Chapter 26 to 30 on Pg 19 Predator Series AdvNi FF ..New thread - Page 11

I loved that once he knows the exact problem and about Veer's workload

I love Diane and I want her to meet Chandni ASAP

I can understand Advay not being aware of it but Diane knows

An update after so long. Diane and Veer are so cute. I really loved the kind of bond Advay shares with Diane. I know I keep on demanding a lot from you but what to do, you're such a good writer. Please try to update this story as well and if it's getting hectic then maybe you could update one or two chapters of Entrapment instead of five. At the end, it's your call. And I think none of us want to stop getting updates of your stories, so please take care of yourself and don't exert yourself in trying to give out many and regular updates.

Chitra I hope you remember my request for a Karva Chauth scene where they are just the two of them alone in the house

Thank you so much for updating this story

Wish there were more people like Diane in all offices

HMM: The below content is adult...Hmm...it is 15+ for sure, would I call it 18+ I am not sure..Chalo lets say 18+ to be on the safer side... Sorry the kind of 18+ scenes that I have written for Entrapment makes everything else seem 15+ these days 😆

Advay strode into the lounge, it was almost half past eleven at night. He had had a busy day at work and had missed Chandini all day. He still had the mammoth task of making up to her. He ran up the stairs loosening his tie. He had spent all evening driving to the warehouse and back, thankfully the traffic hadn't been too bad, but it was one hell of a long drive. He smiled to himself thinking about Veer again, he was one of the most hard-working people he had ever met. Hard working yet modest and friendly. Friendliness, he sighed, that was one quality he lacked, he sighed again as he strode into his bedroom. The bedroom was empty. Where was Chandini? He quickly checked the bathroom, she wasn't in there too. He decided to get changed and check Nani's room. She had been spending a lot of time with his grandmother ever since she had started teaching at the temple. He smiled as he slipped into his white cotton shirt, she seemed happy and confident, now that she had a job, nothing like the Chandini of Allahabad he had blackmailed into marrying him. He chuckled to himself, blackmailing her was the best thing he had ever done in his life.

He quickly ran down the stairs towards Nani's bedroom and stopped in his tracks as something caught the corner of his eye. He furrowed his brows, was it? A warm smile spread across his face as he made his way towards the dining area. Chandini had fallen asleep on the table beside an empty plate. He sat beside her and stroked her hair softly, she had been waiting for him. Tears welled his eyes, she had forgiven him. He tucked the strand of hair behind her ears and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. She whimpered in her sleep. He continued to nuzzle her face, he had missed her all day, had missed listening to her chirp on the phone at lunch time, had dreaded she would torture him with a cold shoulder for the next couple of days. But thankfully here she was, waiting for him at the dining table.

"Chandini,' He whispered as he kissed her cheek again, "wake up. It's late.'

She stirred and rubbed her eyes. What time was it? She scanned the room, where was she? She lifted her gaze to a smiling Advay as soon as realised where she was?

"Where have you been?' She grumbled. "It's so late.'

"Sorry, have been busy today, did you have your dinner?'

She shook her head and scanned the food on the table. She was going to have to re-heat the dinner again. She got up and collected the bowls.

"Where are you going?'

"To re-heat the dinner.'

Advay too stood up and picked the dal and the rice and followed her into the kitchen. He arranged the table while she warmed the food. He sighed, she hadn't said much, was she still upset with him? Chandini gave the dal a quick stir. She had been waiting for him to call her all day and now it seemed like he was ignoring her. Tears stung her eyes, she had over-reacted in the morning. But he had called her fat. Was he not talking to her?

"Chandini,' He wrapped her arms around her. Chandini heaved a sigh of relief leaning back into his arms. She had missed him all day.

"I am sorry.' He said.

"I am sorry too,' She choked on her tears and wrapped her arms around him, "I over-reacted.'

"Hmm you did over react.'

"You called me fat.'

"What,' He gasped, "When did I say that?'

"This morning.'

"No,' He scanned his photographic memory, he had never used that word, "I am certain I never said that.'

"I said Shikha thinks I have gained weight.'

"Yeah.'

"And asked what you thought,' She frowned.

"And all said,' He said in his defence, "was that, you have, maybe a little bit.'

"See,' Tears welled her eyes, "you are calling me fat again.'

"Stop it,' He kissed the tears in his eyes. Chandini continued sniffling, everyone was calling her fat. Maybe he didn't find her attractive anymore. Maybe he didn't love her anymore.

"You don't find me attractive, do you?'

"What?' Advay groaned in despair, he was going to have to strangle Shikha, "You are not fat,' He said in a low seductive voice, "you are curvy.'

She gasped as soon as he squeezed her bottom.

"You have gained curves in all the right places,' He nuzzled against her mouth as he squeezed her bottom, "and your sexy curves drive me insane.'

Chandini giggled, he truly knew how to win her over.

"Are you still mad at me?'

She shook her head. She wasn't mad at him, she had missed him all day.

"How was your day?' She asked him resting her head on his chest.

"Busy.' He sighed, "how was yours?'

"Lonely.'

Advay held her face in his hands and kissed her mouth tenderly. He hadn't kissed her all day, had missed her all day. He bit softly on the plump of her lip, sucking and tugging at her lips before forcing his tongue to plunder her mouth. Chandini kissed him back fervently. She had missed him all day. She was going to have to screw Shikha's ears when she would see her the next day, she was the reason she hadn't kissed her husband all day. Advay lifted her and placed her on the edge of the kitchen island as he deepened his kiss. Chandini gasped as soon as he pushed her saree up to her waist. They were in the middle of the kitchen. Had he lost his mind?

"Advay,' She moaned as he began unhooking her blouse.

"Hmm.'

"W...we in the kit...chen,' She could barely form words with his mouth sucking at her tautened nipples. This was the most adventurous thing she had ever done. Anyone could happen upon them.

"It's my house.' He grunted releasing the buttons on his trouser. "and I have missed you all day.'

He wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled her closer.

"Don't ever do this to me again.' He warned her. "don't ever leave me without kissing me bye.'

Chandini moaned aloud as soon as he rammed himself into her in one powerful thrust. She tightened her grip around him and drew him closer to her body as he began ploughing into her. This was exciting, this was fun. Just the element of surprise had aroused her all the more.

"What if someone walks in?'

"That's their problem,' He murmured as he kept thrusting in and out of her. "Don't worry, it's late, no one will come into the kitchen at this hour.'

She finally let go of herself and grabbed his mouth into hers, biting hard into his lip as he kept building the tension within her.

"Do you see how deeply you affect me?' He murmured in a low grit. "Do you still think I don't find you attractive.'

A moan escaped Chandini's lips in response, her brain had turned numb to the intense sensations he was sending coursing through her body with every thrust of his hip.

"You are sexy Chandini,' He murmured against her lips, "sexy like hell...and I can't seem to get enough of you.'

Chandini dug her nails in his back, as he finally pushed her to the edge of ecstasy and pushed her off her reason with a powerful thrust. She moaned out loud and convulsed around him, drawing his deeper into her. Waves of ecstasy hit her hard, consuming her of everything. Advay kept thrusting harder and deeper as she gripped and spasmed around his girth forever. He had lost his reason as he let go of himself and finally exploded into ecstasy within the depths of her wet heat. He groaned as pleasure hit him like waves on a rocky cliff and he exploded again and again for what seemed like for eternity. Chandini gasped for short bursts of breath as she continued squirming in his arms. She moaned again, she had never felt anything this powerful in a long time. Advay chuckled against her mouth calming his erratic heart, glad she had agreed to his madness. He kissed her softly, she giggled weakly while blushing to herself. This was the naughtiest thing she had ever done in her life. They had made love in the middle of the kitchen. Her was turning her shameless just like himself. They laughed together and continued to stay in each other arms with Advay supporting her weight against him as she struggled to stay propped up on the edge of the worktop.

"Was that good?' He murmured.

She nodded softly, resting her exhausted body against his.

"We need to do this more often.'

She giggled.

"Let's have dinner now,' He kissed her mouth again, as he pulled her saree down to her ankles. "I am starving, I need to gather my energy for round two.'

She trembled on shaky legs as he helped her to her feet, her powerful climax had left her breathless and weak. Advay held her close chuckling to himself. Maybe it was time he thanked Shikha after all.

"Why don't you sit, I'll warm the food.' He chuckled at her muddled state. She shook her head, she just wanted him to hold her, just wanted to sleep in his arms. She was totally drained, consumed by his passion. A sweet lull took over her body. He grabbed her mouth again for another passionate kiss. Would he ever get his fill of her? He wondered as he continued kissing her.

"Let's try the floor after dinner,' He whispered against her mouth. She blushed to herself, she was willing to try anything with him. But for now, she needed rest. She closed her eyes and rested her head against his slow thudding heart as he continued warming the dinner.

The sun was out, it was a crisp morning with the birds chirping in glee. Shikha and Meghu sat out on the balcony and sipped on their tea. It had already been a week since they had moved into the flat and today was Sunday, their favourite day of the week. It was a small but cosy apartment. They were surrounded by two other buildings, which made them feel all the more cosier and warm. They had made a few friends; the neighbours were friendly thankfully. Life in Mumbai reminded them of their carefree childhood in Banaras with Mamaji and Chandini. Their sister was here in the same city, but it was Mamaji they missed the most. They sighed again as they looked out of the balcony and watched the kids play catch in the garden.

"It feels amazing nahi,' Shikha said, "To be able to have your independence.'

"Hmm...I agree.'

"It reminds me of Banaras.'

"Me too, wish Jiji was with us.'

"Hmm...me too.' Shikha sighed, she was closer to Chandini than Meghu. But Chandini was now a married woman and had found her happiness with her husband. She smiled, happy her sister had moved on in life and found love with her husband. Soon Meghu too would leave for the UK and she would be left all by herself. She sighed and rested her head on Meghu's chest.

"Kya hua?'

"Just missing old days in Banaras.'

"Hmm.'

"Achcha Meghu,' She sat up again, "I am thinking on taking up a job, so we can ease things up for Mamaji.'

"I have already thought about that,' Meghu said, "I am giving tuition to the kids next door from tomorrow.'

"Really?' Shikha beamed, "Why didn't you tell me?'

"The lady next door, Meena Didi, asked me this morning, you were in the shower... I agreed.'

"Wow that's a relief.'

"It's three kids for now, but I am sure more kids will join once people get to know we give tuitions.'

Shikha nodded, she could help Meghu and together they could give tuitions. It could reduce the burden on their Mamaji. Something was better than nothing. Thankfully Advay had furnished the house and stacked the kitchen with two months' worth of food. But they couldn't take advantage of his goodness any more than they already had.

"Jijaji loves Jiji, hain na,' Shikha smiled warmly.

"Hmm,' Meghu smiled back.

"I am glad she found him,' Shikha said again, "Mamaji was right, he is a good man. I misjudged him. But the things he said and did, anyone would have thought his intentions were not good.'

"He is a strange man,' Meghu giggled, "but I am glad Jiji is happy now. She is lucky to have found such a sweet loving family.'

"Hmm...I agree.'

"Achcha what time is the wedding.'

"Oh god,' Shikha jumped to her feet, she had forgotten all about the wedding. "Where's my phone?' She quickly grabbed her phone and checked the text Chandini had sent her, "Oh, it's at seven, but Jiji wants us to join them for lunch. Murli will be here by eleven, what time is it?'

She checked her phone again it was half past nine.

"We don't have much time, we need a few things, can you go down to the shops?' Meghu said, "I'll go buy some vegetables. I start my course from tomorrow, tho won't have time.'

"That's fine, I'll buy vegetables tomorrow.'

"No,' Meghu frowned, "you are clueless when it comes to buying vegetables, those shop keepers will fool you and we will end up with inedible bhindi like the last time.'

"That's so unfair,' Shikha pouted at her sister, but she did have a point, she was clueless when it came to buying vegetables.

"Here is a list, we need these spices,' Meghu forwarded a list on her phone, "you go to the grocers, and I'll go down to the market.'

"Why do we need spices?'

"Jiji gave me a recipe,' Meghu picked her purse and grabbed the keys, "it's a special masala mix she makes, I am missing a few ingredients.'

Shikha nodded as she followed her sister out of flat with a bag in her hand.

"Also buy us some biscuits please.'

Chandini sat before her mirror waiting for Advay to emerge from the bathroom. He had the most important ritual of their day to fulfil, to fill her parting with Sindoor. She blushed as the memories of the previous night flashed before her eyes. Advay had made love to her again on the kitchen floor after dinner. Did he ever tire? She giggled, the kitchen would never look the same again. Her husband and his shameless ideas, she sighed. But she loved him and he loved her back.

She checked her reflection in the mirror again, had she truly gained weight? She frowned to herself. Maybe she could start a diet. She could get Pooja to help her get on a similar diet like herself.

She took a deep breath as soon as she heard the bathroom door click. It was that breath-taking moment of the day when her husband strode out of the bathroom, wrapped in scrap he called towel, glistening in drops of water, looking drop dead gorgeous. She waited for him to emerge, chuckling to herself. He knew she was waiting and took all the time to make his grand appearance on purpose. Advay waited for a moment, just to create that extra suspense. The look on her face always made his day.

Chandini felt her breath catch in her lungs as soon as he stepped out of the bathroom and winked at her. She sighed getting up to her feet, had this gorgeous man made love to her last night? He shook his wet hair on her face, like he did every day and kissed the droplets off her shoulder. Chandini giggled. Would they ever tire of each other?

"What's the plan for today?' He asked as he picked the veil of Sindoor, filled her parting and leaned in to kiss her parting.

"Meghu Shikha are here for lunch, and we are meant to be going to a wedding in the evening.'

"Oh,' He sighed, just when he had hoped to spend a day with his wife.

"What's wrong?'

"I was hoping we could spend some time alone.' He kissed her mouth leisurely, "but looks like I am going to lose you to your sisters again.'

Chandini admired him as he tugged at a pair of jeans and another one of his white cotton shirts.

"What are you wearing to the wedding?' He asked.

"The red saree you got me.'

"Hmm.'

He held her gaze and winked at her. She blushed fully aware of why he was winking at her.

"So,' He drew her in his arms, "did you like it last night?'

She nodded blushing to herself.

"Which one did you prefer, the floor or the worktop?'

"Both.' She giggled, she was surely turning into a shameless girl.

"Maybe we should try the lounge one day.'

She gasped out loud.

"And then we could try the stairs,' He continued, "you can rip my shirt as I climb up the stairs and throw yourself at me, rub your sexy body against me, drive me crazy with your need for me, and then I can ravish you on the stairs.'

Chandini turned a deep shade of red at a visual of his shameless suggestions.

"You should look at your face,' He nuzzled against her, "my cute little tomato.'

"What would like for lunch?' She asked finally, hoping to steer the conversation.

"You.'

"Stop,' She smacked his chest.

"Let's have breakfast first,' He said, "I am sure they must be waiting for us.'

She nodded.

He laced her fingers into his as they finally made their way down for breakfast. The entire family had already gathered by the time Advay and Chandini sat down for breakfast. Aadi chirped and giggled with Pooja, while Leela and Nani had a hearty chat. Advay watched Chandini as she began buttering his toast. A routine she had got into ever since she had begun working at the temple. He sighed, the sound of love, the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. He loved Sundays it was the best day of the week. He wanted to add Saturday to the list of best days soon. Veer did seem like the perfect candidate to share his responsibilities. They could share the work load between them. He lacked the experience but he had the intent to take on more work and expand his horizons. Maybe if he took Veer under his wings and groomed him, just like his grandfather had once groomed him. He smiled as she handed him his toast.

Meghu squabbled politely with the vendors struggling to bargain the price for a cauliflower. The prices in Mumbai had left her speechless. But she was a hard bargainer and she was not going to go down without striking a good bargain. The hindi these vendors spoke was doing her head in. It was some strange language they spoke in, it surely wasn't hindi, no one spoke hindi like this. Hindi was meant to be a sweet language, but this language gave her an earache. She raked her hair in despair as she continued politely requesting for a reduction in price.

"They won't give you a bargain if you speak to them with so much respect.' She heard a kind sweet voice from behind her. She turned around to find a sweet plump woman probably in her late fifties grinning back at her.

"This is Mumbai not Illahabad.' The lady continued.

Meghu studied her with widened eyes, how did she know where she was from?

"How did you know I am from Allahabad?'

"Are you?' The lady put her heavy basket on the ground beside Meghu and wiped the sweat off her face, "nahi I said Illahabad because I am from Illahabad.'

"Are you?' Meghu's eyes widened in glee, "I am from Allahabad too.'

"Oh, I am so glad to have met a fellow Illahabadi.' She smiled warmly, "tabhi sochu, you have such a sweet polite hindi.'

Meghu smiled, it was her sweet polite language that wasn't cutting the mustard with these obnoxious rude vendors of Mumbai. The lady pushed her gently to one side and got down to show her the ropes on how it is done here in Mumbai.

"Oh Bhau,' She yelled rudely in a half-baked Mumbaiyya hindi, "Bole toh Kami karo...'

Meghu struggled to muffle her giggles, she was an adorable lady. She watched her with amusement as the lady continued arguing with the shop keeper, till she finally hit a bargain. Meghu gasped softly, the vendor had agreed to reduce the price. She watched the lady in awe, she surely had a thing or two to learn from her. Meghu paid the vendor and bagged the cauliflower. She checked her bag, she had got everything she wanted, at least she didn't have to worry about vegetables for the next couple of days now. The two women made their way back to the flats, Meghu frowned to see the lady limping. She quickly offered to carry her heavy basket for her and supported her against her body.

"What is wrong with your leg, aunty?' She asked.

"Ab kya bataoon,' She sighed, "Kalmuha a young boy rammed his cycle into me while I was making my way to the market. I twisted my ankle and have sprained it.'

"Oh no,' Meghu said, "Where do you live, I can take you home?'

"Wahi toh,' She sighed heavily, "my son has the keys to the flat, he had an urgent call from his friend and has gone out, I will sit down in the garden and wait for him.'

"Why don't you come home in that case?' Meghu smiled, "I'll make some tea, my sister gives amazing foot massages, she can help relieve you of your sprain.'

"Achcha,' The lady frowned to herself, it did sound like an idea, "Where do you live bitiya?'

"In this building here,' She pointed to one of the buildings as they made their way to the main gate.

"Oh, we live in that building,' The lady pointed to the building opposite Meghu's one. They laughed together they lived in the same society, they were neighbours. Meghu heaved a sigh of relief, as she helped the lady get into the lift, at least there was someone from Allahabad here. She didn't feel homesick anymore.

Shikha skipped back to her building, as she popped a spicy chana in her mouth that she had bought from a street vendor. She checked her bag again, she had bought everything on the list. Now she just had to quickly get dressed and wait for Murli. She smiled, she couldn't wait to meet her Jiji again. It had been a week since they met, though they spoke every day. She was excited about attending the wedding later that day. She smiled again, Naniji had invited them, her sister was truly lucky to have found such a lovely family. She was going to wear her navy saree, she had already asked Chandini to iron it and keep it aside for her. She didn't have any jewellery, but she sighed, the saree was dressy enough, she would have to do without jewellery.

She mindlessly crossed the road, lost in her own thoughts, forgetting that this was a bustling city. A helmeted guy on a bike approached her in full speed. She shrieked out loud and she froze to the spot in fear like a deer caught at the headlights. The man hit the brakes, but it was too late, he knocked her in her knee before he forced his vehicle to a halt. She wobbled on her feet and fell on the road.

"Andhe ho kya?' She yelled at the biker as she rubbed her scraped elbow. Her dress too had scraped at her knee. She got up to her feet furiously, while the man scrambled to his feet and gathered the packets that had fallen from her bag. She gasped aloud and grabbed the packets of biscuits. They had been crushed to a powder. Meghu was going to murder her. She grabbed her bag and went back to furiously glaring at the biker who was still wearing his helmet.

"I said are you blind,' She yelled at him, as he checked his bike to see if there was any damage.

"What?' He fumed removing his helmet. "am I blind...or are you blind. This is a main road not your backyard...silly girl.'

"Tum.' Shikha glared at him in shock.

"Oh Shit...Tum.' Veer glared back at her.

"Tum yahan kya kar rahe?' She snapped at him, gathering her senses again. What was he doing here? "I bet you have followed me here from Allahabad.'

"What?' Veer snapped, "Oh hello, I have better things to do in life.'

"Yeah like running people over and putting them in a wheelchair,' She wiped the blood trickling down her elbow with her dupatta.

"Here, let me have a look.'

"Don't touch me,' She glared at him, "Or I will slap you...you pervert.'

"What?' He sighed, "bhalai ka toh zamana nahi raha.'

He hopped on top of his bike, and wore his helmet again.

"Where do you live?' He asked, "I'll drop you.'

"No, thank you very much,' She snapped back, "I can walk.'

She swore under her breath as she dusted herself and wobbled her way towards her block of flats. Veer sighed in despair as he finally started his bike and drove towards where he lived.

Shikha furiously punched the lift button a few times. What was this pervert doing here in Mumbai, she wondered? Maybe it was a good idea to inform Advay, just for their own safety. She tapped her feet restlessly as the lift took forever to arrive. They lived on the third floor, she could take the stairs, but she felt too lazy to climb three flights of stairs, besides she had just met with an accident. She tapped her feet again, a young man stood behind her. She lifted her gaze to him and gasped as soon as she realised it was Veer again.

"Tum... are you following me?' She yelled at him, "Keh dete hai, ek ghoosa maroongi teek ho jaaoge.'

"Relax I am not following you, I don't even live in this building.'

"Oh yeah , toh where do you live?'

"There in that building there,' He grinned pointing to the building opposite theirs.

"Why are you here in Mumbai?' She glared at him certain he was following her. Why was this lift taking forever?

"Didi, there is a power cut, the lift is not working' one of the kids said before running out of the building.

She let out a sigh. She was going to have to climb three flights of stairs.

"They don't have back up here,' Veer said as he waited behind Shikha. Shikha glared at him making her way up the stairs.

"Dekho, I am going to ask you for the last time,' She took a deep breath and calmed herself, "Why are following me? You have no idea who my Jijaji is.'

"I am not following you,' He grinned at her, "Ok, batao how long have you been in Mumbai?'

"Since last week.'

"I have been living here for about five months now.'

"What?'

"Tho,' He raised his brow cheekily, "Are you following me?'

"Shut up,' She snapped as she made her way up the stairs with Veer skipping behind her. Why was he following her into her building if he lived in the opposite building?

"Why are you following me?'

"What?'

"You said you lived in the other building.'

"Oh,' He grinned, "My mother is here.'

That was it Shikha had had enough of his antics. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him.

"So, you live in that building, but your mother lives in this building,' She hissed, "Bewakoof samaj rakha hai kya mujhe... Keh deti hoon don't mess with me or I will punch your nose.'

"Calm down,' Veer slid past her, "My ammi is here, I had a call from her. I am not following you, I will walk ahead of you. So, you know I am not following you.'

She nodded. That sounded like a fair deal. She followed him suspiciously as he finally made it to the third floor and stopped. She narrowed her eyes and watched him like a hawk. There were a total of four flats on the floor, which flat was he going to knock. She gasped as soon as he knocked their flat. Veer grinned at her totally oblivious to why she was glaring at him murderously. Shikha pulled her phone out, it was time to call Advay and place a police complaint.

Veer knocked again. Meghu gasped out loud as soon as she opened the door. Veer too gasped in shock. He glanced in horror from Meghu to a glaring Shikha back to a wide eyed Meghu. What was going on here? He pulled his phone out again and dialled his mother's number, had he knocked the wrong house.

"Ammi, where are you?'

Meghu glanced at a glaring Shikha, as Veer checked the flat number, it was the right flat. What the hell?

"Hmm...Is my,' He gulped, "my ammi...my ammi...here?'

Meghu took a deep breath and nodded, as she held the door open for him. Shikha glared at her, what on earth was going on? What was his mother doing in their flat?

"Veeer naamakool kidhar tha tuuu,' Shikha jumped at the wail coming from inside their flat.

"Ammi,' Veer ran inside.

Shikha followed him on slow unsure feet, what was his mother like? Was she like him? Why had Meghu let her in? She didn't trust anyone easily, and Meghu was the most gullible girl in the world. Hence why she had ended up in the mess like she had when she had fallen pregnant. She took a deep breath still holding the phone in her hand ready to call Advay, and she stepped into the flat. She let out a soft giggle to find a sweet smiling lady getting her foot massaged by her silly son. She giggled again, his mother seemed adorable.

"Aunty this is my sister.'

"Haan Ammi this is Shikha,' Veer finished the sentence for Meghu. He watched Shikha's features like hawk, just to see if she had at least a flicker of guilt. But instead frowned in surprise to find her smiling at his mother. How? Why? He thought. Did she truly not recognise his mother, despite having sent her behind bars.

Shikha frowned at him to find him gawking at her. She didn't like him, but she couldn't help taking an instant liking for his adorable mother.

"Do you know her?'

"Haan, from Allahabad, we had common friends,' Veer quickly covered himself. Shikha glared at him, he had turned up to her Jiji's wedding as PP's friend, he was an imposter. She was going to have to collar him, but first she had to tend to his agonised mother. What was wrong with her?

"What is wrong with your leg auntyji?' She asked politely.

"I have sprained my ankle, my child,' She said.

"Shikha give auntyji a massage, she will feel better,' Meghu said, "We have been waiting for you.'

Shikha nodded her head as she got a bottle of her special herbal massage oil from her bedroom. She glared at Veer waving her hand at him, asking him to move aside, before sitting down at his mother's feet and massaging her ankle. Meghu made them another cup of tea while Shikha continued working on the swollen ankle.

Veer watched her with intent as she went about massaging his mother's feet wearing a sweet smile on her face. Was this the same girl who had filed a police complaint against his Ammi? He wondered. But she hadn't looked startled when she had met his mother, in fact she seemed pleased to have met her. It was clear she had never met her before, yet she had filed a police case against her. Why? He frowned. There was more to this, he was certain. There was a misunderstanding maybe, a thought crossed his mind. He was going to have to get to the bottom of this.

"Aaahhh,' His mother wailed as Shikha increased the pressure of her thumb against her ankle. Veer flinched.

"Ammi, how many times have I told you to watch where you are going,' Veer snapped, "there are hooligans here in this city who don't watch where they are driving.'

"Yes, that boy did seem like a hooligan,' His mother winced in pain, "and didn't even bother helping me or apologising to me. This city is full of impolite hooligans.'

"Haan auntyji,' Shikha twisted her mouth at Veer, "this city is full of impolite hooligans who drive like lunatics. You are lucky you were hit by a cyclist. I was hit by a motorcyclist on my way back.'

Meghu and Veer's mother gasped out loud. Veer gulped his breath, he was in a pickle now. Shikha pointed towards the bruises on her elbow as the other two women assessed her wounds.

"Beda garag ho kalmuhe ka,' Veer's mother swore, as Veer gulped sheepishly. "Does it hurt my child?'

"No, it isn't so bad thankfully,' Shikha continued fuming at Veer, "but the audacity... Ek toh chori upar se seena jori...he was the one driving like a manic... yet called me blind and what not.'

"What?' His mother exclaimed in horror. "Show me who he is, I will sort him out with my belan.'

Veer shuddered at the mention of his mother's infamous rolling pin. He glanced fearfully between his furious mother and a glaring Shikha.

Shikha watched him murderously. She wanted to tell his mother who the biker was, but he pleaded her with puppy eyes to save him from his mother and her belan. She giggled softly to herself.

"Jaane deejiye auntiji,' She said instead, "waisey bhi he was wearing a helmet.'

"Haan this helmet, this is another thing,' His mother said furiously, "Bas helmet pehenlo, hit anyone you feel and no one can recognise you... There is no question of a witness.'

"Ammi it's for the safety of the rider.'

"Haan and what about the safety of us pedestrians,' She glared at him, "are we supposed to wear body suits and walk around like robots.'

Shikha and Meghu burst out laughing out loud at the sweet lady's remarks. Shikha held her smiling gaze, she was adorable, she couldn't believe Veer had such a sweet mother. She took an instant liking to her.

Shikha and Meghu collapsed on the sofa giggling to themselves as soon as they had huddled Veer and his mother into the lift. Thankfully the power had come back in time. Veer's mother had been kind enough to exchange her phone number with the girls and had insisted they call her anytime they needed anything. She had also made Veer run back to their flat and fetch pickles and laddoos she had made earlier. Shikha stuffed her face with one of the besan laddoo and sighed. They were delicious.

"I can't believe he is her son,' Meghu said.

"I can't believe he is in Mumbai.'

"Is he following you?'

No, he has been here for the last five months.'

"Oh haan,' Meghu said, "that's right, aunty told me she has been shuttling between Allahabad and Mumbai since last few months.'

"She is a lovely lady though.'

"Hmm,' Meghu sighed.

"I am glad we have someone from Allahabad here,' Shikha sighed, "It makes me feel better.'

"I agree, I too felt the same.'

"Jiji would love meeting her.' Shikha got up to her feet and decided to get changed. "Meghu get dressed, Murli will be here any minute.'

"Haan.'

The lunch was a large happy event with everyone laughing and chatting. Chandini and her sisters had together cooked a simple Lunch with Shilpa and Murli helping them. It was a simple light meal of sandwiches and noodles, since they had a wedding to attend later, yet it was satisfying. Chandini smiled at a beaming Shilpa, she had been glowing ever since the day she had received a bunch of roses from Murli. Love, Chandini thought. Love sure makes the world go around. She admired the handsome smiling man beside her as she rested her head on his chest. Advay stroked the small of her back while he continued chatting with Pooja. Meghu and Shikha were busy chatting with Nani. Chandini sighed, Leela maasi was missing from action, she had gone out shopping with Jaya. She and Jaya had got along like fire and ice, but Leela Maasi was yet to warm up to her. How was she meant to make friends with Leela? How was she meant to resolve the tension between them? She didn't know the answer, but she knew she was going to have to kill the animosity between them. She was Advay's aunt, and she was going to have to break the ice and build a relation with her.

Advay gazed down at her.

"What's the matter,' He asked kissing her forehead.

She shook her head.

"Why that frown on your pretty face?'

"I was thinking about Leela Maasi,' She sighed, "What must I do to resolve the tension between us?'

"Don't worry, don't think too much and stress yourself.'

"Pata aapko,' She said, resting her head on his shoulder, "Jaya Maasi and I we get along effortlessly. It feels like I have known her for a lifetime. Par Leela Maasi, pata nahi.'

"Chandini what are you wearing tonight,' Pooja asked, totally oblivious to the conversation between Advay and Chandini. Advay took a deep breath, thankful Pooja had changed the subject.

"The red one Di,' She smiled back.

"The one that Bhaiyya got you?'
"Haan, that one...I have never worn it. It's too dressy, hence I thought I could wear it to the wedding.'

"What about you two.' She asked Shikha and Meghu.

"I am wearing Jiji's navy saree.' Shikha chirped.

"I haven't decided on any,' Meghu sighed, "but I might go through Jiji's sarees again to see if I can find anything.'

Chandini lifted her gaze to Advay, did he mind if she shared her sarees with her sisters. He didn't look startled at Shikha's words.

"You don't mind, do you?' She asked him just to ensure again he was fine with it.

"Mind what?'

"If Shikha and Meghu wore my sarees.'

"Your sarees, your sisters...where do I come in the picture.' He shrugged, "so long I get to undress you later, I don't mind anything.'

She blushed a deep shade of red, did he not have a filter. Well clearly not?

"Were you born like this?' She asked.

"You mean Perfect like this ... yes.'

"No, I meant shameless.'

"Your sexy curves have made me shameless and hungry.' He nuzzled against her cheek.

"Stop.' Chandini smacked the hand that had ventured down to her bottom. Advay chuckled to himself.

Chandini craned her neck and glanced at the clock on the wall. It was half past two. They had had a late lunch. The wedding was at seven. Maybe if they start getting dressed by four, she thought. She smiled again to find her sisters giggling and chatting with Nani and Pooja.

"Meghu, you can borrow one of my sarees,' Pooja finally said after their deep discussion on the matter. "I have a saree in a peach that will complement your skin tone. You can pair it with a blue blouse.'

Meghu's eyes lit up at her suggestion. She nodded in excitement, she loved pastels and this sounded like the perfect combination. She glanced at Chandini to find her nodding at her with wide eyes. Chandini smiled to herself, Meghu seemed happier ever since she had landed in Mumbai. The possibility of being able to move to the UK had brought about a positive change within her. She was happy her sister was finally able to look forward to something in life. But the thought scared her at the same time. She lifted her gaze to Advay who was busy sipping on his coffee. He was from the UK, he could help Meghu if she ever moved to London. But she didn't want Meghu to go anywhere, she wanted her to move on in her life. She wanted her to forget her past and get married to a good boy.

"Meghana,' Nani said in a stern voice, "have you got any jewellery with you?'

"No Naniji.' She whispered.

"No problem,' Pooja chirped, "I have this really pretty set, you can wear it tonight.'

"No Di,' Meghu glanced again at Chandini in alarm "I can't take it.'

"You must,' Nani said, "you must look your best. Now that your sister is married, it is your turn next. You never know you could grab someone's attention.'

"I don't want to marry Nani.' Meghu blink her tears away. Nani and Pooja giggled at her.

Chandini stiffened in her chair to find tears glistening in Meghu's eyes. Would her sister ever get over her past, would she ever forget Vidhwaan? She sighed in despair. She lifted her gaze to Advay to find him studying Meghu with narrowed eyes. Had he guessed? She wondered.

"Advay,' She tried distracting him.

"Hmm.'

"Will it be crowded tonight?'

"No, it's not a big wedding,' He smiled at her, "don't worry I'll there with you.'

She nodded sighing to herself. She didn't fear crowds like she used to anymore, yet the thought of being surrounded by too many strange faces scared her sometimes.

"Promise you won't leave my side,' She asked with hopeful eyes.

"Promise.'

She went back to resting her head on his shoulder. It looked like her life was finally falling into place.

"Chandini.'

"Hmm.'

"I have a present for you.'

She lifted her gaze to him curiously.

"You will see when I give it to you.'

She giggled softly, she couldn't wait to see what it was. But Advay was going to be beside her for the entire evening, that was the best gift ever.

Chandini finally took a twirl before the mirror and she admired herself. It was the expensive red saree Advay had got for her. It was a beautiful georgette saree, with delicate red roses embroidered throughout the pallu and the border. An intricate gold sequinned trim embellished throughout the edge of the saree, giving it a party look. She adjusted the pleats on her golden blouse again. She loved the blouse and how it complemented the saree. She opened her wardrobe and removed matching red bangles. Shikha had decided to go check on Meghu once she had got dressed in her navy saree. Chandini had insisted she wore her heart pendant necklace, the one that Advay had gifted her. Her red saree was quite dressy, it could do without any jewellery she thought. But Shikha's saree was a simple one, it looked bland without a neck piece.

She turned around as soon as she heard Advay clear his throat. She gasped to find him leaning against the wall behind her. How long had he been leaning and admiring her?

"When did you come?'

"When you were busy taking a twirl,' He smiled at her as he took slow measured steps towards her, till he finally trapped her between his hard-sculpted chest and the wardrobe. He placed his hands on either side of her face and leaned to capture her perfect lips in his mouth. A soft moan escaped Chandini's lips.

"You look stunning.'

She giggled softly, just what she had been wanting to hear.

"What are you wearing?'

"Suit.' He said, grabbing a pin stripe navy three-piece suit.

Chandini brushed her hair as she waited for Advay to emerge from the bathroom. She wore her kajal and lip balm and a subtle eye shadow in pink. She smiled at her reflection. She did look pretty.

Advay wrapped her in his arms as soon as he got dressed in his suit.

"Let's cancel,' He murmured against her ears, "let's have a candle-lit dinner out on the terrace, just the two of us with no one to intrude and disturb.'

She giggled, her husband and his excuses.

"I want to attend the wedding,' She said softly, "it's my student and her daughter's wedding.'

"What?' He chuckled.

"It's my student's wedding, and her mother too happens to be my student.' She said with pride, "We have a special invite.'

"Do we?'

He raised his brow as she handed him an invite specially made out to Mr and Mrs Advay and Chandini Singh Raizada.

"You are famous.'

"I can't wait to see her dressed like a bride.'

"Okay, let's go then,' He said.

"Where is my present?' She asked.

Advay sighed, he had almost forgotten. He opened his wardrobe again and handed her a box. She frowned, it looked like a jewellery. She gasped out loud as soon as she opened it.

"That is from Nani,' He said holding the Chandra haar between his fingers and slipping it around her neck. "Does it go with the saree?'

"It does,' Tears glistened in her eyes, it was the necklace Pooja had insisted her on getting all those weeks ago. Nani had eventually got it for her.

"What's the matter?' He wiped the tears that escaped her eyes.

"Your family have accepted me with open arms,' She sniffled, "thank you.'

"You are my wife,' He said, "you are the daughter-in-law of this house. Everyone loves you because,'

She lifted her gaze to his.

"Because you love everyone.'

She smiled wiping her eyes.

"Everyone but Leela Maasi.'

"Don't worry about my Maasi, she may seem harsh from the outside, but she is good hearted.'

Chandini nodded, there was no denying there. Leela was kind hearted. But it felt that she was holding a grudge against her. She didn't know why, but was sure it had something to do with her mother. Maybe she could ask Mamaji for advice, she thought.

"Shall we go?' She asked as he gave her another blue velvet box.

"What is this?'

"My mother's kangan.'

Tears glistened in her eyes, the moment she opened the box and removed the delicate ornate Kangan. The work was intricate, she had only worn it once. To be wearing it again felt like an honour. Advay began forcing it on her delicate hands. She giggled.

"What?'

She released the screw so the bangle fell apart.

"Oh yeah ... they have screws,' He chuckled nodding his head in despair, "I forgot.'

He placed them around her wrists and fastened the screw in place, struggling to fight back his tears as the memories of his mother flashed before his eyes again. This was all he had of her, and to now watch his Chandini jingle her wrists and giggle made them even special. He held her face in his hands and kissed her again passionately. She was innocent, it was obvious. He shuddered at the thought of how she would react the day the truth would come out. Maybe it was best she remained oblivious to the truth. He couldn't put her through the guilt, he was going to have to let go of the past. His mother was gone but his Chandini was here and that was all that mattered now. He kissed her again.

Chandini turned around and looked at her reflection in awe, she looked stunning even by her standards. The saree was beautiful in the way it draped around her curves, and the jewellery complimented with the embroidery of the saree making her glow. Advay watched her with pride.

She glanced up at the clock, it was quarter to six.

"Shall we go?' She asked as she removed her slippers from the stand behind the closet.

Advay pulled out another box, a big one this time and put it in her hand.

"What now?' She asked as she narrowed her eyes and opened the box.

"Sandals,' She gasped, "woh bhi high heels.'

"Are they two high,' He asked as he twisted his lips. He didn't want her to end up hurting herself.

"No...not too high. Meghu wears high heels like these, I have worn them a couple of times.'

He nodded as she sat on her stool, and placed box on the floor and knelt before her.

"May I,' He asked holding a shoe in his hand.

"Advay ...' Chandini whispered not sure if she wanted him to touch her feet.

"What? ... It has a strap that needs to be buckled in place. Let me help you,' He said, lifting her saree and taking her feet in his hand.

Chandini watched him with tears glistening in her eyes, as he sat her feet buckling her shoes in place. She raked her fingers through his hair. When and how had things changed between them? When had he become the most important person in her life? Marriage she giggled softly, no love...love she sighed. But it was friendship that had changed everything. She held his face in her hands and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"Thanks,' He whispered as he deepened the kiss.

"I love you Advay.' She choked on her tears and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you from the depth of my heart.'

"And I love you Chandini.'