips parted a little, and as he was about to start, a voice interrupted us.

"Kumud...Where were u?" a hand wrapped around my waist. I raised my eyes to my side and saw a happy face of Rudra. He looked all excited with the marriage preparation.

"See , I have done our shopping for the ring ceremony...Infact, I bought rings for both of us," he said with a childish excitement as he showed me all the bags that he was carrying in his two hands. Then his face fell thinking about something and then he looked at me hesitantly.

"Will u mind that I picked up ring on ur behalf too," he bit his lips in nervousness.

"No," I mouthed shaking my head. A wide smile spread in his lips feeling relieved that I was not upset.

"I...I picked up a beautiful ring for u...I am sure u will love it..." he said excitedly. I nodded my head and told him to wait for me in my room.

He went away leaving us alone and headed towards my room to keep the shopping bags. As I saw his retreating figure vanishing from my sight, I felt guilty to even let Saras effect me.

"No...It's wrong...I can't do this to Rudra," I thought.

"Kumud...I...I need to go," I heard Saras say. My eyes tried to read his eyes which was hiding some deep dark secrets in those hazels.

"Before u go, I want to clear u something," I said trying to sound myself stern, but I failed seeing his red eyes full of pain.

"Whatever going between us must be stopped," I said. "We will forget that we ever felt anything for each other...We will part our ways & remain happy with our partners..." I continued. Then I gave him a sarcastic smile and said tightly, "After u marry my mother, u are going to be my father...So, let it keep that way...I hope u have minimum respect for that pure sacred bond between a father and a daughter..." It was like a tight slap to his ego. He immediately stumbled back two steps. Fearing that he would fall down any moment, I tried to grab his hand, but he stopped me showing his palm, and left the place giving me a last painful stare that slashed my heart. I dropped on my knees feeling as if someone sucked all life sources from my body and left me like a ragged doll. Tears wouldn't stop, and I also let it flow as I saw all the pieces of my broken dreams of MY PRINCE CHARMING scattered on the floor in front of my eyes.

Within next 3 days, Sameera and Saras, and Rudra and I got engaged in a private party where only families of the grooms were invited with some of our close friends. Although Sameera tried to stop my engagement, but my bond with Rudra was unbreakable. So, her no cheap tricks succeeded.Soon my marriage date was finalised which was after 20 days.

Ch 11

After 3 days of my engagement with Rudra

It was a bright sunny day. I was sitting on my bed with my phone, and was trying to ignore a wasted Rudra who was still drunk due to partying hard all night with other bachelor princes. He laid his head on my lap making me hold my phone higher, blocking his face out. He reached up and played with my face; then he moved so the he could push his socks into my hair while he laid back on my bed. When he got bored of that, he sat up and leaned his head on my shoulder before putting his arms around me and slouching all over me. I didn't even flinch and kept my eyes on my phone, scrolling calmly with my thumb.

"I am bored..." he pouted.

"And I am exhausted..." I replied back. Suddenly the news channel highlighted Valdeny's royal palace. I put down my phone and Rudra too sat straight looking at the screen with his drowsy eyes.

"So , Prince Saras , how do u feel to be chosen by the people of ur country to be the next ruler of ur country...It must feel good to defeat ur other two cousins in the voting contest..." one of the reporter asked him.

"Yeah...it feels nice, off course...but more than that I feel overwhelmed that my countrymen find me capable enough to take their responsibility and ensure happiness, peace and prosperity to them..." Saras smiled warmly.

"Yeah , talking about prosperity of ur country , ur mother Queen Garima's scandals brought quite a misfortune to ur country...And then ur father followed the same path...It seemed that ur family was under the shadow of bad luck for a decade affecting the economic conditions of ur country..." Another reporter said with a hint of faint smirk in her lips. I saw Prince Saras taking a hard gulp as pain flashed through his eyes. He composed himself and said in a firm tone, "Interview is over...For further questions meet my PA..." Saying so, he walked ahead with his bodyguards surrounding him. Soon he entered inside his car, and I saw Sameera sitting inside flashing her charming smile towards the paparazzi.

"Ur majesty, one more question...Is ur engagement to Queen Sameera of Dordale true? And is it a love marriage?" another reporter asked.

"Yes..." Saras replied briefly looking away from the reporters while Sameera suddenly turned his face towards her and gave him full mouth kiss on his lips as her other hand gripped his hair in a fist pulling him closer. I could see his eyes went wide for a second before it clenched shut tightly.

"They are making it public..." Rudra slurred. I nodded my head softly as I saw the paparazzi clicking photos of their kiss repeatedly.

I turned off the TV and asked Rudra, "What was the scandal they are talking about?"

"U...U don't know the scandal of Queen Garima , Saras's mother?" Rudra asked me in shock. "Noo..." I replied feeling a little confused.

"What's so important about the scandals of Valden royal family?" I asked him with a shrug.

"Well, it's the juiciest scandals of all decade," he replied sounding quite excited and serious. As narrated by him, Saras was 8 yrs old when his mother Queen Garima who was 26 at that time turned out to be a very spoilt and irresponsible queen and got herself in a scandal that ashamed the whole nation. In a magazine, there was once published several naked photos of her mother partying with her friends in a beach, and some were of her making out sessions with her boyfriend. It was also rumoured once that the boyfriend, was the real father of Prince Arnav, Saras's younger brother. Although there was no proof, the news dropped like a bomb on Valdeny's whole economy, but it went worse when another scandal followed it just after 4 yrs of that incident. It was during the time when King Rajveer (Saras's father) was out of country. Saras, who was 12 yrs at that time, was sleeping in his room. Hearing some strange sound his sleep got disturbed and he followed the sound to his mother's room , and found her corpse hanging on the wall by a hook , whereas his father was found dead in a sitting position with his back rested against the wall. He was holding a bloody sword in his hand.

I shivered thinking that how Saras must have endured that followed after that tragedy. If someone would have asked me about the same thing few months back, then I would have taken that scandal as juicy news, but now I know that scandals like this could tear u apart. People, especially these high society idiots and the paparazzi who follow us like dogs for some hot news were the worst kind of people who shame the whole society.

"So, what did the police say?" I asked him.

"Well, they found traces of Queen Garima's blood on the sword, and overdose of sleeping pills in King Rajveer's blood...So, it seemed that King Rajveer returned at the wrong time , probably catching queen Garima red-handedly ,and then both of them fought regarding her illegal affairs, and in anger he killed her and then ended his own life by consuming sleeping pills..." Rudra whispered as gradually his eyes drooped due to alcohol's effect. I pushed him on bed, and covered him well with a duvet.

"Why was it not mentioned in the information I asked for on Prince Saras?" I mumbled.

"Looks like there is more to what it seems to be..." I whispered in a trance.

After 5 days (Royal boutique for bridal collection)

Sameera , Saras , Rudra & I took our time from our busy schedule to complete the shopping for the marriage in our family.Rudra , as usual , was excited to try something that would match my bridal wear whereas Saras was exceptionally quiet.Some known faces came towards him to congratulate him for winning the throne , and wished best of luck for his engagement to which he just nodded in response.He looked very depressed , but I also made up my mind to focus only on my happiness with Rudra , although there was still heartache for losing him because even if I try I can never give Rudra that place which I had always reserved for Saras - MY PRINCE CHARMING.

"Try this...It will suit u," Rudra handed me over a gown. I nodded my head and went towards the changing room to try it. That area was evacuated beforehand as I didn't want any prying eyes behind me disturbing my privacy .The door was open and I gently push it to get inside. As I stripped myself, I felt some movement behind me. I immediately turned and found the intense gaze of Saras undressing me with his eyes - slowly, carefully, moment-to-moment... His soft gaze penetrated mine, and something was starting to happen. Feelings of irrepressible desire were starting to slowly unfold within me.I was suddenly overcome with unexpected pinpricks of wild lust. The tension was slowly building. The longer we looked into each other's eyes, the more and more I wanted him. It was the best kind of torture.

He walked towards me and handed me a beautiful white gown. Bringing his lips close to my ears, he brushed it softly, and whispered, "Wear this...That fool doesn't know what looks best on u."

I was breathing high at his proximity. Nothing registered in my mind other than his scent... a woody spicy fragrance - a combination of cardamom, cedar wood, tonka beans, and mandarin orange...My eyes widened and I gazed at his intense beautiful blue eyes.

"LOVE..." His eyes were showing only this emotion. But then why did he smell same like that of the killer.

Ch 12

Outside the boutique

We came out with our shopping bags.Rudra was talking endlessly about what he had planned for our honeymoon.Suddenly a large no. of cars stopped a little far away from our cars.A team of my security officers rushed towards me.As soon as I saw them , I knew that something was not right.

"What happened?" I asked them.

"Ur majesty, we have identified the killer with solid evidence against him..." The officer-in-charge replied. My heart began to run faster, and I looked at Saras who seemed to be shocked. He licked his dry lips and gulped hard. Sweat beads formed in his forehead and he slipped his trembling hand inside his pocket to take out his hanky. As he swiped off his sweats from his face, the OIC said the name of my attempted killer loudly, "Prince Saras Pratap Singh".

"U are under arrest..." the OIC said as he pointed his gun at him with other 5 officers surrounding Saras.

"I didn't do it , Kumud..." Saras said looking at me. But I turned my gaze. My heart believed him , but what about the proofs. Sameera started creating a scene and yelled cuss words at me blaming me that I did it on purpose as I was jealous of Saras picking her up instead of me.I ignored her completely and turned to the officers.

"What u got against him?" I asked OIC.

"The blade that had his fingerprints and traces of ur blood on it...A black suit with a mask...Ur photographs , both latest and from ur old days...We also got a machine that shows that he was bugging ur bedroom ...And not only this he had ur old clothes...some of ur inners...and ur perfumes..." He replied. I gasped in shock hearing the piece of information. Rudra came forward and held my hand, and squeezed it to ease me up. But I pulled off from his grip and marched towards Saras.

"Did u bug me?" I asked him as tears cascaded in my eyes.

"Yes...," He replied. I slapped him hard making the corner of his lips bleed.

"I am sorry...But I swear, I never hurt u...I have been framed ..." He whispered as tears slid down his cheeks.My eyes also started pouring tears.

"Is he saying the truth?" I thought hoping that he was.

"Kumud, let the officers do their work," Rudra said in my ears. I turned towards him and said, "Rudra, I know there are enough evidences against him...but my heart believes that he can never hurt me...Do something Rudra...please...U were always the miracle man in my life...U can save him..." I begged as I sobbed hard.

"Sorry kumud..." Rudra said apologetically. I stared at Saras who stared back at me painfully. The officers walked towards him, to arrest him freaking Saras out. He fought with the officers to get out of their grips as he said loudly, "Kumud...please, trust me...I just stalked u..."

"And probably u stalked our late king too..." OIC said with a grin. I turned towards him and asked, "What do u mean?"

"Ur highness , we have got the gun that shot ur father ...It had his fingerprints...Also we got a letter where ur father wrote him that he had changed his mind in getting u married to him..." The OIC replied.

"Father...he...he wanted us together?" I gasped in shock.

"Yes, ur majesty... We found several letters where he mentioned that he had come to know one of his secret that made him unsuitable for the marriage alliance...We guess that's why he killed him to protect his secret..." the OIC said. My head was spinning with all the revelations.

"Did he write u letter regarding this?" I asked him as I looked straight into his eyes.

"Yes..." He whispered breaking my last thread of trust for him.

Rudra touched my shoulders and looked at me sympathetically. I broke down immediately in his arms and cried my hearts out feeling the betrayal from the man of my dreams.

"Take him officers..." Rudra said in disgust as he rubbed my back consoling me. The officers arrested Prince Saras as he continued to look at me with tears in his eyes.Rudra supported me and helped me to walk towards the parking plot. Suddenly I heard a sound of blast from the parking plot.We both were thrown back by the sudden impact of force. I was dizzy for a moment, and I felt sharp pain in my head.I looked ahead and saw scattered pieces of cars lying everywhere. Few mutilated parts of bodies were also scattered. I felt like puking seeing the blood spatter on the white floor of the area. As I lay on the ground, my gaze turned towards my side at a distance far away.I saw Prince Saras scowling bitterly at Rudra and pointing a gun at him.My body felt numb, seeing the rage in Saras's eyes.

"Nooo..." I screamed at Saras shifting his attention at me.Getting the opportunity, Rudra kicked his leg and grabbed the gun from him. But Saras seemed to be in no mood to play nonsense and accept his defeat. He leapt on me missing several gunshots by Rudra, and grabbed me by wrapping his arms around my neck. He pointed a sharp edge of a broken glass piece at my neck, and threatened to kill me. I was shocked.

"Would he really kill me if Rudra didn't listen to him?" I thought. Tears welled in my eyes. The pain from the cut in my head didn't bother me much as much as his actions were doing on me. Both Rudra and Saras were glaring each other. Neither Rudra put his gun down nor did Saras leave me.

"U can't have her Saras...She is mine...& no one can take her from me..." Rudra growled at him.

"Time will tell with whom she ends up..." Saras smirked and brushed his nose in my hair fuelling Rudra's anger more.

Soon a car zoomed in our direction. The car door opened, and a 13 yrs old boy peeped out.

"Bro...come on..." The kid shouted. Before I could understand, Prince Saras dragged me, and pushed me inside the car.Several bullets hit the car , but it didn't harm us as the car was bulletproof.

"Bro, I brought the drugs..." The kid said while driving the car. He threw a packet in Saras's direction, and concentrated on the road. Saras grabbed me tightly and pushed me on the back seat completely and put a duct tape on my mouth. Then he tied my hands, and took out a syringe and inserted the needle in my arms. Soon my eyes felt heavy due to the drug. Last thing I remembered was Saras's words, "I will fly the helicopter..."

Ch 13

After 48 hrs (in an unknown place)

I woke up after a long time. At first, a banging headache attacked me and I closed my eyes again quickly. Slowly, I opened them once more and blinked. I didn't know where I was; the wine coloured walls were unrecognizable. I squinted at the window, the sun was low. I noticed broken furniture across the room and frowned, "Where am I?" My head was hurting so bad.

I tried to sit up and that's when I realized someone's muscled arm draped over my stomach...my very naked stomach. My heart jolted in alarm as I looked down at my bare chest and let my eyes trail down to the rest of my body which was covered by someone else's bed sheets. No doubt, was also bare. Then with wide eyes I followed the arm that was laid over me. Saras moaned and stirred, lifting his arm off my body and holding it to his head.

"f**k," he muttered, squeezing his eyes shut tighter.

Suddenly it was very hard for me to breathe. He opened his eyes slowly and they rounded when he saw me at first, in his bed, naked, but then relaxed.

"What have we done?" I whispered in a very dry voice.My heart hammering like mad.

"Nothing yet...although I was quite tempted..." he muttered and sat up rubbing his eyes, stifling a yawn.

"I don't believe u..." I gritted my teeth. He looked at me weirdly, and suddenly hovered over me.

"If u don't believe me, then let's just make it true by actually doing the deed..." He spoke huskily near my ear, sending goose bumps in my whole body. I breathed heavily as his lips neared mine and brushed softly. I clutched the bed sheets in anticipation as his lips touched mine. The kiss was soft, gentle at first as he pressed his mouth upon mine with infinite care. My hands rested on his chest, and felt his heartbeats. He continued to rain kisses in my mouth, my nose and my cheeks, and I closed my eyes to savour them, just like I did in my dreams every night. Streaks of molten lava snaked our way through my body, and I trembled with desire stronger than anything I had ever felt.

"This feels so right..." I sighed deeply. He traced the outline of my mouth with his tongue and I opened up for him without a thought. The kiss deepened, and we explored each other for what seemed an eternity. Suddenly, he pulled away disappointing me.

"I will worship ur body, but after I claim u as my wife in front of the whole world...not like this," he whispered firmly and left the bed.

"I will not marry u..." I said firmly.

"Then I guess I have to seduce u to make u say yes," he said with a killer smirk.

"U...U killed my father...How could u think I will marry the murderer of my father?" I said although my face felt hot with the way he was looking at me.

"For the last time I am saying, I didn't kill ur father..." He said with a threatening gaze intimidating me.I stared at him and I saw honesty. I strongly felt that he was telling the truth.

"But u did kidnap me," I said looking away , not wanting to give in before I know the entire truth.

"Yes, the kidnap was pre-planned as I wanted to talk to u alone without any unnecessary distractions in ur life," he replied gritting his teeth implying Rudra. I looked at him and before I could open my mouth he said again, "The blast was not part of my plan...It was done by the real killer to kill me..." My eyes widened in shock.

"To...to kill u..." I stuttered.

"Yes...now let me get dressed first..." he said and picked up a comfortable set of clothes.

"U had fever last night, so I gave u my warmth...Nothing happened...U will trust me or not, it's up to u..." he whispered. He handed me some comfortable clothes to wear.

"I trust u..." I whispered back. He let out a sarcastic laugh and whispered, "Do u?" He dressed up himself with something comfortable and brushed his hair as I stared at him without a blink. I can never get enough of him. His every movement could seduce u without even touching.

"Liked the view?" he asked me cocking an eyebrow at me with his hands crossed over his chest. At that moment, I realized that I was ogling at him getting dressed up while the clothes that he gave me to wear, was still lying on my lap.

"I...I was...I was not staring at u," I replied with a straight face, but couldn't mask my red embarrassed face.

"It's okay...I know I am irresistible..." He smirked at me and left the room giving me place to dress up.

"Dammit, Kumud...What's wrong with u? Why did u ogle at his tall , muscular , V-shaped back...his firm buttocks...flat stomach with 6 packs were...mmm...so hottt..." I sighed dreamily. My cheeks blossomed with red color as I bit my lower lips in shyness. Suddenly, I heard a gunshot outside the room waking me from my dreamland.

I sat up quickly, ignoring the stabbing pain in my head. I fumbled with my underwear after retrieving it from the floor, wincing at the pain from the injury I got due to the blast. I put my clothes back on just as I heard someone's shouting. As I opened the door of the room, Rudra smashed his lips on mine. I was startled seeing him. He led me towards the bed and hovered over me trailing kisses down my body. But my mind was only on the sound of gunshot that I heard a moment earlier.

"Is Saras okay?" I thought feeling scared for him.

I pushed Rudra back, and ran outside the room only to find myself in an octagonal fort. I raised my head up to see huge windows at a height. Splashing sounds of water could be heard, and I could guess that we were very near seashore. I kept on walking till I found a door that connected the outhouse with the main fort. There were vines growing into every window, and ceilings collapsed into piles of bricks and roofing tiles that were themselves slowly being covered with vegetation.

"Saras?" I screamed in search of him. Suddenly I heard a sound of groaning from the outhouse. I gulped hard, and walked slowly and carefully towards that direction to find the same kid in the car bleeding profusely. I rushed towards him, and found him shot in his right hand. Luckily the wound was not that deep, and the bullet just brushed past his hand, reducing the probability of any danger to his life. I tore my scarf and bandaged him.

"What's ur name?" I asked him in order to distract his mind from the pain.

"Arnav...," he sobbed. I gasped listening to his name. He was Arnav - the younger prince of Valdeny's royal family...Saras's little brother.

"Who shot u?" I asked him, pulling his wounded body close to me.

"It was dark...I don't know..." he whispered still sniffing.

"Are u okay, Arnav?" I asked him.

"Yes...I am fine...My brother says that I am a strong boy..." He replied stifling his groan.

"Ur brother is right...U are a strong boy..." I replied caressing his face. He had beautiful eyes and very sharp features. I guess the genes in the Valden royal family had that magic to give such handsome princes.

I helped him get up and hid him behind the broken furniture.

"Stay here...Don't come out until I come back...I have to go and find ur brother..." I said to him. "...And I have to find out what's going on here?" I thought. I searched for something to protect me , and soon I found an iron rod.

I left the outhouse carrying the iron rod with me and started calling out Saras's name.

"Today I want to know the truth...U can't dodge me anymore, Saras," I said in determination.

"Kumud?" I heard a voice behind me. I turned back to see Sameera smirking at my direction.

"Are u looking for ur PRINCE CHARMING?" she smirked again.

"Where is he?" I asked giving her a frost stare.

"Behind u..." she whispered looking over my shoulders. I turned back again and saw Saras standing in front of me. He looked pale and he was panting heavily as if he was having difficulty in breathing.

"Saras...Are u okay?" I asked him in concern. He looked at me with a furious expression.

"Run..." He whispered with great difficulty. His bloodshot eyes scared me, but I was more scared for him.

"No, I am not leaving u," I said in determination.

"If I were u, I wouldn't have done that," Sameera sang in my ear. I looked at his direction once more, and found him begging with his eyes. Tears formed in my eyes feeling helpless. I just couldn't leave him. He needed me for sure.

Suddenly she stepped back and said in a commanding tone, "Kill her..."

Suddenly, an eerie silence filled the atmosphere. Only the raised beats of both of our heart could be heard. I stepped back slowly and carefully fearing what would happen next. I was confused too why Saras was acting weirdly. It seemed that he was possessed by some unnatural force. As I tried to step back more, my feet stepped on a glass piece accidentally making me scream in pain. The incident that followed it was the scariest experience I had.

Saras looked at me with his bloodshot eyes and he was growling like a wild beast. He snarled at me dangerously and pounced at me. I was taken aback by his violence, and stumbled back. He sat on my stomach and punched my face hard, breaking my two teeth. I coughed blood and gasped for air as the pain crippled my other senses. He picked up my iron road which was thrown away from my hand due to his sudden attack. He raised it up aiming for my head as I looked at him with pure horror.

"Saras , please...It's me , ur Kumud..." I whispered as tears rolled down my cheeks. He stopped for a moment looking at me with an unsaid emotion as he tried to recognize me with great difficulty. Taking the opportunity, I kicked his leg and picked up the iron rod that fell from his hand, and hit him hard in his hands. Then I started running aimlessly just to get away from the blood thirsty monster whom I don't recognize even in my wildest dreams.

I ran...And ran...and suddenly collided with something hard.I raised my scared eyes to see Rudra looking at me worriedly.

"Where were u?" he asked me in anger.

"Sa...Saras has gone mad...He...he just tried to kill me," I sobbed.

"Damn it...I said Sam not to ever do this, still she ...Looks like someone needs a dose..." he muttered under his breath.

"Rudra?" I whispered in shock.

"Sam...Sam...U bitch...Come out before I hunt u down," he screamed in extreme anger. My whole body trembled in fear, and I stepped back slowly away from Rudra.

"Rudra, did u and Sam did something to make Saras kill me?" I asked him as my heart beat raised.

"No...never...I love u, Kumud..." He denied. But I was too scared to believe him. Suddenly Sam appeared from nowhere and looked at Rudra in fear. He marched towards her and gripped her hair & pulled it harshly.

"Didn't I say u not to use the drug against my Kumud?" he hissed at her.

"She...she was becoming a hurdle in our plans..." She winced as she replied him.

"It doesn't matter...SHE STAYS AWAY FROM THE PLAN..." He yelled in anger.

"Rudra...What plan?" I asked him as I blinked back my tears.

"Kumud...Sam will take u to the boat...I will join u shortly," he whispered tightly.

"No...I am not going anywhere unless u tell me what's going on?" I said stubbornly.

Suddenly a group of armed officers entered the room and whispered something in Sameera's ear.

"Rudra, Saras is awake... And Arnav is also found...Now what next?" Sam asked him. Rudra stared at my direction without a blink and whispered, "Bring them here..."

Ch 14

Rudra's pov

It all started when Queen Garima of Valdeny met my father King Surya of Vymland. He was charmed by her beauty. She was seductive and very desirable. Soon the casual friendly meetings turned into hot intimate moments. They started sleeping together behind the back of their partners. Their photographs published in a magazine, but luckily his face was blocked in the photos saving his image. My father not only slept with her but also provided her with drugs. When she came to know about her pregnancy, she tried to contact my father. She was scared that King Rajveer , her husband would catch her lie that the child was not his .But my father just shrugged her off as she was becoming a trouble for him and his illegal business of drugs.

On the other side, King of Dordale Raghuvir' attacked Roselyn to expand his kingdom. The war continued and at the end his country defeated Roselyn. As per the rule, the royal family members were put behind bars to starve them to death, but when King Raghuvir's eyes fell on Princess Rukmini , the elder princess of Roselynian Royal family , lust overpowered his senses. He demanded to take her, and make her his. So, he let the royal family members free in exchange of Princess Rukmini. It was quite humiliating for the Roselynians, but they had to accept the proposal for the sake their people.

Sam's pov

My sister...she was begging him, but he didn't back off. He didn't care that she was in love with Prince of Vymland, Rudra's uncle. Vymland didn't interfere in the marriage as King Raghuvir was too strong to take down. He ignored her affair and forcefully married her. Soon she left Roselyn to start her new life. Before leaving she spent her last time in Roselyn with her boyfriend. That was the last time, my family saw her happy. Within a year, she got pregnant with King Raghuvir's baby, but the news didn't make her happy as she never accepted the marriage, and the news of Kumud's arrival just made her depressed. She secretly went to meet her boyfriend, but King Raghuvir caught her red-handedly, and killed Rudra's uncle in front of my sister's wife.

On the other side, Queen Garima gave birth to Prince Saras, her and King Surya's illegitimate baby. And my sister gave birth to Kumud , but died due to weakness as she was depressed for a long period.

Rudra's pov

Sam and I were born after a month of Saras and Kumud's birth. Things were going smooth although the Vymlandic and Roselynian royal family were still burning in revenge. The seed of hatred was passed on to us , and we grew up hating King Raghuvir. My family although hated King Raghuvir , they never showed it. I used to visit the Dordalen palace often and met Kumud there. She was not beautiful from outside, but still she had something that attracted me like a moth to flame. Gradually, I fell in love with her.

It was god's will that I met Sameera in the same school while studying abroad, and instantly clicked. Soon we shared our pain with each other, and our hatred too. She was strong willed and dynamic, but my heart only wanted Kumud. She became an integral part of my colorless life. So, I tried to forget my revenge, my hatred and move on with the girl I fell in love so strongly.

Sam's pov

I was shocked hearing that my friend Rudra was in love with that simple, plain girl Kumud'. She was nothing extraordinary apart from that her father was too powerful. But I didn't push Rudra to follow the revenge although I was mad at him. So, I alone started planning. I impressed King Raghuvir and made him believe that I was best for Kumud. The plan worked, and he married me, making me the 2^nd queen of Dordale. I kept on making my impression, and one day, out of the blue, King Raghuvir professed his love for me. He was so disgusting that he didn't care that I was his daughter's age. But I couldn't let this opportunity to grab him go away. So, I manipulated him to handover the kingdom to me for Kumud's safety as she was too young to handle everything.

Rudra's pov

When Sameera was engaged to King Raghuvir, he once told her that he had fixed Kumud's marriage to Prince of Vymland Saras'.When I got the news through Sam, I was really upset. So, I decided to get rid of him. We made a deal that I would let her gain the control of Dordale in return of my only love Kumud'.I started collecting information about Saras and found many interesting pieces for my perfect planning.

Kumud's pov

"What information?" I asked Rudra whose gaze was outside the window viewing the sea waves splashing against the rocks.

"Queen Garima's scandal and then her murder brought chaos and protests against the royal family...Who would be the next worthy ruler was the main concern for the Valden people...At that time, I met Saras in a night club partying with his friends...I personally kept an eye on him, and one day I discovered his flaw..." Rudra whispered. He turned his gaze towards a trembling Saras who was sitting with his knee brought up to his chin, and face nearly buried. His eyes were moist and he looked like a scared baby.

Rudra walked towards Saras and said, "Do tell her Saras how perfect u are," Rudra smirked at him. I didn't like the tone which he was using with Saras. Saras sniffed a couple of times and gazed at me with scared eyes.

"I have split personality..,..." he whispered. I gasped at him hearing it. I never thought that he was sick. He looked perfectly fine.

"Tell her everything..." Rudra said in a commanding tone.

"I have three personalities...One is me, the real Saras Pratap Singh...other one is the person who dated Sam, and was in the live-in-relationship with her...and the third personality is rare with violent and abusive behavior..." He said with lowered eyes. My mouth was wide open hearing the shocking revelation from him.

"There is more, Kumud..." Rudra grinned. He turned his gaze towards Saras and said in a firm tone, "When was the 1^st time u discovered ur 3^rd personality?" Saras looked at him sharply in fear and then turned his gaze at me. It was clear that this part would be more shocking than the rest.

"Tell her Saras, otherwise I would push ur little brother from the cliff..." Rudra said threatening him.

"No..." Saras said in a barely audible whisper.

"I am telling..." He added and started saying his dark secrets, "The night my mom died...She...she brought King of Vymland in her bedroom...I saw them together from the keyhole...They were...they...I can't describe how I felt at that moment...I tolerated her every abuse just because I had hope that one day she would realize her mistake and come back to us...but no...she didn't come back...So, I called my father as I had enough of her nonsense ...Father didn't listen to me completely as usual busy with his works and cut the call saying that he was almost home...When he arrived, I purposely took him to her room and waited outside...Soon I heard sounds of him quarrelling with mother , and King Surya leaving the room with a bleeding nose...I ran inside and saw my father trembling in pure rage as mother told him that she loves King Surya and I was the symbol of their love...My world stopped at that moment listening to her...She was so shameless that she didn't even flinch while confessing her shameless acts...I didn't think twice and took out the sword from one of the bronze statue in the room , and pushed it into her stomach cutting through her gut shocking both of them...My father gasped as he saw mother taking her last breath...I still remember the way he looked at me...fear was evident in his eyes...And I knew that everything has changed at that moment...I walked calmly towards the drawer , and took out the sleeping pills ...I made a drink for him , and mixed the pills...I walked towards him and drew the sword at his neck and whispered, Drink this if u want a better death'...He just nodded his head and finished the drink in one go...Resting his back against the wall , he struggled for breath...I saw him turn cold and foams came out from his mouth...Walking back to my mother's corpse , I hanged her from the hook ...Then I cleaned my prints from the sword , and put it inside my father's grip framing him for the murder...I...I did it without batting an eyelid as I knew that sooner or later he would have killed me as I was not his blood...So , I did whatever it took me to survive..."

"Saras?" I whispered in shock. I couldn't believe that he was capable of doing something like that, even if it was his other personality.

"Looks like ur prince charming is not that charming anymore..." Sameera grinned. I cried in pain thinking the image I had for my prince charming was just an illusion. The truth was horrible and too painful for me to bear. I wiped off my tears and regained my composure as I was determined to know everything that was hidden from me for a long time. No one could stop me.

"What about the drugs?" I asked Rudra with a blank face.

"The drug's name is devil's breath...The drug puts people into a zombie-like state in which they lose both their memory and free will and can be convinced to do anything...We applied on him to control his 3^rd personality to serve our purpose ..." Rudra sighed.

"So...So, when Saras insulted me and mocked my love ...Was he...Was he on drugs?" I asked Rudra.

"No...that was the one who was in live-in-relationship with Sam..." Rudra whispered.

"And the one who slept with Sameera was the same personality of Saras..." I mumbled understanding the difference in the behavior of Saras throughout the last few days.

"How did u find out his illness?" I asked Rudra. This time Sameera replied, "I was dating Saras when I found out about his flaw...I informed Rudra, and he collected evidences by bribing his psychiatrists ...The report was clear and authentic and enough to make him dance on our fingers...We also got one CD of his confession from his doctor where he described the way he murdered his parents, and framed his father when he was hypnotized as a procedure of treatment...Also we got DNA proofs that states Saras Pratap Singh's biological father was King Surya... "

"There were so many proofs against him that he had no other choice other than to do what we want him to do...HE WAS PUPPET IN OUR HANDS TO SAVE HIS ONLY FAMILY - HIS BROTHER ARNAV because if the truth comes out, then he would have lost the voting contest for the throne and at that very instant they would have lost everything, from respect in the eyes of his countrymen to their hope to start afresh ..." Rudra said tilting his head as he looked straight at Saras.

"So...is he the one who hurt me?" I asked biting my lower lips.

"Yes...he was on drugs...Although, he didn't remember it due to the drug and thinks we are lying to him ..."Sameera rolled his eyes. I nodded my head blinking back my fresh tears.

"Why did u do this?" I asked Sameera.

"To create hype that someone wants to kill Princess Kumud...I just instructed him to give a small cut in ur neck and leave..." Rudra said as he sat close to me.

"And what was the reason of this plan?" I asked them in confusion.

"So that when the time comes we can frame Saras against ur attempted murder charge, and put him behind bars as u were too much attracted to him ...but..." Rudra replied.

"But?" I asked creasing my brows.

"But he was so much in love with u that sooner or later he would have revealed u every truth...He tried twice , but didn't get the chance due to our presence...So , we decided to kill him..." Rudra said.

"So the bomb was set up by u," I gasped.

"Yes...the plan was that OIC would take him in their car after his arrest and then the car would blast taking Saras from our lives forever..." Rudra mumbled.

"But Saras started delaying by his constant begging and fighting...And the bomb blasted at the wrong time..." He whispered again in low tone.

"My engagement with King of Samora?" I asked.

"It was done to remove the suspicion from Sam...Also my uncle wouldn't have back off if he would have found out that u are with someone else , instead of me...So , it looked more real if uncle would have broken the engagement and agreed for me..." Rudra replied.

"What about my father?" I asked Rudra giving him a cold stare.

"Ur father was provided with proofs that Saras is unsuitable for the marriage alliance...He, as any father would do, wrote a letter to Saras and broke the promise that he made to King Rajveer...Taking it as a golden opportunity, I approached him taking our marriage proposal...But he rejected me straightaway due to his personal grudge against my uncle...so, before he fixed ur marriage with some other prince, I made a plan..." Rudra said.

"What plan?" I gulped back in fear.

"I called Saras in a deserted place , and gave him the drug ...When I found him under my control , I handed him over a gun...Then I called Sameera to make sure that King Raghuvir comes to that deserted place..." Rudra said. I cut him off and asked, "Why would father come to that place?"

"Because we send him an anonymous note saying that if he wanted proof that his daughter is having an affair with Prince Saras , then he must come alone..." Rudra whispered.

"So, I guess, father came as told by u, and Saras killed him..." I said with great difficulty. Tears made its way , and I didn't attempted to wipe them off.

"Yes, Saras killed him...He had no other choice as he was under the effect of drugs...We took a photo of that crime and added another secret of him to blackmail him..." Sameera chuckled.

Last part

"U both...U both are disgusting...U took advantage of a mentally sick person for ur own purpose...Chhi...u guys are pathetic..." I spat and looked away in disgust. I had never any hope of humanity from Sameera, but Rudra? Why did he let himself stoop so low?

"Because I love u..." Rudra whispered understanding my unsaid words.We both looked at each other for a moment before we both looked away.

"I always loved u, Kumud..." Rudra smiled thinking about our bitter-sweet moments.

"Things would have been simple if u would have fallen for me just like u fell for Saras...But I was always ur best friend...U always consider our relationship as pure platonic, but I wanted more...I wanted to be ur lover, ur husband...and the man of ur dreams and reality - UR PRINCE CHARMING...But I never became one ...I tried so hard to be the perfect guy for u as u have always dreamed of, but looks like I always proved to be less than ur prince charming..." Rudra gave me a sad smile.

"So u played me...my emotions, my feelings and probably laughed behind my back thinking that Kumud is such a silly girl..." I exhaled out.

"No...no , never...God knows that I never made fun of ur feelings...But I was too helpless in front of my feelings for u...So , I did whatever it took me to get u as mine..." Rudra said kneeling in front of me...He cried holding my hands and whispered, "I LOVE U , KUMUD...BELIEVE ME...I HAVE NEVER LOVED SOMEONE SO STRONGLY AS I LOVED U...U ARE INSIDE ME ...U ARE AROUND ME...U ARE EVERYTHING WORTH LIVING FOR...PLEASE...PLEASE GIVE ME ONE CHANCE...I REALLY DON'T KNOW HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT UR PRESENCE IN MY LIFE...I SIMPLY DON'T KNOW..." He buried his face in my lap and sobbed like a baby. I was at the cross-road. I love Saras. He is the love of my life. But I love Rudra too. He is like my partner who watches my back, protects me. Infact , the strength I get to withstand every pain was just because my heart knows that he is somewhere around me. He will never let me fall down and hurt myself. But his truth had just shaken my entire belief. Neither I could forgive him nor could I see him broken.

"Fine...I forgive u...But I don't want to see ur face ever...Go away from our lives...And give back Saras's freedom..." I whispered firmly. He raised his eyes and gave me a blank look.

"It's better I die, Kumud..." Rudra whispered with no emotion.

"Sorry to interrupt ur romance , but Rudra its time we leave..." Sameera grinned.Rudra nodded his head and helped me to stand up although I protested back.He looked away hurt and whispered , "U are hurt...Please let me help u to get u back home...After that I promise I will not touch u..."

I ran towards Saras and helped his trembling body to stand straight.

"My head is paining...I...I need the drugs..." Saras mumbled.

"No...U can adjust without the drugs...I am with u...I will never leave u alone...Just hold my hand..." I smiled at Saras.

"Sorry to inform u Kumud , but only Saras and Rudra is going with us , not u..." Sameera smirked at me.

"That's a sick joke, Sam...Let's go..." Rudra said with a serious tone.

"No , Rudra...U may love her like a crazy , but I am completely in my senses...If this girl comes with us , then we will all be doomed...We will be behind bars ..." Sameera tried to convince Rudra.

"BUT WE HAD A DEAL...U WILL NEVER HURT MY KUMUD..." Rudra said in a mixture of shock and fear.

"The deal is off ...Now she is a liability for us...especially me because as far as I know her she will never say anything against u , but she will definitely put me in trouble..." Sam said looking at me venomously.

She eyed the goons, and they started approaching me.

"Stop right there," Rudra threatened them, but they ignored him.

"What's wrong with u? Just stay away from her..." Rudra yelled in anger and shielded me, putting me behind him.

"They are under the effect of drugs...As I used on them, they only follows my order..." She gave a dirty smirk to Rudra and commanded, "Kill the girl..."

"Not a single step...otherwise I would kill u all..." Rudra threatened them again as he looked side to side in search of any weapon. Arnav clutched Saras's waist and I clutched Rudra's shoulder in fear.

"Kumud...When I will give u signal, just run as fast as u could taking Saras and Arnav with u..." he said.

"And u?" I asked him in shock.

"U...U are still thinking about me," he whispered with a sad smile as tears glistened his eyes.

"Rudra?" I cried.

"Don't worry about me babes...I will just stop them to leave the room...U just run taking them with u...In the north-east corner of the island , u will find a boat...Leave the island as soon as possible..." He said.

"No...I am not going without u..." I cried.

"Yes u are..." He replied sternly and turned back to the goons who was punching Saras , while the other was approaching me.

"Stand back..." Rudra commanded, but it didn't affect them.

I almost felt ill looking at one of the goons and Sam and Rudra fighting with each other. I looked away and saw Saras fighting with another goon. I dug my nails into my palms when Sam stabbed Rudra with a knife into his side as he tried to avoid them. He would have fallen to the ground if it wasn't for Saras who grabbed him.I saw Rudra coughing blood due to some internal blood loss.I ran towards him and took him in my arms.But that bitch Sameera continuosly kicked me randomly making my eyes well up in pain.Seeing me in pain , Saras suddenly stopped and stared at me blankly.

And that's when Saras flipped, and things all changed very quickly, just like that, in an instant. His face became hard , and he began to snarl like a wounded tiger. His bloodshot eyes sent a shiver down my spine. He hit, with a tremendous force, the closest person next to him. This unfortunately happened to be Arnav who went flying, before rolling to a stop in the floor unconscious a good few meters away. He had launched himself at Sam , but she was ready and instantly raised his hands to smell him the drug. But before she could do so, Rudra pounced on her and punched her head. She struggled for breath and searched for something to strike Rudra. She found a glass bottle and hit it on his head making him bleed profusely.I screamed in extreme horror and ran towards Rudra. Sam who was by then pushed Rudra on the ground , and stood up with the knife with which she was fighting. She grabbed my hair and raised her hand to stab me , but Rudra came in the middle and shielded me from the attack. I shrieked in horror and Sam looked at him in shock.

"Nooo..." I cried loudly. I immediately grabbed Rudra's almost limped body and hugged him with utmost care. I called out his name & patted his cheeks to gain his consciousness.

Saras grabbed Sameera and pulled her back to stop her onslaught. He scrambled to his feet and got on top of her, strangling her neck.

"Saras, baby, don't!" she rasped, clawing at his hands.

With no weapon to defend herself, Sam was more vulnerable as she writhed underneath him, struggling for air.

"Please," she gasped, staring up at him with wide eyes.

But Saras didn't let go, he squeezed on her windpipe with a cold expression until Sameera went limp and her eyes rolled back into her head. Then with one hand still on her neck, he picked up her knife to slash her throat.

I actually had to look away when he did what he did next.

Saras stood up, bathed in pool of blood and walked towards me.

"Run..." Rudra whispered.

"No..." I shook my head. He smiled at me warmly just like he always used to do whenever I used to be in pain and I would have forgotten all my worries.

"Kill me," Rudra gasped quietly. "I've caused u so much pain...for my blind desire to get ur love...I'm sorry...for everything I ever did to hurt you. I deserve death. This...this will end it all forever. In my blind love, I turned into a monster. There will only be more of the bad if I live. I'm a disappointment to u." He coughed blood.

"Don't talk please...U are in pain..." I whispered as tears poured from my eyes.

"When u talked on and on about ur perfect guy, ur PRINCE CHARMING , I so wished that u talk about me like that...but...but I couldn't become ur PRINCE CHARMING..." He smiled sadly as a lone tear escaped his eyes.

"I LOVE U..." I whispered.His eyes widened in shock, and slowly his lips turned into a peaceful smile."U...U...Do u really?" he said as his lips trembled."Yeah...I do," I said and pressed a soft gentle kiss to his lips. As I pulled away , I touched my lips feeling a soft tingling sensation."I am so happy , Kumud...U gave me peace...I don't regret anything now...I welcome death to take me with him..." He smiled as happy tears poured down his eyes.He hardened his jaw as pain rocked through him, "It's my time to go, please. Give me a good death." Saras sat in front of him and slowly his face turned peaceful. I stared at his direction and understood that the real Saras was back."Kill me," he pleaded once again. "I can't kill you," I sobbed. "Please," Rudra rasped in pain. "Free me then." I sobbed again."I'm sorry...I should have listened to you,"Rudra whispered with half drowsy eyes towards Saras. "It's okay," Saras sniffed. "I forgive you, we all forgive you," Saras whispered.

"Kumud , u are an extra-ordinary girl...I have always loved ur bold & out-spoken nature...U are kind and possess a good and honest heart...I love your funny expressions when u are doing something intently and I love more your unique way of tying your hair up so that you usually miss out half your hair on your first attempts," he laughed weakly.

I laughed as tears slipped down my face. I didn't know he even noticed my all-too-often hair tying fails.

"I love when u sleep with ur mouth open" he whispered.

"Rudra please," I laughed again, sniffing at the same time.

"But it's true," he grinned weakly at me.I held onto his hand and smiled at him through the pain. It was painful for him too, but he was still smiling. "Remember I am always with u...in ur heart...forever..." he whispered, and held Saras's hands and kept it on mine.

"Live your life to the full," Rudra said to us. "And remember the good things when you think about me," he said again.

"Close your eyes," Saras whispered and Rudra did so. We both held the knife above his heart and ready ourselves. I looked at Rudra for the last time as he looked back at me with a smile."Do it," he mouthed, and we plunged the knife together inside his heart ending his suffering.

Epilogue After 2 yrs Saras's pov

It was almost dawn when Kumud woke me up with a loud gasp and swearing. I opened my eye and saw her sitting up looking around.

"Rudra...Rudra..." she whispered, still panting.

"Are you okay?" I whispered back, taking her in my arms.

She looked at me in the dim light, "Not really."

"Bad dreams?" I asked her.

"I saw his death...again," she whispered back with a blank look in her face.

It was 2 yrs 4 months since Rudra's death, but still she hadn't recovered from the shock yet. She got another shock when she got the news of her pregnancy. The news stabilized her a little as she believed blindly that Rudra was coming back to her in the form of her and Rudra's son. The birth of Karan changed our whole world. That bundle of joy gave us the proud moment of being parents. Inspite of Rudra's mistakes , she could never forget him...She once told me that we all had blood in our hands , but it didnot make us a bad person...She strongly believes that Rudra is watching over her , and she would not disappoint him by being sad...But still,sometimes she couldn't help and missed Rudra terribly.

After my treatment for a year in abroad under the best doctors, I recovered completely and came back to my Kumud and married her. But with time, I realized that she was always in love with Rudra...just didn't realize. I had heard of loving two persons at a time, but I never thought that it would be truth of my life. Although Kumud showered her love on me, but I knew that a part of her still beats for Rudra. He is an integral part of her life which she realized too late. It was their bond and friendship that she failed to realize her true feelings. I was her prince charming who swept off her feet and took her to a fairy land in her dreams and in reality, but it was Rudra's support and strength that always helped her to cope hard times & fight back like a true fighter. He was her true PRINCE CHARMING. Although I was trying my best, but sometimes I feel like that I could never take that place in her heart & be her true mentor, her role model ,and be her TRUE PRINCE CHARMING.

"Do u think he is watching us?" Kumud whispered as he kept her head on my chest.

"Yes...he is... He is in the stars, in every single little moment, and in every single bit of sunshine ... He is right by your side, Kumud..." I whispered.

"Sometimes I dream of him. I see him looking joyful, smiling, and laughing always. We would walk side by side and talk, he would make me giggle, squeeze my hand a little, brush my hair back..." she murmured as she went back to sleep. I covered ourselves with a duvet and pulled her closer to me, drifting back to sleep.

end

Entry 16 The trap of the sex devil

Ch 1

Cafeteria of Mount College, 10:30 am

"Kabir...kabir...Kabir..." several voices of popular bimbos echoed the atmosphere of Mount College. A handsome, tall guy with short dark hair, brown eyes and a drop-dead gorgeous smile stood at the centre of the stage occasionally waving his hand and giving flying kisses to his admirers, making some of them faint dramatically. They all were surrounding Kabir to get his attention and hoping that he would pick any one of them as his next girlfriend for 1 week. Although, majority of times his girlfriend don't last more than 3 days.

"Pick me up, Kabir..." a girl pleaded as she folded her hands on her chest, sighing dreamily looking at the gorgeous guy in front of her.

"I will see, babe..." he winked at her.

"Kabir...leave her...Look at me...I am better than her," another girl said seductively as she blinked her fake eyelashes with a flirting smile playing on her lips.

"Umm...well, I will see that too," Kabir flashed his cheeky grin at her melting her into a puddle. It was the daily routine of all the girls in Mount College. Everyone wants the attention of Kabir Raizada, the playboy of the college. He was the heir of Raizada Group of industries, the leading oil company of the country and soon going to inherit the empire of his parents after he finishes his degree. He was a sweet, fun-loving, childish, caring guy with some times being a little mean and hot-tempered. He had been spoiled largely due to his upbringings, and never been said no as he was the apple of the eye of his family. Young teenage girls tended to be attracted to him and he was more than happy to encourage them as often as possible, simply because HE LOVES ATTENTION. If anyone ever told him that he was not allowed to something, he would just go ahead and do it anyway and later explain his behaviour. It seemed that he was allowed to go ahead without acknowledging boundaries and limits.

"Kabirrr..." an angry voice startled all the girls, but Kabir seemed to be relaxed. He sat comfortably in a sofa and spread his hands in a relaxed way. His lips were curved into a slight smirk and his eyes held naughty glint.

"Kabir...How dare u? How dare u break up with me in twitter? How could u do this? Do u know how much I am humiliated by my friends and relatives? People are making funny posts about me and sharing it in every possible social media...Do u know the message doesn't stop coming and the phone doesn't stop ringing...All are asking me what happened that u broke up with me , ur fiance..." she yelled in front of him pointing her fingers at him.

"WOW!! That's great...I made u a celebrity..." he exclaimed.

"Celebrity, my foot...U made me look like a joker in front of everyone...It's so insulting..." she fumed again.

"Oh, come on Lav...I know you are loving this attention...afterall u are dumped by me...the one and only -The Kabir Singh Raizaada..." he winked at her.

"Besides I was bored...So, I broke up...And I was a little busy...So, I took the help of social media...What's a big deal in that?" he shrugged, making the girl fume in anger.

"U...U did this on purpose...to...to humiliate me in front of everyone..." she yelled again.

"What? Why? Why do u think like that?" he asked with an innocent face.

"Because I showed mirror to ur best friend...Ur precious Kusum..." she gritted her teeth. Instantly the naughty glint in his eyes vanished. His jaws hardened.

"I...I did nothing...I just told her that girls like her fated to stay single...What wrong did I say? It's the truth...Who would love a girl who doesn't know her father's name?" she said with venom.

"SHUT UP...JUST SHUT UP UR f**kING MOUTH..." Kabir screamed in anger. He was standing pointing his fingers at her as every cell of his body trembled. His eyes that were playful a while ago were replaced by murderous glare.

"Kabir..." the girl tried to speak, but he cut her off in the middle and hissed in a dangerous threatening tone, "I give u 5 minutes to get lost from here...And ur time starts now..." The girl gulped in fear and immediately disappeared in the crowd. Kabir looked at that direction for some time and whispered firmly, "Jay...U are going to be my next girl..." Saying so, he left without bothering to look at his present girlfriend who was by now jumping like a maniac as the other girls saw her with jealousy.

"It's not fair...We are in the line for the last 1 yr, yet kabir chose that new girl...She is nothing but a bloody trash..." a girl sniffs as the other girls nodded their heads in acknowledgement and consoled her. But Jay ignored them and ran behind Kabir.

"Kabir...Kabir , stop..." she shouted from behind , making him stop in his tracks and turn around giving her one of his charming smile.

"What's wrong babes?" he asked her.

"U...U left me...Aren't u going to drop me home like a good boyfriend?" she said playing with his shirt buttons.

"First of all , here I make decisions ,not u...2ndly , today is Saturday...I spend this day with my best friend Kusum..." he replied.

"But..." she tried to say , but he showed his palm to her and said again , "And I stay with her till Sunday morning...So, as u are now my present flavour of the week, so remember not to disturb me from Saturday evening to Sunday morning... It's exclusively reserved for my no. 1 girl...Do u get it?"

"Yeah, but it's morning...U have plenty of time..." she pouted.

"I know...but I am very hungry...I prefer to be alone right now," he said as he licked his lips. His hazels sparkled with some unknown excitement.

She looked at him with her mouth slightly and then nodded her head slightly.

"Great..." he said with a smile and turned to go. Then he thought something and turned again and pressed a kiss to her lips and whispered huskily in her ear, "I will return to u soon to fulfil ur all wild fantasies...".Jay breathed heavily as he brushed his lips to her ear. She closed her eyes feeling goosebumps and clutched his shirt firmly. He pulled away slowly and winked at her.

"See u later babes..." he whispered again and left her in her dreamland.

Outside a gas station in Mumbai (12 pm)

A man in his early 20s was waiting desperately for someone in his car. His eyes were glued on the gas-station. He lighted a cigarette and waited more. Suddenly his eyes sparkled seeing someone. He eyed the driver to take the car inside the gas station.

"Danny, attend the car," the owner of the gas-station shouted from inside the office.

"Fine dad..." Danny rolled his eyes. He was grounded by his father, the owner of the gas station for partying whole night and lying to him about it and as a punishment, he was forced to work as a bartender attending customers.

"What a beautiful clear, sunny day!! A perfect day to head for beaches and chill out with beautiful women...But here I am stuck, working like a pig..." Danny pouted and sighed as he filled in.

When he approached the car, the driver's side window slid down revealing very handsome and attractive male face. He was sure that he had seen that guy somewhere before. But he ignored it and asked, "Can I help u, Sir?"

The man behind the wheel smiled and looked at him up and down, and said, "Yes, I am quite sure u can..."The deep, smooth and intelligent sounding voice of the guy could charm anyone. Danny nodded his head and pumped the amount of gas he requested, and when he came back, his hand was on the sill holding a 1000 rupees note between his thumb and forefinger. Danny forwarded his hand to take the money when his gaze fell on the guy looking at him intensely. He took the money and thanked the guy, and then went to tell his father that he was heading for home. When he came out, he found that guy still in the station, talking with someone in his phone. As he saw him, he disconnected the call and waved his hand at him.

Danny went towards the mysterious stranger and asked, "Are u waiting for someone?"

"Not really..." he shrugged. He looked at Danny and asked in a friendly tone, although his face seemed to be expressionless, "What are u doing for the rest of the day?"

"Nothing...My shift is over...So, maybe I will head back to home..." Danny shrugged his shoulders.

"Why?" he asked in curiosity.

"U have an incredible persona...Why don't u try in films?" the guy asked. Danny, at first looked at him in confusion, and then it struck him why was his face so familiar to him. He was the son of THE OWNER OF INTERNATIONAL TALENT HUNT SHOW'. He had seen him in an interview with his father.Infact, they had launched and built up many successful careers in both hollywood and bollywood film industry. His face lit up instantly and he replied, "I want to become an actor...". "But my dad is against this industry..." he ended in an upset tone.

"Don't worry...Just follow ur dreams...When he will see u successful, he will eventually accept ur decision and support u..." the guy smiled at him. Danny reciprocated his smile and nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"Well...I know someone who knows someone in film industry...If u want, I can help u..." the guy said offering his help.

"Will u do this for me?" Danny asked with a hope.

"Offcourse..." the guy replied. He thought something and said absentmindedly, "Today is Saturday...That guy from the film industry is at home...He has a off for some hrs...But he will be busy again for the whole night for the shoot...If u want, I can introduce u to him...But then u have to come with me right now, if u aren't that busy?"

"I am not busy...I am absolutely free..." Danny replied in a childish excitement.

"Fine...hop in..." the guy unlocked the door and let him enter.

The car zoomed out of the gas-station taking Danny with it.

"Which movie is ur favourite?" the guy asked him.

"Every movie where Salman Khan acted...He is the best..." he grinned like a fool. As the car crunched up the gravel and pulled up outside a large expensive mansion, he glanced at Danny and told him that the guy from the film-industry lived here.

Ch 2

In a mansion far away from the city (1 pm)

Danny swung his legs out of the car, shut the door, and joined that guy on the porch as he rung the bell. An old man opened the door, probably the caretaker of the building, and looked at Danny with some unknown emotion. Then his eyes moved towards the guy with Danny and he whispered, "Michael Sir, you...?"

"So, his name is Michael..." Danny murmured looking at his companion.

"Richard...Where is Sir?" the guy, named Michael asked.

"He is swimming..." the caretaker replied. "Let's go, Danny...Ur fate awaits u..." Michael smiled at him mysteriously. He led Danny straight to the swimming pool in the backyard of the mansion, and told him to wait. He looked at his retreating figure and found him kneeling at the edge of the pool. Michael's eyes were focussed on another guy, who was swimming in the pool .His skin was glistening like diamond in the warm sun as small waves of water washed away his body. His body was built like an athlete and he could say that he works daily without a fail. The way he flexed his muscle as he took every strokes in the water, was incredibly sexy.

"He must have girls lined after him," Danny smiled to himself. He saw them talk something, and then the new guy loked at Danny's direction with a smirk which he didn't like at all. Michael nodded his head when that new guy whispered something in his ear, and immediately he came running towards Danny.

"Sir wants to meet u, Danny...Go and impress him..." Michael smiled at him. Danny gulped hard as he felt him sweating out of nervousness.

"This is it... This is my chance...I will have to give my best to make it big in the films..." Danny decided. He looked at Michael and brushed his clothes and adjusted his dishevelled hair, and then asked, "How do I look?"

"Hot..." Michael replied with a grin. They walked towards the guy who was by then standing naked, except a towel tucked around his waist. Turning around, he faced Danny and offered his right hand with a smirk, "It's KSR..."He looked at Danny up and down as if he was studying a masterpiece - big bambi blue eyes that screamed innocence, thin pink lips, pearl-white skin, dazzling smile, lean but muscular physique and smooth short hair.

"U are hell of a man..." he whispered. Then he turned around and filled three glasses of whisky and offered him one. But Danny was not a drinker. His house had strict rules of not touching alcohol and non-veg.

"I..." he was about to deny, but Michael cut in the middle and said, "Don't worry...one peg will not do any harm..." "Don't deny him anything...Remember, u have to impress him..." Michael murmured in Danny's ear.

"Oh...Okay..." he murmured in extreme nervousness. He took the glass in his hand, and found his palms extremely sweaty.

"U are nervous...Good...It doubles the fun..." KSR whispered tilting his head and then with a lopsided grin he again whispered, "I would like u to switch off ur cell and give it to me , otherwise it will just disturb us...".

"Okay, Sir..." Danny nodded his head like an obedient child and gave him his cell.KSR and Michael exchanged look at each other and smirked.

"It's hot, Danny...Why don't u join me for a swim?" he asked again looking straight into his scared and nervous blue eyes as he sipped the drink in his hand. The way Danny was taking rapid breathes in nervousness and unknown fear was giving him pleasurable excitement. He turned to go towards the music system and switched on a loud music, before remarking, "No need for a suit, Danny boy...No one else is here except us..."

"But..." Danny gulped. "Get ready...I will join u shortly..." KSR said sternly as he finished his remaining drink.

"Oh no..." Danny gulped again as he saw KSR walking towards him with predatory footsteps. He suddenly felt trapped, exposed and felt like KSR was a predator and he was the prey.

In a small rented flat, 5 pm

Kusum's pov started

"Hmm... What should I wear?"

"That's it...I will wear a hoodie and black leggings..." I said with a wide grin playing on my lips. I immediately got ready. As I was applying light make-up, I looked up at the mirror to look at my reflection. I had waist-length darker shade of silky straight smooth hair with a streak of red at the front, and brown eyes with flecks of gold in them. My eyebrows and eyelashes were of darker shades and thicker. I had the web under my tongue pierced, much to my parent's disgust, and a tattoo on the bottom of the back of my neck. I quickly wore some layered chains around my slender neck and applied lip-gloss on my full lips. As I began to search for my boots, I heard parking of a car outside. The car honked 3 times indicating his presence.

"Damn...Kabir is here..." I mumbled and began to hurry up. Putting on my shoes, I ran towards the door, but suddenly someone blocked my way.

"Martha, aunty...I...ermm...I am in a hurry...Can we talk later?" I said with a nervous smile.

"No, we can't..." she glared at me. "Ur last 6 months rent is pending...Either u clear by today or I am throwing ur luggage outside my flat..." she said sternly.

"Martha aunty, please...I will clear ur rent...Just give me 3 days..." I said looking outside where Kabir was waiting for me.

"Only 3 days...That's last...I will not listen to u after 3 days...Either u pay or u get out..." she said with a warning tone and left making me sigh in relief.

"Thank god...I will just have to somehow manage the money...But right now, don't think about it...Just concentrate on ur time with Kabir..." I said with a strange excitement and ran outside and hopped inside his car.

"What took u so long?" I asked him.

"Nothing...Was busy with someone..." he winked as he started his car's engine and drove away.

After some time,

"Where are we going?" I asked him with a childlike excitement.

"It's a surprise, Candy..." he rolled his eyes.

"But still..." I pouted. He shook his head showing that he would not utter a single word about my surprise.

"Okay, don't tell...I will guess it..." I stuck my tongue at him making him giggle.

"U are taking me for lunch to a popular restaurant..." I said & looked at him hoping for a yes.

"Nope..." he said. My face fell and I again started thinking.

"Okay...Now, I get it...We are going for a picnic in some amazing beach of Goa..." I said showing my pearl-white teeth.

"Nope..." he shook his head again. My face fell again and I muttered, "Fine...I give up."He giggled seeing my angry puffed face and said with a smile, "U will see it soon, Candy...I bet u will love my surprise". I looked outside the window as I counted time to reach to my surprise.

Bungalow near a beach, 7:30 pm

The car stopped outside a beach house. He came out and opened the door for me.

"How sweet..." I blushed. Then entangling my hands with him, we reached at the entrance. Several armed men were guarding the entrance points of the huge bungalow.

"After u..." he whispered and let me walk inside as he followed me. The house was made of brick and it was surrounded by thick, lush hedges and boasted two beautiful maple trees. The awning of the front porch provided a cool place to sit during summer and guarded the steps from snow and ice in the winter. Off the porch was a beautiful servant quarter and a little faraway there was a guest house.

He entered some password and the gate opened with a clicking sound. I raised my one eyebrow and he just shrugged, "For extra security...Only I and now u know the password...Come, let's go inside..."

As we entered the house, my jaws hit the floor in amazement.

"WOW!!" I exclaimed. The living room was huge and beautifully decorated with expensive furniture. The dining room was as huge as the living room with a cherry wood table and 8 chairs, a built-in-break-front that housed Waterford, Orofors and other beautiful crystal. The large kitchen table was as large as in the dining room and the appliances and sink flanked the walls leaving plenty floor space. Off the kitchen was a huge walk-in pantry. There were 5 bedrooms on the mainlevel and a bath. The rear of the kitchen had a Dutch door that led downstairs. At the landing of the stairs was the backdoor and a storm door that led to the backyard. The downstairs had 3 rooms and a half-bath. There was a laundry area and huge playroom for fun. This room had plenty space for birthday parties, dances, games. In the far there was a cellar for keeping canned goods. The backyard was huge that provided huge space for summer barbeques, a playground for children and a flower garden and a garage where a black BMW car was parked.

"So how is it?" he asked.

"I...I...ermm...It's perfect..." I sighed dreamily. He came closer and placed some papers on my hand with a box.I looked at him in confusion, but he kept smiling at me. Just like that something struck me.My eyes widened and mouth opened in a wide shock.

"Kabir?" I whispered.

"It's from me Candy...ur advance birthday gift..." he said with a cheeky grin.

"Oh boy...I so love this guy..." I thought and jumped in his arms making him stumble back a little. He giggled and gave me a bone-crushing hug.

"Do u like it, Candy?" he whispered in my hair.

"I love it..." I whispered back. Tears rolled down my eyes thinking that Kabir again saved me from trouble. He must have knew somehow about my problem and brought this house just for me. He always does that. It was like our hearts are connected with some invisible thread. Worry in one heart always reaches to the other and just like that all our problems get solved with a click of his finger.

"U knew..." I whispered closing my eyes.

"Yes...And I knew that u don't want me to involve..." he said with a gloomy face.

"I...I am sorry...I just didn't want to trouble u..." I whispered back.

"How can u think like that? Ur problems are my problems... Do u know when I heard about ur financial problem, I was hurt that u didn't share ur problem with me...?" he whispered. His voice clearly sounded upset.

"Sorry...I will never do that again..." I whispered pulling him closer.

"Promise...?" he asked.

"Promise..." I pinched my throat making him giggle. Suddenly his phone rang. Staring at the caller id, his brows creased and jaws tightened. He gave me a forced smile and whispered, "Excuse me, Candy...U take a look of the whole place...I will join u shortly." Then he went to the balcony and took the call.

"I told u to deal with the mess..." he hissed in anger. I could clearly see his eyes blazing and fists curled into a ball.

"Sir, there is so much security...It's not easy to displace it..." the person on the other side said in a whisper.

"Then cut it into pieces and burn them..." Kabir hissed again dangerously.

"O..OOkayy..." the person whispered nervously. Kabir talked for a full 30 minutes and then and disconnected the call.He walked towards me with blank expression.

"What's wrong?" I asked him in concern.

"Nothing that The Kabir Singh Raizaada can't handle..." he smirked. I rolled my eyes and muttered, "Yeah...yeah...The Great Kabir Singh Raizaada..."

Kusum's pov ended

On a highway road, 10 pm

A student was riding his bike when he suddenly felt releasing himself. So he parked the bike and got down and hurried towards the corner of the road to pee. As he was humming his favourite song, he smelt something burning. Zipping off his pants, he followed the smell and found a suitcase burning at the corner of the road. Smoke was coming out of it and he could easily tell that the awful smell was coming from it too. As he bent down to look closely he saw a half burned hand peeking out of the suitcase, making him shriek and stumble back in fear. He fell into the ground and hit his head in the nearby rock. Blood started coming from his wound, but he was too scared to feel it. He immediately took out his cell phone and informed police about the dead body, mutilated and half burnt to figure out the identity of the poor soul.

Ch 3

Bungalow near a beach, 11:30 pm

Kusum's pov started

"What do u fancy for dinner?" Kabir asked digging his head inside the fridge.

"Chinese..." I said as I began to shuffle through the CD rack for my favourite movie Notebook".

"Ah, found it at last..." I grinned.I just love the film and could never get tired of seeing it over and over again in a loop.

"Nooo..." Kabir whined seeing the movie CD in my hand.

"Stop whining... do u?" I rolled my eyes.

"We have seen it for what...a 100 times?" he said throwing his hands in the air.

"Yeah...And we will see it together for a 101 times too..." I winked at him, making him pout his lips. I curled to him like a kitten as Kabir's phone buzzed flashing Jay's name.

"U better answer that call, otherwise like ur all girlfriends, ur present one will blame me and abuse me..." I said sarcastically as he reached over his phone to pick it up.

"I am sorry about, Lav..." he whispered in remorse.

"And for Juhi, Mannat, Maria, Shruti and all..." I muttered leaving him sigh heavily.

"Why can't u choose a sensible girl for u?" I said closing my eyes.

"Sometimes I feel that u do it intensionally..." I mumbled.

"May be..." he mumbled back.He knew that all his girlfriends were jealous of the closeness they had. He had always tried to make them understand that it was purely platonic, but still the abuse continued. He picked up the call and walked out of the room.

As I saw the retreating figure of Kabir leaving the room, my eyes started welling up.I had always been in love with my best friend - Kabir for as long as I could remember. However, I never had the courage to confess it as I was too scared to do so, not wanting to ruin the amazing friendship we have between us. It was okay as long as we were kids, but now as we turned 18, my crazy hormones wanted Kabir more than just a friend. I wanted to be in his arms, and be there all day and night, spending rest of my life. So, obviously when I see him with every new girl now and then, clinging to him like a bloody parasite, something in me breaks and I remind myself that my dream is never going to fulfil. But his girlfriends just don't get it. They push me over, hurl abuses and make me feel bad about myself. It hurts the most when they point out that I am adopted, and really don't know about my birth father. And just like everytime , they makes the mistake of upsetting me which Kabir could never forgive as he is very protective about me. If he ever finds out that his girlfriend has upset me, he would end his relation. He always says that if the girl whom he will be dating does not like me, then he will never accept that girl. Sometimes I feel that I am getting in the way of his true love whom he can love like a crazy.

My phone buzzed in my purse and I answered it.

"Hello," I said without bothering to look at the caller id.

"Hey babe, what's up?" I heard a chirpy voice.

"Kumud?" I said with a wide grin.

"Yup...What are u doing?" she asked.

"Just watching a movie while Kabir is gone out of the room for a while to answer a call..." I replied.

"Did u wear it?" she asked in an hushed excited tone.

"What?" I asked her in confusion.

"Don't tell me u didn't wear the hot pant and black tank top that I bought u last week...?" she said in a warning tone.

"Oh, no...ermm...actually...I was not comfortable...So I just wear a hoodie and black leggings..." I said closing my eyes and preparing myself about her outburst.

"Kusum , are u out of ur freaking mind? If u want that guy so badly in ur life , then u have to try until u get him...And for that u have to show ur curves to him...And that's why I bought u those so that u can get a reaction from him...Babes , u need to make him realize that u are beautiful with valuable assets..." she said in one go making me burst into laughter.

"Don't laugh, u silly...U need to flaunt ur amazing body to attract him..." she said in a serious tone.

"I want his love, Kumud...not want to get in his bed and be his f**king buddy..." I said stating my point.

"I know...But for that u need to first make him realize that u are more beautiful than those plastic dolls he dates..." she said.

"But?" I tried to say , but she cut me off and said firmly, "All guys' minds work in one way...1^st seduce , and be compatible to him , and then u will gradually find him falling for u as he loves u already , just he is too stupid to realize it..." she said again.

"Now go and wear something else...not that stupid clothes..." she said sternly. I rolled my eyes at her through phone.

"And yes, stop rolling ur eyes at me..." she said again making me giggle. As we talk, I heard screaming of uncle i.e. Kumud's father on the background.

"What happened? Why is uncle so angry?" I asked her.

"Same old story...Danny has gone out without saying him anything and his mobile is switched off...Surely , he is with his friends watching some Salman khan's movie...This boy surely knows how to give us headache..." Kumud muttered under her breath.

"Come on, Kumud...He is only 16...Give him some freedom," I said. As I disconnected the call , Kabir entered the room with a cheery expression.

"What?" I asked him. He smiled cheekily at me and brought his hands forward that were holding 4 bottles of bear.

"Shut up! Where did u get it?" I asked him grabbing one from him.

"In the basement...It was stocked with drinks...I SO LOVE THIS PLACE RIGHT NOW..." he said as he started sipping from another bottle.The movie was showing the climax as we both felt ourselves quite drunk.

Suddenly, his phone again buzzed and he leaned over my shoulder to grab his phone from the table where he kept for the last time.

"No calls today...We have each of our share of distractions...now just concentrate on the movie," I said grabbing his mobile.

"But Candy..." he tried to say. "No means no..." I said, but he grabbed my hands in order to take the cell from me. But I was too adamant. I threw the popcorn that he brought for me, making him mad.

"U are so dead now..." he whispered in a firm tone and ran behind me to catch me. I squealed and ran as fast as I could in the room as he tried to get hold of me. I could feel him close enough behind me, so I scampered and dodge him making him stumble back and fall on the bed with me. He was straddling me, pinning my hands on the floor as I wriggled to get out of his grip.

"Get off me, u elephant..." I giggled.

"First say sorry..." he smiled before tickling my exposed waist.

"In ur dreams..." I rolled my eyes.

"Then pay the price..." he sang and began to tickle me more.

18+ started

"Nooo...please...don't...It hurts..." I said cackling as tears rolled down my eyes. But he didn't stop and kept on doing it as my loose baggy top went up and rested just below my bra. I was panting due to excessive laughing and suddenly realized that he had stopped tickling me. His eyes were darkened as it moved from my face, down my neck and stopped right at my chest. His intense eyes were giving me goosebumps and I immediately closed my eyes savouring the moment in my heart. His one hand loosened from the grip and he raised it and brushed my lower lips with his thumb. I opened my eyes breathing heavily and arched my back as he continued to brush his thumb from my lips, to my cheeks and then stopped over my perked nipples. A soft moan escaped my lips when it rubbed it between his fingers. Getting the needed encouragement, he leaned down and eyed my lips. I gazed and saw his eyes, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw something in his eyes.

"Lust..."

Before I could understand anything, his soft lips brushed my lower lips. I could feel his hot breath fanning my lips making me tremble in want. He touched my lips with his tongue before pressing his lips over mine. My eyes widened when he deepened the kiss and bit my lower lips to open my mouth. My hand gripped his shoulder and pulled him closer. His hands that were loosely gripping my hands on the floor gradually brushed my sides and rested on my hips before gripping it firmly. His nails dug my sides as the kiss turned rough and wild. He groaned into my mouth as our tongues duelled for domination. His hands slowly got under my back and slid down to grab my ass lifting my lower part that pressed to his bulge. He pulled away a little for air and then positioned himself comfortably between my thighs as he again pressed his lips for a long passionate kiss. His lips trailed kisses down from my neck to my shoulder blades and then to the bulges of my chest , making my back arch in pleasure letting me moan and gasp underneath him. My legs wrapped around his waist as he lifted my top more to reveal my assets to his hungry eyes. His fingers gently stroke my stomach and made patterns that send shivers down my spine. I gasped in pleasure when he licked my bellybutton and bit it softly leaving red hickey over it. His hand lifted my upper body a little and unclasped my bra under my top, releasing my breasts. Throwing my bra at the corner of the room, he lifted my top to reveal my bare chest to his eyes. His eyes darkened more with lust and he leaned down to take one of my hardened nipples in his mouth, sucking it hungrily. My mouth opened slightly suddenly feeling my throat dry. Happy tears escaped my eyes as he deepened it and rolled his tongue on my hardened buds making it all the more harder. I didn't know whether it was the effect of alcohol or actually he was doing it, but who cares? I would never stop him as I want him more than anything else.

18+ ended

Suddenly our love-making was interrupted by a call from Kumud.My mind was not anywhere else other than him and he too seemed to be engrossed on his deed, but repetitive interruption broke his trance.He stopped as his lust filled eyes were gradually replaced by panic and shock. He sprung up and left the room immediately whereas I laid on the floor feeling rejected and insulted. Tears cascaded in my eyes and poured down.I cursed the caller who horribly interrupted us and began to cry.But the caller seemed to be too desperate for me again buzzed for the 10^th time, and I picked it up anyway.

"Hello," I answered groggily.

"Kusum...Kusum..." I heard a voice sobbing badly.I was alarmed and my stomach coiled in an ugly feeling.

"Kumud, 1^st calm down...And take a deep breath..." I said. She, on the other hand, did follow my advice, but she was too shaken to calm down. She just managed to say something that pulled the ground beneath me.

"Danny is murdered..."

In Kapoor mansion (2 am)

Kabir and drove like a mad person, breaking several traffic rules just to reach Kapoor mansion (KM).Although Kabir knew Kumud , Keshav (Kumud's fiancee)and uncle (Kumud's father), but he never had the privilege of meeting Danny in person.

As I entered inside, I was welcomed with a crying Kumud who rushed towards me. I took her in a comforting hug and tried to calm her, but his tears were not stopping.

"My...my baby brother...He...he is dead..." she sobbed. I closed my eyes feeling terrible. Images of a naughty and cute Danny flashed before my eyes.

"How could...how could someone be so cruel to do this? He is so innocent...Doesn't that killer's hands trembled in hurting him?" she cried again. I nodded my head and gazed above her shoulder to see uncle-aunty. They seemed to be shock.I made her sit comfortably in sofa as I stared at Kabir who was comforting uncle.

The police inspector, who happened to be Kabir's big brother Karan' was also present.He seemed to be a little uncomfortable as he tried to say something.

"What happened Karan?" I asked him.He looked sharply at me and cleared his throat, saying, "I need to ask some questions to the family members..."

"What's it?" uncle Rishikesh asked him without any emotion. His eyes were dead and face was blank.

"Ermm...I...I want to know whether Danny was homosexual or not?" The question was like a bomb on us.I gasped in shock whereas Kabir's brows were creased. Kumud and others were fuming in anger, probably thinking that the police was rubbing salt on their wounds.

"What nonsense? My brother was perfectly normal...He had his share of romance with many girls whom he dated...And there was nothing abnormal on his part..." Kumud screamed in anger, spitting fire through her eyes.

"I...I am sorry...I know it is not the right time , but Danny was drugged before being brutally and sadistically sodomized by 2 homosexual men...His intimate parts were destroyed due to repeated assault ...Several injury marks were found in the body indicating torture...Hand cuff marks were found in the wrist indicating that he was handcuffed for a long time during the torture...Then after they were done with him , they beat him , strangled him and then mutilated his body and set fire..." Karan said in one go looking everywhere but them.

There was pin drop silence in the room. A thud sound in the back brought them from back from the shock, and they all turned to see Danny's mother on the ground lying unconscious. We all rushed towards her as Kabir called the ambulance. Kumud seemed to be frozen in her place and remained like that until the ambulance came and took aunty to the hospital for the treatment.

After 1 week

The past one week was hard on the Kapoor family.Danny's sudden death that too in a horrible way just shook the family and also us.The news made aunty to fall sick and last day she gave her last breath due to cardiac arrest. The whole family was shattered. Uncle became too quiet , and always kept to himself , spending his days and nights in Danny's room whereas Kumud was no longer that bubby girl anymore. She lost herself somewhere and spent her whole day outside the police station in hope of getting any news about the progress in the case. If it was not her fiance Keshav, then she would have lost completely. But Keshav, being her biggest support system, supported her throughout the hard time.Infact; he made it clear to his family that he would never leave Kumud even if they force him, earning curses and anger from his parents. They didn't listen to him, and constantly trying to persuade him for breaking the engagement as the scandal of Kapoor family turned out to be the hottest gossip in the worldwide defaming the family name and the person linked to them. On the other side, Kabir and my friendship came to a halt. The moments that we spent in the beach house were the best moments of my life. For a fraction of second, my heart believed that it was true ...might be he felt the same way as me. But it was just an illusion. Whenever we met in the Kapoor mansion, he seemed to behave that it never happened between us. And when I tried to initiate a talk about those moments; he seemed to change the topic.

Ch 4

In Kapoor mansion (9:30 pm)

Living room

I entered Kapoor mansion as soon as I got a call from Kumud.She was scared and wanted me to live with her for the time the investigation is on.

"Hey, Kumud," I greeted her taking her in a comforting hug.She wrapped her arms around my waist and remained there for some time. As she pulled away , I asked, "Where is uncle?"

"I have sent him to mausi's place...The hospital is near that place...It will save him time ..." she whispered.

"Moreover, this place is filled with Danny's naughty and cute antics...He will just go more into depressions if he lives here..." she whispered again.

"Where is ur luggage?" she asked me.

"I came in a hurry...So, I didn't pack...I will go and bring it in the morning..." I replied.

"No needed to drag them all the way...We will shop for u..." she said with a smile.

"But?" I tried to decline, but she placed her fingers on my lip.

My bedroom in Kapoor's mansion

She took me to my room and made me sit on the bed. I glanced sideways and saw many luggages.

"Is anyone joining us?" I asked her.

"Yes..." she whispered as she filled a glass with water.

"Keshav thinks that I need a guy in the house...He is very against about me staying alone in this whole mansion...So , he offered to live here , again against his parent's wish ...and Kabir also offered to live with us thinking about my safety..." she whispered again.

"He is a sweetheart, Kusum...U have chosen the right person for u..." she said smiling faintly at my direction.

"It's nothing like that...I have decided to move on, and forget that I have ever loved him..." I said as tears filled my eyes.

"Why? What happened?" she asked me in worry as she rushed to my side and held my hands.

I couldn't control myself anymore and broke into uncontrollable sobs. As I hiccupped, I managed to say how Kabir had been ignoring me and behaving as if it was nothing important.

"Do u know what u both needed?" she said tilting her head. I nodded my head in both direction and wiped off my tears, but again it was replaced by fresh ones.

"U both needed to talk...U needed to say that guy that u are crazy about him..." she smiled at me and caressed my cheek wiping off my tears.

"I can't..." I shook my head.

"Why?" she asked in confusion.

"I can't risk my friendship...I can't risk what we have..." I said looking at her eyes helplessly.

"Oh, dear..." she whispered and took me in a bone crushing hug , rubbing my back with her hand , consoling me from the heartache I felt.

"U will be okay...We will be okay...It will all be okay..." she whispered as if she was trying to console herself.

Suddenly the door flung open and both the guys entered carrying dinner in their hands.

"Dinner is ready..." they sang and immediately laid the table. We were just the mute spectator while they were the perfect host. I glanced at Kabir with the corner of my eyes and saw him looking at me longingly. But I ignored him. He deserved it from me.

"The food is amazing...specially the dessert..." Kumud smiled faintly as she finished her dinner.

"Well, then u should thank Kabir...He is an amazing cook...I just helped him..." Keshav said looking at Kabir who gave a shy smile.

"I...I just tried my best..." he said again shyly.

"Candy loves it..." he whispered again looking at my direction with tears in his eyes. Kumud eyed Keshav and both of them left us alone.

"Great ,this was going to be awkward..." I thought. I dare a glance at his direction who came closer and sat in front of me.He put the table aside and came more closer and held my hands.

"I am sorry, Candy..." he whispered. I glanced at him and I knew that he had questions. He wanted to know what was that all that happened between us. We had teased each other, slept in each other's arms and occasionally pecked too, but nothing like that happened ever. We knew everything about each other...from our first crush to our deepest pain. Never ever we fought as we could never stay apart. Only the last week was an exception and we both hated the way we stayed away from each other. It was too painful.

"That shouldn't have happened between us, Candy..." he shook his head in remorse as tears poured down his eyes.

"Why? Didn't u like it?" I asked him painfully.

"I loved it...It was the hottest kisses I had ever had, but..." he said smiling faintly as he remembered them. I saw again something flashed in his eyes for a moment...LUST.

"But...I can't lose u , Candy...I don't want to change our relation...It's easy , comfortable and safe...Changing it means risking everything we had...What if...No, I just can't...U are too precious to me," he said in determination.

"What if it makes it all better? What if we can be together and be friends, much stronger than we ever was...?" I asked him cupping his face.

"No, Candy...Relationships disappoint...I don't want to disappoint u...It will not work between us..." he whispered pressing his palm above my hands. And just like that my last hope to be with him broke. I was a fool to ever think that he would give a shot to it.

"Please say that nothing changed between us...Please say that u still love me and want to be my best friend...?" he asked me breaking in tears. I couldn't see him like that. I wanted my funny, childish, immature, caring and loving friend back. So, I decided to ignore what I feel for him and behave that nothing ever happened between us.

"I love u..." I said closing my eyes. Gosh! It's so difficult.

"And I will always love u as my friend..." I said smiling at him, but my insides cried for the heartache it felt.

"So, best friends forever?" he asked in hope as he stretched out his hands for a shake.

I nodded my head and whispered, "Best friends forever..."

"Let's finish it up and go to bed..." he whispered. I nodded my head and picked up the dishes. Kabir offered me help and we headed back to the kitchen.

In the kitchen

"Where are the servants?" I asked him.

"Keshav dismissed them all...He wants just us in the mansion...Although , there will be tight security around the mansion and police in the civil dress.

"Hmm..." I nodded my head as I washed the dishes.

"I can't believe that our sweet, innocent Danny was killed in such a horrible way...How can someone sexually assault him?" I whispered as tears filled my eyes remembering the way he teased me about Kabir. Yes, he knew about my feelings for Kabir apart from Kumud.

"Yes, it's horrible..." he whispered putting the dishes back to its place.

"Sex between same gender is illegal in India...It's gross..." she whispered tightly.

"Candy, one cannot help about their sexual preference...It's too personal... It's like a person with a foot fetish...why should we care about that aspect of one's life unless they start to make unwanted advances towards my feet?" he rolled his eyes.

"But?" I tried to say.

"No, Candy...People shouldn't be judged by their sexual preference...It's wrong...I too have many gay friends , and some of them had confessed their feelings for me...But I am totally cool with it...It's nothing to feel gross...until they try to force me on something which I am not comfortable with..." he smiled at me. I nodded my head understanding his point and grabbed the one of the washed dishes, but accidentally I bumped into him carrying the unwashed glasses which had still drink in them, causing it to spill over my top.

"Ewww..." I shrieked.

"Shit..." he said in panic as he stepped away from me. He immediately grabbed a cloth from the slab and began to wipe off the stains on my top.

"Kabir...Kabir...Stop..." I said grabbing his hand which was on my breast. His eyes immediately widened and he pulled away feeling embarrassed. I glanced at his direction and saw his cheeks turning red.

"Is he blushing?" my jaws hit the floor in shock.

"Ahem..." he cleared his throat and smiled at me awkwardly in trying to ease the sexual tension between us.

"Did u bring ur PJs?" he asked me.

"Nope..." I replied feeling nervous. "Okay, then wear my top..." he said as he pulled over his top.

"No, thanks...It's just a small stain..." I tried to stop him.

"Come on...It's not the 1^st time u will be sleeping in my top..." he cocked an eyebrow. But, I was feeling nervous.

"Nothing changed between us, right?" he asked me in worry.

I nodded my head and replied, "Yes, nothing changed..."I grabbed his top and went to my bedroom.

In my bedroom (or more like our bedroom) (12:30 am)

Kabir followed me and started making the bed. I decided to take a shower and grabbed the towel, forgetting his top on the sofa.

I stipped down and washed all the smell from my body.I applied my favourite cherry flavour shampoo and rinsed my hair well as my mind went to the conversation I had with Kabir.

"Why don't he see that I am in so much love with him?" I whispered in pain.I dabbed my body with the towel and searched for the top Kabir had given me to wear.But it was not hanged from the hook.

"Damn..." I cursed myself.

"Now what to wear?" I thought. My eyes went to my wet clothes, and then to the towel I was holding in my hand. Taking a deep sigh, I wrapped my body with the towel and peeped inside the bedroom. I saw Kabir lying on the bed, just in his boxers playing games in his ipad and giggling like a child. So, watching the path is clear, I tiptoed in the room and grabbed the top from the sofa. But, as I was about to go back, I heard Kabir say, "What took u so long? I was dying to pee..." He turned his head and immediately his eyes widened.

"Oh boy!" I mumbled. But the most embarrassing moment was yet to come. In trying to hurry up towards the bathroom, my leg slipped and I stumbled back. I closed my eyes to hit the floor, but a strong pair of hands wrapped around my shoulders saving me from the fall, but my towel knot loosened and it fell in the ground exposing me to him.

"Oh, shit..." I shrieked and tried to cover myself, but Kabir's mouth was opened in O shape. That shameless guy didn't look away and kept on watching me.

"Kabir...Kabir...Just turn around..." I said glaring him.

"WOW!!" he mumbled making blood rose to my cheeks and ears feeling hot from inside.

"U have a black mole just above ur left breast," he exclaimed.

"Kabirrr...Just shut up..." I gritted my teeth glaring him at the same time and picked up the towel as I covered myself as much as possible with my one hand. I wrapped the towel around my body and quickly grabbed his top and rushed to the bathroom.

"Pervert..." I murmured closing the door of the bathroom behind making him chuckle. I rested my back against the door as I felt my heart beat fast against my rib cage. I recalled what happened in the room, making my lips curved into a shy smile.

After I wore his top, I dumped my top and inners in the washing machine. Then I watched myself in the mirror. His top was huge that ended around my lower-thigh which is what I love being so tiny compared to Kabir's well built huge body. I went towards the door and peeped inside to see the lights were off and he was lying on the bed. He seemed to be asleep. So, I tip-toed inside the room, not wanting to disturb his sleep and then settled down on the bed beside him. As I closed my eyes trying to catch a sleep, he moved closer to me and covered me with the blanket he was covering himself. Then he pulled me close to him slipping his hands below the top I was wearing, and wrapped his arm around my bare waist. It was nothing new he hadn't done before, but that night it felt special, it felt as if it was not some innocent sleep...It was way more than that.

"Goodnight, Candy..." he whispered in my ear before placing a kiss on my neck.

"Goodnight, Kabir," I mumbled and felt him snoring softly.

Ch 5

Next morning (8:30 am),

I woke up with a bad hangover. I had a banging headache and I closed my eyes again quickly. Slowly, I opened them once more and blinked. I felt thirsty and decided to drink water.I squished up against Kabir and found him pressed up against my back.I felt his morning glory poking my back , making me red.

"Damn...this boy!!" I mumbled.I turned my head to see him and saw him smiling in his sleep.

"Gosh!! What's he dreaming?" I whispered , but deep down I knew it was nothing innocent.I shook my head , and tried to get up , but his hands were firm on my bare...

"Wait a minute...Is he holding my...Damn..." I shrieked. I shook Kabir , but he was too lost in his 18+ dream. I rolled my eyes and decided to remove his hand off me , but he just moaned.

"Kabir...Kabir...boy, get off ur hand from me..." I gritted my teeth.

"Noo...it's better..." he moaned.I rolled my eyes again knowing that he was still in his dream world , and just talking in his sleep.

"Damn u kabir..." I shouted in his ear , making him gasp in confusion for few seconds and then his lips turned into a cute smile.He blinked his eyes several times and grinned like a fool.

"Good morning, Candy..." he moaned. Then as if he realized something his eyes widened, and he shrieked, "Shit..." He pulled away his hand from my breast and looked at me with an awkward smile.

"Sorry..." he mumbled giving me a silly smile.

"U should watch ur hands when u sleep...It's taking undue privilege..." I gritted my teeth, but my inside felt hot.

"Damn, this boy would be death of me..." I sighed.

"Sorry, Candy...But I was asleep...How can I keep a watch on my hand while sleeping?" he said again giving me a silly smile. My mouth turned into an O shape as he lied on the bed.

"Come on...lay down a little...It's just 8:30 am...We have class from 12pm..." he said as he stifled a moan.

"No...I have to finish an assignment..." I said and got off from the bed. I glanced sideways and saw him noticing me as his eyes travelled from my up to the bottom. His eyes were glued on my long legs, and I felt myself blushing. I knew that he loves my legs. He always complimented me saying that I had one of the best legs he had ever seen. I smirked as I thought to pay him back due to his teasing. So, I flexed my arms up as if I was feeling sleepy and lazy. It made my top to rise up a little making him watch me more with lust shining in his eyes. I saw him growing harder through his boxer, and thought that I had teased him enough. Grabbing the towel, I rushed inside the bathroom and closed the door behind as I heard him mumble, "Damn..."

Kusum's pov ended

Suddenly Kabir's phone rang and he grabbed his cell phone. His muscles tensed up seeing the caller id.

"What?" he spat.

"Sir...We are in trouble..." the caller on the other side said in a hushed panic tone. They talked for a while and then Kabir ended the call by saying, "I will see u in the old place..."

In the mansion far away from the city (10 am)

"Sir, that boy, Danny's body is found...The investigation is going on...What to do now?" Michael said in panic.

"I told u to do it in the mansion...but u did it outside, and didn't wait for the body to turn into ashes completely...So, it's all ur mistake..." KSR whispered as he sipped a drink.

"But, Sir?" Michael tried to say, but KSR stopped him by showing his palm.

"Just go...and leave me alone...There is nothing KSR can't handle..." he whispered firmly. He opened a drawer and took out a picture of a guy. He caressed the picture as lust dripped from his eyes.

"The day I saw u, I just wanted u more than I wanted anyone else..." he whispered and caressed the face in the photo again as if he could feel the guy. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath as he whispered, "I WILL GET U..."

In the college (11:30 am)

Kusum's pov started

Kumud and I entered the college in her car.I came out of the car and closed the door angrily.

"Come on , Kusum...He had work..." Kumud said trying to calm me.

"He ditched me in the middle...Damn, he said he would help me in finishing the assignment...But he just ditched me and disappeared, god knows where?" I said angrily throwing my arms in the air.

"Okay...I know u are accustomed to go to study with him ,and he guides u in the study , but u have to understand that he can't act always according to u...He has his life , and he can have priorities that doesn't include u , just like he has some important work more important than ur college assignment...Just give him some space..." she smiled at me.

"Yeah...Yeah, I just...don't know...I have never behaved like that," I mumbled.

"I know...U are just being frustrated about what's going on between u both..." she said.

"There is nothing going on between us...We are just fooling around ourselves a bit," I mumbled absent-mindedly.

"The sexual tension must have messed up ur hormones more..." she giggled, making me smile shyly.

"I feel like that he wants me...but I am scared that what if it just limits to something physical...I don't want that...I want him all ...be his one and only true love..." I whispered.

"And u are...This is just a beginning of a beautiful relationship...Trust me, he loves u...and will realize it soon..." she assured me.

We entered the building and headed towards the locker room. Kumud held my hand and kept her fingers on her lips indicating me to stop speaking.

She whispered in my ear, "Did u hear moaning sounds? Someone is making out in the locker room."She dragged me to the locker room and peeped inside, while I shook my head and hissed, "Kumud , this is wrong...It's their personal moment..."But she winked at me , and peeped inside. Standing there whether to peep or not, I finally gave up, and peeped inside only to get frozen.

Kanishka, the heart throb of the college beside Kabir and Kunal, was kissing some guy wildly and passionately. His two arms were clung to the other person pulling him closer occasionally.

"I won..." the guy whom Kanishka was kissing finally said after he pulled away from him.Shock was evident in the face of Kanishka while Kunal came out from his hiding place in the locker.

"Damn, Kabir...I never knew that u can turn on Kanishka, the angry young man of the college..." Kunal said laughing in the process.

"I can turn on anyone just by glancing at the person..." Kabir bragged.

"Really?" Kunal asked while Kanishka was standing in a daze.

"Yeah, I can..." Kabir rolled his eyes.

"Then, I challenge u to seduce ur precious Candy..." Kunal grinned. Instantly, Kabir's face lit up, and he whispered, "That's easy..."

"And why is that?" Kunal cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Simple...because I can make anyone moan my name...and Candy is not an exception..." he winked.

I couldn't hear anything more and rushed out in anger.Tears rolled down my eyes and I felt anger rising up more in my body.I felt like punching his face, and bang his head in the wall.

"How dare he?" I hissed.I was so blind in my anger that I couldn't see that I was heading straight to a person.And as a result , I collided with a guy , and stumbled back as he held me by waist.I glanced up and saw a beautiful pair of green-eyes hovering over me.He was extremely gorgeous.His worried expression in his face warmed my heart.

"Are u okay?" he asked me.I nodded my head shyly and straightened up.

"I am sorry...I didn't see u..." he whispered.

"That's fine...Actually I was walking blindly...It's my fault..." I whispered shyly.

"Still, I should have seen u...How can I just ignore such a beautiful girl in front of my eyes?" he grinned at me, making my stomach fluttered with thousands of butterflies.

"Name is Rudra Desai..." he forwarded his hand for a shake.

"Kusum..." I whispered shyly.

"Just beautiful like a flower," he whispered.

"Candy..." a voice called me from behind.But I ignored it and held Rudra's hand.

"Why don't I show u the canteen of the college and have coffee together?" I asked him glancing at Kabir secretly as I saw him frowning deeply.

"That would be just what I was thinking..." he smiled at me , and held out his hands.

"After u, my lady..." he said offering his hand for me. I giggled seeing someone treating me like a princess. It was so cute.

Kabir kept on calling me, but I ignored him completely.

"Err...I think someone is calling u..." Rudra said.

"Oh, it's nothing...He is just a friend who will probably bore me to death...I will talk to him later," I rolled my eyes making him chuckle.

Outside college gate (2 pm)

The time flew by fast when I was with Rudra.He was an amazing guy - smart, down to earth and drop-dead gorgeous. And when he smiled at me, his dimples just made me go weak on my knees. Sighing heavily, I came out of the college followed by Rudra. For some reason, the classes were suspended which obviously made me happy as I would get extra time to finish my assignment. And at the same time, for the 1^st time, I felt that a guy was taking interest in me. The way Rudra looked at me made my stomach flutter into millions of butterflies. Although Kabir would always hold special place in my heart, but Rudra's company made me to forget about the heartache I felt due to Kabir. So, when the class was dismissed, I accepted his offer to hang up with him. I texted Kumud quickly and left with him. He told me that he was new to the city, so I made him tour the whole city and then ate lunch and dinner in a very popular restaurant. The more I knew him, the more he seemed to be fascinating.

Ch 6

Outside Kapoor mansion (11 pm)

The ride to Kapoor mansion was silent. We just smiled at each other occasionally.As the car stopped outside the mansion, I came out of the car along with him.

"So, time to say goodbye..." he whispered putting his hands inside his jeans pockets.

"For now..." I whispered back giving him a shy smile.I stared at his direction and saw him going all serious.

"Today was the best day of my life till now..." he whispered in a trance.

"Yeah , it was fun...I never thought to have fun with someone else other than ..." I whispered in a trance too.

"Kusum...ermm...Can I ask u something?" he asked me as he avoided my eyes and rubbed the back of his neck.He looked nervous.

"Go on..." I smiled at him in order to ease him up.

"I...urghh...f**k...This is much harder than I thought..." he said biting his lower lips. He frowned a little and then taking a deep sigh, he asked, "Kusum Gupta, will u go on a date with me?" My eyes popped out in shock and my heart skipped a beat. Time seemed to stop as he looked at me with a shy smile.

"Listen...if...if u are not comfortable...then...okay, just drop the idea..." he whispered seeing me silent.

"Let's drop u home..." he said tilting his head.

"Rudra..." I whispered. Then sighing heavily I said again, "Rudra, I...I am in love with someone..."

"Oh," he sounded disappointed.

"Sorry, I ...I just couldn't stop myself...U are so amazing that I felt to ask u out before I regret..." he whispered.

"I should have thought that u are taken..." he said in a upset tone.

"I am not taken..." I said, deciding to move on from Kabir.He had mocked our moments by mentioning it to Kunal , the worst guy of college who can't keep his hands off any girl.

"So?" he creased his brows in confusion.

"It's an unrequited love..." I whispered back as my eyes welled up in tears.

"Damn u kabir for making me feel so pathetic..." I thought in a mixture of anger , sadness and disappointment.

"So, are we?" he asked me in hope to get a yes from me.

"Yes, we are going on a date..." I grinned at him.

"Yes!!!" he exclaimed, and put his hands on my waist raising me up in the air.He twirled me around, making me put my hands on his shoulders to steady myself.We laughed and he put me down.He leaned down to kiss me freezing me to place.His lips brushed mine and then smashed drowning us in a wild passionate kiss.His tongue traced the outline of lips and I instantly understood that he wanted me to open up, but I couldn't.It was going too fast.So , I pulled away.

"So...sorry...Am I forcing u?" he asked me as he licked his lips.

"No...I mean yes...sorry no...Actually..." I stammered.

"Hey...hey calm down...I...I shouldn't have...It just came out in the heat of the moment..." he smiled at me nervously.

"It's okay..." I tried to ease him up. But my mind was on the kiss.I couldn't help but compared to the kisses I had with Kabir which was scorching...yet gentle...and full of love...

"Damn, Kusum...get a grip...Why are u thinking about Kabir? That jerk insulted my feelings for him...For him I am just any girl whom he can make moan his name..." I thought in anger. I balled my fists and counted 1, 2, 3...just to calm my anger.

"Are u okay? Did I offend u too much?" he asked me in a worry.

"Oh, no...It's nothing like that..." I gave him a forced smile.

"But Rudra, u should understand...I...I love someone else...So, u know...I just can't just get intimate with someone I just met...U are fun...no doubt very attractive...and I find u as a good person...But in my decision to move on in life , I need to just slow down...I just want to explore my other options...So , I decided to go out with u...If I feel that u are the kind of guy with whom I can get into a relationship , then I will let u know...But till then no hanky-panky..." I gave him a teasing smile to which he blushed.

"Awww...how cute?" I thought seeing his red cheeks.

"Kusum, do u stay here?" Rudra asked me glancing at the huge mansion. I glanced back at the mansion too and replied, "No...I am just staying here for the time being..."He nodded his head and went inside his car.

"Night..." I whispered tilting my head.

"Night..." he replied with a smile as he zoomed off his car to his home.

In the Kapoor mansion (11:30 pm)

I went inside my room and switched on the lights to see Kabir waiting for me.He glanced at my direction giving me a hard look and whispered sternly, "What time is it , Candy?"

"It's 11:30..." I replied ignoring him completely. I opened the cupboard and saw new dresses for me, probably kept by Kumud.I selected a black PJs for me and turned to go to the washroom for changing my clothes. But, as I turned around I found Kabir standing in front of me blocking my way.

"Move Kabir..." I gritted my teeth.

"I need some answers" he gritted back at me.

"I am feeling sleepy..." I said grinding my teeth.

"I don't care..." he replied and pushed me trapping me between his body.I wriggled causing him to press me more against the cupboard.

"Why were u kissing that new guy?" he whispered as his eyes were burning in jealousy.

"Good, he deserves it..." I thought feeling sadistic pleasure seeing him hurt.

"I kissed him because he is my boyfriend..." I grinned at him. For a moment he froze in his place, and then his face gradually scrunched in anger. He pushed me completely against the cupboard with a thumping sound leaving no space in between us.

He leaned down and began to kiss me randomly.

"U are mine...U are only mine..." he whispered as he kept on kissing me.

His lips trailed hot wet kisses on my neck, shoulder blades and gradually he kept on going down. My breath hitched when I found him playing with my jeans button.

"No..." I pushed him back, causing him to stumble and fall on the floor.

"OUCHHH..." he yelped in pain.He held one of his wrist and began to yelp more.I rushed to his sides and took him in a hug.

"I am so sorry..." I repeated again and again as I called out for help.

"I will kill that guy...just wait and watch," he cried and kept on cursing Rudra.My lips curved into a smile seeing him still pissed off and thinking about that guy while he was in so much pain.

"What are u smiling? Go and call a doctor...I am dying here," he sobbed like a baby.

"Kabir , no one dies by hurting his wrist...It's probably a sprain or in worst case a fracture..." I rolled my eyes and rushed to my phone to call a doctor.

The doctor visit was dramatic. Keshav almost grilled him. Poor doctor was so scared that at one point he just cursed himself for even attending the call. At last I made him understand that the doctor was innocent and he was there just to treat Kabir who was yelping in pain. He seemed to understand, but he asked two of his guards to accompany us while the doctor treats Kabir. On the other hand, doctor said that Kabir had broken his wrists. He would have only a half cast now, but he would be given full cast after a week.

"This is entirely that guy's fault," Kabir said sulking in his bed.

"And how is that?" I said grinning at him.I sat beside him and fed him soup.He gulped one spoon of the soup and whispered, "Because that kissed u, and maybe he is an amazing kisser more than me...and so when I kissed u, u didn't like and pushed me." My eyes rounded hearing his weird logic.

"Seriously?" I asked him with a weird expression.

"Yeah..."he shrugged his shoulders, and opened his mouth to feed him. I shook my head and kept on feeding him while listening to all his curses pointing at Rudra.

After several weeks

Several weeks passed but there was no progress in Danny's case. The police was still clueless about the killer. Only information that they got was that a black BMW was following Danny from the gas-station to his house for the past 1 month. It might be nothing, and it might be everything. So, police tried to get hold of the car, but the witnesses disappointed them by saying that the car had no number plate, and the driver always stayed inside the car. No one had ever seen the guy who was probably following him, making the police department stuck at the dead end. On the other hand, my dating with Rudra was going great. He was a sweetheart, and never missed any chance in treating me like a princess and making me feel special. I almost fell for that guy, but still the truth was too painful for me, and I knew that I only love one person in this whole world - Kabir. Initially, he had a strong dislike for Rudra for stealing his best girl from him, but gradually the magic of Rudra worked on him too, and he too confessed that Rudra was amazing. They became friends, and got a free pass to the Kapoor mansion. The friendship grew stronger and Rudra became like a family to us.

Kusum's pov ended

In the college (3 pm)

Backyard

Kabir's pov started

"Hey..." Rudra waved at me.He ran to me and asked, "Need to talk..." I nodded my head and dismissed Ananya, my present flavour of the week.

"What's up dude?" I asked after sitting on the staircase of the backyard of the college. That place was a little creepy as no one comes there, except me and kusum. It was practically our hideout and it was the same place where we both planned their numerous pranks on our teachers and other students.

"At the end of this month it is Kusum's birthday...I want it to make special for her...Can u help me with that?" he asked me. Instantly my face fell, but I composed myself and whispered with a forced smile, "Sorry dude, but she spends her birthday only with me, not because it is my birthday too, but because it's our tradition...We have followed it for the past 11 yrs...No one else is allowed that day..."

"Oh...Okayy..." he whispered back and left the place after giving me a tight smile.

"Special my foot...It will be only me who can make her feel special, not him..." I rolled my eyes. I glanced at my watch and found that it was almost time for my next class.

Classroom (4:30 pm)

I entered my class and found the seat beside me empty.

"Where is Candy?" I murmured in confusion. I took out my mobile from my pocket and called her, but she didn't pick up. I kept on trying her number, but there was no response.

"Damn...Where is she?' I murmured again. I stood up and decided to look for her, but the teacher just entered at the same time making me curse him under my breath.

After some time (5 pm),

"Where are u Candy?"I thought frustrated. I couldn't concentrate on the class. My mind was restless. I looked towards the door time to time expecting her to walk in any moment.

"Kabir...Kabir"the teacher shouted & banged the desk with great force.

"Huh,"I replied lost.

"Where are u lost?"the teacher screamed.

"Sir...emm...actually Candy...ermm Kusum didn't return yet," I stammered.

"I know...U don't have to worry...She is not a kid...If she finds my class worth attending then she will come," the teacher said dryly.

"Something is terribly wrong...I can feel it," I thought scared.

Ch 7

After the class,

I came out of college trying Kusum's number, but it only said Hey, it's Kusum...Leave a message...'

"Damn...Where is she?" I cursed again and finally decided to head towards Kapoor's mansion.

In Kapoor mansion (6 pm)

I entered the mansion and saw Karan, his brother and Kumud talking.She was in tears and Karan was consoling her.As soon as they saw me, they stopped.

"What happened?" I asked them.

"It's about Danny's case..." Kumud whispered.

"What is it?" Kabir asked.

"We have identified the real killer..." Karan said furrowing his brows.My jaws tightened, and I whispered firmly, "Who is that son of bitch?"

"It's someone u know- Kanishka..." Karan whispered.My eyes popped out hearing him.Honestly , I was not expecting him to be the killer out of all people.

"What? No..." I shook my head.

"We have proof..." Karan whispered.I saw in his direction in confusion.

"According to the witness, Danny was last seen at 12 pm and after the forensic tests, doctor confirmed that he was killed somewhat between 6-7pm...When we tried to search his mobile, we couldn't found it...When we pulled out his cell phone records, we found a record of a call made from Danny's cell to Kanishka's cell for a full 5 minutes between 12:10 pm to 12:15 pm i.e. after he was last seen , and then we got another record of a call from Danny's cell to Kanishka's cell last month from 9am to 9:30 am in the morning...So , we invited him for an interrogation...And in each step he just kept on lying that he hadn't talk to Danny in the day of his murder...We run some tests and found proofs that he is not straight...still he denied it strongly...But after a lot grilling session , he confessed..." Karan finished.

"It's impossible...He can't...I know him...He may be a short-tempered person , but he is perfectly fine...Girls called him stone-hearted as he sleeps with them , and breaks their heart in the next morning...But he is not a bad person...And definitely not a killer..." I shook my head.

"Sorry , Kabir...But his claim to sleep with girls is just a rumour...He is not straight...We have found proofs of his secret homosexual life he was leading...We have interrogated many male escorts whom he was paying for sex...On interrogation , his parents confessed that he was always interested in guys , which initially shocked them...Then , when he found out about his one-night stands with other gay people, they freaked out...They gave him warning not to let people know about his sexual preference , and must proof to all that he was normal...So..." Karan said in one go.

"So, he spread the rumours..." I whispered.

"And bribed many girls for helping him to maintain that image of him..." Karan added.

"And became the heart throb of our college..." I ended in extreme shock.

Damn, I kissed that guy...

"I can't believe this...They were friends..." Kumud cried.

"Don't worry...Danny's murderer will be punished..." Karan assured him.

"What about the other guy?" I asked.

"What other guy?" Karan asked.

"There were two killers, right? U said urself that he was forced by 2 men...So, who is the next one?" I asked.

"We are yet to know...Hope in today's interrogation we will get his name..." Karan replied.

After Karan was gone, I slumped on the sofa thinking about Kanishka. Suddenly he sprung up , and remembered that his Candy was nowhere.

"Kumud...Is Candy home yet?" I asked her.

"She came, and then went away with luggage...Rudra was waiting for her in the car..." Kumud replied absent-mindedly.

"What?" I said loudly, making her startle a bit.

"Sorry..." I apologised and asked again, "I know it's not the right time...But...But, where they are off to? And by what time she will be back?"

She glanced at me in confusion, and asked coldly, "U don't know, do u?"

"What?" I straightened up.

"Well , before Karan came , Kusum rang me up and said that Rudra was taking her in an early dinner in his house outside the city...Then they would hang out together for a while...Then in the morning they would go to Rudra's parents' house , and spent her birthday there and return back in the next week..." Kumud whispered. I tried to ask her about the address where Rudra lives, but decided against it seeing her depressed.

In the bedroom (12 am)

I walked inside the room, and slumped on the floor, resting my back against the wall.

"It will be the first time when we will not be spending time together in our birthday..." I whispered as tears rolled down his eyes. Suddenly, I felt lonely. It seemed that my life is meaningless without my Candy. I began to miss her terribly. I again pulled out my cell phone and tried to call her. But it went straight into voice mail.

"Hello , Candy...I know u are probably enjoying with Rudra...But still just want to say u that I miss u...Come back soon..." I kept the phone on the table & decided to catch a sleep. But sleep was far away from my eyes. The walls seemed to consume me wholly, and the bed seemed to be too big for me. I missed cuddling to her. I missed her soft body pressed to my front. I missed her hot breath fanning on my face and I missed her soft snoring sound in her sleep.

2 am

It was past midnight when his cell vibrated. I fluttered my eyes open and attended the call.

"Hello?" I answered groggily. But there was no respond. Only heavy breathings could be heard.

"Who is it?" I asked creasing his brows.

"Hello, Kabir..." the caller whispered huskily.

"Yes, it's me..." my brows creased more.

"I have some gifts for u...Take a look outside the window..." the caller whispered again. I sprung up the bed and went near the window to see a guy standing far away near a lamppost. His face couldn't be seen in the dark. But what I could see was a ladies bag in his hand, same like that I had once gifted to my Candy.

"Is it Candy's...?" I murmured. My cell again buzzed, and I picked it up immediately.

"What kind of joke is this?" I barked in the phone. The caller laughed evilly.

"So u do remember it's ur precious Candy's bag?" he whispered.

"Yes...It looks same, but it's not Candy's..." I hissed.

"Are u sure of that?" the caller smirked. I gulped hard and rushed to the cupboard to search it.But it was not there.

"May be she took it with her..." I murmured while the call was still on.

"Then I must send u some real convincing proofs," the caller whispered again.

"Go to the lamp post in the back of the house, and u will get some real proofs..." the caller whispered and cut the call. I didn't waste my time anymore, and rushed out of the house. I found the man standing a while ago near the lamp post gone. There was only a bag. I opened it to find Candy's blood-stained clothes, some books and the bracelet I gave her last birthday.

"It's Candy's...Oh my god, it's Candy's..." I panicked and dropped on my knees, clutching the clothes in my hands. My phone again buzzed and I picked it up immediately. But this time I was gentle.

"What do u want?" I asked him.

"U..." the caller whispered.

"What do u mean?" I asked as my heart beat faster against my ribs.

"I WANT U IN RETURN OF UR PRECIOUS CANDY..." the caller whispered huskily. I bit my lower lips to stop myself from breaking down.

"U can have me...but let her go..." I whispered.

"Fine...I will let u know where and how u can come to me..." the caller whispered again and cut the call.

I sat there on the footpath for an hour holding Candy's cloth in my hands. I could not believe that my Candy was taken.

"I will save u, Candy...Just have faith on me..." I whispered as a lone tear escaped my eyes.

After 3 days (morning 10 am)

I remained locked up in my room for the last 3 days, waiting for the kidnapper's call. But he didn't contacted. My patient was running down and I was almost in the verge of going to the police. I glanced at my cell phone again in frustration, and decided to go to Karan for help.

Suddenly the door opened with a creaking sound and Keshav peeped inside.

"May I come in?" he asked. I nodded my head and let him come inside. He was carrying a plate full of food.

"U...U didn't have ur breakfast..." he whispered.

"Oh...I...Actually, I was not hungry..." I gave him a forced smile.

"From the last 3 days?" he cocked an eyebrow.

"Yeah..." I nodded my head.

"Don't lie...I know, what happened?" he asked me as he kept the food on the side table. My heart skipped a beat hearing him.

"How does he know?" I panicked.

"I know...I know that u are missing ur Candy...Isn't it?" he said with a teasing smile. I let out a sigh of relief hearing him.

"Thank god...For a second, I thought..." I murmured.

"Did u say something?' he asked me creasing his brows.

"No," I shook my head. Suddenly my cell buzzed. I looked at it in panic and then my eyes turned back to Keshav.

"U rest...I will get it..." he said and stood up to attend the call.

"Nooo..." I screamed and rushed in his direction. But before I could reach him , he already picked it up and answered the call.His smile vanished and then his eyes widened as if it would pop out any moment.I bit my lower lips in fear and worry , and after a full 1 minute , the call got disconnected.Thankfully , Keshav didn't say anything while on the call.He was just a listener , and I could bet the way he was looking at me right now , that the call was from the kidnapper , and HE JUST GOT TO KNOW MY SECRET.

"Keshav...I...I can explain..." I whispered as tears rolled down my eyes.

"We are friends...U ...U were in such a trouble, and still u didn't say a word to me?" he looked at me in accusation.

"I am sorry..." I whispered. "But...But I couldn't risk her life...She is everything to me...I love her..." I whispered again closing my eyes as more tears slid down my cheeks.

"So u love her?" Keshav whispered in shock. I opened my eyes immediately realizing what I had said just now.

"Did I just say I love her?" I gasped in shock. My lips curved into a faint smile as I realized my feelings for my Candy. I never thought that this realization would come in such an atmosphere where I would not be sure whether she or I would be alive to confess our feelings for each other. I dropped with a thud on the bed and covered my face with my palms crying softly. Realization of my feelings were making the situation all the more difficult to bear.

"I...I love her...Oh my god...I love her...I want her back...Please...Please god don't let her go away from me...I will die...I will die without her," I sobbed. Keshav looked at me sadly and rushed to my side, and gave me a comforting hug.

"We will find a way to rescue her..." he assured me.

"How?" I whispered in between my tears.

"I have tried to locate the call...But Rudra is too smart... Every time he calls, he uses a one-time-use "drop phone"...So, no luck to find him..." I whispered.

"Are u sure , he is Rudra?" he asked me.

"Candy went with him for holidays...Who else it will be?" I asked him.

"Hmm..." he just nodded his head.

Suddenly my stomach growled in hunger, making Keshav smile faintly at me.

"If u want to save her...then eat, and take care of urself...otherwise u will be dead before u can reach her..." Keshav said. I nodded my head agreeing to his point. It felt nice in talking with someone about it instead of keeping it to me.

"What did he say?" I asked him, while playing with the food.

"He said that a parcel will be delivered shortly...There u will get ur next instruction..." he whispered looking at me in worry. I nodded my head breaking in sobs.

"It will be over, right?" I asked him.

"Before u know..." he assured me. He stood up and went towards the door , then he suddenly stopped in his track and asked, "Did u take help from Karan?"

"No...Why?" I asked him.

"Because now it's time to give a call to karan...We need him...He can help us unofficially...He has the skill to catch a kidnapper, and he is ur big brother...So, he will do it with more caution..." he said. I thought for a while and found the idea quite convincing.

"Okay...I will give him a ring..." I whispered.

"No...What if the kidnapper is tracing ur phone...Let me handle it..." he said again.

I nodded my head and gave him the permission to go ahead.

Ch 8

During evening (7 pm)

Karan and Keshav both entered my room. I was sitting on my bed pulling my knees to my chest , hiding my face in it.

"Kabir?" my brother whispered. I looked at him and tears rolled down my eyes. He rushed to me and enveloped me in his arms.

"Everything will be fine..." he assured me.

"Did u find anything about Rudra?" I asked him.

"No...the guy is like a ghost...He don't have any record...not even a birth record...It seemed that he made sure that no one can get a clue about him..." he whispered brushing his chin with his fingers.

"Is he having any police record?" I asked him hoping for a yes.

"No...he is clean..." he replied, breaking my hope again.

"Every criminal makes a mistake...He is not an exception...So, don't worry, we will get him..." he assured me.

"Now tell me everything from the start..." he asked me in a serious tone. He put a small recorder in the table recorded it. After I finished, he listened to the recording 3 times, and note down some points in his note pad.

"Did he send u the parcel?" he asked me. I nodded my head and brought the parcel to him. As he opened it, I looked away in embarrassment.

"Oh my god!!" he gasped. Keshav peeped over his shoulder, and his eyes popped out in shock.

"Is it a gay po*n magazine?" he asked looking at me in shock.

"Can we trace him through this parcel? I mean the company must have the address of the sender, right?" I asked Karan avoiding their gaze.

"May be...Let me try," Karan whispered and called someone. Within 30 minutes, his cell buzzed again, but the info he got was disappointing.

"The address is fake..." he whispered, pressing his temple.

"Then I guess I have to follow his orders..." I said taking a deep heavy sigh.

"U are not going alone...We will also follow u..." they said.

"Guys, no...U have done enough to help me...It's my bad luck that we were unsuccessful...So , from now I am doing just what he asked me to do..." I said them sternly.

Throwing the magazine in disgust, I wore the clothes he sent me. I opened one of the envelopes in the parcel and saw that a ticket to Paris. And then I opened the other envelope and found a typed letter.

"What's written in it?" Karan asked me. I took a deep sigh and started reading out loud,

"U r beyond beautiful...Ur dark short hair...bones of ur face that looks as though they had been sculpted by God himself ...and ur high ckeekbones and strong jawline are like works of art...But it is ur brown piercing hazels that pinned me down...I want u...And I want u more than anyone who has ever wanted u...Come to me in Paris , leaving behind everything...As soon as u land in front of me , I will release ur precious Candy...But if u play smart , I will sell her to the 1^st buyer I find giving her a life worse than anyone could think of , and it will be all ur mistake...But I know u are not that stupid to risk her life...So , come soon...Waiting for u desperately..."

"Damn...No, u are not going anywhere..." Karan suddenly freaked out, holding my hand.

"I am not listening to u Karan...I have to go to him..." I replied taking his hands off me.

"Gosh !! Kabir , he is dangerous...and he seemed to be a crazy person..." Karan yelled at me. But I ignored him and packed my passport and other necessary items and some cash.

"Are u listening to me?" he yelled again, pulling me by my elbow.

"I can get u any girl, brother...Just ask me...She will be urs..." he said cupping my face.

"But she will not be my Candy..." I whispered back in tears. I stepped away from him, and walked towards the door. Then I stopped, and whispered, "Take care of my Candy in my absence...Will u?" He just nodded his head as tears rolled down his cheeks. I gave him a last half-smile and walked out of the door, may be never to return again.

Kabir's pov ended

"Are u ready to follow him?" Keshav asked Karan.

"Yes...my men are already ready to follow him as soon as he gets out of the mansion..." Karan replied.

"Good..." Keshav whispered.

In Paris

Kabir's pov started

Paris is considered to be the city of dreams.I always wanted to spend my birthday with the love of my life in Paris.Kissing her with the Eiffel Tower in the background would have been so romantic. But I never thought that I would ever come to this place in such a circumstance. My eyes travelled everywhere and found different cultures of person spreading everywhere enjoying their time. Some couples were giggling and occasionally pecking each other. Romance was on the air, but I didn't feel a bit of that. I glanced at my watch desperately waiting for someone to take me to my love of life - my Candy.

"Kabir Singh Raizaada?" a voice called me from behind. Instantly my jaws hardened and the whole body tensed up. I turned slowly and found a guy staring at me with a smirk.

"I am..." I whispered to him. "I know...Come with me..." he smirked again and started walking. I followed him, but he was too fast. So, I had to run behind him to catch up with him.

"Where is Candy?" I asked as I panted heavily. But he didn't respond. I asked again and again, and again, but he just kept on ignoring me. Soon we stopped near a building. It was a huge bungalow.

"Is she here?" I asked that guy. But he again ignored me and walked inside. He eyed other armed men guarding the entrance to let them enter, and without a say, they opened the gate for us.

Kabir's pov ended

Kusum's pov started

I woke up a long time later. At first, a banging headache attacked me and I closed my eyes again quickly. Slowly, I opened them once more and blinked. I didn't know where I was. The violet colored walls were unrecognizable. I gazed sideways, and found myself in a huge hallroom.5 armed guards were standing near me. My eyes felt again heavy, and a sharp pain hit me. I closed my eyes and tried to remember my last memory. Several blurred images flashed before my eyes, and it stopped as I remembered my last memory.

"I was with Rudra...We both were in his house in Shimla...Then...no...nothing...I just remember smiling at him as I was sipping hot steaming coffee together...He was talking about his childhood, while I was thinking about Kabir...Why did he ditched me in my birthday...? It was our tradition...And he just broke it just because I am dating a guy he doesn't like much? But I thought he was starting to like him...Or maybe he was just pretending as he didn't want to upset me..." I sighed. Suddenly I felt constant patting on my cheeks. I fluttered my eyes open again, and saw Rudra hovering over me.

"Are u alive?" he asked me sarcastically, making me frown.

"Where am I?" I asked him.

"U are safe...yet..." he grinned at me. I sat up with great difficulty and glanced at him who was sitting beside me and was glancing at the armed men.

"I hope this guys are straight..." Rudra grinned.

"Eh?"I asked in confusion.

"Nothing..." He shrugged. "Rudra, how did we reach here?" I asked him as I stole glances at the guards who were standing like statues.

"I don't know...We were drugged...But I heard the sound of jet engine...So, I guess we are away from our home..." he sighed. Then he glanced at me and asked, "How much do ur Kabir loves u?"

"Eh?" I blurted like a fool on hearing such a question all of a sudden.

"Come on...Do u think I am blind...Everyone can see the feelings u both have for each other..." he rolled his eyes. I looked away feeling embarrassed.

"He is the one who hurt u, isn't it?" he asked me tilting his head with a faint smile. I lowered my eyes feeling guilty. Rudra was a great guy. He deserved my loyalty. But I was never loyal and truthful to him. Although we dated, I secretly wished it to be Kabir in place of Rudra.I secretly wished it to be Kabir who kissed me, held my hands and spent time together watching the sunset.

"I am sorry..." I mumbled. "Don't be sorry, Kusum...I know how u feel...Guilt is written all over face..." he whispered.

"So...Why do u ask me about Kabir loving me?" I asked him again glancing at the guards.

"Because, only if he loves u enough, then we will be saved..." he whispered.

"What do u mean?" I asked him. An ugly feeling coiled my stomach.

"The Killer of Danny used u as bait to lure Kabir...Only he can save us..." he whispered tightly as his jaws hardened.

"What?" I gasped.

"Why...Why did he lure him here?" I asked him, but I guessed I already knew the answer.

"Why do u think?" he cocked an eyebrow at me, making me hold my breath in shock. Suddenly I heard a sound of footsteps climbing downstairs. We turned our head and saw the back of a guy. He seemed to be familiar. I looked at Rudra who was murmuring something softly.I ignored him and again turned towards that guy's direction, when he turned back slowly, and our eyes met.

"You...?" I whispered in shock, while Rudra's eyes were narrowed at that guy, and lips were curled in disgust.

"Finally got u..." I heard him say.

Kusum's pov ended

Ch 9

Kabir's pov started

We passed several corridors and some rooms and stopped outside a huge hall.

"She is here..." the guy replied at last, and eyed me to enter. I took a deep breath and entered the hall. It was a ball room I guess. From the chandelier on the ceilings to the bronze statues at the corner of the rooms was screaming money. I couldn't help but admire the beauty of the way it was decorated. Suddenly my eyes fall on Candy lying on the floor, and Rudra patting her cheeks.

"Get off her u bas***d..." I creamed and rushed towards Rudra, pulling him away from her and punching his face. He stumbled back as blood came out from the corner of his lips.

"Whoa...Whoa...Easy He-man..." I heard someone say.I turned around and saw Karan standing in front of me with an amusing smile.

"Brother?" I called him in confusion.

"Hello, brother...I hope u didn't had any problem in reaching here..." he asked me titling his head as his lips curved into a lopsided smile.

"I told u not to follow me...It could risk my Candy's life...Why don't u listen to me?" I asked him in frustration.

"Because it's me...oops...us...who called u," he grinned at me.

"He is one of the killer of Danny...Infact , he was the one who lured Danny from the gas-station to the real abuser's house...He is a pimp to the huge homosexual racket , popularly known as Michel by the gay escorts..." Rudra said looking at me in a serious tone.

"No...No..." I stumbled back. My eyes were shedding tears and mouth was slightly open in shock. Gradually my face turned into a bitter scowl and I grabbed Karan by his collar, and then threw punches at him.

"Why?" I screamed in pain and agony.Suddenly , I felt that everything we shared since childhood were lies...fake...I couldn't stand the heart ache I felt.It seemed that thegrief would consumed me wholly.

"Because I hate u..." he said with venom.His eyes were blazing with hatred for me.

"Why?" I asked him painfully.

"Did u ever thought that inspite of I being the elder, why u were chosen as the heir of the Raizaada empire? Why mom-dad loved u and let u live ur life in ur terms, and I was scolded, punished & insulted for small things?" he hissed.

"Ho...How all this is connected to what u did?" I asked him in confusion.

"Because the story he told u about Kanishka , was actually his story..." Rudra murmured.

"What?" I blurted in shock.

"Yes, I am homosexual...And when mom-dad came to know this they felt that I am abnormal...They forced me to change my sexual preference...They didn't understand that this is what I am..." Karan screamed in anger as tears rolled down his cheeks.

"I saw u being born...And slowly they drifted more from me to the perfect beautiful child they have...Nothing seemed to anger them if it was related to u...Kabir spends nights with random girls, but he is forgiven...Kabir breaks engagement with his fiance for a stupid reason, but he is forgiven...Kabir bribes the security , destroys his fiance summer collection dresses , cut them into pieces and burned them to pay back what she told to ur Candy , but still...still he is forgiven..." He screamed like a maniac. He gave a haunted smile to me that sent shiver down my spine. Taking slow predatory steps, he whispered, "So, when my partner who is the head of this most profitable business, offered me to take u I agreed...On one side, I will gift u a life worse than death, and on other side, mom-dad will have no choice other than selecting me as the next heir of Raizaada Empire..." He grinned at me.

"U hate me so much that u didn't flinch to sell me for ur own benefit?" I asked him painfully.

"Yes, I didn't flinch a bit...I did everything without batting an eyelid..." He grinned again.

"Don't u want to see the person who bought u from me?" he asked tilting his head. As he moved away, I saw the person whose eyes were all over me, making me coil in disgust. It was none other than my childhood friend, and our business partner's son Keshav Rajput. He walked towards me in slow steps while his eyes were looking at me from top to bottom. Lust was oozing out of his every move. He stood few inches away from me and forwarded his hand towards me, "Let me introduce myself...I am KSR...Keshav Singh Rajput..."

"U really gave me some sleepless nights..." he grinned.

"Kabir...?" I heard a voice which I was longing for a long time to hear.I rushed to her side and took her head in my lap.

"Hey , Candy...Don't worry I am here..." I whispered caressing her face.

"Why? Why did u come? Are u stupid?" she asked in tears. I glanced at Keshav's direction and said in a firm tone, "U wanted me...and I am here now...Just let them go..."

"Sorry, dear...But the little hanky panky between u both gave me headache for a long time...So , I want to have some fun in return..." he smirked. He walked towards Candy and pulled her up by hair , and then pointed a knife on her neck.

"U love to feel wanted, isn't it? Attention is all u ever wanted...be it from parents, girlfriends or ur precious Candy...U think that world revolves around u, and all are bound to do what u want..." he smirked.

"So here, let me provide u some unwanted attention...And I will the puppeteer to pull ur strings..." he said and eyed his guards towards me.

"Take off ur clothes...Show me ur edges...I want to see with my own eyes where u end and where I begin...I want to see where I fit , and where I leave off being u and turn into me..." he whispered.I looked at Candy who was shocked , scared and worried for me.

"Close ur eyes, Candy," I whispered with a faint sad smile.

"Eh?" she blurted.

"Just close ur eyes," I whispered again. She closed her eyes, and I began to strip myself. One by one all my clothes joined on the floor leaving me only in my boxers. The guards came towards me. I could see the lust shining in their eyes. I closed my eyes knowing I had to face this humiliation. The guards surrounded me and started touching me. I bit my lips to endure which could be the most humiliating experience for a man. Their lips started finding way to my back making my eyes watered in disgust.

"How does it feel to get humiliated, Kabir?" he smirked.

"If u want I can make them stop," he smirked again. The guys brought some candles and put drops on my shoulder making me yelp in pain. I bit my lower lips to stifle my sobs, but couldn't control my tears. I was by now sure that it was a start of the pain and humiliation, and it would be worse that Danny had endured. So, I tried to deviate myself from those gross act. My mind wandered through all the beautiful moments I spent with my Candy. My lips curved into smile when her smiling face, her pouting lips and cute antics flashed before my eyes.

"Stop it..." Keshav screamed in anger. His eyes were blazing like fire.

"What's wrong with u? Where is that guy gone who puts everyone to their place with a click of his finger?" he screamed again. His whole body was shaking in anger. He threw Candy in anger who landed up in Rudra's arms, and marched towards me pulling me by shoulder.

"What's in that ugly s**t that u are willing to go through this pain and humiliation?" he screamed again.

"I loved you my whole life and you haven't noticed me not once...And now here I am standing in front of u , begging u to love me , but all u are doing to look at her with love..." he pleaded me.But my eyes were only on my Candy , who was in tears.

Keshav went mad in anger and he picked up a hockey stick and began to thrash me randomly.My face scrunched in pain, but I didn't beg him to stop.

"Does it hurt?" he screamed.

"Not a bit..." I managed to say making him angrier.

"Kick his ass..." He screamed. The guards brought whips with them and began to whip him , making him arch his back in anger.

"Why?" Candy cried.

"Why are u letting them hurt u? Why don't u take them all?" she screamed again in pain.

"I am giving u last chance...Just look in my direction...I will do anything for u..." Keshav screamed again. Suddenly there were sounds of police sirens. Rudra grabbed Candy's hand and dragged her to a corner and hid themselves. I sighed in relief that even if I die, she had Rudra with her. He was a great guy and would definitely tale care of her just like I did for the past 11 yrs.

"Rudra, leave me...Kabir needs me..." Candy said as she tried to pry his hands off her mouth.

"Exactly...And for that u need to be safe so that Kabir could take care of himself instead of getting weak due to ur presence..." he replied.

Within minutes the building was surrounded by police. They arrested Keshav , Karan and their whole racket of homosexual escorts. After they were taking down, Rudra and Candy came out of their spots. Candy rushed to my side. I was barely conscious, but my heartfelt her soft hands taking me in embrace and crying softly.

Kabir's pov ended

Ch 10

After a week

In the hospital

Kusum's pov started

Kabir was in his bed on his back with thick layers of bandages wrapped around his broad chest. His arms , back and shoulders had bandages on them too as well as patches for the smaller burns.

He didn't open his eyes to see who it was when he said, "Candy." His eyes opened and he turned to look at me.

"I am sorry for everything..." he whispered.

"Don't be...It's not ur fault..." I whispered back.

"Candy," Kabir lifted his head to gaze at me.

"Yeah?" I paused, watching him as if it's the 1^st time I had laid my eyes on him..

"I know I'm not perfect," he sat up on his elbows.

"Kabir I know," I looked at him longingly. "Neither am I. I'm far from it."

He smiled faintly, his hair glowing in the moonlight from the window, "You're the best thing that's happened to me. Even though we fight...it only makes me want you more."

"We are like magnets drawn to eacgh other even if we had drifted for some reason...That's why we always find our ways to each other..." he smiled again.

"So...I...I was thinking...Will u be my girlfriend , and give me the honour to make u happy...and be the guy who can bring smile to ur face..." He whispered nervously.

"Yes," I answered through trembling lips. "I want to be with you, only you."

Kabir's reaction wasn't one that I expected and he buried his face in his hands.

I frowned in concern and stepped closer to him until I could smell the citrus shampoo he'd used to wash his hair.

"Kabir?" I murmured quietly.

When he didn't move, I slowly knelt down so that we were face level and took his hands away from his face. Kabir sniffed, scowling and turning his face away from me.

I held one of his hands in mine as he rubbed at his eyes with the other. I wanted to kiss him but I was afraid he'd reject me.

When he finally looked at me again, I saw so much love in his glimmering eyes. It made me feel so emotional, knowing that his love was towards me. That out of all the people out there, I was the one who'd captured his heart.

Kabir slowly took my face in his hands and leaned in towards me. I knew what was coming and still lost my breath before our lips had even touched.

When they did touch, our kiss felt electrifying. He kissed me slowly but firmly, I could feel his passion through his tongue coaxing mine. I kissed him back just as slowly, feeling the tingling energy build up between us. I was so breathless I had to pull back.

"Sorry," he mumbled, looking down at his lap.

"No," I said quickly. "Don't be sorry, I like it. Wi-will it always be like that when we kiss?"

Kabir looked up at me with a smile forming on his face.

"Yeah," he replied before touching the tip of my chin and kissing me again.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANDY..." he whispered between the kiss.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY KABIR..." I whispered back.

"THIS IS THE BEST BIRTHDAY I HAVE EVER HAD...IT'S PERFECT..." he said as his lips travelled all over my face.

"IT'S BEYOUND PERFECT..." I grinned at him making him smile too.

Kusum's pov ended

Finally Kabir's dream to kiss his beloved with Eiffel tower in the background was fulfilled. They continued to kiss as the dazzling and beautiful Eiffel Tower could be seen from the window of the hospital room.

(This is very sensitive topic, and those who hates homosexuality can stay away...)

Ch 11

Kusum's pov started

After a yr

"Candy...Candy...Where is my tie?" Kabir shouted from his room.

"It's in the bed dear..." I rolled my eyes.

"I can't believe that Kumud and Rudra were getting married...She finally let go of her past and accepted Rudra in her life...The guy really deserves it..." Kabir said as he tied his tie.

Wait...I hadn't told Rudra's side of story. Actually Rudra was a CBI officer who was sent to investigate the murders and rapes of teenage boys for the past 2 yrs.Danny was not the 1^st victim. Before him there were many reports of sudden disappearances, and the police didn't get any clue to carry on the investigation. They suspected that one of their own was disappearing the evidences. So, when Danny's body was found, which was the 1^st body ever found and identified, Rudra was sent undercover to investigate the case. He found some proofs against Karan, but it was just a circumstantial evidence, not something solid to put him behind bars. So, he joined our college to befriend Kabir.But accidentally he bumped on me and gradually fell in love with me. Within a short time, he figured it out that I weas in love with Kabir.He was highly jealous and wanted to have me for himself. So he decided to give me a birthday surprise without involving Kabir.When we were having our dinner in a restaurant, his men informed him that Karan was seen travelling to Paris a lot. He was up to something. So, he became alert. He called one of his trusted men, and ordered him to bug Karan and Kabir in the mansion.When I asked Rudra why did he bugged Kabir , he said that it was his intuition that told him to do so. After that they went to Shimla where we spent some great time, but unfortunately ended up being drugged and kidnapped. It was because he bugged Karan and Kabir that the police reached them on time, off course after they cleared some legal formalities for catching killer outside their jurisdiction.Also, Kanishka was released as he was proven innocent.Actually he and his family was threatened , so he had no other choice than to agree to Karan.Infact , he being a gay made it all the more easy for Karan to send him behind bars. But thanks to Rudra , his efforts saved an innocent life.

After returning back to India , Rudra broke up with me as he figured out that I would never be happy with him.Kumud was heartbroken when she came to know that fiance was behind everything.I was confused why Danny didn't know Keshav.At that time , Kumud told us that Danny had never met the guy who was engaged to her.Everytime they decided to meet each other something would come up and their meeting would get cancelled. Even when during her engagement, Danny was not in India.

After 6 months of the whole fiasco, I found out that Rudra was secretly in love with Kumud,I told about this to Kabir and we both played cupid to get them together. In the meantime, Kabir and Rudra became great friends just like I am with Kumud.And after a whole 1 yr of dating, they decided to marry.

In their engagement night, Kabir officially proposed me with a ring making me gasp in shock. I never thought that he would do it soon. But who was complaining? I bent to my knees in his level and kissed him with all love accepting his proposal.

So , here I was busy with the preparation of Kumud's marriage and then after a week I would be marrying my man of dreams - MY KABIR...and will be officially become Mrs Kusum Singh Raizaada...

Kusum's pov ended

end

The best OS:My beloved

The best emotional OS:My Dream Girl and Entry no.16 because there is no name mention

The best tragedy:BROKEN

The best supernatural OS:Who Are You

The best love story: Humari Kahani and MY PRINCE CHARMING

The cutest OS:Tom and jerry

The best romantic OS: HAUNTING EYES

The most passionate OS :CRUSHED BY MY CRUSH

The best Hot OS:BHOGI [LOHRI]

The most natural OS: PYAR KYA HOTA HAY

.All the os are brilliant so thanku for PM dear 😳

All the stories were fabulous.👏
My voting is as follows:
THE BEST STORY:MY BELOVED

THE BEST EMOTIONAL STORY:CRUEL GAME BY DESTINY

THE BEST TRAGEDY:MY PRINCE CHARMING

BEST SUPERNATURAL:WHO ARE YOU

BEST LOVE STORY:HUMARI KAHANI

CUTEST STORY:HAUNTING EYES/CRUSHED BY MY CRUSH

BEST ROMANTIC STORY: PYAR KYA HOTA HAI/ BHOGI LOHRI

MOST PASSIONATE STORY:MY BELOVED

MOST HOT STORY:MY BELOVED

MOST NATURAL STORY:MY DREAM GIRL

Special mention to entry no 16 based on a sensitive topic

Freaking awesome girl,but my favorite is my beloved and hamari kahani