Chap 43, 44 on Page 119 Entrapment : An Extremely Dark Advni FF - Page 32

Originally posted by: 2filmy

I think in Predator Dev and Advay has mixed a lot and has almost become one

But here they are so distinct and separate. He protects Dev with all his strength

But she always manages to bring out the Dev and take over the control from him

I think that makes him frustrated at times too

Oh so this plan began from his break down and breaking

It explains many things to me now

He can't tolerate her hurting Dev any more now

as for him she had already ruined Dev beyond repair in the past

Yes Indu doesn't own Chandni she just uses her always

He is really helping Chandni become stronger in an indirect way

He needs to break the image that Indu has in Chandni mind

Advay indeed in an emotional sensitive child who craves for love

Dev always pines for what he could have had and what he lost

He won't start healing until and unless he makes her his own

and shows her his true inner feelings

Striking the balance will be really hard

But I know you can do it well Chitra

Oh I didn't know about maths and languages correlation

That is so interesting

Yes Maths always has a single answer

He is in control here that is the main word control

Originally posted by: 2filmy

Okay Chitra please don't make him cry to much

Life has already given him such a lot of pain and grief

Don't dd much to it please

Originally posted by: 2filmy

Can I just hug this Advay once ?

He is in so much pain

He has suffered so much

Still he is getting only pain now

Originally posted by: srdb5

Awesome 👏

Originally posted by: abeer.khanani

Hey Chitra u write extremely wel, it's a phenomenal piece of writing. I am reading something different and gripping after such a long time. The only thing which is not good is waiting :-(

Keep up the good work lady!!

Oh and btw can I get the links of ur completed stories?

Advay sat at his desk, under the tent, in the open ground behind the treasure temple. He had had a rough night, Chandini was driving him insane. She had not responded like he had hoped for her to, and now she had challenged him not to touch her till she had made the move. How was he meant to keep his hands to himself while she slept on the other side of his bed? He groaned in despair. But this time he was not going to play dirty. He didn't want her like this. She was going to have to make the move, but how? He wasn't sure, just knew that she would...she had to. He raked his fingers through his hair as he glanced through the documents on his desk.

"Saab,' He looked up towards the man standing before him, "We have done most of the clearing, would you like to come have a look.'

"I'll be there in five minutes.'

Advay gathered the paperwork on his desk and filed it in one of the cabinets. The land surveyors were meant to start work shortly. He had managed to retrieve old land records from the government office. This was going to be fun. But before that he had to clean and clear acres of land that was left to rot, starting with the place where it had all started. He sighed, as he finally locked his cabinets and followed the man towards the outgrown forested area, a mile behind the treasure temple. He had hired local woodcutters to clear the shrubs and wild thorny bushes that had outgrown and taken over the entire land at the back of the temple. It looked like no one had bothered with the maintenance and up keep of the temple premises in all these years. There was a lot of open land, which used to be a part of the woodlands during the times of his Baba. A lake teeming fishing and turtles and brimming with blue and pink lotuses and water lilies had adorned the centre of the woodlands, where wild swans, geese, ducks and other wild birds flocked during the monsoon. He had always spent his evenings with Chandini feeding the ducks and fishes. It was their favourite pass time. But all that remained now was thick impenetrable jungle.

"Saab, we have cleared the other side, there is a path that leads to the swamp.'

"Swamp?' He asked.

"Haan,' The man said, balancing his axe on his shoulder as he lit his bidi, "There is a swamp in the centre.'

Advay gasped, so their lake was now a swamp.

"Aayiye, have a look.' He led him towards the path, "We lit the entire area first, and burnt down all the over growth, and then the women got down to clearing the area and sieving through the soil as instructed by your man.'

Advay nodded as he made his way through the narrow path towards a large clearing. Murli was already there, supervising the work. He took a deep breath, and took a step forward only to be knocked back by the memories of that fateful day. He gripped onto the branches of a thorny bush heaving for breath. Sweat broke on his brow and his heart began to pound in his chest. He was back in time to where it had all happened.

"Bhaiyya,' Advay could barely hear anything beyond the deafening knell of his own heart in his ears, "most of the work is done here...just the swamp needs cleaning.'

Advay was shivering...zoned out to everything around him. He knew he was going to have to face his demons one day but no amount of preparation has seemed enough for the moment when he came face to face with his past. Tears struggled to break free.

"Murli,' He breathed, leaning again the thorny shrub for support, "Please ask everyone to leave.'

Murli turned around, sensing Advay's anguish. He could tell Advay was struggling to stop himself from collapsing into a complete breakdown.

"Okay everyone,' Murli clapped his hands while trying to sound calm, "please leave...take a break... it is almost lunch time. Please come back later.'

Advay stood rooted to the spot as the workers left. Tears stung his eyes, as the sights and sounds of the past came back to haunt him.

"Maa,' He breathed, his knees began to tremble as his breath got heavier.

"Bhaiyya,' Murli held him in time as he finally collapsed to the ground and wept.

"Maa,' he wailed at the top of his lungs and raked his fingers through the soil. He was back in time to the exact spot where they had burnt his mother alive while he had watched helplessly.

"Bhaiyya.'

"It happened here,' He sobbed, "Ri...right here Murli...right here...here... they bur...burned...her...here...'

Murli held on to him as Advay kept raking through the soil.

"She was so beautiful...so beautiful...she was glowing that day... she looked like the divine Goddess herself... they...bur...burned her.' He wept, "turned her to ash...in front of my eyes.'

"Bhai.'

"Maa,' He yelled again, "Maa where are you...I am back...Maa... I am back for you.'

Murli let go of him, he needed to let his emotions out. Advay furiously smeared the soil on his forehead, it was infused with his mother. For the first time Murli saw how broken Advay truly was...his trauma was beyond anyone's comprehension. To have stood helplessly and watched his mother burn... Murli sighed... he knew how it felt to lose a mother. He had been through that pain, but this... this was beyond his grasp.

"I was there,' He pointed toward an ancient tamarind tree, "Hiding behind that tree... I saw it happen, in front of my eyes... that memory plays in my head...forever...forever burning my soul.'

"Maa.' He wept.

Murli struggled to hold back his tears, as Advay wept his heart out.

"They murdered her here... right here.' He continued raking his fingers through the soft soil, "Indrani Vashisht set fire to her right here...in front of my eyes.'

Advay furiously continued smearing the soil all over his body.

"I need my revenge Murli...I need it.' He finally took a deep breath and resolved, "I am not backing out of this, and I will not spare anyone. My Maa's murderers will pay a heavy price...I will avenge her death or I am not her son.' He glared at Murli, "Chandini will pay for what she has done, I am not going to spare her.'

Murli nodded, now was not the time to argue with Advay. He was beyond reason.

"Once I have had my revenge, Murli,' He looked straight into Murli's eyes, "This is where you will set fire to me... alive.'

"Bhaiyya.' Murli shook like a leaf, his brother was not done with his madness.

"This exact spot is where I will embrace fire... where my body will fall... where it should have all those years ago.'

"I can't do it.'

"You will,' He snapped, "I have chosen the date... You will do it because you are my brother.'

"No.'

"Then I will f**king find someone else to do it for me.' Murli shivered at the dark threat in his voice, "though I will find my peace if you did it,' he glared at Murli, "this is going to happen one way or another... but if you did it... I will burn with a smile on my face.'

"That Pandit,' Murli made a feeble attempt, "that day...that astrologer... he said you will live a long life.'

"I don't give a shit to what anyone has to say,' He snapped, "I am here to re-write my destiny.'

"And wha...what about Bhabhi.'

"Don't worry about her... she'll be fine.' He chuckled wistfully, "I have thought about it, hence why I need her unwavering obedience.'

"But.'

"But first,' He nodded, "I have to marry her... she is the key.'

"How?'

"I don't know,' He said, as he wiped his tears and grabbed a handful of the soil, "The gods have always sided with me, because I am right...and they will side with me this time too if I am right.'

Murli watched him under his narrow eyes. Would the gods truly side with him after he was through with Chandini. He shivered, his brother was wrong, this time the gods would not side with him... his mother would not side with him. But how was he meant to explain that to his thick-skulled brother. He shook his head in despair and looked up to the heavens.

"Chalo Murli, let's go down to the ghats.' Advay said as he finally walked out of the woodlands and towards the ganges with a handful of soil clutched in his fist. Murli followed him as he took a dip and released the soil in the pure waters of the river.

"I promise, your murderers will pay for your death Maa,' He folded his hand and vowed to himself. Murli sat on a step behind him as they watched the river flow swiftly.

"Bhaiyya,' Murli finally said.

"Hmm.'

"When the workers were clearing that area, they found something...I am not sure if this... this belongs to your mother.'

Advay turned around and looked at what Murli was holding up to him.

"Maa,' He whispered, as he scrambled towards Murli and grabbed it from his hand. "Where did you?' It was a ring...a toe ring... his mother's toe ring.

Tears pricked his eyes, as he studied the ring in his fingers. A beautiful band of silver with a single diamond embedded at the centre, that glittered in the afternoon sun. It had lost its lustre. How had it survived all these years? He held it against his forehead with reverence before holding it to his lips.

"Bhaiyya what is it?'

"It's my Maa's bichwa,' He shook like a leaf while tears poured down his face, "her toe ring.'

"Oh Bhaiyya.' Murli put his hand around Advay's trembling frame and wept.

"Don't cry Murli... My victory is certain now,' Advay smiled while tears continued to stream down his face, "I have my mother's blessing. It's like I have touched her feet again in sixteen years.'

"Are you sure it's hers Bhaiyya,' Murli asked wiping his face.

"It is,' Advay nodded with a smile, "You see this diamond... I always told her that I am this diamond... forever at her feet.'

Murli smiled as he took the ring from Advay and studied it with intent.

"There should be two of these Murli,' Advay said urgently, "They are worn in a pair, get them to look for another one... I am going to need one for Micku... he is the other diamond.'

"I will myself sieve through the entire area, Bhaiyya,' Murli nodded handing him the ring, "I am going to find you the other ring.'

"Dekhna Murli...the day we find the other ring, we will find Micku.'

Murli nodded, in that case he was going to have to get down to the task immediately.

Advay held the ring again in his hand and kissed it again and again. His mother had heard him, she was here beside him now. This was an indication from the heavens, her blessings were forever with him. No one could defeat him now, he was certain of that as he brushed his fingers against the delicate ring. His mother had such delicate toes, just like Chandini. He smiled, maybe it was her blessing to Chandini, a gift to her daughter in law...it was customary for the in laws to gift toe rings to their daughter-in-law after all. He smiled, no one could stop him from marrying his Chandini now, not even Chandini herself.

"Murli,' He said.

"Hmm.'

"Time to buy that red lehenga.'

"Jee Bhaiyya,' Murli wiped his face and gave Advay a warm smile.

The day had gone by as Advay had meticulously planned the different areas he intended to audit. The accounts would prove to be the bane of his life, he knew. But first he had to wait for Niru Mamaji to return. Niru had been missing in action for a long time. He frowned, unsure of what exactly was going on. There was something about Niru he couldn't place his finger upon, other than that he had been utterly devoted to his Baba once upon a time. It was his devotion that had earned his sister the goodwill of his parents. His Maa and Baba had suggested Indrani to Yash Narayan when Chandini's mother had passed away. But little had they known that Indrani was a witch who had Niru under her thumb. He had been extremely fond of Niru as a child, but this was war. He groaned, Niru and he were going to butt heads once he returned, he knew that for sure. But where was Niru. Did he not realise that Chandini was soon to be married to PP? Advay gulped his bitter coffee...trying to wash away the bitter taste of the thought of PP and Chandini together. He groaned again, as he glanced at his watch. It was almost quarter to seven. He had barely seen Chandini all day. But it was time to go down to the ghats... the kids were soon going to arrive and if he got lucky Chandini could be there too. He quickly got up to his feet and gathered his paperwork.

Shikha and Advay stood on the ghat lighting the diyas, while the kids played and splashed water over each other. The river shone in a sheen of gold as it rippled and gurgled beside them, like a happy blushing bride. It was a beautiful day; the gods had blessed him today. His mother had blessed him today. His mother's bichwa was an indication of his marriage, and the only girl he ever intended to marry was Chandini. He smirked to himself, Chandini was going to be his bride, just as his father had predicted.

"Jijaji,' Shikha stiffened slightly, as she lit another diya and handed it to him.

"Hmm.' He frowned, "What's the matter?'

"Wohh...kal... when Maa said,' She breathed her words, nervous on how to voice her thoughts.'

"What?' He winked at her, making her even nervous.

Advay floated the diya and sat beside her, as he watched the kids giggling and splashing.

"It's okay,' He put his arms around her, "Talk to me... you can ask me anything.'

"Were you serious?'

"About?'

"That you like me a lot.'

"Of course, I like you a lot... you are my sweet little princess,' He held her closer to his heart, "And I love you from the depth of my heart.'

Shikha shivered, but she had only ever had brotherly affection for him and he too had always treated her like his little sister.

"But you told me a few days ago that you are my big brother.'

"I am.'

"Oh,' She held his amused gaze, "So in that case...when Maa said.'

"I lied.'

"Uff,' She let out a sigh of relief, "you had me worried for a moment.'

"But I thought you wanted to marry me, Shikha,' He put his hand on his heart and sounded hurt, "You hurt me... deeply wound me... your Jiji doesn't want to marry me and now you too don't want to marry me.' He let out a fake sigh, "I am so worthless?'

"No,' She giggled at his antics, "I said I want to marry a man like you... a man who will treat me like a princess, like you do.'

"I will find you a man who will treat you like a queen.'

She rested her head against his shoulder and giggled to herself. "You mean like how you treat my sister.'

He sighed, if only she knew how dark his intentions were for her sister... but nevertheless, Chandini was the queen of his heart.

"When a boy will propose to me...I.'

"I will f**king break every single bone in his body,' He snapped even before she finished her sentence.

"What?'

"I had warned you,' He raised his brow, "I am a possessive man, if any boy ever gets close to you I will f**kING smash him to a pulp.'

"What if I fall in love with someone?'

"Then he will have to prove his worth to me,' He said sternly. Shikha shivered, she knew he wasn't joking, "I will thoroughly scrutinize him and take him apart... And if... if I find him worthy of you...only then will I agree...if not, sorry but you are going to have to deal with a mean possessive brother.'

"Oh Jiju,' She wrapped her arms around his waist and giggled, "I love you.'

"I love you too.'

"I wish you had a younger brother.'

"Shikha,' His voice was an anguished plea as he held her innocent gaze.

"I am sorry Jiju,' She wrapped her arms tighter around him, "Sorry...I know you lost him... I am truly sorry.'

Tears welled Advay's eyes, as he held her closer. At least she was here to fill the void that Micku had left behind in his heart. He held her face in his hands, Micku and Shikha, why had he never thought about it... if only his Micku was here. He could have Shikha beside him forever... would never have to let go of her. He pressed his lips to her forehead.

"Jiju,' Shikha whispered, treading the waters with care.

"Hmm.'

"Has something happened between you and Jiji?'

"Huh?' He snapped out of his trance

"Jiji and you... did you have a fight?'

"Hmm...she is angry with me.'

"Why?'

"I did something,' He sighed, "or let's just say I didn't do what she hoped I would do.'

"Aww,' She said cutely, "Lovers having their first fight.'

"Wish it was that simple.'

"Why don't you make up to her?' Shikha chirped, "Take her out...buy her pista wala falooda, it's her favourite.'

"What?'

"Yeah,' She giggled, "Meghu makes them every time Jiji is mad at us...or upset...and she starts smiling in an instant.'

He smiled, of course she loved her falooda... but this time it was going to take a lot more than a falooda to make up to her. This was war... but it was also love... and he was going to have to win this war of love.

"Jiju,'

"Hmm.'

"Are you going to buy diya's from these kids forever?' She asked as she watched the kids play innocently. They seemed happy and carefree in a long time.

"I will, so long that I don't find a long-term solution,' He sighed, "I need to get them to start going to school.'

"Hmm.'

"But at least they don't have to worry about food now...at least they are able to have a proper meal.'

"I wish we had more people like you Jiju.'

"I know what it means to starve, Shikha,' He choked, as the horrifying memories of his past flashed before his eyes, "I have been there...someone had once been kind to me. It is my turn now to pay back that kindness by paying it forward.'

"I love you Jiju,' Shikha wiped the tear that fell against his cheek, "I am truly proud to have you for a brother.'

"and I you for a sister.'

They sat together and watched the Diya's bobbing and twinkling in the rippling waters of the rivers...it seemed like the river glistened and glimmered in tears of joy... fifteen families didn't have to worry about food anymore.

"Jiji,' Raghu smiled.

Advay turned his head around to where Raghu was pointing at the top of ghats to find Chandini making her way down. A warm smile broke out on his face as he got up to his feet, but a dark rage replaced it instantly the moment PP made his way down the ghats behind Chandini.

"Wow...Chandi,' PP smirked, "this is beautiful.'

Chandini smiled to herself, totally ignoring the unmissable tall, broad, handsome man glaring at her with murderous eyes. Shikha sighed rolling her eyes, her sister was asking for trouble...BIG TROUBLE.

"Oh hello bro.' PP grinned at Advay.

"Hello.'

"Aahhh you two,' PP winked as he checked Shikha from head to toe. Shikha scurried to her feet and hid behind Advay, frowning to herself at all the sleazy thoughts PP was surely having for them.

"Yeah us two.' Advay smiled, as he put his arm around Shikha's waist and pulled her closer to him. She gasped for her breath as he placed a quick peck on her cheek, what had gotten into him suddenly?

Chandini continued to ignore, as she sat beside the river and took her Diya out. Muniya ran up the steps towards where PP and Advay stood.

"Hey chee ...don't touch me.' PP barked at her. Advay shot his furious eyes to PP, he had been seriously asking for trouble. Shikha stepped out of Advay's embrace and took Muniya in her arms and kissed her on her cheek.

"Muniya has your brother come back home?' Shikha asked, spinning around with the little girl in her arms.

"Haan...Jijji,' She giggled, "Jijaji brought him home.'

"Who?' PP asked.

"Jijaji,' She pointed towards Advay. "Jijaji brought my brother home.'

Chandini lifted her gaze and briefly meet Advay's smiling eyes. She frowned to herself. He was a strange man. One moment he acted like a heartless monster and yet in a snap of a finger he could turn into a man with a golden heart. Who was he?

Advay held her gaze, admiring his beautiful girl in red. She looked like a bride... like his bride and she was holding his gaze after what seemed like eternity. Tears stung his eyes.

"What was wrong with your brother?' PP asked as he pulled his trousers up to his knees and got into the cold water, while he waited for Chandini to light the lamp.

"He had jaundice,' Raghu said, "But Jijaji paid for his treatment and now he is back home, should be coming down to the ghats in the next couple days.'

"Oh,' PP grinned at Advay and then at Shikha. "Bro, they are already calling you Jijaji.'

Advay chuckled softly, if only he knew who they were pairing him with.

"Are the two of you going somewhere?' Shikha asked, sensing that her sister was a little over dressed for a simple diya floating ritual.

"Yeah, we are going out for a dinner date.'

Shikha glanced at the fuming Advay nervously... her sister was truly asking for it. Advay watched Chandini under his hooded gaze as she lit the diya and stepped towards the river. He felt a stab in his heart the moment she gave PP a warm smile and allowed him to put his hand around her shoulder. He looked away, struggling to fight the tears in his eyes.

"Here let me help you,' Shikha sensed Advay's anger and ran between Chandini and PP. She pushed PP to one side, put her arms around Chandini, and gave Advay a cheeky grin.

"Silly girl,' PP fumed stopping himself from slipping and falling into the river at the force with which Shikha had pushed him away from her precious sister.

"Arey PPji, sorry ...there is a certain way the Diya has to be floated or it could tip.'

Chandini shook her head, her sister had changed her allegiance at the drop of a hat. She didn't know what it was about Advay that everyone fell for his charms. If only Shikha knew what he had done, but she wasn't going to tell anything to anyone.

"We are going out too,' Advay smirked at PP.

"Are you... where?'

"It's a little secret,' Advay winked at Shikha. PP grinned at him sleazily.

"Bro I like your style.'

"Yeah, what is it?'

"She is just eighteen,' He leaned into Advay and whispered, as Advay leaned away from him, "Have fun.'

Advay gripped PP's collar in his tight hold as PP yelped.

"Bro... what's the matter?'

"Careful PP... your collar,' he hissed, "I'll straighten it for you...but can't promise I will do it again.'

"Oh...okay,' PP held on to his collar and straightened it. "Chandi are we done...shall we go.'

"Ji.'

"Okay then guys,' PP waved as he made his way up the stairs behind Chandini, "See you later...wish us good luck for our first date.'

Advay watched him with narrow eyes, as he winked suggestively at Advay.

"Jiju,' Shikha said in a low voice.

"Hmm.'

"What does he intend to do to my sister ... I smell something fishy.'

"Why don't we follow them and find out?'

"What?' She looked at him in surprise.

"Will you go out on a dinner date with me?' Advay chuckled at her.

"Oh my god,' She swooned on Advay, "Are you serious?'

"Hmm.'

"I am going on a date...my first ever date ...I could die now.'

"Shikha... A date with your brother is hardly a date.'

"Haan that you and I know...those who see us together don't know that... Till then I can just pretend that a handsome man like you is my date for the night.'

Advay shook his head in despair as she nuzzled against his chest.

"Jiju?'

"Hmm.'

"Can we take Meghu with us ... that girl never gets a chance to leave the house... she is always stuck in her books?'

"Okay,' He chuckled. "Now it is my lucky day.'

"How?'

"I am on a date with two beautiful girls.'

"Haan par what is the use?' she sighed as they waved bye to the kids and made their way up the steps, "you only have eyes for my Chandini Jiji ... the queen of your heart.'

Advay chuckled circling his arms around Shikha. She truly was the sister he never had.

"What?' Indrani smirked, "You want to take Shikha and Meghana out for dinner.'

"Well yes,' Advay smiled, trying to sound genuine, "since you have made a proposition, I thought I should give it a thought.'

"That's good news, Advay,' Indrani gave him a warm satisfied smile, certain he would pick one of her girls, "But we must think of the society... It's not safe to send two girls with you ... Especially since you are not even engaged.'

Advay nodded innocently.

"This is India and this town is conservative, don't want tongues wagging, do we?'

"Wohh kaa hai naa,' Kajal added, smiling suggestively at Advay, "Insult wali Badnami ho jaayeee naa.'

Advay struggled to contain his mirth, but he had to convince them soon, Chandini had just left with PP. He had to leave soon.

"Okay then, we can have a chaperone,' He suggested, "Kajal Maasiji, would you like to come with us.'

Kajal almost fell off her chair, at his proposition.

"Kaaa ...date wali tareek pe ... you are inviting me Babua.'

"Hmmm...yes,' Advay chuckled, "we could all go together... I am sure Mrs Vashisht shouldn't have any problem if you came along?'

"Haan Haan ...Jijjji should be fine,' A broad grin broke out on Kajal's face, "Please give me five minutes I will just go and do a quick touch up of my makeup and change my saree.'

Advay nodded, tapping his fingers restlessly, certain that this makeup touch-up would last for at least an hour.

"Waisey?' Kajal smiled again, "What is your favourite colour?'

"Huh?' Advay looked at her gobsmacked, for a moment he had almost forgotten who he was taking out on a date... Well none, he reminded himself, the only girl he wanted to date was on a date with a creepy PP.

"What ijj is your favourite colour babua?' She asked again, as Indrani pinched her brows in embarrassment.

"Hmm...black.' He said after giving it much thought.

"Oh... mee too...' She smiled, "Will be back in two minutes.'

Two hours more like, Advay sighed to himself. How was he meant to get her to hurry up? He shifted restlessly on his sofa, while Shikha ran into the lounge, all decked up in her latest blaring pink Anarkali and Jhumkas, and wrist full of bangles. She was dressed and ready to go even before Indrani had consented. It didn't seem like her mother's permission mattered to her.

"I am ready...chaliye naaa... can't wait,' She dragged a chuckling Advay to his feet, "Please let's not waste any more time...I want a proper date with candles and roses...and a heart shaped chocolate cake.'

Indrani smacked her head, her child really didn't know the art of seduction. Advay seemed deeply interested in Shikha and here she was blowing her chances even before she had a chance to impress.

"Where's Meghana?' He asked, "And we need to wait for Kajal Maasi.'

"Meghu is coming...and Maasi,' Shikha frowned, "why ...why is she coming?'

"Kajal will come with you to give you company.' Indrani declared, "so that you and Meghu behave yourselves.'

Shikha fumed to herself, this was a total flop plan... the evening had already gone down the drain.

"If Maasi is coming, what am I meant to call you?' She whispered, standing suspiciously close to Advay. Indrani raised her brow in pride, her daughter was not so stupid after all.

"Hmm...don't know...think of something and tell Meghu too.'

"Okay,' She said sprinting away, "I better go and check on Maasi or she will take till tomorrow to emerge from her bedroom.'

"I am glad you are willing to consider my suggestion, Advay.' Indrani said as soon as Shikha sprinted away.

"May I ask you a question?' He sat on the sofa again.

"Yes.'

"Won't it matter that I am a Singh Raizada and your daughters belong to a high caste Mahant household...won't there be social scorn.'

"There will be, but these two are the younger sisters, the rules are stricter for the eldest child,' She smiled, "besides if they marry and leave the country, it won't cause that much scorn anyways.'

"I see.'

"I can tell... you like Shikha... very much.'

"Actually, I do... she is just like me... frank and honest.'

Indrani smirked to herself, "And she is only just eighteen...and still a virgin.'

Advay watched her with eyes like slits, what had that got to do with wanting to marry her. Was she fixing a wedding or pimping her daughters? What sort of a woman was she? He continued watching her, rage coursing through his veins. Little did she know that her older brother was back in town. He had always looked out for Shikha and Meghu and would continue to do so. His sisters would marry for love...marry men who would love and cherish them. There was no way he was going to let Indrani trade them as cattle for her own filthy personal gains. He took a deep breath and snapped out of his trance as soon as he heard the commotion in the corridor.

"Arey... wait,' Kajal whined as Shikha dragged her out. "I still need to fix my lipstick.'

"Maasi hogaya Chalo...he is taking us on a date not you,' Shikha snapped, "Meghu...Maharani chal naa.'

"Haan...coming.'

"Okay then Mrs Vashisht,' Advay got to his feet the moment all the three ladies gathered in the lounge. "I'll see you later.'

"Yes, take care.' Indrani too got up to her feet, "And you two...behave.'

She watched them with a satisfied smirk as they made their way out.

"A jee suniye ...I am sitting next to you.' Advay let out a hearty laugh at Shikha's choice of words for him. What was he meant to do with her? She skipped ahead of them and out of Haveli, waiting for him to open the door of his car for her. Advay held the rear door open for Kajal and Meghu, while Shikha fidgeted restlessly by the passenger door.

"Jiju,' she whispered, as he finally opened the door for her "we are getting late, what if he has taken her somewhere...where has he taken her? Do you know?'

"Murli is watching them, don't worry.'

"I see,' She smiled as she stepped into the car.

Indrani finally smirked to herself as she settled on her arm chair in her room and sipped on her tea. Everything was going as per plan, Chandini would get married by the end of the week and she would finally have her do her bidding. She and PP had struck a deal, now they had to execute it. But Advay...Advay had turned up out of the blue... but she was going to play this cool. She still had everything under control.

"Jiji,' Shakun said, sipping on her tea.

"Hmm.'

"How is this plan going to work?' She sighed, "Shikha is a child.'

"She is eighteen...she is the perfect age.'

"But he is old...seems older...looks to be in his mid or late thirties.'

"Hence why he will choose her.'

"But she is a child Jiji,' Shakun for once sounded sympathetic, "She is your child at the end of the day.'

"I am doing this for her own good,' Indrani glared at her sister, "PP has told me that he is filthy rich and a good age gap has never done anyone any harm.'

"But how does this fit your plan.'

Indrani smirked at her sister, Shakun truly knew her like the back of her hand.

"It is simple Shakun,' She continued, "Chandini is the heir to the temple... the treasure, the treasury and all the temple lands... everything that belongs to Mahantji... she is the heir to everything.'

"Haan toh.' Shakun frowned, "She always was the heir, what is new there.'

"Well till now, she has only been a puppet who has always signed anywhere I have wanted her to.'

"Hmm.'

"Once she marries PP,' Indrani smirked again, "I will get Chandini to transfer her signatory rights to me.'

"Can she do that?'

"She couldn't do that before,' She said, "But now she can, we can say she is getting married and leaving, so we will need someone to handle the matters on her behalf. Mahantji is still unwell so I being his wife and her mother am the best bet.'

"You are truly smart Jiji.' Shakun gave her a wicked smile, "But where does Shikha fit into this game.'

"A lot happened recently Shagun... a lot of unexpected things,' Indrani sighed, "The doors didn't open...so we didn't get the treasure that we should have.'

"Hmm... that was truly unexpected.'

"And to make matters worse...Advay has turned up.'

"Hmm.'

"and he is not a lousy government employee,' Indrani felt anger course her body, "If anything he is super-efficient. He has come with a plan... he has already got the surveyors to survey the lands of the temple.'

"Really,' Shakun raised her brow, "But how will that affect us?'

"The temple lands have never been surveyed...there is no record,' She snapped at her sister's stupidity, "But there are some very old records that I have been told Advay has unearthed from the land record office.'

"How do you know?'

"I know someone who works there...he has helped us secretly sell pieces of the temple land in the past.'

"I see.'

"So, if they start surveying then the records won't match,' Indrani fumed to herself, Advay was going to be the bane of her life...but not for long.

"Toh now.'

"Well once Chandini gets married, I will pressurise him to marry Shikha,' She smirked, "I am sure he won't want to wait either...She is young and she is beautiful... I can tell he truly likes her but most importantly she loves him...I have seen deep adoration in her eyes for him.'

"I have noticed that too.'

"So, if they marry in the next couple of weeks, and leave on a long honeymoon,' Indrani smirked, "that gives us enough time to get Chandini to transfer her rights to me.'

"Phir.'

"I can then request for a stay on his research under the pretext that it is too intrusive and is offending the feelings and faith of the people.'

Indrani wrapped the pallu on her shoulder, if only Shikha kept him busy...she could carry on with her plans without any interference from Advay.

"So, you are trying to distract him.'

"Hmm,' She smiled wickedly, "Shikha is a handful, she will keep him busy. No newly-wed man will want to bury himself in work. He will spend all his time with her and that will give us time to sell and fidget with the paperwork.'

"Wow the way your mind works Jiji,' Shakun watched her sister with admiration, "You are too good at this game.'

"I didn't marry a Mahant in the making for no reason.' Indrani meticulously arranged the pleats on her saree, "I know what I want and I know how to get it...and am willing to go to any lengths for that.'

Shakun and Indrani exchanged wicked glances with each other. They had planned everything from the word go. Now that they were this close to the treasure, they couldn't let it slip through their fingers.

"Jiji,' Shakun asked changing the subject. "Does Niru bhaiyya truly have a problem with his tenants?'

"Niru is a spineless coward,' She snapped, "he didn't want to stay for the Aarti...I spoke to him yesterday.'

"Achcha...kayar.'

"He said he sensed that things won't go as planned and hence left.'

"What a coward...to leave us exposed.'

"He wouldn't have been of any use even if had stayed.' Indrani sighed, her brother was a good for nothing.

Shakun giggled. "I think he should just start wearing a saree like all of us.'

"He used to when he was a young boy,' Indrani glared at the wall ahead of her, "That's when I knew something wasn't right about him.'

"And what about that man he was involved with.'

"I had to threaten him with death,' Indrani sighed again, "You know don't you Shakun... how obsessed he was with the idea of settling with that man... I am ashamed of calling him my brother... chee.'

"Truly Jiji,' Shakun sighed, "What use is he to us?'

"He is very good at keeping secrets,' She said, "Very good at fiddling with accounts and above all very good at manipulating Chandini.'

"Hmm.'

"I wish he was here,' Indrani said, "I have asked him to come back immediately...before Chandini plays up again. If he was here, Chandini would have never rebelled. She would have done my bidding to the cue.'

"She does love him.' Shakun said, "Will do anything for him.'

"And he will do anything for me... he is terrified of me.' Indrani chuckled wickedly, she knew all her brother's secret. Hence why the coward had chosen to flee the scene. But now that he was shortly coming back, she knew she would be in control again. Everything was finally going as per her plan.

Advay scanned the roof top restaurant at the Sheraton. Murli had confirmed they were here. He had to find her, had PP taken her elsewhere, a dark rage coursed through his body. His eyes searched, the dimly lit dining area. Whoever had invented candle lit dinners, he sighed. How was he meant to look for her, thankfully it wasn't too busy?

"Murli,' He snapped on his phone, "Where the f**k are they?'

"Sorry...where...' He scanned the area again, dodging one of the members of staff approaching him.

"Sorry, we are waiting for someone,' He said politely as he scanned the area again.

"Jiju.' Meghu leaned towards him and glanced towards the edge of the terrace. Advay let out a sigh to find Chandini and PP sitting at the table at the edge of the terrace. Rage coursed through his veins, to find PP wrapped his arms around Chandini's shoulder and forcing her to take a bite from his spoon.

"Jiji,' Shikha squealed even before they made their way towards them. PP shot his eyes in their direction as Chandini finally heaved a sigh of relief as soon as her gaze met Advay's eyes.

"Oh my god Jiji...you are here.' Shikha chirped only to scrunch her face in disgust at what PP was eating. PP quickly tried to hide his plate, as soon as his gaze fell on a horrified Kajal.

"PP Baba is that a...' Kajal covered her mouth in disgust.

"What the f**k PP.' Advay glared at him, "Chandini is a vegetarian.'

"Yeah but I eat meat,' He grinned hiding a leg of chicken behind a roti, "She knows... Don't you?'

Chandini leaned away from him, struggling to stop herself from throwing up. She had been struggling to keep a straight face ever since he had touched the spoon in her bowl of soup.

"Chandini what are you eating, my child,' Kajal asked as she took a seat opposite Chandini.

"Why are you just having a soup?' Advay asked as he stood beside her and allowed Shikha and Meghu to take a seat on the other side of the table. PP glared at him at the ease with which they had invited themselves to their date.

"Sorry we are on a date here.' He said.

"Not anymore,' Kajal snapped, "You eat your chicken, while we ensure that Chandini has a proper dinner...my poor child hasn't been eating properly since the night of the roka.'

Advay shot his eyes towards Kajal. He knew she hadn't been eating well, neither had he eaten a decent meal since that morning. He had been responsible for Chandini's state. But he was going to have to make up to her...somehow... anyhow.

"Jiji...are you going to finish that soup?' Meghu asked as Chandini struggled to stop herself from throwing up.

"Do you want to sit here,' Advay pulled a chair next to where she was sat, "I can sit next to PP.'

She nodded as she slowly got up and sat on the chair that Advay held out for her. She watched him as he sat next to PP and almost shielded her from the contents on PP's plate. Advay watched PP in disgust. It was not what was on his plate but the barbaric manner in which he ate that disgusted Advay. Had he never eaten a decent meal in his life? Even the hungry kids from the slums had better table manners.

"Dude are you sure you are from Boston?' Advay asked as he handed Chandini a menu. Chandini glared at the menu unsure of whether she wanted to eat anything. PP's disgusting table manners had destroyed her appetite.

"That's okay I'll order,' Shikha chirped as she and Kajal scanned through the menu.

PP felt his jaw hit the ground as Shikha placed her order. They were sat at his table, was he going to have to pay for all that food, he frowned to himself.

"Who do you think is going to pay?' He blurted.

"My date is.' Shikha pointed towards a chuckling Advay, "He is a gentleman and he always pays.'

"Thanks.' Advay winked at her.

"Are you going to finish this soup?' Advay asked Chandini.

"He touched the spoon with his dirty hands.' She whispered, shaking her head in disgust.

Advay muffled his laughter at how adorable she sounded.

Dinner was finally served. Chandini sat frowning at the food on her plate. Shikha truly knew how to tempt and torment her. She was starving, but he was paying. She couldn't eat if he was paying, this was a matter of self-respect. But the food was calling out to her.

"Jiji...try that kofta,' Chandini fumed at Shikha, "It is to die for.'

Advay too sat staring at his plate while he played with the spoon in his hand. It was the chocolate cheesecake he was interested in more than the koftas. She glared at a sighing Advay, why was he not eating?

"What?' He asked.

"Why are you not eating?' She hissed in a low voice, thankful that Shikha was keeping Kajal distracted.

"You eat...I eat... told you we are in this together.'

"I am not eating.'

"Okay...I am not eating either.'

She looked at the plate again, she was starving and the food looked and smelt amazing. She finally lost the war to herself, let out a sigh and broke a piece of roti.

"Hmm.' She sighed again as she took a bite of the creamy malai paneer kofta.

Advay smiled to himself, as he dug his spoon into his cheesecake. He could finally eat now that she was eating.

"What is that?' Chandini asked.

"It's a cheesecake.'

"I have never had that.'

"Here try some,' He pushed the dish towards her as he went back to eating his roti.

"It's nice,' She said taking a bite, "different...very rich...Hmm...delicious.'

"Like you.'

She felt hot wave flash across of her face. Why was she letting his affect her? She frowned. No, he didn't matter anymore. She had to stay in control of her emotions. But with his knee brushing against hers, she could barely focus on anything other than the chills that kept sweeping through her body.

"The food here is so good,' Kajal finally said, as she scrunched her face at PP, "try vegetarian sometimes PP Baba.'

"Ji Maasiji,' He grinned.

"Does your mother know you eat meat?'

"Oh No...no she doesn't,' He sounded alarmed, "Please don't tell her or she will shred me to pieces.'

Kajal scanned him from head to toe with disgust, thankful they had arrived in time. Chandini had looked deathly as PP had crept towards her with his dirty hands. She smiled to find Chandini blushing to herself. She glanced between Chandini and Advay, there was something brewing between the two, she was certain of that. But for once she was happy for Chandini. Maybe it was time to hand her jewellery to her sister and to get her child out of this death trap.

"Okay time for dessert,' Shikha chirped as she took the menu again.

"Dessert.' PP raised his brow. How much did this girl eat?

"Haan Shikha,' Meghu hissed, "We just had a cake...and you had that mango mousse...enough now.'

"Could I have another dessert Jee?' Shikha batted her eyelids at Advay.

"It's your call my princess,' He chuckled.

"Great... time for Pista Falooda.' Shikha winked at Advay. Chandini smiled to herself, her sister truly knew how to make her heart sing to her. Advay gazed at a smiling Chandini, she looked happy in a very long time. Maybe Shikha was right, Pista Falooda was the way to her heart.

He watched her licking her spoon, as he sipped on his coffee. If only he could share one spoonful of her falooda, he sighed. Why did he have to mess his well-crafted life, why couldn't he have just treated her right? But this was war he reminded himself again. Not tonight a stern voice told him in his head, he was surprised it was his mother's voice. He hadn't heard her voice in a long time, but today he had found her ring. She was with him, he smiled to himself, feeling invincible in a very long time.

"Jee,' Shikha chirped to Advay, licking the last spoonful of her falooda, "Are you not going to try this Falooda it is AMAZING.'

"I am full.' He said, "besides you just emptied your glass.'

"You can have my one,' Kajal grinned at him.

"No thanks I am not a fan of rose flavour.' He said, "I would have loved to try the Pista one though.'

Chandini sighed as she pushed her glass towards him. Shikha winked at Advay. Advay let out a soft chuckle... where had this girl been for all these years? She was just like him... maybe Chandini had been right all those years ago, god had delivered Shikha to the wrong house. She was always meant to be his sister. He smiled with content as licked on Chandini's spoon. Chandini looked away, embarrassed or shy he couldn't tell, but her face did look flushed. He continued eating mindlessly, the Falooda was exceptionally good, and he truly had a sweet tooth and the thought that the spoon had been in her mouth made it all the more entralling.

"Are you going to finish it all?' Chandini's voice sounded like an anguished plea.

"Oh...Sorry.'

He watched her eyes light up and her cheeks flush as she licked at another spoonful of the Falooda...the spoon that he had just been licking at. And here she was convincing herself that he didn't matter anymore. He sighed. The game was still on...very much so. Now he had to find a way to get her to agree to him. But how? He sighed again.

It was almost nine and the dinner had been amazing. The women had a great time, it didn't look like they went out often. Kajal seemed the happiest of all.

"I really had an amazing time tonight,' She said, "The last time we had so much fun was when Niru Bhaiyya took us out for a meal in Banaras...almost ten years ago.'

Advay smiled to himself as they made their way down. It has been one the best evenings of his life, he had sat beside Chandini and admired her all the time, while she had pretended to remain aloof and unaffected. He was going to have to make her touch him, but how? He raked his brains, trying to think of all the cheeky ways to torment her so she would run to him. Maybe if he found a spider from somewhere, he chuckled softly.

He held her in time as she tripped on the stair. "Careful,' He hissed, sensing she seemed slightly off balance.

"Right,' PP said, "I am taking Chandini home.'

"Cool,' Shikha chirped in tandem, "I am coming with you.'

She had already agreed with Advay to ride back with Chandini and PP. There was no way he was going to let Chandini alone with PP and this way they didn't raise suspicions with Kajal.

"What...no,' PP snapped, "I am taking her... you can ride with your date.'

"My date has an amazing car,' Shikha chirped back, "Now I want to ride your car and see how it compares to my Man's vehicle.'

Advay rolled his eyes, Shikha truly had the gift of gab.

"Can't help, its sibling rivalry you see,' She continued annoying PP, "so I can mock at Jiji for the rest of her life that my man owns a BMW while yours owns a... what do you own by the way?'

"Audi...I own a top of the range Audi.'

"Yukk...what a name...sounds disgusting.'

"Audi's are meant to be very good cars Shikha,' Advay chuckled from behind.

"Are they? I don't care,' She scrunched her face, she didn't like anything that PP owned, "I love what we own.'

Advay laughed heartily at the way she kept referring to them as a couple, while Meghu and Kajal exchanged worried glances with each other.

"PP wait let's leave together,' Advay said as they reached the reception. "We'll have to wait for the valet anyways.'

"No bro...I am parked on the other side of the street,' PP said, "We will have to walk a little bit.'

"It's fine bring your car...'

"Advay,' Advay turned around to see who it was.

"Oh, hello Mr Oberoi.' He shook his hands with the manager of the hotel.

"Didn't realise you were dining with us today or we could have arranged for a private lounge for you.'

"No, it's just...' Advay glanced towards the door restlessly as PP let Chandini out of the door with Shikha sprinting behind them. He had to hurry. He frowned as Chandini missed a step and swayed to one side. Was she drunk?

"Mr Oberoi, I...'

"Oh, Advay we have some amazing offers you might be interested in...' Advay struggled to break free from the clutches of the good-natured manager who could speak for all of Allahabad. Now was not good timing though.

Happy in the moment when

we sit together with two forms

two faces, yet one soul

Rumi

Chandini felt her head spin ever so slightly as she walked out of the main gate and towards PP's vehicle which was parked on one side of the street. PP glanced back with frustration to find Shikha clutching onto Chandini. He had to get rid of her... but how?

"Okay quick, get in,' He said as he got into the drivers' seat. Maybe if he drove off before Shikha stepped into the vehicle he thought. He had to act fast, he turned the key into the ignition and put his foot on the pedal, ready to shoot off the moment Chandini stepped into the car. He kept the doors to the rear seat locked...and pretended to fidget with it while Shikha struggled to open the door.

Chandini opened the door to the passenger side of PP's car when suddenly a bottle flew her way. She shrieked, shielding Shikha and herself from the shards of glass that flew across the door. Ten tall goons ran towards them hurling more bottles and stones. PP squealed like a girl and quickly leaned to shut the door that Chandini had opened. He put his foot to the pedal and sped off the road, before the men reached his vehicle, leaving a horrified Chandini and Shikha stranded by themselves in the middle of the road. Chandini shivered scanning the road, ten more goons ran towards them yelling obscenities from the other side of the road. It seemed like they were stuck bang in the middle of a gang war. The gang that had hurled a bottle was getting precariously closer yelling at the other gang and throwing more stones and beer bottles.

"Jiji,' Shikha yelled, as she hid behind Chandini.

"Shikha...run back and find your Jiju,' Chandini shrieked, as she pushed her towards the curb and ran in opposite direction, trying to distract the gang away from her sister.

"Hey wait... that one's mine.' Chandini tripped on her saree and fell in the middle of the road, as soon as she heard his voice. Her blood drained from her body, her mouth went dry and her head spun. She could never forget his voice. She glared towards the gang searching for him and there she saw him standing tall and dark... he wore a mask, but that dirty gaze...she could never forget his dirty gaze as he locked his gaze with hers. She scrambled backwards on the road, struggling to get back to her feet. What was he doing here? Her kidnapper.

"Mujhse bachke kahan jaaogee,' He gave a dirty chuckle, she could imagine the sleazy grin from behind the scarf he had covered his mouth with, "You got away once... do you think you will get away again...this time I won't let go of you till I have had my way with you.'

"Advay,' her heart screamed in her chest. She glanced towards the hotel, Shikha had managed to get away. But where was Advay. She managed to scramble to her feet and limped across the street, as the kidnapper followed her on slow heavy feet gazing at her with filth, like a vulture watching its helpless wounded prey with hungry eyes, just before picking it apart.

"Jiju,' Shikha screamed at the top of her lungs as soon as she stepped into the hotel. Advay shot his eyes to her. He had just finished talking to the manager and had been rushing towards the door.

"Jiju... Jiji,' She yelled as she pointed towards the road. Advay ran out in the snap of a finger, a chill running down his spine. Shikha ran after him as Meghu and Kajal joined them. Advay shuddered at the commotion outside, a full-blown gang war had ensued.

"He left us ...PP... She ran that way,' Shikha pointed towards a dark street on the other side of the road, "and that bulky goon followed her.'

Advay had already made a run towards the main road even before Shikha had finished her sentence.

"Go back inside... Call the police.' He yelled. She nodded as she ran back into the hotel before they closed the main doors.

He dodged the bottles and stones the group were hurling at each other. One of the bottles hit him on his head and shattered to pieces. But he ignored it and ran across the road, towards the narrow street that Shikha has pointed to. Blood trickled down his brow as he frantically searched for Chandini in the dimly lit street.

Chandini crept behind a car that was parked to one side of the street. She could barely see anything, she closed her eyes and trained her ears to the footsteps of the kidnapper. Her heart was pounding in her chest, making it impossible to hear anything over her own thumping heartbeat. She took a step back, she had to find a way to get back to the hotel. She had to find Advay. She had dropped her purse in the confusion... she didn't even have her phone on her. Her head began to spin, the kidnapper was going to find her again and abduct her. There was no hope now. She screamed the moment she felt a strong fist in her hair. She could tell it was her kidnapper... Advay's fist had never felt like this. There was always something erotic in the way Advay held her, even when he had manhandled her.

"Help,' She shrieked, struggling to release her hair from his hand. He let out a hearty dirty laugh in response. She squirmed in disgust. But she was not going to go down this easily, she had fought him once she was going to fight him again. She quickly released the pin from her shoulder and dug it deep in his arm. He grunted loudly letting go of her hair. Chandini hobbled away from him as he grabbed the edge of her saree and tugged at it. She had sprained her ankle when she had tripped on her saree earlier, she tripped again on her sprained ankle and collapsed in the middle of the street, covering herself with her hands. He followed her on heavy feet, grinning wickedly and slowly wrapping the free end of the saree around his arm.

"Now what are you going to do?' He chuckled in his fifthly raspy voice.

"Help.' She screamed again as she wrapped her arms around herself. Her vision was getting blurrier by the minute.

"No one is going to help you tonight my bulbul,' He chuckled again and knelt to grab her. She closed her eyes and squirmed away from him, preparing herself for his sleazy touch, "Tonight you are going to belong to me.'

"Don't you f**king touch her.' Advay punched him in his ribs even before the kidnapper had leaned towards Chandini. The goon staggered back at power of the punch he felt below his chest. Advay flexed his arms again and made another fist. The goon yelled and charged towards him, only for Advay to punch him hard in his gut. The good groaned and fell to his knee, as Advay punched the man again in his jaw this time, pulling his scarf away from his face. The goon glared into his eyes, as Advay struggled to make his face out in the darkly lit street. He prepared himself again as the goon lifted the stick in his hand and ran towards Advay. Advay ducked in time and kicked him in his groin. He then punched him again and again in his face, almost crushing his jaw. The goon staggered away from him, blood oozing from his mouth and his nose. Advay took a step towards him, his death was here today.

Chandini jerked her head towards what was happening. Advay' Her heart sobbed in her chest. He was here...now she had nothing to fear. She staggered to her feet and hobbled towards him. Chandini threw herself into his arms even before he raised his hand to punch the man in his gut again.

"Chandini,' He whispered, as he gathered her in his arms, and wrapped the half-strewn saree around her.

"It's him,' She murmured, burying her head in his chest.

"Who?' Advay held her face in his hand as she panted for breath. The goon had staggered back to his feet and was limping away from Advay.

"Who is that...do you know him?'

"Kid...Kidnapper.'

"What the f**k.' Advay made a run towards him, but Chandini clung on to his shirt.

"No...please...please don't leave me.'

"Chandini...wait...I'll be back.'

"No... No.' She collapsed against him and wrapped her arms tight around his waist, "Please don't leave me...I am scared.'

Advay watched the man as he hobbled towards his gang. He was sure he would come back with more men. Chandini was not safe here. He looked around, it was a narrow street with tall office buildings on either side which were all locked. There was no escape, they were trapped. He held her and leaned her against the wall of one of the buildings.

"Chandini wait here,' He said, "Let me see if they are coming back.'

"No...No ...no,' She stuttered clutching on to his shirt, "Please do...don't lea...leave me...my head... it's spinning.'

Advay wrapped her trembling frame in his arms. She was sweating and heaving for breath.

"Don't leave me,' She heaved heavily, "please don't leave me...please hold me.'

"Chandini...I am here...you are fine,' He stroked her hair and held her closer, "I am not going anywhere.'

He looked back towards the street where the fight continued, goons on both sides continued hurling beer bottles and stones at each other, it didn't seem like that man was coming back. He had seen his face, he knew he would recognise him anywhere. So, this was her kidnapper... the rumours were rumours. Chandini had truly been kidnapped, but why? He wondered. Advay gazed down at Chandini as she trembled in his arms, he scanned the building they were leaning against, it looked like there was a garage at the end of the street, maybe if they hid behind the cars, he thought while they waited for the police to arrive.

"Chandini,' He held on to her, "Come with me.'

"No...N...'

He scooped her in his arms and jogged towards the garage, looking behind every now and again to ensure they weren't being followed. It was dark. There was a large Van at the corner, Advay carried her behind the Van, and sat on a step in the narrow space between the van and the garage. He drew his phone out, as he held Chandini close to his heart. There were ten missed calls from Shikha.

"Jiju,' She yelled, as soon as he called her back. "Where are you? How are you? Where is Jiji...I can't see her.'

"Calm down,' Advay said clutching on to a heaving Chandini, "Did you call the police?'

"Huh...Haan...I have.'

"When?'

"Ten minutes ago.'

"Shikha...call Murli,' He said, "Do you have his number?'

"Haan.'

"Call him, ask him to call Sid and tell him to dispatch a force immediately.'

"Okay...How are you?'

"We are fine...Chandini is panicking...Listen call Murli immediately, I will speak to you later.'

He wrapped Chandini closer as soon as he cut the call.

Shikha frantically called Murli as she paced up and down the corridor of the plush hotel.

"Murli Bhaiyya,' She yelled, "Jiju has asked you to call Sid...urgently. Jiji is in danger... haan woh...we are here at the hotel...haan...there is a fight going on outside...don't know...two gangs...about thirty men... and one of them was after Jiji...She is fine now...Call them urgently.'

She collapsed on the sofa and gulped a glass of water, heaving for her breath. So Advay had found her sister and they were safe. What had happened to the goon, she wondered? Advay would have clobbered him to death if he had hurt Chandini. She smiled to herself as she turned around to find Kajal looking at with suspicion.

"Kua hua... Maasi?' She asked, "Don't worry Jiji is fine...Jiju has found her...now she is safe in his arms.'

"Jiju,' Kajal smiled suggestively. "You are calling him Jiju.'

"Haan wohh,' Shikha stammered, "Meghu... Because I am sure he will choose Meghu.'

Meghu choked on her glass of water. She was in the spotlight now.

"Achcha.' Kajal said, chuckling to herself, "And Meghu you were yelling Jiju because...?'

"Was I...when?'

"When he ran out looking for Chandini.'

"Haan...wohh...I tho thought...he is going to choose Shikha,' She fumbled on her words.

They both shrieked as soon as Kajal screwed their ears.

"I am not a blind wali andhi...samjhi,' She said, "Now are you both going to spill the beans or shall I call Jiji.'

"No ...No please Maasi,' Shikha snapped, "please don't tell Maa...Jiji is somewhere out there...in the middle of all this violence... Jiju said she was panicking.'

"Phir Jiju.'

"Haan...toh if she is Jiji...then he will be our Jiju Naa,' Shikha whispered, "He has promised he is going to marry her.'

"I thought so,' Kajal smiled broadly, "I knew it...I have been watching the two of them for some time now.'

"Have you... what about Maa?'

"Jiji too has sensed something is brewing between the two,' She said, "But now believes that he is interested in you,' She looked at Shikha who scrunched her face in disgust.

"He is my brother,' She snapped.

"Haan I realised that tonight,' She said, "He only has brother wale bhai type love for you. I can tell.'

"How?' Meghu asked glancing at Shikha with worry.

"Because all night he has only been watching Chandini.'

"Hmm...he only has eyes for Jiji.' Shikha sighed.

"Have the two fought with each other?' Kajal asked.

"I think so.'

"Tabhi ... it makes sense why she is flirting with PP baba all of a sudden.'

The three of them laughed heartily. Chandini was a proper girl, she never ever spoke to a man let alone flirt with one.

"Oh Maasi, please don't tell Maa.'

"No, I won't,' She assured Shikha, "Besides I want Chandini to marry for love and not for...'

"Not for?'

"Not for your mother's happiness.' Kajal quickly covered herself, before she spilled the beans that PP had offered money for Chandini. But Advay was wealthier than PP, she knew. Maybe her sister wouldn't mind Advay over PP. But she knew she had to stay low and watch the drama unfold for now.

Chandini clung on to Advay, panting for her breath. Her head was spinning, her throat was dry, sweat poured down her face and she felt like her heart was about to explode in her mouth.

"Chandini,' Advay cupped her face in one hand and tilted it up towards him, "Chandini look at me.'

"I ...m..m sc...scared.' She breathed.

"Shuuusshhh... Chandini,' He comforted her, "You are safe here with me.'

"My head...it's spinning.' Advay studied her face, she seemed tipsy. Had PP spiked her drinks, he wasn't sure. "I am...sc...sca...scared...he is go...going to take me...abduc...me.'

"No, he is not going to hurt you,' He held her closer, "Not while I am alive.'

"I... wa...want...to go ...home...want...to hi...hide...und...under my bed...my ...ston...De...Dev' She heaved as tears trickled down her cheeks. Advay watched her helplessly, he was going to have to get her to calm down.

"Shall I take you some place safe.' He asked, brushing his knuckles against her cheek, "A safe place where only you and I exist.'

She held his gaze in her glistening eyes and nodded softly. His voice and his words were somehow helping her settle her restless heart. His knuckles against her cheek always helped her focus her attention upon his words.

"Good.' He smiled at her. She smiled back weakly.

"You came.' She whispered.

"I had to come.'

He opened the fold of jacket and held her inside the fold, wrapping her close to his heart. She smiled, wrapped in the warmth of the fabric around her and lifted her gaze up to him.

"Always remember...this is the safest place,' He said, wrapping her into the fold almost buttoning her into his jacket, "No one can ever hurt you while you are here, wrapped in my arms inside my jacket.'

"No one,' She whispered, her heart calming down to the slow beat of his heart.

"No one.'

"Not even you.' Tears stung his eyes at her innocent words.

"Not even me.'

She buried her head deeper into his chest and closed her eyes, finally relaxing in his arms. Advay held her tight and rocked her like a child. At least for now they were safe, lost in their own little world. A world where she truly belonged to him.

"What is that?' She raised her hand to his brow. She gasped as soon as she realised it was his blood.

"You are hurt.'

"Am I?'

"Let me have a look.'

Advay leaned into her as she struggled to find his wound. She felt everything getting hazier around her.

"What is happening to me?' She buried herself into the fold of his jacket again, "Something is wrong with me.'

"I think PP has spiked your drinks.'

"Hold me please,' She whispered clutching to his shirt, "Don't let them hurt me.'

"I won't let anyone hurt you.'

Advay held her closer as he kept rocking her. The men continued with their violence, how much longer for the police to arrive, he wondered.

"I...I want a husband like my Baba,' She finally whispered. "A husband who would love me even in death.'

"Chandini... stop talking... just rest for now.'

"Have you seen his eyes,' She said, as she shut her eyes relaxing in the warmth of his arms.

"No.'

"His eyes are always sad.' She said, "Lost... like they are searching for my mother in every face.'

"Hmm.'

"He re-married for me,' She sighed, "I am the cursed one.'

"Chandini.'

"My mother died because of me... her health deteriorated after my birth...if I had not been born,' She let out a wry chuckle, "if only I had not been born...'

"You were born for me.' He said, "Because you are mine.'

"Am I?' She chuckled softly.

"Hmm.'

"I am cold.' He wrapped her closer and rubbed her back.

"What kind of a wife do you want?' She slurred. Advay smiled, thankful she was in his arms. PP has surely spiked her drinks... he clenched his fists, at the thought of what he intended to do to his beautiful girl.

"What kind of a wife...?'

"Like my Maa,' He whispered as he kissed her on her forehead.

"Hmm.'

"She was completely devoted to my Baba,' He sighed, "was his equal but chose to stand on step behind him... Like as though waiting to hold him if he was to fall...the true strength of his life.'

"Hmm.' She sighed, if only her Maa could be a wife like that to her Baba.

"She never questioned his decisions... always stood by everything he did and said... I have never known devotion like that.' He sighed, "I wish I had that... someone who would trust my every decision without doubting me.' She lifted her gaze to him, struggling to make sense of his words, "someone who would never defy me... ever... just someone like my Maa...who would die for me...with me.'

"I would die for you.'

"No,' He snapped, "You will live a long life...I won't let anyone hurt you.'

"Not even you.' She whispered.

Advay took a deep breath, how was he meant to make this promise, when all he intended to do was hurt her.

"Not even you... you won't let you hurt me.'

"So long that you are here wrapped in my jacket,' He finally said, "I won't hurt you...this is your safe place...even from me.'

"Promise.'

"Promise.' She nuzzled deeper into his chest and closed her eyes, revelling in the warmth of his heart. She had never felt this safe ever in his life, folded within the fabric of Advay's jacket...clutched to his warm thudding heart.

He finally heard sirens after what seemed like eternity. His phone rang, it was Sid.

"Hello mate.'

"Yes, we are fine,' He said, "Is it safe to walk back to the hotel...cool thanks.'

"Chandini,' He cupped her face in his hand, "Shall we go back...it's safe.'

"I feel safe here.' She whispered clinging on to him. She just wanted to stay within the fold of his jacket forever.

He held her tighter and continued rocking her in his arms for few more minutes. His phone rang again, it was Shikha.

"Chandini.' He said as he quickly texted Shikha.

"Hmm.'

"Come let's go home ... your family is waiting for you.'

She whimpered as he dragged her to her feet. She clung to his arm as she limped on her feet.

"What's wrong with your feet.'

"I tripped...my ankle it hurts.'

He gathered her in his arms and carried her towards the hotel. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her head in the crook of his neck. Tears trickled down her eyes, she was finally back in his arms.

"Hold me tight...please,' She whispered, "Don't ever let go of me.'

"I won't ever let go of you.'

Chandini clung to Advay as they stepped into the hotel. She continued resting her head against his chest as she sipped on the juice he ordered, totally oblivious to who was watching her. Kajal stroked her head, smiling to herself. Shikha sat at her feet applying an ice pack to her ankle.

"Advay...How is she?' She whimpered, the moment Advay struggled to get to his feet and shake hands with Sid. He sighed as he stretched his hand out to Sid while sitting down, given how Chandini was unwilling to get off his lap or out of the fold of his jacket.

"Shaken... don't know, has sprained her ankle.' He said, "She is acting out of character. Could we get a doctor?'

"There is one on the way.'

"Thanks.'

"So, what happened?' Advay pointed to the street.

"We have managed to arrest a couple of them,' Sid sighed sitting down on a large sofa, "looks like a conflict between the workers of two warring political parties.'

"Bloody hell,' Advay rolled his eyes, "Do these things still happen in this day and age?'

"Welcome to India mate.'

"Well at least they keep you employed,' He chuckled, as Sid watched Chandini nuzzle against Advay's chest with adoration.

"So, when's the wedding?' He whispered, taking care that no one heard him.

"Soon.' Advay winked.

"Let me know if there is trouble.'

"You will be invited trouble or not.' Advay murmured, "Oh we need to talk...about tonight...later.'

"Okay,' Sid nodded, "Tomorrow ...meet me for a drink at the bar downstairs...I need to go now.'

"Cool.'

"Speaking of which,' Sid said loudly as it only just dawned on him, "Sorry to ask but is she drunk.'

"What?' Kajal Maasi shrieked at Sid's words. "Drunk...How can she be drunk?'

"I think...I don't know,' Advay shook Sid's hands as he got up to leave, "maybe her drinks were spiked...I am not sure.'

"Who did it?' Kajal asked in horror as it dawned upon her.

"PP baba,' She whispered as she glanced between Advay and a clearly tipsy Chandini. No wonder she was acting so strange and clingy towards Advay. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought of what would have happened to Chandini had they not come to the restaurant.

"Did you know?' She asked Advay as soon as Sid took his leave.

"Sorry?'

"Did you know he would do this...is this why you brought us here?'

"We had our suspicions,' Shikha whispered as she continued to massage Chandini's ankle. "thank god we came.'

"Thank god we came,' Kajal choked on her tears, "My poor child.'

"Thank you.' She finally said to Advay. "Pata nahi what would have happened otherwise.'

"I won't let anything happen to her.'

"Do you want to marry her?' Kajal asked, looking him straight in the eye.

"I do.' He answered, without taking his eyes off hers. There was nothing to hide, his intentions had always been honest.

"Why?'

"Because I want to marry her.' He replied, "I like her...want to have a life with her.'

"There is something you must know,' Kajal finally said, she had made up her mind now. Shikha and Meghu trained their ears towards her as she scanned the room to see that no one was watching them.

"What is it?' Advay asked.

"PP Baba,' Kajal whispered, "he has offered two crores for Chandini.'

"What?' Shikha shrieked. Kajal smacked her on her head shushing her, as Advay watched her with eyes like slits.

"Are you sure?' He asked.

"Yes, I am,' She said, choking on her tears, "I want my child to find love and happiness... but Jiji...Jiji just wants...' She stopped herself from speaking ill about her sister, "Jiji has financial burdens and PP Baba is willing to help.'

"How can Maa sell her?' Shikha fumed.

"Not selling her,' Kajal tried to dig herself out of the mess, "he is willing to help us ...but in return for Chandini.'

"Why are you telling me this?' Advay asked, Kajal had piqued his interest.

"If you speak to Jiji and make a better offer then I am sure she will consider,' She said hopefully, "We have a debt of about four crores.'

"Do you?' Advay smirked to himself. Now the gods were truly with him.

"Haan Jiju,' Shikha said, "This is a good solution... if you offer more money, then Maa will say yes to you...and Jiji will agree if Maa will agree.'

"Has she not agreed to marry you?' Kajal asked... horrified, given how Chandini was cuddling Advay's heart.

"No.'

"My poor child,' Kajal sighed, "She had never been able to follow her heart... Advay, please make a better offer.'

"You want me to offer a price for Chandini,' He asked in shock.

"Yes.' The three women chimed together.

"Does Chandini know that PP has made an offer?'

"No.'

"This is wrong,' He said, "I want her to say yes to me...not like this.'

"We have financial burdens, if you offer to help Jiji and ask for Chandini's hand in return then she will say yes,' Kajal said, trying to convince him, "as far as Chandini is concerned, I think her answer is obvious.'

"Jiju,' Meghu said, "My sister would never speak to a man, let alone sit on his lap and cuddle him like this.'

"That's because she is drunk.'

"Yes, but she feels safe with you... that speaks for itself,' Shikha said.

"I still need a yes from her,' Advay sighed, "She will have to say a yes to me... will have to spell it out.'

"If Jiji will say yes,' Kajal said, "She will say yes... convince Jiji...I am sure she will say yes.'

Advay sighed, that was exactly what he didn't want to do...convince Indrani. But he wanted to dig deeper into this matter. So Indrani was deep in debt, why? He thought...so the accounts were surely in a mess... he couldn't wait to lock horns with Mamaji.

"When is Niru Mamaji returning?' He asked.

"In a couple of days.'

"Good,' He glanced at a sleeping Chandini. "Should we go home? It's almost eleven.'

"Hmm...where is the doctor?'

"Don't know.' He sighed, it was getting late and she did seem better, "Let's just go home...it's getting late.'

Chandini whimpered as he gathered her in his arms and got to his feet. She scanned the lounge as though to see where they were.

"We are going home,' He whispered to her as she smiled at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She didn't care where they were so long that she was wrapped in his arms.

Chandini clung to his arm as he helped her into his car. Shikha, Meghu and Kajal got into the back of the vehicle.

"Chandini, let go of my arm for a minute,' He said, as she clung to him, "I need to get into the drivers' side.'

She shook her head furiously, not wanting to let go of him.

"Just one minute... you can hold on to me once I get behind the wheel.'

She held his warm assuring gaze, whimpering as he pulled his arm from her hand. He held her gaze as he made his way to the other side and got into the drivers' seat. She instantly clutched his arm in her hands as he got into the vehicle.

Kajal and Shikha exchanged glances.

"If Jiji finds out it will be death wali maut for Chandini.' Kajal whispered to Shikha.

"I know,' Meghu shook her head in fear.

"But PP abandoned her again.'

"Hmm.' Tears pricked Kajal's eyes, Advay truly cared for Chandini, it was obvious. "I just hope he agrees to our plan and finds a way to marry her.'

"Me too,' The sisters chimed together.

Advay walked into the Haveli from the rear entrance, avoiding any attention towards Chandini, given how clingy she was acting towards him. So Kajal now knew about his intentions, not that he cared. His palms were tingling to go through the accounts, but Chandini needed him right now. He carefully placed on her bed, as she continued clinging to his shirt. Shikha unfurled the blanket at her feet and handed her a glass of water. She then sat at her feet and massaged an anti-sprain balm to her ankle.

"Shikha, it's okay,' Advay said, "Go to bed...I am here.'

"Are you sure?' She asked, "I can sleep here... you can go to bed.'

"I could do that... if she let go of me,' He chuckled as he rested his head against the headboard holding a clingy Chandini to his heart.

"Why is she so clingy?'

"I think she has been missing me.' He said gazing down at her beautiful face, "we haven't spoken in almost a week.' Only he knew how badly he had missed her, and now it was obvious how much she had missed him too. He kicked himself for all the things he had said, if only he could take back his words. He had put them through so much pain for no reason.

"Oh.' Shikha giggled softly, "You both had fought...hadn't you.'

"Hmm.'

"Told you she would recover if you bought her Pista wala Falooda.'

"Thanks for that.'

"Good night Jiju,' She finally made her way towards the door, "Call me if you need anything.'

"Good night Shikha,' He said as he got rid of his jacket.

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."

-Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights

Advay watched her with content as she slept peacefully in his arms. It was half past one in the wee hours of the morning. For the first time having a normal life with Chandini seemed enticing to him. He could sleep holding her in his arms for the rest of his life. Maybe he was complicating his life for no reason, he thought to himself. Maybe he should just tell her who he was and claim back his right...to her and to the temple. But no matter what he could never bring back his parents, and that was a fact that was impossible to come to terms with. He sighed, at the mess that his life had turned into...a quagmire with no escape...and now he had drawn her into it. He studied her delicate face again, as she stirred in her bed.

"Paani,' She whispered. Advay held a glass of water to her lips. She lifted her gaze up to his warm eyes and put her hand against his cheek.

"Chandini,' He kissed her forehead, "Are you okay?'

She shook her head as tears trickled down the corners of her eyes.

"Don't leave me.' She choked on her tears, "Please don't leave me... I can't live without you.'

"I am not leaving you...am not going anywhere.'

"Hold me tight...please.'

He wrapped his arms around her and held her closer. She shivered, the gaze of the abductor had brought back every horrifying memory back to life.

"He touched me.'

"Who did?' Advay froze beside her.

"The kidnapper,' She pointed towards the bruise that was beginning to turn blue on her arm.

Advay lifted her hand and pressed his lips against the bruise. He was going to have to find this kidnapper. Why had he kidnapped Chandini? He frowned. Why was he there again today, was it just coincidence? He wasn't sure.

"Not like that.'

"Huh?' He snapped out of his thoughts.

"Do it roughly.'

"What?'

"Wipe it off roughly,' She said, holding her hand up to him, "Like you always do.'

Advay smiled as he roughly rubbed his hands all the way from her shoulder to the tips of her fingers, like he was roughly rubbing the other man's touch off her arm.

"Is that better?' He said as he repeated it a few times.

"Your touch is different.'

"Is it?'

"Hmm.'

"How?'

"Your touch feels real... honest,' She held his gaze, "rough but honest...a touch I can trust.'

She buried her head again in his chest.

"Grab my hair.'

"What?'

"Please grab my hair.'

"Did he grab your hair?' He hissed between his teeth. How dare he touched his beautiful girl? It was time to send him to the hospital...or maybe to the morgue.

"Grab my hair like you do.'

"I can't,' He said as he wiped her tears, "You have hurt your head.'

"Hmm,' She whimpered, resting her head against his heart, "I hurt my head...but the pain here is excruciating.' She put his hand on her heart. "It feels like it will explode in my chest.'

"Chandini,' He choked on his tears, "I am sorry.'

"My butterflies died,' She muffled between her soft sobs.

"Chandini, I am sorry,' He said, "What must I do to bring them back to life.'

"I don't know... I don't think they will ever come back to life'

"Chandini,' He pressed his forehead to hers and gazed into her eyes, "Did you have butterflies with me?'

"Hmm.' She smiled weakly, "hundreds...thousands... they fluttered everywhere...in my belly...in my heart...everywhere...when you held my gaze...when you touched me ... kissed me.' She sighed heavily, "But they are gone now... every single one of them... I feel empty.'

Advay let out a heavy sigh. What had he done? Why did he have to break her heart like the way he did?

"Kiss me on my cheek please.' She said softly.

"Huh?' Advay raised his brow.

"Kiss me on my cheek.'

He leaned to place a quick peck on her cheek.

"The other one.' She said turning the other cheek towards him. He kissed her again, leisurely this time. She sighed.

"Again.'

"Chandini.'

"I want to get rid of the memory of his kiss.'

"Whose kiss?' Advay clenched his jaw, who had kissed her.

"P...' She bit her words before mentioning his name.

"PP kissed you.' He cupped her face in his hand. "what else did he do... Where did he kiss you?'

She raised her hand, "Here.' She said, pointing to the back of her hand. "And here.' She pointed to the cheek he had just kissed. "I didn't like it,' She choked on her tears, wrapping her arms around him. "It felt disgusting... kiss me please...help me get rid of that memory.'

Advay grabbed her hand and placed rough passionate kisses on the back of her hand. He then grabbed her face and smothered her with rough kisses against her cheek. Chandini smiled as he continued kissing her face. She had been wrong, there was nothing disgusting about the way Advay held and kissed her. If anything, she craved for his touch. She turned her face, to bring her lips to him. Advay stopped himself just before their lips met. Chandini wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.

"Chandini,' He stopped her before she pressed her lips against his, "You need to sleep.'

"I need you.'

"Sleep now,' He released his neck from her clasp. She was still semi-conscious...if only she knew what she was doing. "You can kiss me when you wake up and are back to normal.'

She held his gaze in her passionate eyes.

"Don't look at me like that.' He warned her. She glanced between his lips and his eyes, almost pleading him with her eyes to make love to her.

"Don't f**king look at me like that,' He covered her eyes with his hand. "Or I am going to pound into you like a maniac.'

She whimpered, she had clearly not heard anything he had said. Advay sighed, it was going to be a difficult night for him. He had to get her to sleep quickly. He frowned... maybe he needed to find his sleeping pills. He had to put her to sleep before she snatched his control again.

"Sleep now.'

"I feel hot,' She breathed, clutching at the heavy necklace she was wearing. Advay sighed as he unfastened the necklace, why hadn't he thought of that. She was sweating, maybe it was the panicking, he wasn't sure. He tugged at her saree and helped her out of her drape. Maybe he should call Shikha he thought, but Chandini clung to him like her life depended on him. He chuckled softly at where he had landed himself. He looked up to the heavens, it was time to summon that unshakable resolve of his, as he began unhooking her blouse with one hand. He had never undressed a woman in a bed while she clung to him like a baby koala...and never a woman dressed in a complicated saree... and he had to do all this while staying in control of his urge to make love to her.

"Arrrghhh,' He groaned in frustration, as he peeled her blouse off her shoulder. Chandini seemed to have fallen asleep.

"The things you are f**king making me do.' He sighed, as he tugged at the rest of her saree and her skirt. She shivered moving closer to his body as he got rid of all her clothes except her undergarments. He groaned again, this had to be the ultimate test of his resolve. He gazed down at her delectable body, clenching his fists in frustration. Why the hell did she have to play hard to get...he could have been ravishing her now. Now what? He thought to himself as Chandini wrapped herself closer to him. He unclasped her bra...she had told him she never slept in one of those. "Dammit,' He muttered under his breath again, struggling not to gaze down at her beautiful breasts. He finally lost his resolve and allowed himself the luxury of admiring her beautiful curves.

"Damm you Chandini,' He groaned, as he began unbuttoning his shirt, there was no way he could survive the night with Chandini crouching upon him in her delectable form. He forced his shirt over her shoulders and quickly buttoned her up with shaky hands, as he breathed heavily. This was probably the single most difficult thing he had ever done in his life. He heaved a long heavy sigh as he struggled to calm his arousal in his trousers. Chandini moved closer and wrapped her legs around him. He let out a chuckle.

"You are planning on destroying me today, aren't you?' He nuzzled against her cheek, as she slept peacefully against his chest totally oblivious to what she was doing.

Advay studied her peaceful face, a warm smile kissed the corners of her lips. She seemed happy in a very long time. He hadn't realised the extent to which he truly affected her. But why had she been acting like he didn't matter? He shook his head, women...he was never going to understand the workings of a woman's mind... more so a woman's heart. Now he had to wait for her to wake up so he could make this right. But before that he was going to have to survive the night without succumbing to what her body was doing to him. He gazed at her beautiful mouth, he had been a fool to think that he would never kiss her again. He leaned to grab her mouth, only to stop himself in time. She was sleeping and was under the influence of alcohol. He wanted to do this right... wanted to claim her when she was fully awake. She had run into his arms and had clung to him all the time. Now there was no backing out of this, her answer was yes. He glanced at the clock again...how much longer to sunrise...how much longer to have the sun finally rise in his life. He smiled as he pressed his lips to her forehead and forced himself to sleep.

Chandini stirred in her bed, and smiled to herself. She had slept very well in a long time. She was still groggy eyed and decided to cuddle against her warm pillow for some more time. She wrapped her arms around what she thought was a pillow...a warm pillow and nuzzled her cheek against it. She frowned to herself when the pillow wrapped its arms around her and cuddled her back.

"Good Morning,' She jolted out of her sleep, to find his beard tickling against her cheek. She glared into his eyes horrified, as he leaned to kiss her cheek and slipped his hand up her thy towards her soft spot.

"I have waited all night for this,' He whispered, as he got on top of her. Chandini glared at him with widened eyes, this was a dream...no a nightmare...her worst nightmare ever. Was Advay truly in her bed? She gasped as soon as she felt his arousal poking against her...no this was surely not a dream. Advay was in her bed...NAKED?

She pushed him with all her might and scrambled out of her bed almost tripping over her sheet. "Aww,' She yelped at the sharp pain in her ankle.

"Wait,' Advay asked, stunned with her horrified reaction, "Where are you going...what's the matter...come here.'

Chandini scanned the room, she was in her room... what was he doing in her room...in her bed? She looked down to herself and gasped... she was wearing his shirt...nothing but his shirt. What had happened? Who had undressed her? What had he done with her?'

Advay got out her bed while she searched her brains for the answers to her questions. She sighed, he had his trousers on thankfully. But was missing his shirt as usual. His tattoo caught her eye again as she stood gaping at it in awe. There was something mystical about the way it shone in the early morning rays filtering through the curtains.

"I said good morning Meri Jaan.' He placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand as he stood beside her.

What time was it? She asked herself as she glanced at the clock on the wall. It was only just quarter past five. But what was Advay doing in her bed?

"Why ...What?' She stuttered.

"We spent the night together,' He chuckled like a devil, "Don't you remember?'

"No... you are lying.'

"No, I am not.' He smirked again, "in fact I have a recording of all your moans... want to hear?'

"What... No ... Stop.' She snapped, horrified at his words. He was surely lying. She raked her hands through her hair, trying to recall the events of the previous night. She shot her eyes up to his again, at the memory of the kidnapper.

"Wohh,' She shivered taking a step towards him, "he ...he was there.'

"I know.' Advay wrapped her in his arms, "You are safe... I am here.'

She felt chills down the spine at the memory of how the kidnapper had held her gaze. His gaze at been dirty, she buried her head deeper into Advay's chest, revelling in the warmth of his arms around her.

"I am scared.' She whispered.

"You have nothing to fear in my arms.' He said, "No one will lay a finger on you while I am alive... or I will f**king break their arm.'

"He left me again.' She shot her eyes up to his.

"I know.'

"Please hold me.' He smiled as he wrapped her closer in his arms. At least she was back in his arms. There was still hope. "Please don't leave me...I can't live...'

"Chandini.'

"Hmm.'

"Let's go to bed.'

"Huh?'

"I did promise you mind-blowing early morning sex remember?'

She pushed him, Advay had said she hadn't meant anything to him. Why was he here?

"What?' He chuckled, "Come here... let me show you what it will be like to wake up with me in your bed.'

"No.' She took a step back.

"Chandini stop playing...come here now.' She shivered at how stern his voice sounded. "I said come here now...I have waited all night. I need you in my bed now.'

"You waited all night? ...so, we didn't'

"No, we didn't,' He sighed, the fool that he was, "You were panicking... I couldn't...though you wanted to.'

"I wanted to,' She glared at him, had he lost his mind.

"You did.'

"You are lying.'

"I don't need to lie.' He snapped, "Besides why would I lie... you were the one begging me not to leave you... just like you did a couple of minutes ago.'

Chandini held her head in her hands, this man was surely driving her insane. She was meant to be marrying PP in a couple of days and here she was sleeping with a stranger whom she had barely met two weeks ago.

"I don't remember anything.' She choked on her tears, she truly was turning into a s**t...he was truly turning her into a s**t.

"It's okay.'

"Why don't I remember?'

"Your PPji...spiked your drinks,' Advay sighed.

"No.' She gasped aloud.

"He did.'

"You are lying.'

"Why would I lie...ask Shikha, Meghu... your Kajal Maasi.'

She looked at him in horror. Had PP truly spiked her drinks but why? They were meant to be marrying by the end of the week.

"Why would he do that?'

"Why else...he planned on taking advantage of you,' Advay hissed, PP had it coming, "planned on ruining you and leaving you once he had his way with you.'

"And you would know all about that, wouldn't you?' She snapped.

"Chandini listen,' Advay sat on the bed, "I know what I said was wrong... but I never planned on leaving you...my intentions were always pure.'

"Really?' She choked on her tears, was that why he had wished her and PP a happy married life... had called her a s**t and made it clear that their perfect night together had meant nothing to him. She had burnt herself once, she wasn't going to let him break her heart again. The trust had been eroded. She was done with Advay. Just wanted him out of her life.

"Now,' He lazed on the bed, "Are you going to come here or do you want me to force you?'

"You will force me.'

"I could do that.'

"How dare you.' She glared at him. This was the height of indecency.

"Because I can dare,' He shot back, "also because you told me that the day you run into my arms and beg me to hold you... that day I could assume that your answer is a yes.'

"But.'

"And you did all that last night,' He smirked, "So I am safe to assume the answer is a yes.'

"No.' She was losing her mind. Her head was pounding. She glanced at herself.

"What?'

"Why am I in your shirt?'

"Because I put you in my shirt.'

"You did what?'

"Changed you,' He said, "You were sweating, and the saree was too dressy and uncomfortable...so I decided to get you out of it.'

She glared at him in horror. Who did he think he was?

"and who do you think you are?'

"Your husband,' He propped himself on his elbow and smirked in victory.

"You are not my husband.'

"Okay,' He sighed, "I am the man you slept with.'

"Why your shirt?'

"I couldn't be bothered draping a saree over an unconscious woman.'

"You got rid of everything,' She said in horror, as she only just realised she didn't have anything underneath.

"Hmm...no...just your bra,' He smirked drawing a white cotton bra from his pocket, "you did say that you don't wear bras to bed.'

"Can I have it back please?' She put her hand out, covering herself with another arm, like as thought she was standing naked before him. This was getting embarrassing and obnoxious.

"No.'

"what...why?'

"Told you, I find any of these lying around... they automatically belong to me.'

"What I am supposed to wear if you keep nicking all of them.'

He chuckled.

"Don't worry,' He winked, "I'll buy you some amazing ones... ones that will make you feel sexy...ones that will make me want to sex you up.'

She felt a shiver run down her spine at his words. It seemed like he didn't have a filter in his mouth.

"Are you going to join me or should I drag you to my bed.'

"I want you to leave.'

"No,' He looked her straight in the eye, "Sorry but I am not leaving. You said yes...and in my world... a yes is a yes... consent once given is for a lifetime.'

"I don't know what you are talking about.'

"You will find out,' He winked, "But for that you will have to step into the bed first.'

"I never said yes.'

"You ran into my arms.'

"I was scared and you were the only person there.'

"Really?' Advay glared at her, "so is that how you are going to play now... dirty?'

"Just get out.'

"Chandini don't mess with me,' He hissed, "This is not a f**king game... We had an agreement. You said yes...I won...now you will do my bidding.'

"Agreement,' She mocked, "One doesn't make agreement with disgusting men like you.'

"What is the matter with you Chandini,' He got out of her bed, "What is the f**king matter with you?'

"Get out.'

"And who the f**k, do you think you are to order me around,' He snapped.

"This room is mine.'

"And you are mine.'

They glared at each other as they stood opposite each other with just the bed between them. Tears stung her eyes. He had broken her heart. She just wanted him to leave.

"Please leave.'

"Chandini,' His voice was a plea, "Listen... I am sorry... please come here. Let me make love to you...let me make this right.'

"Please leave.'

"Chandini you can't do this to me,' He pleaded, "I have waited all night... I could have last night...you wanted me to.'

She glared at him, had she? That was impossible.

"You begged me to...but I couldn't... didn't want it like that,' She frowned, did he truly care, "I was waiting for you to wake up.'

She looked away, she wasn't up for any more discussion on this matter.

"Don't deny me like this.' He almost begged, "I need you in my arms... this is the worst torture.'

"Leave.'

"What the f**k,' He snapped, "Last night you were all over me like a rash...wouldn't let go of me even for a second and now you are pretending like I don't matter to you.'

She chose to ignore his words.

"Don't deny me Chandini...or I WILL make you pay for this.'

"Don't ever step into my bed again,' She almost yelled, "I don't want you sleeping in my bed.'

Advay froze to the spot. He was trying to stay calm but she truly knew how to push his buttons.

"Are you sure?' He hissed as he glared at her, "Are you sure you don't want me in your bed?'

"As sure as I can be.'

"Even if you with me plead.'

"I will never do any such thing...ever.'

"Right?'

"Please leave.' She snapped struggling to hold her tears. "It's over. You ended it. I am done.'

Advay stood still, watching her helplessly. He wanted to hold her in his arms, but she had gone back to acting all indifferent again. He sighed, how was he meant to make this right. How was he meant to make her see the light?

"It is not over,' He finally said, "I did not end it...and we are not done yet.'

"GET LOST ADVAY SINGH RAIZADA.' She yelled.

"Lower you voice,' He roared. Chandini shivered at how his eyes had gone dark in the snap of a finger. She watched him like a hawk as he opened one of the cabinets and removed a clothes pin. She took a step back as he strode slowly towards her.

"Don't you ever f**king dare talk to me like that again,' He hissed between his clenched teeth. "I own you and I demand respect...Do I make myself clear?'

She took another step back on shaky feet, as he closed the gap between them. She lowered her eyes, finding it impossible to hold his dark furious gaze. He was going to hurt her, she knew that for a fact...but how? She glared at the clothes pin in his hand...what was he going to do with that? Advay grabbed her mouth into his even before she could prepare herself to what to come next. She whimpered, this was not a kiss, far from it. His bit her hard on her tongue, she glared at him with widened eyes, as he carefully pulled her tongue out and held it between his fingers.

"Manners...we will first need to teach you manners,' He hissed as he studied the tip of her tongue. Chandini glanced between the clasp of his fingers and the smirk on his face. She struggled to break her tongue free from his clasp but in vain, his hold was too strong.

"This is to remind you that you will NEVER SAY MY NAME AGAIN,' She let out a shriek as he clamped her tongue with the cloth pin in his hand. Tears stung her eyes, both with the sudden pain in her tongue and the humiliation she felt to be treated like this.

"You look so cute with that.' He chuckled, as though admiring her tongue hanging out of her mouth clamped on a cloth pin.

"Oh Chandini,' She shivered at how gritty his voice sounded, "The things we could get this cute little tongue of yours to do.' He sighed, "Now that your answer is yes... can't wait to show you how useful this tongue could be to me.'

"Now.' He held her gaze, "Will you ever dare say my name again?'

She shook her head, as tears streamed down her face. The pain was getting worse by the minute.

"Good,' He said, as he carefully released the pin, and examined her tongue. "Can you talk?'

She nodded, as blood gushed back to the tip of her tongue. She felt turned on strangely...or maybe it was Advay's hot breath against her lips that was turning her brain to mush. She wasn't sure.

"Are you sure you don't want me to sleep in your bed again.'

"No,' She said, surprised her tongue was still working.

"Good...so now that we have agreed upon that,' He snapped, "Let me make myself clear...I will NEVER sleep in your bed... because I never sleep with my women. You will have to learn to sleep alone from now onwards for the rest of your life.'

She shivered, what did that mean? Was he serious? Why was she even bothered? She looked away, but he grabbed her cheeks in the rough hold of his hands.

"Word of caution Chandini,' He hissed against her lips, "Don't mess with me... I am not a good man... I will ruin you if you mess with me... turn you into someone you won't recognise... take my advice and go with the flow.'

She watched him in horror as he finally placed a soft tender kiss on her cheek stepped out of her room and onto the terrace. He had hoped she would spend the morning in his arms, hoped that everything would go back to how it was before. But she had instead chosen to annoy him. He had snapped at her words but strangely he didn't feel angry with her. He had been wrong in breaking her heart, and his lifestyle was something she was going to have to come to terms with. But he was willing to negotiate, and for that he was going to have to convince her that she needed him over her mother, convince her to marry him and defy her mother. But Chandini's loyalty to her mother had been unflinching. How was he now meant to break this allegiance? He sighed, as he finally stepped into his room.

Chandini sat with her head in her hands, she had yet again spent a night with Advay. This was a scandal. Tongues would wag if people found out that she had been spending her nights with a stranger while being engaged to PP. She touched her tongue, it didn't hurt but the shame had been too much to bear. Who was this man? Was this violence? Was this abuse...but why did her body always react to him like the way it did? He was confusing her...corrupting her. He was right... he was here to ruin her. She had no memory of the previous night, had PP truly spiked her drinks? Last, she remembered was Advay punching the kidnapper...had she truly run into his arms? She wasn't sure. Tears escaped her eyes at the mess her life had turned into. How was she meant to get out of this quagmire that he had dragged her into? She sighed as she finally dragged herself to the bathroom.

*********************************************************************************************************************

Hello My Beautiful Beautiful Butterflies 😳

How are you all ? Hope you all had a great time off...I am much better now thanks a lot for all the heartfelt wishes 😳

So the next part is updated...its 3 Chapters here..but on Wattpad it is 5 chapters...This is a long update. A lot has happened in this update as the story gallops forward to where it should.

TBH a lot of you amazing people have complimented time and again that my chapters feel like episodes and I am truly grateful to u for such wonderful kind words...But today for the first time I would like to say that this update does feel like a episode...a Maha Episode of sorts 😆... TBH even when i wrote it, it seemed like screen play more than a part of a novel.

So if any of the parts feel too much in detail or redundant ...please forgive me, but I wanted to give screen playish effect to this update...it just seemed like the perfect thing to do...atleast for the action scenes.

As of the dark Advay ..HMM he is coming out to play finally...today you get to see a glimpse into what lies ahead. This is not even the tip of the iceberg...but he is here to shock. So brace yourselves as things start to heat up. 😆😃

The next couple of updates are going to be interesting...hope you like the way the story is flowing. Do please leave your comments adn I will get back to ASAP..

Rasika and Annujam and others to whom i haven't responded yet, guys I am truly sorry...please bear with me, I havent been well...but much better now so will go back and reply to you.

Mehvish still have to finish teh review...will be doing it later today or first thing tomorrow.

Until then cheers, enjoy the update and have a great weekend. 😳🤗