Chap 43, 44 on Page 119 Entrapment : An Extremely Dark Advni FF - Page 70

Originally posted by: anjubua

This story is not for the faint hearted, Indrani is the master manipulator, she has crashed any
confidence and self worth in Chandni. Poor girl.
Just one question is Advay searching for Miku, because I remember him telling Murli they find him.
The story is getting intense and interesting, PP is no much for Advay, I can't wait for him to check mate
Indrani . 👏 ⭐️

Originally posted by: rasikasarisha

QSQT offcourse.

There is one.more in my list ie SADMA i love shridevi n kamal hasan performance. Mean exceptionally mindblowing acting. I still cry at d end n even crying now while remembering that last trainwala scene.

But most of people doesnt like this movie coz of sad ending.

Rasika

Chandini ran up the stairs, tears poured down her face at the spectacle her life had turned into. She slammed the door as soon as she entered her room and bolted it shut. She just wanted to sob her heart out. She opened her drawer, grabbed Dev's stone, collapsed beside her bed and wept with the stone clutched against her heart. Today her life had truly come crashing down. She didn't know who she was or who or what anyone was anymore.

She raked her fingers through her hair, had her mother truly auctioned her? She frowned in confusion, everything had happened so quickly that she had lost track of the events, and Advay's knuckles against her cheek further clouded her mind, making her lose track of time and of events. She clenched her eyes shut, struggling to replay the entire scene again.

When had PPji walked into the Haveli, she didn't remember, she had snapped out of her trance as soon as she had heard the other man, Digvijay Shrivastav. She shivered, why had he come to the Haveli, was he truly bidding for her or had he been bidding for the Haveli? Her ability to reason was clouded, Advay had turned her brains to mush. How could anyone buy the Haveli? It belonged to Dev and his family. She was certain they would return and claim back their properties. Her father was only a care taker of the properties of the temple, on behalf of Dev and his family. Dev and his brother were the heir, not her. She held her head in her hand. Had Advay truly offered ten crores for her, but how could he if he was bankrupt like her Maa had told her. Or was her Maa lying? But why would she lie? Advay had blackmailed and threatened her Maa, there was no denying there. What was his motive? She was sure he had an ulterior motive into trapping her. He didn't love her, he had confirmed it himself. Tears welled her eyes, she had given her everything, her heart, soul and body to a man who didn't love her back. She was nothing more than a beautiful girl, like he always kept referring to her. A beautiful girl he had used and tossed aside. Still plans on using for another six months, she reminded herself ruefully.

She stroked the cold stone in her hand, tracing her finger into the groove of the name etched on it. Dev, her heart whispered in her chest. If only he came back. But she was no longer worthy of him, she was impure now, tainted, touched by a man like Advay... she was no longer worthy of worship. Dev deserved better, he deserved a girl who was pure and worthy of his devotion, not a s**t like her. Tears stung her eyes, as she kissed the name on the stone, he too had been a beautiful mirage she had been holding onto for over sixteen years. A mirage that had given hope to her desolate heart, Advay was her reality now, or was he? She wiped her tears.

"You love him,' A niggly voice whispered at the back of her head again. She choked on her tears, she had fallen in love with him, and he had broken her heart and her trust. She sobbed softly, at the memory of the video. Who was the girl? Did he love her? Tears stung her eyes stabbing her heart, maybe it was his girlfriend, the Russian girl he had mentioned to PP.

She jumped at the heavy thud on the door.

She frowned. She wasn't going to open her door, she would lock herself in her fortress forever if she had to. But she was not going to let Advay succeed in his mission of blackmailing her into signing the wealth of the temple over to him. He could whip her, cane her, break every bone in her body but she was the care taker of the temple and she would die protecting Dev's right.

Advay Singh Raizada didn't know who Chandini Yash Narayan Vashisht was.

Advay ran up the stairs, he wanted to crash into his room and sob his heart out but he had to check on her first. She had been through a lot, things had spiralled out of control at the snap of a finger. He had only intended on showing her, her mother's true face, but PP and the other man had turned it into a full-blown auction. Tears welled his eyes, he had just bought her. But she had broken his heart today.

He took a deep breath and raked his hands through his hair as he knocked on her door. He knocked a few times, but she didn't open. He sighed in anger, he didn't need her permission to enter her room, to enter his room. He strode onto the terrace, thankful it was his room she was locked in, and thankful the window was not fully shut. He stared at a sobbing Chandini through the window as he twisted a metal wire into a hook and unbolted the latch at the top of the door with one strong tug. He finally opened the door and strode in.

"Chandini,' He said, as she cowered in the corner next to her bed and hid the stone behind her. She sobbed to herself with her knees pressed against her chest, her face buried in her hands.

"Don't cry' He said as he knelt and wiped her tears with his thumb. "Come here.'

She cowered, moving away from him.

"Stop crying and come her. I own you now. You are mine.' He wrapped his hand around her wrist, and pulled her closer to him, "You are my property now.'

She shot her eyes up to him, watching him in horror.

"Leave me alone.'

"I can't,' He said as he assessed the wound on her arm. "Like I said you are my property and I take good care of my possessions, because I am an extremely possessive man.'

He wiped her tears again and flinched at the sight of Indrani's fingers marks on her cheek, that were beginning to turn blue. She glared at him in confusion as he fretted over the wound on her arm, what was he pretending at? He picked the first aid box in the top drawer and wiped her wound. She watched his face with intent as he blew on her wound every time she flinched at the sting of the antiseptic. Tears stung her eyes at the memory of the girl in the video. He didn't want her? Why had he bought her?

"Why did you buy the Haveli?' She asked.

"It's beautiful,' He checked her from head to toe. "I had to buy it.'

"Why are you blackmailing us?'

"Sorry,' He shuttered his eyes, "Blackmailing you, what did I do?'

"Are you not blackmailing us?'

"Am I?'

"You know we have nowhere to go, Shikha is a child and my Baba is in the condition that he is in, yet,' She sniffled on her tears.

"I offered you marriage,' He snapped, "You chose to run away for PP, now I offer you slavery.'

She glared at him with hate, how dare he? She was the eldest daughter of a Mahant?

"You don't have to agree,' He continued, "I know it must be difficult for you to accept my offer.'

"Please don't do this to us.'

He wiped her tears again.

"I give you one last chance to decide.' He said, "think it through with a cool head. You don't have to say yes. I am not offering you marriage anymore, and whatever it is I am offering will only last for six months... the choice is yours.'

Chandini furrowed her brows as she considered his words.

"Where are we meant to go?'

"How is that my problem?' He smirked.

"You know I don't have an option, don't you?'

"You do,' He raised his brow, "you can say no and get lost from my house. But if you say yes then you agree to my terms, it is as simple as that.' He chuckled softly at her dilemma, "So what is the answer Chandini...is it a yes,' He swept her hair away from her face and kissed her cheek, "I will take your silence as a yes.'

"Please don't do this.'

"Yes or no.'

She nodded softly with tears in her eyes, she didn't have a choice, her parents had lost their name, her Baba had become a laughing stock, now getting ousted from the Haveli would destroy whatever little chances Meghu and Shikha had towards a good marriage. Her Baba was ill, they were under severe financial pressures. If the debts were not paid off the debt collectors would come back for Meghu and Shikha. This was a sacrifice she was going to have to make for her sisters, for her family. He smirked to himself. Chandini watched the cold in his eyes. Was he the same man who had fed her Baba with his hands, who had fed Shikha with his hands, who had held her within the fold of his jacket and assured her he was her safe-haven. Was all that a lie, maybe it was? Advay Singh Raizada was a lie, albeit a beautiful one.

"So, it's a yes then,' He kissed her softly on her cheek, "you are going to enjoy this ride with me.'

She turned her face in disgust. He was a liar, who had trapped her with his charms. He had pretended to be a gentlemen while he was nothing more than an immoral perverted lecher who took advantage of the weak and the helpless.

"What?'

"You are a liar ...a selfish disgusting man.' She snapped, "You have no emotions, no feelings, no concern for anyone but yourself.'

"Chandini stop.'

"You sobbed in my arms telling me how lonely you are,' She wasn't going to stop today. Advay shot his furious eyes to her as she clawed at his wounds with vengeance.

"I said stop.'

"Tell you what,' She ignored him, "you deserve it...you deserved losing your mother...your father and your brother... You have no value for love...you don't deserve love,' She hissed at him, "you deserve to live alone and I pray that one day you will die alone...with no one to love you or hold you.'

"ENOUGH.'

"I am disgusted with myself that I gave myself to a man like you,' Hate spat through her eyes, "because I hate you... I hate you Mr Advay Singh Raizada...I hate you from the depths of my soul.'

"I hate you too,' He barked as he grabbed her cheek in the rough hold of his hands, "I hate you from the depths of my soul... but I am going to have to live with you, do you know why?

She whimpered as his fingers dug into her cheek.

"Because I own you... I own your body... I own your heart and unfortunately for me... I own your wretched dark soul.'

"You are dark,' She yelled, surprised she still knew how to yell, "you are wretched...you are a monster.'

"And you are mine.' He hissed between his teeth. Tears stung her eyes. She hated him, yet she loved him. Images of the video flashed before her eyes, as she struggled to contain her sobs.

"You broke my heart today,' She whispered, "I cannot love you with a broken heart.' She scrunched her face in disgust, "Besides, monsters like you do not deserve love.'

"And s**ts like you don't deserve marriage,' He barked back, his lips just inches from her mouth, "yet I am offering you marriage...so be grateful.'

She glared at him as he glanced between her lips and her eyes, he yanked her face towards his, leaning in to kiss her. Chandini struggled to turn her face away, pressing her lips together, in a futile attempt to stop him from kissing her.

"Is that how you want to play now,' He hissed, with eyes like slits. "I thought you liked my kisses.

"I don't.' She shot back. "you disgust me.'

"I see,' He let go of her face and got up to his feet, "Good we have established that, because I don't kiss. It's not my style... now I shall never kiss you... EVER.'

She shot her eyes up to his, tears pricking them. She trembled...he was serious. She lowered her gaze to his tantalising mouth, glancing back to the cold bone chilling glare in his eyes.

"Never.' She felt a her a sharp ache in the centre of her heart, his words like a knife slicing through her depths.

"Did you really think I was interested in kissing you?' He gave out a wicked chuckle, "I was manipulating you so that you would let me into your bed, which you did by the way.'

She covered her face, tears of shame burned down her cheeks.

"Enough with the pretension, now that you have said yes TWICE...let's get down to business. Shall we?' She shuddered at the clipped tone of his voice, only to be accentuated by the clipping of his shoes as he paced before her. No one had ever stepped into her room with shoes on. "I have purchased you, you are my property. I own you. You have no rights of your own...Do I make myself clear?'

She lifted her head from behind her hands, looking at him with horrified eyes.

"I have paid a handsome price for you ... now you will do my bidding.'

"I am your owner... your MASTER,' She shuddered at the dip of his voice as he spelt the words Master, "And you,' he chuckled like the devil, "YOU ARE MY SLAVE.'

Chandini trembled as his words dawned upon her. She held his evil gaze, as he eyed her like a piece of meat. She wrapped her arms around her and lowered her gaze, so she didn't have to see the evil in his eyes, and so he didn't eye her like she was nothing more than an object of sexual gratification.

"Now for the rules,' She snapped her eyes to his.

"You will never lift your gaze to mine, unless I give you the permission to.' She glared at him. "You will never speak until you are spoken to.' He continued, "You will never sit while I am standing, and you will never sit as my equal... if we are in the same room, you will always kneel at my feet unless instructed otherwise,' She furrowed her brows, was he serious? "At night, you will wear what I ask you to. You will eat what I tell you, and will never to speak to anyone in your family, unless I give you the explicit permission to do so.'

He dragged the chair and pulled it in front of her. She shivered to herself. He was serious. This was not a joke, what had she agreed to?

"You will not go downstairs without my permission, will not make phone calls to anyone without my approval and even if you do so, never in my absence,' He continued, "You will never leave the Haveli alone, and you must step outside, Murli or I will always accompany you ... everywhere even to the temple and the ganga ghat.'

She watched him with widened eyes. These were rules, real rules he was laying before her.

"You cannot touch me without my permission, but I can touch you whenever I want, and however I want to.'

"I would have preferred you address me as Master under normal circumstances,' He said as he leaned back on the chair and rested his ankle on his knee, "But I love the way you address me, so you will continue with it.'

"This arrangement is for six months,' He held her gaze, "At the end of six months, I will end this agreement and you are a free woman, however,' He raised his brow, "during the next six months, at any given time if you don't want to continue with this arrangement, you can bring it to my attention, and we can terminate it. I will divorce you. You will go back to your mother, and I will expect a full refund.'

Tears stung her eyes, he knew they couldn't afford it, he had trapped her, in her own home, in her own room.

"I had told you, warned you not to play with me... now you are nothing more than a toy...a toy I have bought to amuse me... to please me...to fulfil every perverted desire of mine.'

"Why me?' She managed to ask between her sobs.

"You will not speak to me unless I give you the permission to, Slave,' He barked back, Chandini shivered, "But since you have asked the question, I want to answer it.'

She lifted her hate filled eyes to his. This had to be the worst day of her life.

"I want you because, I love the way your body responds to me,' He hissed, "love the way you fit me,' She looked away in disgust, his dirty smirk was making her want to puke, "I plan on taking you in ways your feeble mind cannot even conjure, Chandini.' She shuddered at the sex in his voice, "I am not done with you ... I haven't even begun yet... we have a long journey together, an arduous one for you,' His voice dipped to a heavy grit, "and an extremely pleasurable one for me.'

"Trust me Chandini,' he continued, "you won't recognise yourself once I am done with you. I will turn you into what your mother has already turned you into... a s**t.'

She glared at him with wide eyes. He planned to do what?

"How dare you?'

"I can dare,' He hissed, "Because I am your f**kING MASTER.'

Chandini shivered. What had she landed herself into? Who was this man? Where was the man who had made love to her, who had kissed her with passion, who had worshipped her, who had promised her marriage and children? What had she done? She just wanted the man who had held her in his arms that morning to hold her, to comfort her, to tell her he loved her. She covered her face and sobbed. Her life had seemed so different that morning, and here she was discussing terms of slavery with the man who had promised he would love and cherish her.

Advay watched her with a heartless glare, while his heart shattered to a million pieces. He knew her had lost her forever, not that she ever belonged to him, but he had hoped. She was not his Chandu, his Chandu had long died with her Dev. This was a woman who was a heartless bitch, who had lied on purpose and had murdered his mother.

"Anymore questions?'

"Why are you marrying me?' She asked.

"Because I am a noble man,' He said, "Be my wife for as long I want you to... just pretend ...play along... tell me you love me...,' He chuckled ruefully, "I know you are a pretty liar... lie to me...I might want to believe you for as long as this sick twisted thing lasts between us.'

Chandini sighed, so this was not a marriage, it was a faade. He truly didn't care for her anymore.

"Till this morning I wanted a life with you,' He said,

She lifted her gaze to his.

"I did,' Tears pricked his eyes, "I truly did, I wanted a normal life, a wife, a family... I wanted all the little things in life...Wanted to love you all night, to kiss you before I went to work, to hold and comfort our child all night so you could sleep in peace, just wanted to love you, to cherish you... wanted to lay the world at your feet.'

Tears streamed down Chandini's face, had he truly wanted to love her and cherish her?

"But now,' He snapped as he wiped his face, "now I don't want anything. I don't want marriage and I don't want a family with you,' She watched him with horrified eyes, "If you get pregnant in the next six months, that is your problem, I won't have anything to do with you or your child...not child... what was that you said earlier...my bas***d...' Tears rolled down Chandini's face, he was hurling her words back at her, "I won't be responsible for my bas***d,' He said, "Only it won't be a bas***d since I am decent enough to marry you.'

She held his gaze with hopeful eyes.

"Don't look at me like that Chandini, I don't want a family with you anymore, I am done with you and I am done dreaming of a life with you,' He said, as he blinked his tears and composed himself, "I travel the world, I will be gone in six months, if you get pregnant that is your problem henceforth, you can't trap me with your unwanted pregnancy,' He smirked, "Under normal circumstances I would have used protection, but since you are my wife I wont... like you said ... you are a HIGHLY EDUCATED WOMAN,' She clenched her eyes shut at the hate in his eyes, he sounded hurt, deeply hurt, "a so called twenty first century modern woman who can't stop her mother from auctioning her, yet who knows how to protect herself against unwanted pregnancies...so I leave it to you to protect yourself or to deal with the consequences of your stupidity.'

"I cannot promise you anything Chandini,' He continued, "cannot promise love, happiness, family ... till death do us apart bullshit,' He shook his head, "But I promise,' He added in a low seductive tone of voice, "to pleasure you, to sexually satisfy you to the point that no one else would do but me. I promise you that no one will ever measure up to me and that you will never want to take another man but me,' He smirked, "it is then that I will hand you back to your mother, so she might sell you to another man and finally turn you into the s**t that you are.'

She covered her face and cried.

"You have asked for this Chandini...Look what you have done...Look what you have made me do,' He sighed, "Why Chandini ... Why couldn't you just defy your mother and marry me?'

"I cannot defy my mother,' She managed to say between her sobs as she continued to cover her face, "I cannot upset her.'

"What was the outcome of that,' He chuckled, "I ended up insulting and upsetting your precious Mother anyways.'

"Your mother auctioned you, yet you worship her,' He added, "I saved you from that rapist bas***d, yet you hate me... you deserve this...no you deserve worse.'

"You said I broke your heart and your trust,' He continued. Tears streamed down her face but she had said what she had to after what he had done to her.

"I don't need your heart but need your trust,' He said, wiping his face, "I need your loyalty... and I will take it.'

"You have lost it,' She looked him in the eye, "FOREVER.'

"Never speak to me unless you are not spoken to,' He snapped, "I will clip your tongue if you ever raise your voice before me again.'

Chandini glared at him with hate. Who the hell did he think he was?

"I could call the police,' She snapped.

"Call them.' He pulled out his phone, "In fact Sid is here later, tell him you want to file a complaint, but what are you going to say?' He smirked, "That I bought the Haveli, cleared all your debts, have offered you marriage, and am willing to let your family live in my Haveli for free.'

She frowned.

"Wait a minute, is that even an offence?' He frowned, "I will be applauded for what I have done, I am the ideal Son-in-law, don't you think?'

"And what's more, you have consented to my offer...TWICE'

Chandini nodded, yes, she had consented, she had to and this was the life she was going to have to live at least till Meghu got married. But she was going to fight him at every step, she promised herself. Tears stung her eyes, as she studied his perfect face. She had wanted him to love her, but he had always intended to use her.

"You can have my body,' She finally said, choking on her tears, "But you can never have my heart.'

"I don't want your heart,' He barked as he knelt before her again, "I want your soul,' He hissed, grabbing her cheeks between the rough hold of his finger, "Because it is f**king MINE...and I will take it... I will wrench it out of you if I must... but I will take what's mine.'

Chandini shivered, at the dark rage that seeped from his eyes.

"You will give me your unwavering trust and loyalty,' He hissed, "I will push you till you do it... and the day you do, that day I will have your soul.'

He released her face with a push letting her head hit the wall behind her.

"You are wrong Chandini... I am not a monster... I am the DEVIL himself.' He smirked, getting up to his feet, and striding towards the door. "We are marrying in three hours, so stop crying, get dressed, time to doll up for the man who paid ten f**king crores for a s**t like you.'

She took a deep breath, struggling to calm herself.

"Welcome to hell... Chandini Yash Narayan Vashisht.'

He chuckled as he strode out of the room and slammed the door shut, Advay had closed all the doors, she had no one ... nowhere to go to, except him. She was trapped, in his web of hate. Anything she did would cost her family. He had trapped her, skilfully, seductively and she had fallen for his charms.

Advay slammed his door as soon his entered his room and wiped the tears that continued to stream down his face. Chandini had truly broken his heart and his trust today. He was done with her, not that there ever was a hope for anything. But today she struck him somewhere deep within his soul. She was a liar, what had he expected. She had played him today, had pretended to want a family, blushed and giggled in his arms, only to crash all his dreams. Tears continued to pour down his face, he was a lonely man, he was not allowed to hope let alone dream. He had let his mother down, he didn't deserve happiness, hence why every time hope stirred in his heart, life dealt him with a death blow.

He unlocked the antique box he carried everywhere and held the old worn out heart-shaped locket in his hand. The only possession he had had on him when he had fled the city all those years ago. He opened it, tears stung his eyes, it had a pic of his parents on one side, and a pic of him and Chandini on the other side. He held it to his lips, he had truly lost everyone. He had lost his Chandini too, a long time ago, who had he been kidding. He had lost her first, before he had lost everyone else, including himself. He brushed his fingers against the picture of the beautiful girl smiling beside him.

"Hey Chandu,' He whispered, choking on his tears. "where are you? I miss you.'

How or when had he wronged her that she had turned so vicious towards her Dev?

"Chandu,' He said again as he collapsed to the floor sobbing to himself, clutching the locket against his heart. He wanted to turn back time, wanted to make everything right, wanted his parents back, his Chandu back...wanted to go back to being the carefree happy Dev of his adolescent years. Just wanted his life back.

Perfect slave, wife... he chuckled. Nothing mattered anymore. But he would have his revenge, he would now ruin her, push her to the brink of insanity, whether she consented to his ways or not. He smiled wistfully, he was back to being Advay Singh Raizada now, a man who had lost everything including himself, and it was time he made Chandini pay for everything. It was time to show her the true face of the monster he had turned into, thanks to her. He placed a soft kiss on the picture of the love of his life. The girl he was marrying was not his Chandini, his Chandini had long died with her Dev. The woman next door was a puppet in the hands of Indrani, a murderer, who had murdered his parents. A beautiful mirage he had wanted to touch, he had wanted to own. But all he was left with was grains of sand slipping through his fingers.

"Bhaiyya...your Sherwani,' Murli walked in with a box in his hand. He gasped to find Advay collapsed on the floor, sobbing with his locket clutched to his heart.

"Bhiayya.' Murli sat beside him. "Kya hua?'

"It's over Murli,' He wept, "Today it's finally over. She has lost me forever...and I have lost her forever.'

"Bhaiyya.'

"I loved her Murli, I truly loved her,' He kissed her picture again, "loved her from the depth of my soul, but she chose her mother again. I don't matter to her...I never mattered to her.'

"Bhaiyya, she doesn't know who you are.' Murli sighed, "you broke her heart too.'

"I can't forgive her for what she did to my Maa,' He said, "yet I was willing to start all over again, just the thought of having a family with her changed everything. I had a faint glimmer of hope in my heart. But I am a fool. Chandini is a heartless bitch who has no love for anyone beyond her wicked mother.'

Advay wiped his tears, he had had enough of this mother daughter devotion. It was time to break this obsessive bond.

"I am going to clip her wings, am going to pluck her feathers one after another and watch her flutter in pain,' Advay hissed, narrowing his blood shot eyes to the picture of his mother, "My Maa burned because of her, now I will burn her every day. She will curse her stars for having messed with Advay Singh Raizada.'

"Bhaiyya, you love her.'

"I love this girl,' He pointed to the girl in the picture, "This is my Chandu, I lost her a long while ago,' He kissed her picture again, "My Chandu would never choose anyone but me. She loved me, adored me, worshipped me. But she is gone now. The Chandini next door is a heartless puppet in the hands of Indrani,' He hissed with vengeance, "and I will clip the strings that hold her in place.'

"I don't want this Chandini,' He sighed, "this is a war with Indrani that I must win, and I must win Chandini for that. This is war now... the love is dead, not that it was ever there. But I had hoped to find my Chandu in her, had hoped she was alive somewhere inside her. But my sweet beautiful girl is lost. I lost her all those years ago, hence why I also lost myself. The Dev in me died with his Chandu. Now all that I am left with is Advay...and Advay is a relentless monster.' Murli sighed, Advay was truly a heartless monster. Chandini had ruined her future with her own hands again. How he had struggled to knock some sense into her. But in vain. He let another sigh.

"Your Sherwani is here,' Murli got up to his feet. This was a heart-wrenching moment. There was no happiness in his brother's life and he was going to have to live with that. He was going to have to watch his brother burn in the fire that was set ablaze sixteen years ago, but the flames of which still roared high in his heart. Chandini was going to burn with him and he was going to have to watch them burn each other like a silent spectator.

"I am not wearing that Sherwani,' Advay got up to his feet and locked the locket in his box. "I am not wearing white anymore...it is time to wear the colour of my heart. I have no light in my life, I have no right to white. I am shrouded in darkness, black is my colour henceforth. Bring me a black Sherwani.'

"Bhaiyya,' Murli gasped, "you will wear black to your wedding.'

"I am an Aghori Murli,' He sighed, "rules don't apply to me...I could marry in the crematorium and take pheras around a burning pyre for all I care.'

Murli sighed.

"I have already ordered it... Just collect it for me please.' Advay raked his fingers through his hair as he assessed his reflection in the mirror. He looked rough, felt hundred times worse and tonight was meant to be his wedding with Chandini. It should have been the most perfect day of his life, but it was f**ked up just like the rest of his life.

"Murli listen,' He said, as soon as Murli turned around to leave, "did you get Chandini her lehenga.'

"I did.'

Murli held a box out to him. Advay assessed the contents in the bright sunlight filtering through his window.

"What the f**k...this is the wrong one,' He snapped as he picked his phone, and dialled a number.

"Hello, its Advay Singh Raizada here, you sent the wrong lehenga,' He snapped angrily, "I don't care,' He yelled, "I want the one in Indian red, not this f**king bright red one...Listen mate...' He continued as Murli watched him in awe, just moments ago, he was weeping over his lost love and here he was concerned about the colour of her lehenga. He truly didn't get his brother sometimes, "I don't care... I had explicitly ordered a lehenga in Indian red...my brother will be there shortly, hand him the right one, do I make myself clear... or do you want me to get your store shut?'

"Return this,' He thrust the box in Murli's hand, "and bring me one in the deep red colour that I have ordered, it is a kumkum red.'

Murli nodded.

"And the jewellery?' Advay asked.

"Everything you ordered...and Shikha Jiji bought some more pieces, maang tika, nath and a few others, pata nahi she chose whatever she thought was needed.'

"Mangalsutra?'

"It's there.'

"Good, ...and the Sita rani.' He snapped, he was truly losing it.

"Hmm No... it wasn't ready.'

"What the f**k?' He raked his hair in despair.

"Sorry Bhaiyya, they said it will be ready later in the evening or first thing tomorrow morning.'

"f**k Murli, I wanted her to have it,' Advay sighed, he had wanted her to have it, tears welled his eyes, his mother always wore one, he wanted Chandini too to have one. His mother's necklace was an heirloom, which now surely belonged to Indrani. He sighed. His mother's one had diamonds, rubies and emeralds studded on them, he had been unable to find one exactly like her one, but nevertheless had wanted Chandini to have it. Maybe his mother was not happy with this wedding. He sighed, he was going to marry her, this had to be done. His Maa would have to understand. It glanced at the clock it was almost three, the wedding was at half past seven.

"Can't you give it later, maybe as a post wedding ritual?'

He nodded as he studied his reflection in the mirror again.

"I'll have a shower...Is everything organised for tonight...have you informed Sid?'

"Hmm.' Murli looked lost, ashen.

"Murli,' Advay snapped, "What's the matter?'

"I am alright,' Murli choked on the tears he was struggling to blink.

"Murli...come here...talk to me.' Advay put his hand out to him, "Listen I am sorry, I am snappy today, it's been a nightmare... everything is so f**ked up...'

"Bhaiyya... I...I,' Murli wrapped his arms around Advay and sobbed, "I never imagined you would marry like this.'

Advay took a deep breath, as he held Murli in his arms.

"Don't cry Murli.' He stroked his hair, "Don't cry.'

"I thought I would dance in front of you horse, organise a banquet for the entire town...,' He tightened his grip and wept his heart out, "Bhaiyya... what kind of a wedding is this? ... What kind of a groom are you?'

"This is the truth of my life, Murli,' Advay tightened his grip around him, "I should have never married right,' He wiped his tears, "marriage was never a part of the plan, but,' He sighed, "this is how f**ked up my life is... I cannot find happiness in this life...because I don't f**king deserve it.'

"Bhaiyya.'

"This what happens Murli,' He wiped the tears that escaped the corner of his eyes, "This is what happens when you let your mother down. The entire universe punishes you...forever.'

"It was not your fault Bhaiyya.'

"It was...hence why my life is f**ked up,' He sighed, "Don't cry...Six months from now my time will be up...But I'll have no regrets when I embrace that fire,' He nodded as he patted Murli on his back, "I am glad you will be there to bid me a final good bye. I am glad you will have a good life. You can have the wedding I could never have, have the marriage I can never have. Shilpa is a good girl, a wonderful person. Don't waste time, get down on your knee before it's too late...' He smiled ruefully, "Have kids... raise a family. Don't waste time. You never know what is in store tomorrow... make the most of today...of the present.'

Murli wiped his face.

"You never know,' He held Murli closer to his heart, "I could come back as your son.'

"Bhaiyya.' Murli sobbed again.

"I will be a right pain in your backside like you once were to me,' They chuckled together wistfully at the memories of their younger days, "I'll pee in your bed like you used to in mine...You can care for me...like I once cared for you.'

"Bhaiyya,' Murli choked on his tears, "You have been the father I never had.'

"And you are the reason I survived after having lost Micku all those years ago Murli.'

"Bhaiyya, don't do this,' Murli choked again, "please don't do this.'

"It has to be done Murli,' He whispered, "this is the purpose of my life. My ruin is certain, and so is Chandini's. She ruined me once, now it's my turn to ruin her... this is my revenge against Chandini...My revenge begins with our wedding.'

Murli wiped his tears, it was pointless talking to his brother. His resolve was unshakable once he had decided what he wanted, and Chandini had asked for her ruin with what she had done today.

"Jiju,' Shikha whispered softly as she stepped into his room. Meghu followed her, with tears stinging her eyes.

"Shikha...Meghana.' Advay said.

Murli quickly wiped his tears, as Advay gave them a weak smile and wiped his face. He knew they would never forgive him for what he had done today, but it had to be done. Chandini hadn't left him with an alternative.

"Jiju,' She choked as she ran into his arms.

"Shikha.' Advay wrapped his arms around her, surprised she was sobbing in his arms instead of hurling obscenities at him.

"Shikha,' He stroked her hair, "I am sorry.'

"Is it true Maa offered me to you?'

"Sorry?' He raised his brow in surprise, how did she know?

"Is it true?'

"Who told you?'

"Kajal Maasi did,' She wiped her tears, "Kajal Maasi was angry with Maa, she told us everything.'

Advay shook his head, why had Kajal spilled the beans, Shikha and Meghu could have lived in her their own little happy bubble.

"Why didn't you take Maa's offer?' Tears trickled down her face, "Why didn't you buy me too?'

"Huh?'

"You should have taken Maa's offer,' She sniffled as she rested her head on his shoulder, "you should have bought me too, I could have lived with you forever.'

Advay chuckled softly, Shikha was truly a mad girl, hence why she was his sister, delivered to the wrong household. He held her face in his hands, had she been his sister would he have hurled her out of a train, probably not. He didn't want to do that with Micku too but life hadn't left with a choice. Ranjit and his men had followed them on the train, he had to hurl his brother to safety before jumping into the gushing ganges, so they believed he had jumped in the river with his brother in his arms. He held her closer to his heart, at least he had her, at least she understood him and loved him for who he was.

"And I am sure she would have given me for free,' Meghu sighed.

"Are you both not angry at what I did?' He asked, blinking at the tears glimmering in his eyes. He had just bought Chandini, how could he? But it had to be done, Indrani hadn't left him with a choice, and there was no way he would watch PP or anyone else touching his beautiful girl.

"I am not angry,' She whispered,

"And neither am I,' Meghu said as she too rested her head on his shoulder, Advay held both the girls in his arms, sighing to himself, why wasn't Chandini like her sisters, "PPji was buying her, and we were okay with that. It's you now instead of PPji, and I am glad it is you, we wanted you to make a better offer. We are glad you are marrying Jiji.'

"Thanks.'

"Did you pay off the debts?' Meghu lifted her tear-stung gaze to his.

He nodded.

"All of it.'

"Yes...Why?'

"Thank god for that,' She sighed.

"What is the matter?' Advay frowned at her, "Did anyone hound you for the money?'

"There is a boy at my college,' She whispered as she rested her head on his shoulder again, "He is the son of one of the debtors, he is a disgusting pervert.'

Advay narrowed his gaze.

"A couple of days ago he tugged at my duppata.'

"What?' Advay snapped.

"He said, he could touch me since my mother owes his father money,' She choked on her tears, "Pata nahi, what sort of criminals my Maa has borrowed from.'

"Why didn't you tell me?'

"Because you would have killed him.' She sniffled, "waisey bhi, it was just my dupatta he had tugged at, had he touched me I would have told you.'

"I need to know who this is,' Advay said in a stern voice.

"No,' She shook her head in horror, "No...you will hack him to death. We need you, can't afford to lose you.'

"Okay,' Advay chuckled softly, as he kissed her on top of her head, "Sid is here later, you could tell him, right?'

She nodded, as she furrowed her eyes.

"I will tell him, there is a gang headed by the is boy, they wait outside the gates and tease girls, they are dangerous... We need police protection in that area.'

"Speak to sid, I am sure he will sort the matter,' He sighed softly, just holding the girls in his arms was calming him.

"Did you like your lehenga?' He asked.

"I did, its perfect,' Shikha whispered as she continued resting her head on his chest. Murli smiled to himself, glad Advay had Shikha and Meghana to fill the hole that Micku has left in his heart.

"I loved mine too,' Meghu smiled weakly, "it's the right shade of teal, just like the one I had seen on TV.'

"Good.'

"I bought some more jewellery for Jiji,' Shikha lifted her gaze to him, "I hope that's okay.'

"I am glad you did,' He smiled, "did you buy anything for yourself?'

"I got myself a necklace and a maang tika, and Meghu wanted a hath phool.'

"What is a hath phool?'

"Its worn around the fingers and it attached to a bangle.' Meghu said.

"I know what that is.'

"Like knuckle dusters,' Shikha said, "just prettier than a knuckle duster.'

"Did you get one for Chandini?' He asked as he swept her hair away and wiped her face.

"No,' She bit her tongue, "Sorry, I had already spent a lot of money, I wasn't sure what my budget was, and he wouldn't tell me how much I was allowed to spend.'

She scrunched her face at a sheepish Murli. Her sister was the bride, and now she didn't have a haath phool to wear to her wedding.

"Arey Shikha Jiji, I said you can buy whatever you want,' Murli struggled to dig himself out, "there was no budget, anything you fancy.'

"It's okay, Meghu can give her one to Jiji,' Shikha looked at Meghu, "You can give your one to her, can't you. Jiji is the bride.'

Meghu nodded.

"No, let Meghu wear her one,' Advay continued, somehow talking about mundane things was helping him calm himself, he needed to take his mind of the events of the day, given how things had spiralled out of control. "I'll buy Chandini one later.'

"Kajal Maasi said you smashed PP's nose,' Shikha asked in awe.

"I did.'

"Damm, I wish I had been there to watch it, I could have lent you my knuckle duster... I would have made a video and posted it to you tube.'

Advay chuckled, maybe there was a little sadist in Shikha too waiting to be released.

"Don't worry, I am sure I did a pretty good job without the need of your knuckle dusters.'

They laughed together, while Murli chuckled to himself. PP had it coming for a long time now.

"Jijaji,' She finally held his gaze, trying to find the right words to frame her question.

"What is it?' He frowned, "Spit it out, don't worry I won't mind.'

"Kajal Maasi said this marriage is only for six months,' She whispered, "are you going to leave my Jiji in six months' time?'

"Can we not speak about this right now,' He sighed as he folded them closer in his arms. He knew what he had to do, and knew why he said what he had. Revenge had taken the front seat again, and he was back to his original plan. This was the only alternative, Chandini had truly broken his heart and his trust today. He had to break her, and had to ruin her bond with Indrani. It had to be done for his Maa, he had to avenge the death of his parents. He had forgotten the purpose of his life, had swayed from his goal, but his Maa had corrected the situation now.

"Go get dressed,' He kissed her on top of her head, trying to steer the conversation away.

Shikha held his face in her hand, tears welled her eyes. He was finally marrying her sister, he was her Jijaji henceforth.

"What?'

"You are family now,' She choked on her tears, "you are my Jijaji. I have nothing to fear now... I feel safe.'

"Me too,' Meghu tightened her grip around his waist.

Advay held them closer, he would never let anyone hurt them, never let Indrani use them for her own personal gains, like she had today.

"The wedding is in a couple of hours,' He finally said, "you two should get dressed, if you start now you might just about manage to get ready before the Mahurat.'

They giggled.

"Jiju,' Shikha gasped, "what about the pre-wedding rituals?'

"This is not a wedding Shikha, it is a namesake,' He sighed, "there will no pre-wedding rituals... we will marry in three hours' time.'

Shikha and Meghana frowned at each other, no pre-wedding rituals. What kind of a wedding was this? Advay sighed as he held onto the girls. Girls he sighed, there was something nurturing about the way they cared for their loved ones, and he was glad he had his sisters to hold him in his moment of guilt and heart break. His head was pounding, it had been an interesting day. Tears pricked his eyes, he had disgraced the great Kashyap lineage he belonged to. He had disgraced his parents, but it had to be done, he had to buy Chandini to shut Indrani, to snatch her away from her wicked step mother. He had bought her for her own good. He sighed, but she would never understand him, and by the time she would it would be too late for them.

Niranjan followed his sister to her room.

"Niru I am no mood to talk to anyone,' Indrani hissed like a viscious wounded snake and shut the door on his face, "Just get lost...Leave me alone.'

Niru stood outside her door with his bag in his hand. What had happened in one day? Chandini was meant to married to PP the next day. Where had Advay come into the picture? He sighed as he made his way towards Yash Narayan's room. He had to see him, given what he had been through. He stepped into Yash's room and shut the door behind him. Yash was sleeping like always. He let out another sigh, if only he had been fit enough to fight for his daughter. Wasn't PP bad enough that now Indrani had agreed to sell Chandini to Advay, that too only just for six months. He was going to file a police complaint if he had to, but he wasn't going to let Chandini marry that monster.

"She won't be of any use once I am done with her,' Niru shivered, as Advay's filthy words rang in his head. He could feel his bile rise in his mouth. He had arrived just when Advay was laying the rules before Indrani. Had his sister lost her mind, why was she listening to his inhumane rules in silence? He had to get to the bottom of this, he had to speak to Chandini, but she was now trapped in her room with him. He shuddered, Advay had sprinted upstairs, what was he doing to his child? What did he intend to do with his child? Tears pricked his eyes, at his own helplessness, he was no match to Advay's strength. He didn't have the courage to stand up to him. Yet again he was going to have to watch her burn silently, like he had all these years. He was truly not worthy of calling himself a man. He wiped his face in disgust as he slumped on the chair next to his Jijaji in defeat.

"Paani,'Yash Narayan whimpered next to him.

Niru got up to his feet and poured a glass of water.

"Jijaji...here let me help you,' He held the glass to Yash's lips.

"Niru,' Yash Narayan's eyes lit up, "Niru you are here. Where is my Chandini?'

"I am here,' He helped the old man gulp down the water, "Chandini... Chandini is upstairs.'

Yash Narayan smiled at him weakly. Niru studied his face, he looked calm, his forehead was no longer riddled with creases. Yash was smiling in a long time. What was going on here?

"Jijaji, I heard the mob attacked you ... How are you now?'

"Arey mera kya hai...mujhe chodo,' Yash beamed weakly, "I have never been better.'

"Is everything okay?'

"How was your trip?'

Niru nodded as he struggled to blink his tears.

"What is it?'

"Jijaji, I am sorry,' He held his brother-in-laws feet and wept. "Please forgive me.'

"Arey pagle, kya hua?' Yash smiled, "What is all this madness?'

"Chandini,' Niru choked on his tears.

"What happened?' Yash stiffened, "Where is Chandini... What happened to her?'

"This Haveli.'

"Aage bolega.' Yash snapped, "How is my gudiya?'

"Indrani has sold her to Advay Singh Raizada,' Niru sniffled helplessly, "He has bought the Haveli and our Banno. I don't know...kuch samajh nahi aa raha... How are we meant to save her now?'

"Has he bought the Haveli,' Yash Narayan sat up slowly, "Has he cleared all the debts?'

"I think so.'

"Is it around ten crores?'

"Haan,' Niru frowned, how did Yash know the amount, "Ask him if he has cleared the twenty lacs I owe Lalaji,' Yash continued, "Lalaji is a good man, he never troubled me for money, but that doesn't mean I must take my time in returning the debt,' Yash sighed, "But now that he is back, I can relax while he manages the house.'

"Who is back.'

"He is back.' Yash whispered in glee.

"Who?' Niru felt a chill run down his spine. Who was his Jijaji referring to?

"Mahadev.' Yash breathed, "Mahadev is back.'

"What?' Niru gasped as he scanned the room, checking to see that the doors and windows were shut and that no one had heard Yash. Was he sure...maybe he was hallucinating again.

"Mahadev Kashyap is back,' Yash smiled as he nodded his head in glee, "Now I can die in peace...he is back to claim his right...to the temple and to my Chandini.'

"What are you saying?'

"He spoke to me late last night,' Yash grinned from ear to ear. Niru watched him with furrowed brows. Why was his brother-in-law grinning like that? "Told me he plans on buying the haveli and on asking for Chandini by pressurising your Jiji.'

"What is going on?' Niru frowned, it seemed like his brother-in-law had finally lost his mind.

"Mahadev is back ...as Advay.'

Niru gasped in shock. He was who? Who was he? Advay... Dev...impossible. He had just come face to face with the monster. His brother-in-law had surely lost his mind.

"I am talking about Advay Singh Raizada,' Niru glared at Yash, "ADVAY...SINGH...RAIZADA.'

"I know... Advay Singh Raizada is Mahadev Kashyap... Our Dev...my Dev.'

"That's impossible.'

"He is back...Now I can rest in peace,' Yash heaved a sigh of relief and rested his head on his pillow. Niru studied Yash's peaceful face in surprise. He was mistaken, maybe they weren't talking about the same man. Dev was a sweet boy who never raised his voice or his head before his elders. Advay was a monster who had no respect or remorse for who he was.

"Jijaji, you... I...I think, we are talking about two different people here.'

"No...He is Dev...my Dev.' Yash smiled, "He is here for the temple and for his Chandini.'

"How do you know he is Mahadev?' Niru asked Yash.

"I know,' Yash beamed, "I am his Guru...and a Guru always knows his disciple.'

"Jijaji, Advay is not Dev,' Niru groaned in despair, his Jijaji was losing his sanity, "You have not heard his language, or the tone of his voice. He is obnoxious, rude ...disgusting. The kind of words he used for Chandini,' Niru touched ears in disgust, "Shiv Shiv, he is a disgusting perverted man...Our Chandini is doomed with him...I am going to the police, he cannot buy her like this... I will fight tooth and nail for my child.'

"You will not do any such thing,' Yash snapped, "She is safe with him. He will look after her, he is back for her, can't you see?'

"How can you be so sure?' Niru asked again, taking care that he kept his voice down, he wanted to yell and shake the sick man before him. He checked Yash's head, he didn't seem to have any head injury, but he had truly lost his mind to be confusing a rude obnoxious Advay to their sweet well-behaved Dev.

"He recited Yada Yada hee dharmasya to me.' Yash's eyes welled with tears.

"Haan toh.' Niru shook his head, "it is one of the most famous shlokas of the geeta.'

"Niru I am his guru,' Yash choked, "I taught him how to recite the geeta...how to recite most of the vedas from when he was a four-year-old.'

"I remember.'Niru said fondly reminding himself of the little Dev who would sit at his feet and beg for sweets. "He was such a sweet child.'

"There is a certain way I pronounce the nasal words,' Yash's eyes lit up, "Of all of my students only Dev pronounced like me.'

"I know.' Niru frowned, it was true, no one ever pronounced like his Jijaji, his style was unique and acclaimed.

"I knew it the moment he said glanirbhavathi baharat,' Yash said, "I don't think he knows that he recites it exactly like I do.'

"I don't think he realises that only he can recite it like you do.'

"Hmm.' Yash nodded. Dev was a modest student, hard-working and humble, he would never accept that he was as good as his master if not better.

"Do you remember Jijaji, how vexed he would get when the priests would pronounce the vedas incorrectly.'

"Yes yes...not everyone can chant it properly and surely not in the fashion that I do,' Yash smiled, "as soon as he recited the verse, Niru,' he gripped onto Niru's hand, "I knew who he was... I knew my Dev was back.'

If Advay could pronounce like Yash, he had to be Dev...or at least one of Yash Narayan's students, and Yash never had a student with the name of a Singh Raizada or he would have known. Was this truly happening? Was Advay truly their Dev? But he seemed like a different man when he had spoken to him. No, he was not he sweet tempered Dev, this man was a ruthless monster.

"I still don't believe you,' Nirajan shook his head, there had to be a mistake, maybe he was an imposter pretending to be Dev.

"Have you heard the way he calls out to gudiya?' Yash asked.

Niru frowned, how had he called out Chandini. He closed his eyes and replayed his words again. A chill of excitement ran down his spine, as soon as that moment flashed before him. He WAS Dev, realisation struck him. The endearment in his voice, when he said her name. He had been harsh throughout, but when he had said Chandini, the affection in his tone was unmistakable. Tears poured down Niru face, only Dev always called out to Chandini with such tenderness.

"Haan, he is Dev,' Niru sobbed, "hence why... hence why he had fought nail and tooth for Chandini...you should have seen him Jijaji,' He clasped Yash's hand, "You should have seen how he fought Jiji for her.'

"Yeh tok kuch nahi hai,' Yash beamed, "you should have seen how he fought for her on the Maha aarti day.'

Niru nodded, he had heard from Kajal, how Advay had stood up for Chandini and Yash Narayan, and how he had offered his life in exchange. He was Dev, had to be, there was no shadow of doubt there. He wiped his tears, hence why he had bought the Haveli, hence why he had declared the unrivalled master of the Haveli and of Chandini. Everything truly and rightfully belonged to him. Indrani was in for the biggest shock of her life. He folded his hands in prayer and chanted to Shiva, his god had finally heard his prayers. Dev Kashyap had finally returned. Yash was right, now he had nothing to worry, Chandini was the safest with her Dev. Indrani had never managed to harm her while he was around, now that he was back, Chandini could finally find her happiness in his arms.

"Did you ask him... confront him?' Niru asked.

"I did...he knows I know...now you tell him that you know too.'

"Hmm I will,' Niru nodded, "But before that we have to ensure that Chandini's wedding happens without any more hurdles.'

"It will...I know it will,' Yash assured him, "Chandini is destined to marry Dev, Gurudev himself had assured me years ago. It is Vidhi ka vidhaan...no one can change it. It will happen.'

Niranjan nodded his head, smiling to himself. He knew that Dev's father had made this prediction, but when Dev had not returned for the Maha aarti, he had doubted the prediction. How wrong was he.

"The wedding is tonight, here in the Haveli. But why did he buy Chandini?'

"What is there to buy, you don't buy things that belong to you,' Yash almost snapped, "The haveli belongs to him, he didn't have to buy it, he could have just claimed it.'

"So, why did he?'

"You Jiji has made about ten crores in debt,' Niru nodded, "Advay has sorted the matter now, he has safe guarded the girls. He has safe guarded the Haveli, no one can ever oust us from here, no one can eye our daughters, and this Haveli... this Haveli is in gudiya's name.' Tears welled in the old man's eyes, "He said it was her wedding gift... He spoke to me, took my blessings before he bought it.'

"Did he?' Niru choked, he had to be Dev, without a question.

"My gudiya is going to be a bride in this Haveli,' Tears welled Yash's eyes, "she is going to be the Malkin...the mistress of this Haveli like she was destined to.'

"Haan.' Niru removed his glasses and wiped his tears. Chandini was now the mistress of the Haveli, like she should have been. She was home, finally. He sighed. Now there was nothing to worry. He looked up to the heavens again, god had given him a chance to repent for his crimes, a chance to fall to Dev's feet and seek forgiveness. He could finally die in peace now.

"Jijaji,' Niru put his hand on his brother-in-law's arm, "There is a problem though.'

"What problem?'

"He has declared he will only keep her for six months, after which he will divorce her...I am worried for our Banno.'

"Chup ho jao Niru,' Yash glared at Niru, Niru shivered, Yash seemed to have regained the vigour of his younger days, "Do you know who he is? He is the direct descendent of Kashyap Rishi himself, his Baba was the greatest Mahant this city has ever seen. He will never insult his ancestors, never bring shame to the great name of Gurudev. I don't know who he is today, but I have met him and I can assure you, he is a man of high principles, he will never wrong his Chandini.'

Niru nodded. Dev was a direct descendent of the great sage himself. He would never insult the stalwarts of his great lineage. Above all he would never insult his great father...and would never do anything to bring shame to his mother.

"If only Mahantji and Bhabhiji were alive,' Niru choked on his tears, "Yeh sab kya ho gaya, they should have lived to see their son dressed like a groom. This should have been the grandest wedding of the year, our banno should have been marrying a Mahant,' He sobbed, "she should have been coronated as the new Mahatani... his parents should have been blessing this wedding.'

"They are Niru... they are.' Yash wiped the tears escaping the corners of his eyes, "Niranjan,' Yash put his hand on his arm, "Please...please ... I want to attend my gudiya's wedding...take me to the wedding, don't give me those medicines today...just keep me awake till the wedding.'

"I won't, Jijaji, I won't... I will ensure you attend our banno's wedding.'

"I want to be there, I want to be there...want to bless my gudiya.' He said, "I want to perform his tilak, I want to wash his feet.'

"You will be there,' Niru promised Yash Narayan, "You are her father...you will perform her kanyadaan.'

"I already have.'

"Have you?'

"I have...I didn't know if I would be conscious again or not...hence I handed her to him.'

"Jijaji.' Niru gasped.

"He promised he will take good care of her,' Tears welled in Niru's eyes, Dev would care for his Chandini, he would never hurt her, surely not if he had promised his Guru.

"But now that she is marrying here in this Haveli,' Yash said warmly, "My heart wants to attend her wedding, wants to see her as a bride.'

"Niranjan,' Yash said urgently, "don't tell her, don't tell Chandini her Dev is back. We must keep this a secret till the doors open.'

"Hmm.'

"Chandini's loyalty rests with Indrani, we cannot take a risk. If he wants to hide his identity we must respect his decision...it is his right to tell her who he truly is.'

"I agree,' Niru nodded, frowning to himself. It would be heart breaking not to tell Chandini, but there were sinister forces in play here. Indrani was a wounded lioness right now. He couldn't afford to give her a chance to prepare herself against Dev. Advay was a tough opponent, and it was best she believed he was a stranger who was here to snatch the temple and her daughter from her.

"Nirajan,' Yash choked on his tears, "I wonder if she will look like her mother... you remember her mother, don't you?'

"I am sure she will.'Niranjan smiled warmly at the memory of Chandini's mother, she was a good natured beautiful woman, just like Chandini.

Yash closed his eyes, tears trickled down his face at the memory of his beloved late wife, at the memory of her beautiful blushing face as he had lifted her veil on the night of their wedding.

Niru too had tears trickling down his face, god had finally answered his prayers. His Chandini was marrying the man she was born for. Her Dev had never abandoned her, he had come back for her despite everything she had said and done to him. His love was true love. He wiped his face, the long sorrow had ended, his banno was Dev's bride now, it was time to celebrate.

"Chandini open the door,' Kajal banged Chandini's door.

"Jiji,' Meghu yelled. Why wasn't Chandini opening the door? The two women exchanged panicked glances, was she alright? They banged her door again urgently.

"Kya hua?' Shikha asked, as she ran out of Advay's room.

"She has locked herself,' Kajal panted for breath, "I hope she is fine.'

Advay frowned at Meghu's words. "Dammit,' He muttered as he strode out onto the terrace, he should have kept the door unlocked. He sighed, as he checked the door and window, she had locked everything. He sighed again, thankful it was his room she was locked in, and thankful he had been a rebellious teenager who would sneak out of his room, while fooling his mother into believing that he was locked inside and stuck into his books like a good boy.

He grabbed the metal wire he had twisted into a hook earlier, and gave the glass plane of the window a tap with his hand, letting the glass to give just enough way to allow the wire to slide past it.

"Jiju,' Shikha gasped in awe before bursting into a giggle. Advay chuckled at her in mischief, as he slid the thin wire through the gap, hooked the latch at the top of the door and pulled it down in one swift flick of his hand.

He took a deep breath and opened the door and strode into the room. Shikha ran past him and opened the door to Kajal and Meghu.

"Chandini,' Advay called out to her, she was nowhere to be seen. He quickly checked the bathroom. It was empty.

He exchanged glances with Shikha and Meghu as they pointed to the bed. He nodded, and got down on his knee. A smile escaped his mouth, to find Chandini cowered under the bed, covering her face to hide from everyone. She was truly the silliest girl in the world.

"Are you stupid?' He asked trying to keep a straight face, "I can see you. Just because you have covered your face doesn't mean you have turned invisible.'

Shikha and Meghu giggled, as Kajal Maasi collapsed on the chair heaving a sigh of relief.

"Meghu Paani,' She gasped for her breath.

Shikha too got to her knees and giggled at her sister.

"Jiji, come out now.'

"Chandini,' Advay said in a stern voice, "Come out, we are getting married in three hours.'

She shook her head as she continued covering her face. She just wanted to hide, to disappear, just wanted to go to bed and never wake up. This was not a marriage, he had called her a slave.

"Come out or I'll come get you.' He hissed between gritted teeth. Chandini scrambled further back, curling herself into a little ball, so he wouldn't reach her. Advay raked his hair in despair. How was he meant to get her out? He was angry with her, he reminded himself. Yet he was happy he was finally marrying her, she was truly his now. He had won the battle with Indrani. It was time to lure her out of her trap and into his.

"Shikha,' He winked at her, "Is that what I think it is?'

"What Jiju?' Shikha whispered, as Chandini frowned to herself. "Where?'

"There behind Chandini, in the corner there.'

"What is it?'

"I think it's a big black spider.' Chandini screamed and scrambled away from the corner of the cot and towards Advay.

"Careful,' He hissed as soon as she banged her head at the edge of the cot.

"Aww,' She yelped in pain, as Advay put his hand on her head and helped her from under the bed. She clutched to his shirt in despair.

"Spi...spider,' She gasped for breath, "Where...Please...I am scared.'

"You are safe now,' He wrapped his arms around her. "here, let me have a look at your head.'

Kajal and Meghu smiled at each other to find Advay fretting over Chandini. He truly loved her, they weren't sure what the two were playing at anymore.

"Does it hurt?' He asked, as he rubbed her head. She whimpered softly, cuddling against him. Tears welled her eyes, he was speaking to her like she was a person again.

Niru entered the room to see what the commotion was all about. He gasped to find Advay tending to Chandini's head. Kajal smiled at him in joy. He nodded, Advay did care for her. He was a tough task master but he cared for her nevertheless.

Chandini frowned as he lifted her gaze to his as he checked her forehead. He didn't hold her gaze, nothing had changed, this was not concern, this was still a part of who he was, she was still his property, not a person.

She lifted her gaze to her Mamaji in despair, but he averted her questioning eyes. Tears pricked her eyes, she was truly trapped, no one cared for her anymore. Advay wiped her tears with his thumb, avoiding her tear-filled gaze. She was his property and the sooner she came to terms with it the better it was for her. A slave was her master's property in his world. But she would never understand his intentions. Her world was way too different to his, and he didn't have the time or the patience to bridge the gap gradually. Six months was all he had now to exact Chandini's trust and loyalty. Love, his heart whispered, there was no room for love now. He never wanted her love, he had only wanted her trust and was here to snatch it from her.

"Advay,' Kajal Maasi whispered, hoping to cut the tension in the room, "I know you said we are not allowed upstairs, but I had to come check on my child, I hope you don't mind.'

Advay nodded.

"May I have a look at Chandini's jewellery.' She asked, "and her lehenga.'

"Shikha,' He glanced at her, "Murli has gone to return the lehenga, it was the wrong shade of red.'

Chandini looked away, nothing mattered anymore, she was his toy and he was dressing his property. This was not care, this was obsession. Love, her heart sighed in her chest. She had been a fool to hope there could be love between them.

Kajal gasped as Shikha arranged the pieces before her. Meghu too sat beside her and examined everything in awe. Niru smiled in content as he kept admiring Advay. Advay was Dev, their Dev, his Dev, and he was back for Chandini. He cleared his throat as soon as Advay got up to his feet and turned to leave.

"I want to speak to my child, may I?' Niru asked. Advay nodded as he took a step away from Chandini and leaned against the wardrobe.

"Are you not going to leave us alone?'

"No,' Advay snapped, "I am sure you can speak to her before me. I don't trust anyone anymore, I don't trust you and,' He glared at Chandini in anger, "I don't trust her.'

Tears pricked Chandini's eyes as she sat on the edge of her bed. She wanted to yell that she didn't trust him too. That he was a perverted lecher and that she hated him from the bottom of her heart. "You love him,' She clenched her eyes shut in despair, she had to strangle this voice in her head. Whose voice, was it? She frowned.

"Banno,' Niru stroked her hair, "How are you?'

"Mamaji,' She whimpered as she wrapped her arms around him and wept. Her sisters and her aunt were busy admiring her jewellery. She frowned at them in anger, did they truly not care for her? She was trapped, she was his property, this was not a marriage.

"Is there no Sita Rani?' Kajal asked as she checked the boxes. "it's a traditional piece...that's fine, you can give it to her in the post-wedding rituals.'

Advay smiled softly. Kajal was an optimist who saw the silver even in the darkest of clouds. He had bought their daughter, yet everyone was pretending like nothing had happened.

"Sita Rani,' Niru raised his brow. He dug his hand in his pocket to retrieve a Sita rani, and lifted his gaze to Advay and studied him in intent. Advay gasped out loud, was it? He furrowed his brows, but how? He took a step forward and instinctively put his hand out to Niru Mamaji. He gasped again, it was his mother's Sita Rani, why was it with Niru and why was he now gifting it to Chandini? Niru smiled to himself in content, Advay was Dev, his suspicions were now put to rest. The tenderness with which he stroked the necklace had given away his identity. He was glad Indrani wasn't here and Kajal was busy admiring the jewellery, while Chandini, Chandini was lost in her own world of despair, or Advay's identity would have become obvious.

"May I,' Niru held his hand out to Advay again, who reluctantly gave back his mother's necklace.

"Chandini,' Niru wiped her tears, "this necklace belonged to Dev's mother, we found it along with her other jewellery,' Advay narrowed his eyes, found it, his mother had been wearing it on that fateful day, she wore it all the time, maybe he meant found it in her ashes. Advay studied Chandini's face with intent, for a hint of remorse, guilt, regret...just anything...but there was none. She was truly a heartless bitch, who had murdered his mother and now felt nothing for her. She didn't deserve him, never had.

"I had hoped that Dev would come back for you,' Niru lifted his gaze to Advay, "Dev was her childhood friend,' He explained.

"I know,' Advay snapped, "I know who Dev is, and I know he didn't come...But I came,' He glared at Chandini, "To claim what's mine.'

A tiny smile broke at the corners of Niru's mouth as he struggled to keep a straight face. Dev was adorable, his tantrums had always been adorable and now it was obvious he was wearing a pout, frustrated that his Chandini was acting indifferent towards him.

"I had hoped you would marry Dev,' Niru continued stroking Chandini's hair as she rested her head on his chest, "But,' He sighed aloud, glancing at a fuming Advay, "he didn't come for you, Advay came,' He struggled to keep a straight face and not burst into laughter, "but now that you are getting married tonight, I would like you to have this, my Banno.'

Tears stung Advay's eyes at what Mamaji was saying. He had wanted Chandini to have his mother's necklace, had hunted every shop in the city to find one that matched the one his mother had in vain, and here Niru was handing her his mother's Sita rani as a wedding present. His mother has blessed his wedding.

"I can't take it Mamaji,' Chandini whispered, "It belongs to Dev's wife. You must hand it over to him when he comes back.'

"This is all I have with me, Banno,' Mamaji welled with tears, how was he meant to tell her she was Dev's wife, "Think of it as a blessing from your Janaki Maa. Wear it every day so she protects you and ensures that you have a long happy marriage.'

Niru lifted his gaze again at Advay, as though taunting him with his words.

"Advay,' He said, "I hope you don't mind me gifting this to my child. It may not be new or posh, but this has a lot of blessing in it.'

Advay nodded, struggling to blink his tears away. His mother was truly here, she was ensuring that everything fell in place. He had nothing to worry ,now that he had her blessing. He rubbed his hand against the tattoo on his chest.

"I too have a gift for Chandini,' Kajal smiled, as she got up to her feet, "wait let me go get it.'

"Chandini,' Niru wrapped Chandini in his arms, "always bear in mind that we are all here for you.'

She nodded, as Advay chuckled softly. Had he not heard no one was allowed upstairs. He was going to have to put out a sticker of all the rules in bold outside the front door.

"And never forget whose daughter you are.'

Chandini lifted her gaze to her Mamaji.

"You father is a great master, he was Dev's guru,' Niru glanced towards a sheepish Advay, "never doubt your father's decisions.'

Advay studied Niru under his narrow gaze.

"Par Mamaji.'

"Never doubt your father,' Niru interrupted before she protested, "he may seem like a mad man, but he knows what he is doing.'

She nodded. Her father had handed her to Advay, did he know Advay had bought her for six months for ten crores? She wanted to yell, but had forgotten how to in a long while. Her mother had punished her every time she had raised her voice. Good girls only speak in a soft voice, Indrani had reminded her time and again.

"Dev's father had predicted you would bring happiness and success to the man you would marry,' Niru glanced at Advay again, "and had been grateful to Yash Jijaji for accepting Dev's hand for you.'

Chandini frowned, her Mamaji words made no sense to her. Dev's father had been grateful, but Advay was a monster...a MONSTER, she screamed in her head. She wasn't marrying Dev, she was marrying the Devil. They were marrying her off to the Devil, and she was going to have to marry him to save her family from certain doom.

"Mahantji was grateful to have you as his Bahu,' Niru said again, "remember, they wanted you as their daughter-in-law, they considered Dev lucky to have you as his wife.'

Chandini sighed in despair. Her Mamaji too had lost his mind, just like her Baba. Dev would have been lucky but he never came, Dev didn't come but the Devil before her came for her and now she was bound to marry him. Advay took a deep breath, this conversation had to end, they were getting late.

"Achcha,' Kajal grinned from ear to ear as she stepped into the bedroom, "Chandini this is for you.'

Chandini gasped, it was her Maasi's favourite haath phool.

"Maasiji I can't,'

"You must,' She stroked her hair, "there is a story behind this,' She smiled, "this was a wedding present from Janaki Jiji, I want you to have it.'

"Par...?'

"A bride must wear it to her wedding, and since Shikha hasn't got you one, I insist you take mine.' Kajal smiled, "besides I don't wear it anymore, I had thought of presenting it to you had you married Dev, but,' She sighed, "koi baat nahi, it is a coincidence that I have a haath phool and your bridal jewellery is missing one, think of it as a blessing from me and from Janaki Jiji.'

Chandini hugged her Maasi, she truly had a heart of gold to be willing to part with her favourite piece of jewellery.

"Every time you wear it, I will feel happy reminding myself of the good old days.'

Advay sighed, it seemed like his mother had touched more lives than he had realised, yet these very people in this room had silently watched her burn to ashes. He felt pity at their weakness, he felt pity at his own weakness. He too had stood helplessly and watched her burn, tears stung his eyes. Yet here she was, his mother, blessing the girl who was behind her murder. She was truly a great woman and he was proud to be her son.

"Advay,' Kajal smiled at him warmly, "Shikha said you are not planning on having any pre-wedding rituals.'

He nodded. This was not a wedding, it was a namesake.

"But we have decided to have all the rituals.' He raised his brow, "Shikha is from the groom's side and Meghana is from the bride's side,' Kajal beamed, "as of me I am from both sides.'

Tears welled Advay's eyes at Kajal's simplicity, he was wrong about her. She too was a pawn in Indrani's hand.

"I have prepared the turmeric wali Haldi,' She continued chirping, "Shikha and I will be performing your Haldi.'

Advay smiled weakly.

"We will be celebrating it together, out on the terrace wali chat,' Kajal said, "My child is getting married,' She choked on her tears as she held Chandini close to her heart, "Itna toh banata hai.'

"Waisey Advay,' She continued, "If you are going to live upstairs, where are you going to cook.'

"I am renovating the rooms next door, into one large open living kitchen and dining area, and joining the two terraces so we have a one large terrace, connecting all the rooms.

"That is a brilliant idea, how long will it take,' Kajal frowned, "What will you do till then?'

"The kitchen and living shouldn't take long, I have already ordered everything,' Chandini watched his curiously from the corner of her eyes, when had he been planning all this? It seemed he knew for certain he would marry her, "Maybe a week, for everything.'

"I will send you lunch and dinner till then,' Kajal smiled. Chandini glared at her in horror, as Advay struggled to keep a straight face. He studied her, he had been harsh with her, but the sooner she warmed up to his life, the sooner he could earn her trust and the sooner he could exact his revenge from everyone. He shifted his gaze to Niru Mamaji, and frowned to find Mamaji studying him with affection. He looked away frowning to himself, Mamaji was queer, was he admiring him as the bride's uncle or checking him out, he wasn't sure.

"Shall we start with haldi,' Meghu said as she strode into the bedroom, "I know mehendi is before Haldi, but if I apply Mehendi now, how can we have Haldi on her hands.'

"Let's start with Haldi.' Kajal said.

"Jiju,' Meghu said, "Jiji needs to change. I'll let you know once we are ready. Toh...'

"What is the need to change?' Kajal scrunched her face, "She can have her haldi in this hideous blue lehenga, isi bahane we can ruin it and burn it.'

"No,' Advay snapped. He didn't want her in anything that had PP on it. "There is a yellow saree in there in that box,' He locked his gaze with Chandini's, "I hope you like it.'

Advay silently stepped out of the room, as soon as Niru left the room, he didn't mind Chandini alone with her aunt and sisters. He sighed, as he gazed at the Banyan tree. They would never marry under their Banyan tree ever, Dev would never marry his Chandu, tears welled his eyes, as he stood at the edge of the terrace, memories of his childhood flashed before his eyes. Memories of him and Chandini running around the tree, of him holding her in his arms as she tied a red thread to the branches. The tree stood tall and proud exactly where it had for the last sixteen years, the river too flowed exactly where it had had sixteen years ago, everything was exactly how it was, except that all was lost. His parents were lost, his Micku was lost, his Chandu was lost...and Dev too was lost. Where was his Chandini, the girl he had loved, the girl who ruined him, the girl who kept him alive?

Advay gasped as he finally turned around. How long had he been lost in his thoughts? The terrace was transformed, into a magical place. A canopy was erected and dupatta's in pink, yellow and blue hung over a bamboo frame, to provide a shade from the evening Sun. Strings of Marigolds fluttered down the canopy. Shikha and Meghu layered blankets on top of one another, till it formed a soft bedding. They finally covered the bedding with a layer of marigolds. Advay sighed in awe, where had all this come from? They had used blankets and curtains and dupattas and other nick knacks lying around the house and had transformed the terrace into a perfect setting for the Haldi ceremony. He watched with a warm smile, as the two girls bickered and barked orders at each other. They arranged cushions for the groom and the bride, so they sat opposite each other. Advay took a deep breath, this was not how he had planned the event, it had to be performed in the morning and he had planned on organising it downstairs in the lounge. It should have been a perfect wedding with Chandini blushing every time he held her gaze. But his life was a complicated mess and now she too would soon become a part of it.

Murli had returned and was now helping the women with the chairs and cushions. It was almost four, they had till half past seven. He sighed, as he waited for them to organise the event. A warm smile kissed his lips, everything had fallen into place as soon as his mother had made her presence through her necklace. With her around he could think with clarity, he never faltered and never made wrong decisions. He rubbed his hand on his chest, his Maa was always with him, she always blessed him and today too she stood beside him, despite what he had done.

"Jijaji,' Meghu called. Advay nodded as he made his way towards the canopy. The sun was low, it was warm yet breezy, the marigolds fluttered their heads around him, everything shone in a sheen of gold. He smiled to himself as he waited for Chandini to arrive.

"Bhaiyya, everything is ready,' Murli held a box before him, "check the lehenga.'

Advay assessed it under the sunlight, it was perfect. Just what he had ordered, at least Chandini would wear what he had chosen for her. He sighed, he may not give her the marriage she deserved but she would have the wedding she deserved.

He gaped as soon as Chandini stepped out on the terrace. She looked like a celestial nymph bathed in gold, a goddess worthy of worship wearing a delicate garland of jasmine around her neck. She moved with grace as she sat down on one of the cushions, with her head and her gaze trained to her feet while she adjusted the dupatta on her head. Strings of jasmine adorned her parting, her wrists, her arms, her delicate waist and her ankles. He admired her with pride, his Chandini was finally his bride today.

He stiffened as soon as Yash Narayan made his way onto the terrace, leaning on Niru's shoulder. Advay ran up to him and supported him as he helped him take a seat, so that he had unobscured view of the event. Tears stung Chandini's eyes as soon as she saw her father. Her father beamed at her with pride. She got up to her feet and ran to him.

"Baba,' She whispered as she collapsed at his feet, did he know what had happened to day? She frowned. Her Maa was nowhere, and she wasn't surprised. But at least her Baba was here, he had missed her Roka but he was here for her wedding. Chandini watched Advay in awe as he placed a cushion behind Yash to support his back, and finally covered his skeletal frame with a blanket. Was his concern real? Advay was a confusing man.

"Gudiya,' Her father called out to her tenderly as he stroked her head. Shikha leaned on Advay's shoulder, wiping her tears. She had seen her father smile in a very long time.

"Baba,' Chandini whispered, "You are here.'

"It is your wedding today,' He said, "you are marrying in the Haveli, you are the mistress of this Haveli, it is a day for celebration.'

Chandini rested her head on his knee as he stroked her hair tenderly. Her Baba's presence had made it the perfect day. All the hurt, all the pain, all the grief had vanished as soon as he had recognised her and addressed her as his gudiya. Tears streamed down her face, her bholenath hadn't abandoned her. There was still hope.

"Chandini,' Kajal finally said, "Come sit, let's start.'

Advay unbuttoned his shirt as he sat down in front of his bride. Her saree fluttered in the cool breeze like delicate wings of gold, he smiled, she was his delicate golden butterfly, who finally belonged to her big black spider. Entrapped forever.

Everyone gasped out loud as soon as he got rid of his shirt. Tears stung Yash Narayan's eyes at the sight of the ancient Shiva idol on Advay's chest, Niru gazed at his chest in awe, while Meghu and Kajal froze to the spot. Chandini lifted her gaze ever so slightly to behold the sight before her, the sight of the tattoo and the handsome monster who was now her husband.

"Jiji,' Shikha shrieked as she rubbed her palm on his chest, "Look he has a C on his chest.'

Advay chuckled softly, while Chandini struggled to hide her blushing face.

Niru and Yash exchanged glances, it was a tattoo of the ancient Shiva from the treasure temple. Niru nodded, Advay was Dev, there was no questions there. He had seen the idol as a young man, as it had glimmered like a tower of gold in the early morning sun light. It was made of tonnes of solid gold, and he was now seeing it again on the chest of the man it belonged to. He closed his eyes in reverence and worshiped the idol in the eye of his mind.

Niru sat beside Chandini and admired Advay. His Dev had come back. He wanted fall to his feet and seek forgiveness, wanted to hold him, kiss his forehead. Memories of a little Dev flashed before his eyes, he was now back as a man, one who could support the entire household on his able shoulders. He stroked Chandini's hair, how he ached to tell her who she was marrying. Her Dev had returned, he had returned for her.

Murli supported Yash as he got to his feet.

"I know the Roka was performed in the way that it was,' He scrunched his face, thankful he hadn't been a part of it, "and I know it was performed with you.'

Advay nodded.

"But I never got a chance to perform your tilak, I wish to do it now, before we start the Haldi.'

Advay nodded as he searched for a cloth to cover his head. Tears stung his eyes as soon as Shikha lifted her dupatta and covered his head, while her father applied the tilak to his forehead. He folded his hands and took a deep breath, his guru has touched his third eye of knowledge and blessed him on the most important day of his life. He couldn't have asked for any more than this. He choked as soon as Yash placed his hand on his head and blessed him again. His Baba was not here, at least his master was here. He instinctively touched Yash Narayan's feet.

"I am the bride's father,' Yash smiled as he took a step back, "Today you must not touch my feet. Today it is my turn to touch your feet as I hand my daughter to you.'

Advay nodded slowly. He smiled as Shikha wiped the tears escaping from the corners of his eyes with her dupatta. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close as he composed himself for Niru to perform his tilak next.

"It is customary we give gifts to the groom,' He whispered while applying the tilak to his forehead. He glanced at Shikha to ensure she was busy giggling with Meghu.

"I have this for you.' He took Advay's hand in his and handed him his mother's bichua. Advay shot his eyes up to a teary eyed Mamaji. "You need her blessing today.'

He then shot his eyes to Yash Narayan, who nodded at him with a soft warm smile. Murli gasped from where he stood. Mamaji knew who Advay was. They had found the other ring. Tears poured down Advay's face as he pressed the ring to his lips as few times before slipping it into his pocket. His mother was gracing this event, she was here, there were both here. He looked up to the heavens, his Maa Baba were both blessing him and Chandini. He wiped his face, his parents had forgiven him for what he had done, his master had forgiven him for what he had done. He took a deep breath, he was over his guilt for what he had done. He finally lifted his gaze and admired Chandini again. The Kashyap family was welcoming her. She was his family now.

Kajal knelt before Advay with a bowl of turmeric and a smile that adorned her beautiful face.

"I will start with you,' She said, as she dipped the kusha grass and began applying the turmeric to his feet, his knees, hands, shoulder and finally to his head. Chandini threw furtive glances towards him adjusting the dupatta over her head. Her heart stopped in her chest, as soon as he smiled warmly at Kajal Maasi. His smile was her sure ruin. She lowered her gaze to his mouth, was he serious, would he never kiss her again? Tears stung her eyes, this had to be the worst punishment ever, she would have rather handled a few strikes of his whip. If he didn't want to kiss her, she didn't want to kiss him either, she pouted to herself, as she watched his tantalising mouth again with frustration.

Shikha rubbed her hands together in mischief, as she got up to her feet, it was her turn next. Murli flitted around filming the event, while Meghu whacked her brains on what songs to play. Chandini sighed as she looked around, it was the perfect Haldi, she had everyone she loved. Tears stung her, everyone except her Maa. She frowned, had her Maa truly offered her for auction, the events of the day made no sense to her. She was going to have to sit down with a calm mind, after worshipping the goddess Durga and re-live the moment again, so she could perceive the events with clarity. She lifted her gaze towards her Baba, he was smiling, his eyes shone with joy. He looked relieved. He remembered her? Was this how a father felt on the day of his daughter's wedding, she asked herself? Relieved that he was finally handing her over to the man she was destined to belong to. Only that here this arrangement was destined for six months. Tears pricked her eyes like needles as she gazed at Advay again. But gasped in horror as Shikha, Meghu and Murli smothered him in Haldi. Advay protested but in vain. It seemed like he had given the girls full reign today, while he let them continue with their onslaught in silence.

"Oh,' She giggled softly, he looked like a banana. Advay locked her gaze with his narrowed eyes. How dare she laugh at the state he was in? He was going to have to teach her a lesson. Chandini looked away, muffling the laughter that struggled to break free, he looked comical.

"Chandini,' Kajal said, "it's your turn now.'

She gasped, was it her turn to look like a banana? She glared at her maasi in horror, whoever invented strange rituals like these? Hence why the bride and groom never performed it together? She lowered her gaze to find him winking at her with mischief. He was going to laugh at her, she knew it. But she was trapped, yet again, and this time her own family had trapped her.

"Kajal maasi what have you added to it?' Murli sniffed the bowl, "it smells amazing.'

"Hmm...Sandalwood, turmeric, milk, rose water, oil and saffron.' She chirped as she sat down before Chandini, and applied kumkum to her forehead. She then held the same grass with which she had touched Advay, to apply the haldi to her feet, her knees, hands, shoulders and her head.

Yash hobbled towards her on slow feet, leaning on Niranjan.

"Chandini,' He sat before her on a stool as Advay watched him with reverence, "I am both your Maa and your Baba,' He said, "though I have not been a good Baba or a good Maa,' Chandini shook her head, tears stinging her eyes.

"But since I am both, I have the right to apply haldi to you.'

She sniffled softly, as he dipped his fingers in the cup and applied haldi to her hands, her face and finally placed his turmeric smeared hand on top of her head, blessing her.

"May you have a long happy married life, may you always live a suhagan,' He said, as tears welled his eyes, "May you die a suhagan.'

Advay shot his eyes to her father. Why did people have to do this? He frowned. What was this obsession people had with a woman dying a suhagan? Was his guru Yash Narayan wishing a life like his own upon his Dev? He sighed. Chandini had to outlive him, and he was going to make that happen, whether she liked it or not.

"Banno,' Her Mamaji sat before her, "I am your Mama, I have a Maa twice in my name, hence I have twice the right to apply the haldi.'

Chandini nodded again, as tears streamed down her face. She smiled as her Mamaji too applied Haldi to her hands, her cheeks and finally placed his hand over her head. This had to be the perfect haldi any girl had ever had.

"May you find the happiness you deserve, and gain back the love you lost.'

Love, she sighed softly, she neither deserved happiness not love. Her life was riddled with hardships, grief and tears. She was now a slave to a man she had lost her heart to. She felt a stab in her heart, a man who didn't love her back.

Shikha and Meghu queued up next as they began applying the haldi tenderly at first, only to finally smother her face in the paste, as she protested in vain.

"Bhabhi there is only one place I can touch you,' Murli said as he applied the haldi to her feet. "I am forever at your service.'

Chandini smiled at him weakly, thankful she had Murli to have heart felt conversations with in her new life. Would Advay allow her sisters to meet her? She wasn't sure. But at least they were all under the same roof.

She giggled as her sisters began smothering each other in the haldi. They applied the turmeric to Mamaji too who was a sitting duck. It was a mess after that, with the girls smothering the turmeric all over a shrieking Kajal. Chandini giggled as Shikha ran after Murli with a bowl of Haldi.

"Bhaiyya bachao,' Murli yelled as the girls finally pinned him down and smothered him in the yellow paste.

Yash and Niranjan laughed as the women giggled and laughed between themselves. Chandini sighed, it was the perfect Haldi she had ever dreamt of. Her Baba was here to bless her, this was the first wedding ritual he was a part of, the first he had blessed, she didn't have anything to fear now.

Advay admired her from where he was sat, at least she was smiling. It had not been the haldi he had in mind for her, but it had been perfect, despite what they had been through a few hours ago. He finally got up to his feet, and decided to have a shower, given the state he was in. Chandini blushed under his intense gaze, as she too got up to her feet and strode into her bedroom. It was time she had a shower. She gasped at the mirror to see the state that she was in. She frowned, had he been admiring her despite the state she was in?

"You look stunning,'

She shrieked softly, to find him leaning against her door frame. Would he never stop trespassing into her room?

"So, do you.'

He chuckled at the taunt in her voice.

"Are you mocking me?' She shivered at his stern voice, was he angry or was he pretending? He took a step towards her and slid his hand up her waist from under the fold of her saree. Chandini sighed, why did he always have to slide his hand from under the fold of her saree, it messed the pleats she had pinned to her shoulder.

"I have been watching you,' He brushed his lips against her ears, "you have been giggling at the state that I am in.'

She pressed her lips muffling her giggle, he did look comical.

"What?' He asked as he pulled her closer and rubbed his cheek against hers. "What are you giggling at...I need to know.'

"You,' She giggled softly, "You look like a banana.'

"I see,' He chuckled like the devil as he nuzzled his turmeric smeared face against hers, "Slaves who laugh at their masters are punished, my dear pet.'

She frowned, punished, how? Was he going to whip her, she wasn't afraid, she held her head high. She was Chandini Yash Narayan Vashisht.

"Did I tell you?' Advay asked seductively, "that one of the duties of a slave...'

She shot her eyes to him. She was not his slave she wanted to yell.

"is to wash your master.'

He released the pin on her shoulder allowing her dupatta to fall to the floor. She struggled to break free from his clutches, had he lost his mind, she was meant to do what?

"That is your punishment,' He chuckled against her ear, "you are going to wash me now.'

Chandini gasped in horror. This was a punishment. Her family were outside laughing and giggling, her Baba was here, anyone could happen upon them, he had to leave.

"You are not meant to see.'

"You will not speak unless I permit you to.'

She frowned in despair, how was she meant to voice her thoughts in that case.

"What if I...'

"Hah,' He glared at her, as he began unhooking her blouse. She shivered the door was open, Shikha could come in, Murli was laughing just outside the door. They were not married yet. What was the matter with this man?

"But.' She protested again, as she watched his fingers unhooking her, in horror.

"If you want to speak you must ask me for permission.'

She frowned, he was serious. He was a mad man, she nodded to herself, he must be mad, only mad people spoke and behaved like this. She was marrying a mad man.

"At school Chandini,' He dragged her into the bathroom and shut the door behind them, "if you wanted to speak to your teacher what would you do?'

She glared at him murderously. He had just asked her not to open her mouth, what did he expect her to say now?

"Answer me, I am asking you a question,' He said, "You must always answer without delay, when you master asks you a direct question.'

"I ...I would raise my hand,' She fumbled as he brushed his fingers against her neck, "and ask her if I could speak.'

"Good... Just like that, if you want to speak to me, you must ask me for permission.'

"Over my dead body,' She fumed to herself, she didn't want to speak to him. She would stay mum for the next six months or for how many ever months' this arrangement lasted. How dare he order her around like this?

Advay turned on the shower and handed it to her.

"Wash me.' Was he serious, the bride and groom weren't meant to see each other after Haldi? Did he not realise? She had to tell him. She fumed, she had to take his permission. This was harder than she had expected.

She put her hand up like a school girl, "May I speak.' She hissed in disgust.

"Please... manners, doesn't seem like you have been taught manners.' He smirked with content, "May I speak, please.'

"May I speak, please.' She said with clenched teeth, she wanted to swat his head with the showerhead. Could that lead to death? She frowned. Flahsing news: Bride murders her husband on the day of their haldi, though how he had ended up in her bathroom looking like a banana would forever remain a mystery.

"You may speak my pet,' She glared at his mischievous chuckle. He was revelling in her despair.

"We are not meant to see each other after Haldi,' She said, the sooner she got rid of him the better, "you should leave.'

"I can't see you behind all that haldi,' He chuckled, as he slid one hand under her bra and cupped her breasts into the palm of his hand "as of you, keep your gaze lowered as you wash me.'

Chandini gasped, she couldn't think anything past the fingers that were working her nipples, tugging and pinching at them, making her pant for breath.

"Go on quick, I am not going to budge,' He chuckled wickedly, "The sooner you wash me the sooner you can get rid of me.'

Chandini muttered under her breath gasping for breath, as she held the shower over his head with shaky hands.

"Do you understand the meaning of washing me,' He asked, "You are meant to rub your hands on me...I can train you, I am a very good master. Do you want me to wash you?'

"No,' She snapped.

"Then wash me properly.'

She furrowed her brows as she struggled to hold the showerhead and scrub his body with her hands. Advay held the showerhead for her, so she rubbed her hands over his body, while he played with her nipples, making her squirm and gasp with every stroke of his hand. He smirked to himself, this was better than the haldi ceremony he had planned.

She glanced down towards his trousers, it was wet. What did he want her to do? She lifted her questioning gaze up to him.

"Leave it,' Advay wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to his body. "You can take it off once we are married.'

Chandini gasped softly as the water poured from his face onto hers. His words were turning her on, his touch setting her body on fire. How was she meant to fight him if her body kept betraying her even before the battle began?

"There are some communities,' He continued, she moaned softly at the pinch of his finger against her breasts, she couldn't think, "where during haldi the bride must bathe in the water the groom has bathed in.'

She held her face closer to his, allowing the water pouring down from his face to pour over her. Advay had turned her into a mush just with the stroke of a palm again. She wrapped her arms around him rubbing her body against his like a cat in heat. Advay chuckled softly, he was going to have to behave, at least till they were married which was in less tehn three hours thankfully. He traced a line of her lips, kicking himself for what he had said earlier, it was going to be a torture to not kiss her. He was going to have to find a way to break his rule. He smirked to himself, he would find a way to kiss her.

Chandini admired his tantalising mouth, wishing he would kiss her, but instead to her dismay he took a step back and held the shower over his chest, so she scrubbed the turmeric off his body. Tears stung her eyes, he had declared he would never kiss her, was he serious?

She gasped aloud as soon as he turned around, she rubbed her hands on his back, on the tattoo of a snake spiralling down his spine. How had she never noticed it before? Tears stung her eyes, it was beautiful, she instinctively pressed her lips against the entire length of his spine.

"Do you like it?' He asked smiling to himself.

"It's beautiful...symbolic of the great goddess Kundalini who when awakened is meant to rise up the spine.'

He smiled to himself, as she rubbed her arms against the snake and finally up against the mantra that was tattooed all the way across his shoulder blade, from left to right. She washed the turmeric, frowning at what was mantra it was. She had never heard it. It was Sanskrit, but it sounded strange, different.

"What mantra is it?'

"I don't know.' He smirked.

"Where did you get this tattoo?' She asked in alarm, as soon she read it again.

"Amsterdam...Why?' He lied.

"West,' She sighed, "this is a mantra, not a design, they can't tattoo whatever they please.'

"What's wrong with it?' He asked as he turned around and faced her.

"I don't know what it means,' She said flinching slightly as he shook his wet hair against her face, "But it sounds like a tantric mantra... Chanted by aghoris.' She whispered. Advay smirked at her, she was a smart girl. He couldn't wait to see what she had to say the day she realised he was an Aghori.

He turned the shower off and pulled her closer. "I am going now, won't see you till the wedding,' He whispered seductively, "have your shower, doll up for me,' She blushed as he kissed her forehead, "Can't wait to see you as my bride...can wait to take you as my slave.'

She flinched ever so slightly, as he wiped his chest dry and stepped out of the bathroom. Slave, the word rang in her head, s**t sounded like a better word now. Was that who she was, his slave? Or was she his wife? She didn't know. But they were marrying in a couple of hours, and she was covered in the droplets of water that had poured from his face and his mouth onto hers.

She blushed, she was marrying Advay, the man she loved, who didn't love her back. Her beautiful mirage.

Originally posted by: 2filmy

I want to see him have another Maha Kaal sadhana

I truly cant be bothered abt the end, if I dont know how the middle is going to play out😆😆

@ Chitra Yes though I want a beautiful ending to this dark love saga ,BUT ItS ALWAYS the journey of two heartthrobs and all the love , pain , torment , angst ,reconciliation n separation ... the trials n tribulations ... u name it , the gamut of emotions and their interplay is what keeps one engrossed ... I too go back n keep reading n re read many lines n chapters ... they beckon me so n especially ADVAY ... SO looking forward to Chandini's self realization as that I would love to relate to and go along with her journey to seek n finally submit to her eternal lover n soulmate ..,. So like my shiv Shakti