Chap 43, 44 on Page 119 Entrapment : An Extremely Dark Advni FF - Page 87

Chandini wiped her hair as she stepped out of the bathroom, her heart was fluttering like the saffron flag on top of the temple, left out to deal with gale force winds. Advay was the storm who had stormed into her life and was ruining the very foundations she stood upon. She studied her glowing form in the mirror, she was glowing like a bride, despite everything she had been through, her face glimmered in a sheen of gold. Was it because of the after-glow of the turmeric or was it because she was his bride, she wasn't sure? Meghu ran into her room, as Chandini sat before the mirror and brushed her hair.

"Jiji,' Meghu gasped for breath. She had showered, Where? Chandini wondered.

"Jiji, good you are ready we need to get started on your Mehendi,' She said as she began arranging the Mehendi on the chair behind her.

"Where did you shower?'

"Room next door.'

Chandini nodded, they had hardly ever used the top floor of the Haveli. The rooms upstairs were always shut. She would only ever enter them once a year at Diwali to give them a spring clean. But now they would soon become a part of her new home. She felt a flutter in her heart, she had her own home while still living in the Haveli.

"What are you both wearing tonight?' Chandini asked again with a frown. PP had rushed the wedding, they hadn't ordered anything for the girls.

"Jiju has got us a lehenga, you will see later, it's a surprise.'

Chandini smiled, at least her sisters were enjoying the event, at least he was treating her sisters right. Chandini pulled her stool and sat before her sister. She placed her hand on Meghu's lap and gasped in awe at the delicate design she had before her.

"Do you like it?' Meghu asked, "Jiju picked it for you.'

"He did?' Chandini frowned, why? Was this too a part of his twisted, "you are my property game,' or did he truly care for her?

She examined the design again, it was a simple floral design, delicate yet beautiful.

"Where is Shikha?'

"She is drawing Mehendi on Jijaji's hand.'

Chandini giggled softly, was he going to let her tattoo a mehendi on his hands?

"He won't agree.' Chandini said.

"He never says no to Shikha.'

"Hmm,' Chandini sighed, how she wished she too had an older brother who would love her the way Advay loved Shikha. She needed a shoulder to lean on today, someone to hold her and assure her that no matter what he would always stand beside her. She smiled to herself, at least Shikha had someone like that. Advay would never let anyone hurt Shikha or Meghu, she knew that for sure. Would he truly oust her family out of the haveli? She frowned to herself, unable to believe that he would let go of Shikha and Meghu from under his protective wings.

"He wants his full name tattooed on your hand.' Meghu giggled softly.

"What?'

"His full name...ADVAY.'

Tears stung Meghu's eyes.

"Kya hua.'

"I am going to emphasise on the D in his name, what if Dev Bhaiyya didn't come for you, at least you can have his name in your mehendi.'

"Meghu.'

"Just think of it as your lucky charm,' She wiped the tear that slipped from Chandini's eyes, "your rock, like your stone. His initial will give you the strength to face your new life.'

Chandini nodded, unsure of how Advay would react to find a D alongside an A in her mehendi. But she was going to fight him, and her little rebellion would start with her Mehendi, besides he was the one who had demanded for his full name to be tattooed on her hand. Advay had a D in his name, her heart skipped a beat, maybe it was a good indication.

"Jiji,' Meghu whispered, "What happened today?'

Chandini sighed heavily, if only she knew what had happened today.

"Kajal maasi told us,' She choked on her tears, "but I wanted to hear from you. Wanted to know how you felt about all this?'

"What is there to feel, I have to go with the flow.' Chandini blinked her tears, the burden of having two younger unmarried sisters and a bed-ridden father had long taught her to stop thinking about herself. Her mother's debts had only made matters worse.

"Aren't you upset with us?' Meghu asked.

"Why?' Chandini smiled at her warmly.

"That we love him despite what he did today.'

"I don't know what to feel anymore.' She sighed, she was exhausted to feel and think after the way her life had spiralled out of control. Just the images of the video kept spinning in her head. Advay had told her he had been with other women, but to witness him in action was shattering her already shattered heart. Tears rolled down her cheek.

"Jiji, he is a good man.'

Chandini sniffled, he was a good man to everyone except her. He was a monster when it came to her, a monster she would have to live with for the rest of her life. She shivered, not life, just the next six months. Tears stung her, she wanted to live her life with him, monster or otherwise, he belonged to her, just like she belonged to him. He had sounded deeply hurt at not being able to have the life he had hoped from. What had she done? But he had broken her heart too, several times, and his video had been the final blow to the faint glimmer of hope in her heart. He didn't love her, he just loved the idea of a family with her.

"Are you happy with this marriage?' Meghu asked again.

"How does it matter?' Chandini sighed, "Did anyone ask me if I was happy marrying P...'

Meghu held her sisters gaze with a frown. She was right, no one had ever bothered asking her what she thought about PP. Her Maa had arranged the wedding and it was assumed she would do her bidding. Her sister was never allowed to choose. Decisions had always been imposed upon her.

"Did Maa auction you?' She finally asked.

"I don't know,' Chandini sobbed softly, "I don't know what happened. One moment they were fighting and bidding for the Haveli, and the next moment, your Jiju offered ten crores for me.'

Meghu gasped, "How much?'

"Ten crores.'

"He loves you Jiji,' Meghu declared sternly, "He truly loves you.'

"He doesn't love me.' Chandini sniffled, people in love didn't treat their loved ones like the way he did. If only Meghu knew what he had called her, if only she knew what the terms of their relationship was. But she wasn't going to tell her anything. She would let her live in her little bubble, let her believe Advay was a good man who would protect and care for them, and thankfully he did treat her sisters right. At least her sisters had found a brother in him.

"I am back.' Shikha chirped. "Are you still working on Jiji's Mehendi? I have done Jiju's hand, Maasi's hand and mine too.'

She giggled as she showed the delicate design on her hand.

"Could you draw a simple design for her feet in that case?' Meghu asked, "I just need to do the back of this hand and then I can do mine.'

"I am very happy today,' Shikha chirped, as she rested Chandini's feet on her lap.

"Are you?' Chandini asked.

"Jijaji had promised me two days ago, that he won't let you go anywhere, and you are not going anywhere.'

Chandini chuckled softly. At least that was one relief. She would continue to live in the Haveli, would continue to sit out on the terrace and have her tea with the chimes of the early morning temple bells soothing her heart, and would continue to live close to her sisters despite his harsh terms. She was happy, so long that she could see her family from a distance.

"We are not allowed upstairs.' Meghu reminded her.

"His rules don't apply to me,' Shikha winked, "I am going to break it, he won't have a choice but to deal with it.'

Chandini and Meghu gasped together. Shikha had some nerve to take the bull by its horns.

"I will come and go as I please. He can't throw me out of my house or stop me from seeing my sister.' She rested her head on Chandini's lap as she drew little flowers around her feet.

"Shikhu, you don't want to get Jiji into trouble.'

"Don't worry I won't.' She smiled, "I have thought of it. I know what to do.'

Chandini and Meghu giggled, Shikha was the true rebel out of the three. Tears stung her eyes as memories of her own rebellious years flashed before her. The pressures of playing the perfect daughter of the Mahant had taken its toll on her rebellious streak. She was glad, at least she had let Shikha hold on to her spirit.

"What did you draw on Jiju's hand?' Meghu asked. "Did he let you draw?'

"He didn't at first, but eventually said yes, when Mamaji suggested I write, Maa Baba on his right hand and then Jiju asked me to write Jiji's name on the other hand.'

Chandini choked on her breath. Did he want to have her name tattooed on his hand? Wasn't she supposed to be his slave or something? She frowned.

"Oh, and he also wanted me to write M and S under Maa and Baba,' She continued chirping, "Pata nahi what it stands for?'

"Master and Slave,' Chandini sighed to herself, just when she had hoped there was hope.

"Could you write Maa Baba on my hand too?' Chandini asked, "And M and S on the other hand.'

"What?' Shikha and Meghu frowned in confusion, "What does M and S stand for?'

"For me it will mean Meghu and Shikha.'

"Maybe Jiju also meant Meghu and Shikha,' Shikha smacked her head in glee, "He is so adorable, to have our initials tatooed on his hand.'

"Meghu just write Baba on Jiji's hand.' Shikha scrunched her face in anger. "Maa doesn't deserve to have her name written on her hand, not after what she did today.'

"Chup, Maa means her Maa... badi Maa.'

"Oh Haan... toh teek hai.'

"Shikha it's not right,' Chandini said, "She is our Maa.'

"She is not my Maa anymore,' She snapped, "I don't have a Maa, never had one, and don't lecture me today.'

Chandini sighed, Shikha was right, yet Indrani was her mother. It was not right to insult the mother who had carried her for nine months and had suffered the pain of labour. Only a motherless girl like her would understand the grief of not having a mother. She gasped out aloud.

"Kya hua Jiji.'

She shook her head as she struggled to blink her tears. She had been unkind to Advay. She had told him he deserved to lose his mother. How could she? He was an orphan. At least she had her Baba, her sisters, her uncle, aunt, her family. He had no one but Murli. Tears glistened in her eyes, she had turned into a terrible person, a monster. She had to apologise to him, this was not who she was. But he had pushed her to say terrible things, he always brought out the worst in her.

"Tell me Jiji, would you have sold me?' Shikha choked on her tears.

"Shut up.' Chandini snapped.

"No, you shut up.'

"Shikha, don't talk to Jiji like that,' Meghu shot back at her. "She is much older than you, and has always fought for you. Even this wedding, she has agreed to it for you...for me, for us.'

Shikha let out a sigh in despair as she fought back the tears in her eyes.

"I am sorry,' She finally whispered as she wrapped her arms around Chandini and wept. "I am sorry for everything Jiji.'

"Sorry you are marrying like this, sorry I can't help you,' Shikha continued as Chandini rested her cheek on her head and stroked her hair, "I don't know if what Jiju did was right or wrong, but I love him, and I am sorry I love him. I didn't want you to marry PP, I didn't want you to go anywhere and I am sorry I couldn't stop Maa from selling you to a man like PP. I am sorry I couldn't protect you.'

"It's not your fault,' Chandini said, "and it's not your duty to protect me. You are younger by years. It is my duty to protect you, to protect both you and Meghu.'

She wrapped her arms around her sisters and finally let her tears roll down her cheeks.

"And it is my duty to protect you.' Mamaji said as he sat beside her and stroked her head.

"Mamaji,' She whimpered resting her head on his chest.

"I have spoken to Advay,' He said, "He is willing to take a no' from you.'

Chandini lifted her glistening eyes to her Mamaji's kind eyes.

"You can still refuse, he is okay with that.'

She frowned, uncertain of what she wanted to do.

"But the Haveli?' She asked.

"He has bought the Haveli Banno, he owns it now.' He explained, "but you don't have to make a sacrifice for us. We can all leave this city and move to Banaras.'

"But Baba.'

"Your baba too will come with us,' Niru continued, "I don't own a mansion, but you have lived with me before. It may be a small house, but it's comfortable.'

Chandini nodded. She loved her Mamaji's house, it had a lot of heart to it, the only place where she could be who she was without anyone judging or telling her off.

"You can take up a job, Meghu too can take up a job once she finishes college later this year,' Meghu nodded at her, "There are many people willing to employ me and I have some money saved up. We can all live a comfortable yet honourable life.'

"But what about the debts?' Chandini asked, "What about the debt collectors? What if they come for Shikha and Meghu?'

"The debts will remain unpaid,' He sighed, "Jiji made those debts and it is her responsibility to repay them, not yours.'

"As far as Shikha and Meghu are concerned, I have friends in the police. Banaras is my city. No one can touch them there. I assure you that.'

"Jiji,' Meghu said, "Say no if you don't want to marry him, don't do this for us.'

"Don't say no.' Shikha pleaded with her, "Please don't say no. Jiju is a good man, marry him. I know he is rude, but he is good. He cares for you, he cares for all of us.'

"It is your decision Chandini,' Niru Mamaji continued, "I couldn't stop Jiji from arranging your wedding with PP, with the hope that Dev would return, but..., He sighed, "also because I am weak. I could never protect you.'

Niru Mamaji wiped the tears escaping his eyes, he had been weak, but now that Dev was back, he felt like he had regained his strength. Yet, Chandini had the right to say no, it was her decision, her life. His sister had never given her a choice, but he would ensure she had a choice and thankfully, Advay too wanted her to choose him for the right reasons.

"Marriage is the biggest decision of a person's life,' He continued stroking her hair, "it should be based on love and respect. One must have a say in who they want to spend the rest of their life with. Marriage is a commitment of a lifetime, it's not a joke.'

She nodded, but there was no lifetime here, this was not a marriage, it was an arrangement for six months.

"Do you love your sisters?' Mamaji asked.

She nodded.

"Do you know what love is?'

She nodded, she knew what love was, at least she knew how warm and fuzzy she felt with Advay, despite how much he had hurt her.

"Did you love PP?' Mamaji asked.

She shook her head furiously, she had never considered PP, he disgusted her. It was always Dev, till Advay had turned up to rock her life.

"Do you love Dev?'

She nodded softly. But her love for Dev had been pure, he was the only friend whom she had trusted with her life.

"Do you love Advay?'

She continued nodding, of course she did, she had never felt anything like this with anyone. She shot her eyes up to her smiling Mamaji, what had she said? She looked away nervously, struggling to contain the blush streaking across her cheek.

"Do you want to marry him?' He asked with a warm smile, happy she had feelings for him. He was her Dev, her soul knew who he was, it was impossible for her not to fall in love with him, and him, her.'

"Do you want to marry him, Banno?'

"I don't know, Mamaji,' She whispered, "What about Maa?'

"Your Maa can look after herself,' Mamaji snapped, "think about yourself today. This is your life we are talking about.'

"He only wants me for six months.'

"It's your marriage,' Niru Mama told her in a stern voice, "Don't give up on it, make it work. Make it impossible for him to fulfil his promise. Make him fall in love with you. Fight for your right, fight for your marriage.'

Chandini frowned to herself, how could she force him to love her back? He had made it clear he didn't want a life with her, a family with her. That she was nothing more than a toy he had bought to amuse himself with. She held her Mamaji's gaze, hope stirred in her heart. For the first time in life it seemed her opinion mattered, that she had a choice in life. She could take up a job and they could move out, but that would leave her Maa exposed to the debt collectors. What if they harmed her? Her methods were wrong but her intentions were pure. She had only wanted to safe guard Shikha and Meghu from the debt collectors. Maybe she didn't know that PP would bid for her, or that he would bring the minister's son along with him. Yet her Mamaji was right, this was her marriage, a decision of a lifetime. She had to make this choice for the right reasons, not because her mother was neck deep in debt. She gazed down at her sisters, as they looked at her with curious yet hopeful eyes.

She closed her eyes, asking herself what she wanted from life. Dev had always told her that the answer to every question lies within. She took a deep breath, and chanted her Mahamrityunjaya mantra, it always helped her calm herself and focus her mind.

"You love him,' A voice reminded her in her head. She knew she did, but she was looking for a reason to marry him. An indication, a premonition, just anything. She took another deep breath, and asked herself what she wanted. Nothing came to her except void. Suddenly she felt a hand on top of her head, a serene calm swept over her body in an instant. Her shoulders relaxed as she let go of all her worries and concentrated on her mantra. Memories began to play before her eyes, memories of Dev, of her childhood, memories of Shikha as a baby in her arms. A tranquil calm took over her body, the noise in her mind quietened and gave way to clarity with every gentle stroke of the hand on her head. She let the memories flash and flood across the eye of her mind, like as though she was watching a movie. Memories of the last few weeks flashed before her eyes, as she continued to chant her mantra. Memories of crashing into Advay's arms, memories of the Maha aarti, memories of how he had fought for her, of how he had protected her and her Baba. A warmth swept across her body, she felt calm, she felt safe, she felt happy. Memories flashed again as the words of the astrologer came back to her, profound words whereby he had declared she was destined to marry Advay. That he was her soulmate.

Memories came back of that night when he had sobbed in her arms,

"I am a lonely man, I don't have anyone but you, I need you Chandini,' His words rang in her head. He had begged her to marry him. Had wanted her to comfort him, and then it struck her like a thunderbolt. The memory of the moment when Murli had wrenched him out of her arms struck somewhere deep within her core. Tears stung her eyes, an eerie emptiness, a sense of loss settled within her as she re-lived the moment when she had lost the warmth of his body on her lap. She wanted him in her arms again, just wanted to rock him to sleep, to hold him tight ...forever. She shivered, she had her answer. Tears streamed down her eyes, she loved him, she was empty without him. She had to marry him or she would wither away. Temple bells rang at the exact moment, the gods were hinting at her that she had reached her destination. She took a deep breath and smiled, the dilemma was over. She would marry Advay. If this was only meant to last six months, she was willing to take six months, she was willing to grab whatever life she could have with him with both her hands. No one could fulfil her like he had. She just wanted to hold him, to comfort him, to soothe him...to love him.

Advay was right, Dev hadn't returned, but he had, to claim what belonged to him... His Chandini.

She nodded to herself as she finally opened her eyes and came out of her trance, she belonged to him, and she didn't have the right to take herself away from him. She smiled at Mamaji, she had her answer.

"Have you found your answer gudiya?' Yash Narayan asked her, as he continued stroking her head. Tears stung her eyes, it was his hand, her Baba's hand on top of her head. He had given her the clarity and the calm that she had been craving her.

"Baba,' She touched his feet with reverence. She was proud of him. He was a great master and he was her Baba.

"What is your answer, Banno?' Mamaji asked with a smile, as though aware of what she going to reply.

"I will marry him,' She declared, "I will make this work, and even if it doesn't, I will make the most of what I have.'

Her Baba nodded at her with a smile.

"And if he leaves me in six months, then let us move to Banaras, I will take up a job and start my life all over again.' She said with confidence. Shikha put her arms around her and kissed her cheek. This was the best news ever.

"I will inform him of your decision, he is waiting for your answer.' Niru said with a sigh of relief, getting up to his feet. "Get dressed Banno, it is your wedding tonight.'

Yash stroked her head one last time and wiped the tear in his eyes.

"You have made me proud today,' He said, relieved that today he would fulfil the promise he had made to his Guru of handing his daughter to his son, "I am blessed to have a daughter like you, Chandini.'

Tears welled Chandini's eyes. Her Baba had called her by her name. Today was a blessed day, she touched her father's feet again with reverence before he limped out of her room on slow unsteady feet. She felt calm, she felt at peace. She blushed coyly, she was marrying Advay tonight. Her life may not be perfect, but she would live it with him. He didn't love her, but she loved him, and that was all that mattered to her.

Indrani collapsed to the floor. She had wrecked her room. Had broken every vase and every piece of glass she could find. PP had been a fool and Digvijay had been rendered useless before the ruthlessness of Advay. She frowned in awe as the events played again before her. Advay didn't seem to care for anything. He had no concern for name or reputation or for the norms of the society. She had his video on her phone, what if she put it out to the public, she thought? But this was a video PP had found on the internet. Advay s life was out for public scrutiny, he lived a notorious life on the fringes of right and wrong, yet had no remorse for who or what he was. What was this man? Who was this man? She shook her head in despair. How was one supposed to bring a man like Advay to his knees, a man who didn't care about his name or his wealth or his reputation.

A ruthless reckless nomad.

Hence why he had defeated her. His fearless abandon was his strength, along with his raw ruthlessness. Today she had faced defeat for the first time in her life, had tasted what it felt to lose for the first time in her life. She roared in agony like a wounded lioness. Advay had taken her by surprise. He had pretended to be a well-wisher, an honourable man, an educated simpleton who didn't know the ways of the world. She had trusted his intentions, had under-estimated her opponent, and was now paying a heavy price. She had lost both the Haveli and her daughter. Six months was a long time. What if he got Chandini to sign all the documents and transfer all the properties to his name? Fire swept through her body. She had to think of something before she lost everything. He had already begun his work on the temple. Everything was soon going to be documented. Her crimes and thefts were going to be accounted and audited. She couldn't let him document anything, she couldn't let him interfere in the matters of the temple that belonged to her. This temple was hers and she would spill blood again to regain it. She had to get out of this mess. She had to get Chandini to transfer the signatory rights to her name. Advay was a shrewd businessman, he had trapped Chandini skilfully, she knew that for certain. He had taken the room next to Chandini's on purpose, he had charmed her and seduced her to give herself to him. He had come with a plan, a fool proof plan, he knew all the rules and all the loop holes. He had done his research thoroughly.

But why or how had he chosen this temple? She asked herself. It was a renowned temple, renowned for the treasure that lay buried within it. Any shrewd businessman would see a potential to make a few bucks and Advay seemed no different. He had planned and pretended even since he had stepped into the Haveli. She pulled her hair in despair, why hadn't she guessed? But a lot had transpired in the last couple of weeks and the events of the Maha Aarti had left her shaken. The temple doors hadn't opened, her plans had collapsed and crumbled to dust. Yash was to blame, had he truly forgotten the mantra? Or had he pretended to forget? she hissed to herself like a poisonous snake. She didn't trust him, just like he didn't trust her. But he had been critically injured sixteen years ago as he had fought the mob to protect the Mahant. His injuries had worked in her favour. She had ensured he never regained his vigour. Had tried every method to break his mind and wrench the mantra out of him. But he was a man of great moral and mental strength, and his meditative strength had never let her crush his mind and acquire the mantra to the temple. She sighed in despair. The wedding was in a few hours, she couldn't stay here at the Haveli tonight, the wedding would drive her insane. She would have to spend the night away from all the festivities. But before that she was going to have to get Chandini to do her bidding for one last time. She picked her phone and dialled a number as she straightened herself and picked her purse.

The Bride

Bridal Jewellery ( The long necklace is the Sita Haar )

Bridal Hath Phool as gifted by Kajal

The Groom ( Please imagine a black Dhoti and a Red turban)

The Brides maids -- Shikha

The Brides Maids -- Meghana

Chandini sat gazing at her reflection in the mirror. She blushed at the way her skin glowed. She was marrying him tonight, he didn't love her, but her love was enough for the two of them. She gazed down at her hand, the Mehendi had dried, but she had decided it to keep it on for as long as she could. Had it been her mehendi night, she would have left the mehendi on her hand all night. But given the circumstances, a couple of hours were all she had. It was believed that the shade of a bride's mehendi would indicate the love her man had for her. Love or not she was going to keep the mehendi for as long as could, she wanted it to turn as deep a shade of red as it could. She wanted to hope for his love, was willing to fool herself into believing he loved her back every time she would gaze down at her red stained hands. She had to make this relationship work and it would begin with her, making the Mehendi work on her hand.

"Jiji,' Meghu said as she began opening the box before her, "do you think it will turn red, the wedding is in less than an hour.'

"I don't think so,' She sighed, but there was no harm in hoping it would, "But I will keep it till just before the wedding. I have to make this work.' She frowned to herself. He had called her a slave, but she was also his wife, she had his name etched on her hand, like had her name on his. She was going to fight, she was not going to go down without a fight. Advay didn't know what has headed towards him.

Chandini gasped as soon as Meghu opened the box of her lehenga. Tears stung her eyes, it was perfect, a perfect red lehenga in pure banarasi silk with delicate ornate zardosi work adoring the entire length of the lehenga in gold. The choli matched the skirt with the embroidery delicately woven throughout the blouse, it complimented the lehenga to a cue. She smiled as Meghu unfurled the dupatta, it had a similar zardosi work embellishing the length of the border, but the rest was a plain red with delicate mirror motifs adorning it. Everything was perfect, the perfect lehenga in the perfect shade of red, the colour of passion, the colour of marriage... the colour of love... their favourite colour. She blushed to herself, she was finally marrying Advay in a red lehenga, like he had promised her she would.

"It's beautiful,' Meghu gasped, as she helped her with the lehenga. "I must say, Jiju's choice is impeccable.'

"He sent Murli Bhaiyya twice to the shop because they had sent him a lehenga in the wrong shade of red.' Shikha said.

"Kya,' Meghu giggled.

"Yeah,' Shikha giggled, "Murli Bhaiyya was telling me, Jiju threatened to shut down their shop if they didn't send him the right shade of red.'

"Right shade of red.' Meghu rolled at eyes.

"It's our favourite colour,' Chandini smiled softly as she brushed her cheek against the soft luxurious georgette dupatta, everything was perfect, except her marriage. But she had now, and she was going to make the most of now. She smiled as she slipped into the lehenga.

She kept admiring herself in her mirror as her sisters helped her get dressed. Her heart fluttered in her chest, she was a bride tonight. She had always imagined herself as Dev's bride, but the thought of marrying Advay let her gasping for breath. She blushed at the thought of his warm hands releasing the doris on the back of her blouse. Heat swept through her body as memories of their first time flashed before her eyes, of the way he had kissed her, had made love to her. Tonight, he would take her again, but tonight she would be his wife.

"Mrs Advay Singh Raizada,' She blushed to herself. She was going to keep his name even if he divorced her in six months' time, she told herself. She shook her head, it was her wedding today. She was going to make the most of her wedding and was going to have to stop thinking about what awaited her at the end of six months. If nothing she would at least have the memories of her life with the most perfect man who had kissed her under their banyan tree on the eve of her birthday at the stroke of midnight. She blushed, she felt like a princess... only that she would become his queen tonight.

Chandini craned her neck to glance at the clock, it was almost seven, how much longer for the wedding, she frowned impatiently. She wanted to see him, what was he wearing. She hoped he would wear white, she loved him in white. But he was angry today, it wouldn't surprise her if he chose to wear black. But would he wear black to his own wedding, she frowned as she waited for her sisters to get dressed. She gasped in awe as soon as Meghu and Shikha slipped into their lehenga's. They looked like princesses.

"What do you think?' Shikha asked as she twirled around before her sister, in her baby pink lehenga embroidered with pearls and delicate embroidery in silver.

"It's beautiful,' Chandini said, as she admired her little baby sister in awe. When had she grown into a woman? Tears stung her eyes, at the memory of the baby in her arms. She opened her arms out to her sister and smothered her face with soft kisses.

"Stop it Jiji,' Shikha choked on her tears, "Keep your tears, you are going to need it for your bidai.'

"Yeah bidai from ground floor to first floor,' Meghu said, as the three of them giggled in relief.

Chandini held her arm out of Meghu as she admired her teal coloured lehenga. It was stunning, simple yet stunning. She had matched it with a golden blouse, complementing the gold leaf motif embroidery that embellished the entire length of the skirt making it an enchanting piece of garment. The dupatta was in a georgette with matching embroidery embellishing the border, and the skirt itself was in pure raw silk.

"I am in love with your lehenga's,' Chandini said, "Did you choose them?'

"No Jiju did,' Shikha said, "We told him what colours we wanted them in, but it's his choice.'

"You both look like princesses.' Chandini choked on her tears. Were they her sisters? She had to pinch herself.

"And you look like a queen.'

"I love the colours,' She giggled, as she admired her sisters. "I love the work in them and I love the jewellery... I love everything.'

"Told you, Jiju has impeccable taste,' Meghu chirped again as she admired her reflection in the mirror.

"Hence why he chose you.' Shikha kissed Chandini on her cheek. "His queen in red.'

They huddled together for a group hug. Chandini sighed, he had pain attention to every little detail. This was the most perfect wedding any girl could get. Six months or otherwise, this had to be the best day of her life.

Chandini admired her reflection for one last time. She could barely recognise herself, Meghu had done an incredible job with her hair and makeup. Her hair was tied up in a bun and adorned with delicate strings of Jasmone. The heavy Kundan maang tikka adorned the parting in her hair. Everything matched her kundan choker necklace, tears welled her eyes, at sight of the Sita Rani sparkling around her neck. It had belonged to Dev's mother, it should have rightfully belonged to his wife, but here she was wearing it to her wedding. She clutched to it, seeking her forgiveness. She smiled again, at least she had her Janaki Maa's blessing on the most important day of her life... her wedding day. A flutter rippled through her heart, she was nervous, this was a strange marriage, but it was a marriage, one her Baba was blessing.

She adjusted the red bangles on her hand, she had blended them with the delicate gold bangles and kangan he had bought for her. She had taken off the mehendi before wearing her bangles, and her hath phool. She smiled with content, her mehendi had turned deep shade of red, despite how pressed they were for time. Did he love her, hope stirred in her heart? She brushed her finger against his name on her hand. She finally had Advay's name tattooed on her hand, just like it was forever seared on her heart.

She jiggled her hands again, revelling in the jingling of the bangles. Her mother's Kangan dangled delicately around her wrist. Tears pricked her eyes, he had gifted them to his wife, to her, just like he had promised he would. Everything was perfect. Everything is perfect she chanted to herself, whatever this arrangement was, she was going to have to make it work, was going to have to go with the flow. She took another deep breath and twirled softly before the mirror again as she waited for her sisters to clear the room. She looked like a queen decked in gold and red. Just a mangasutra and a Sindoor was missing now. She looked around, it was her room, she would come back to her room as a married woman, as his wife. She blushed a deep shade of red, the same colour as her lehenga.

"Jiji, chalo it's time.' Meghu called out to her.

"Wait one selfie,' Shikha said and held the phone out. Chandini stood between her sisters as Shikha clicked a few pictures of themselves. She kissed both her sisters softly on their cheek. They looked stunning. She was grateful to Advay for having made their day, as she yet again admired their lehenga and their jewellery.

How much had he spent on the wedding, she frowned to herself? Her lehenga itself must have cost him a fortune. He was surely not bankrupt like her mother had informed her. Maybe it was a ploy, maybe PP had fabricated lies to spew hatred and suspicion in their hearts for him.

"Shikha how much did your Jiju spend on everything?' She asked with curiosity.

"I don't know, he had paid for almost everything, but I spent about twenty lacs on the jewellery for all three of us.'

Meghu gasped, "how much?'

"Twenty lacs, on Jiji and our maang tikka, baju bandh and kamar bandh, your hath phool, our necklaces, jhumkas and kangan.'

He was not bankrupt, he was surely not bankrupt, she shook her head, she had misunderstood him. He wasn't after the temple treasure.

"I didn't have a budget, Murli Bhaiyya said I could buy whatever I wanted,' She chirped, "I would have bought the entire shop, but I was worried I was going to over spend.'

"You have spent too much,' Meghu glared at her, "Just because he said buy anything, doesn't mean you spend twenty lacs. Pata nahi how much he must have spent on our lehengas. Pata nahi why he gave this stupid silly girl an open budget.'

Chandini giggled as she held Shikha in her arms. Shikha held her head low, she was guilty as charged, she had let her greed get the better of her, she had wanted to buy everything her heart fancied. But Murli had asked her to buy anything she fancied, and even better Advay had not told her off, instead he was upset she didn't buy her sister a hath phool. She frowned, she didn't feel guilty, he was her brother and he was her brother-in-law too, and today it was his wedding. She shook her head and got over her guilt, she was going to enjoy the day. Her sister was marrying the man she wanted her to marry and she was going to continue living in their Haveli. This was the best day of her life. She wasn't losing her sister, she was gaining a brother. She giggled, it was time for the wedding.

"Okay Chalo it almost quarter past seven.' Shikha chirped and straightened herself as she skipped ahead of them. Chandini arranged her lehenga one last time and held her dupatta over her head. She took a deep breath and stepped out of her room, while Meghu locked her room. She panted for breath as she ambled down the stairs clinging on to Meghu's arm. She was shaking with fear and trepidation, she was a bride, soon she would be married to him. Was he happy to marry her, or was he still angry with her, had she truly lost him forever, would she make him happy, what if she didn't make a good wife? A lot of questions and doubts flashed before her eyes. A lot had happened in one day, if only it had been a happy occasion, if only he would smile at her again, if only he would hold her gaze like he had till that morning.

"Oh no, Jiji, I forgot my phone,' Meghu smacked her head as she ran back upstairs, "Wait here I'll be back in two minutes.'

Chandini stood at the bottom of the stairs, it was a long corridor that led to the rear door that opened out to the temple courtyard. A compound wall enclosed the Haveli, separating it from the temple. She stepped towards the door and stood on her toes, facing the temple at the distance, praying god to bless her and to always support her in her new life.

"Chandini,' She jumped as soon as Ranjit appeared out of nowhere, "Chandini bitiya, come with me now, there is something we need to discuss.'

Fear rippled through Chandini, Advay would kill him if he touched her. She couldn't step out of the Haveli. She didn't want to upset him anymore than she already had. Besides she was getting late for her wedding, he was waiting for her, she just wanted to hold his gaze and calm her trembling heart. She glanced up the stairs, where was Meghu?

"Come quick,' Ranjit grabbed her by her hand and dragged her outside the door.

"Nahi Mausaji, don't ...please.' She shrieked in vain as he dragged her behind him.

"Meghu, Mamaji,' She yelled.

Meghu ran down the stairs at the shrieks of her sister, what had happened suddenly?

Advay fidgeted to himself, as he made small talk with Sid. Her heart skipped a million beats, he was finally marrying his Chandini. He had slipped into a black Sherwani and matched it with a black dhoti. He truly looked like a dark lord of the netherworld. He glanced every now and again at the corridor that led to the stairs to her room. Why hadn't she still emerged? What was taking her so long? He just wanted to see her beautiful face, wanted to see her dolled up as his bride, just wanted to marry her and whisk her off to a place where only the two of them existed. He sighed, how much longer was she going to keep him waiting?

Niru assessed his dark form in fright as he sat beside a beaming Yash Narayan.

"Jijaji,' He murmured, "Why is he wearing black to his wedding? I am worried now, this is apshagun.'

"Chup kar Niru,' Yash snapped, "he is a mahakaal sadhak, he can wear black.'

"But why is he wearing black to his wedding?' Niru groaned in despair, did his Jijaji not find it wrong, "It's his wedding today...his wedding. How can you permit him to wear black?'

"It's his favourite colour,' Kajal chirped from behind them, "just like me.'

She twirled before her brother in her a black and gold saree paired with the tonnes of jewellery she had decked herself with.

"Black bhi koi colour hai,' Niru sighed in despair, "It is the colour of the night, colour of darkness, colour of no hope.'

"Yet it is the colour of Mahakaal and that of Mahakaali,' Yash smiled, "It the colour of void, the colour of death, the colour of the ultimate reality of human life.'

Niru sighed, but this was a wedding, not a funeral. People wore white even to a funeral, yet here there was a groom dressed dangerously in black. What had happened to the sweet Dev? Who had he transformed into? Why had life put him through so much grief that white and everything light no longer charmed him? Maybe Chandini could be that soothing light of his life, just like her name. Maybe she could light the way in the darkness that had engulfed his heart.

"Jiju,' Shikha chirped as she ran into Advay's arms. "What do you think?'

"You look beautiful.' He kissed her on her forehead and admired her lehenga as she took a twirl before him. Tears welled his eyes, was this the same child he had held in his arms as a baby? When had she grown into a woman? Where had he been? He kissed her forehead again.

"Where is Meghu? Where is my Chandini?'

"They are coming,' She said.

"Wow Jijaji,' She gazed at him in awe, only just noticing his black sherwani with gold embellishments paired with a black silk dhoti. His turban however was in red, and matched Chandini's lehenga. She circled around him in awe as he chuckled at her in amusement.

"You look stunning,' She gasped, "you may be the first groom to look so dashing in all black.'

"My pagdi is not black.'

"I noticed,' She said as she lifted his arms and assessed him in awe, "Is it made from the same fabric as Jiji's lehenga?'

"It is.'

She giggled, he was wearing a turban that matched the bride's lehenga.

"Are you going to wear a sehra?' She asked.

"No.'

"Why not?'

"I want to admire your sister, don't want anything obscuring my view.'

"Wait till you see her, you are going to die,' She fanned herself, "she looks drop dead gorgeous.'

"Does she?' He glanced again at the stairs, where was she?

"Her lehenga is stunning, she looks like goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity herself in her red and gold lehenga.'

He smiled, while he calmed his pounding heart. If only his life hadn't been this messed up. It should have been the perfect day of their lives, yet here he was dressed in black, waiting for his bride to fulfil a sick twisted marriage that would not last a day more than six months. He smirked to himself, six months of indulgence was all he was going to allow himself. Six months was all he was going to get with the love of his life. He would to make the most of every moment. This was her doing, had she not lied all those years ago, they could have been living the most perfect life together.

"I am so happy today,' She chirped as she cuddled him, forcing him out of his trance. "Can I have a look at your turban?'

"I can see that,' He wrapped her in his arms and handed his turban for her to admire it in awe, "and why are you so happy?'

"Because my Jiji will continue to live with us,' She said rotating the turban in her hand, "And because you are family now.'

"Jijaji,' Meghu shrieked as she ran into the lounge.

Advay shot his eyes to her.

"Jiji,' She pointed towards the corridor, Advay had already made a run towards where she was pointing.

"Mausaji.' Was all Meghu managed to say in her panic-stricken state. She ran after Advay, but he had made it out of the door in the snap of a finger. She ran back into the lounge, she had to inform the others.

Advay ran out of the rear door, were things going to get any better today? He should have waited for her to make her way down, but these silly rituals of the groom not seeing the bride till the wedding had forced him to leave her side. He scanned the compound, where was she? Where had Ranjit taken her? Was she inside the compound or had he taken her outside onto the temple courtyard. He shook his head, he couldn't have dragged her against her will onto the temple courtyard, it was a busy day. Unless Chandini had agreed to follow him? Rage coursed through him, had she dared to run away from him again? Had she lied yet again to him and her family only to leave him standing at the altar? He was not going to spare her this time.

"Mausaji...leave me,' Advay heard her shrieks from the other end of the Haveli.

"Chandini,' His heart sang in joy, she was here, inside the compound, inside the Haveli. She hadn't run away from him, Ranjit had forced her to go with him. He ran towards the end of the Haveli like a maniac. He felt a heavy blow to the back of his head as soon as he reached the end of the Haveli. He staggered on his feet and collapsed to the ground. He touched the back of his head. What was it? His head spun at the intensity of the blow. He hadn't seen it coming. Two men towered over him with heavy sticks in their hands, ready to knock him down again if he got up to his feet.

"Don't hurt him please.' Chandini shrieked, as she struggled against Ranjit who had clasped her wrist in the tight hold of his hand. Advay staggered back to his feet, but the two men hacked him again with the stick. Blood trickled down his brow, his vision blurred. But he had to get up, Chandini was in danger.

"Chal sign kar.' Ranjit threatened her, "Sign or we will kill him. Your groom will die on the day of your wedding.'

"No,' Chandini shrieked again, "help me, somebody help.'

"Shut up... s**t.' Ranjit slapped her across her cheek. Advay watched in fury as he felt another blow on his back. Fire swept through his body in waves. Ranjiit had touched his beautiful bride, he was going to have to pay a heavy price. He staggered back to his knee, while one of the men attacked him again with a stick. But this time he dodged him, and instead punched him hard in his gut. He grabbed the stick from his hand and punched his face. Sid and Mamaji ran towards the scene. Sid punched the other man before her attacked Advay from behind. Advay punched the man before him a few times till he fell to the floor unconscious, while Sid dealt with the other man.

He strode up to Ranjit murderously and wrenched Chandini's hand out of his. He grabbed him by his collar and slapped him hard against his cheek again and again, till Ranjit collapsed to his knees. Chandini stood to one side and watched the scene in horror. Advay got down to one knee and punched Ranjit in his jaw, he had dared touched his Chandini, had scalded her hand first and had now slapped her before him. He took Ranjit's arm in hand and twisted it. Ranjit gave out a loud howl. Chandini shrieked as the memory of the time when Advay had broken the arms of the goons flashed before her eyes.

"No,' She ran towards him, "No please don't.'

"Stay away from me.' He growled in anger. "he hurt you, now I will break the arm that touched you.'

"No,' Ranjit pleaded for mercy.

"No,' Chandini fell to his feet and held his leg, "Please don't this... please think about Kajal Maasi... don't hurt him, please don't to this to Kajal Maasi.'

Ranjit groaned in pain as he glanced hopefully between Advay and Chandini. Advay took a deep breath. Chandini was right, Kajal worshipped her husband, he had to think about her. She was kind hearted woman. He couldn't hurt her.

"Advay stop,' Sid put his hand on his shoulder, "It's your wedding today, don't do anything stupid.'

Advay took another deep breath as he let go of Ranjit and helped Chandini to her feet. He scanned the compound, only just noticing a lithely built man in a black suit trembling to himself in fear. What was going on here?

"Who the f**k are you?' He asked.

"I ...I do...don't want any trouble,' The other man stuttered, "I am here on Indraniji's behest, she wanted Chandini to sign these papers.'

"What the f**k is this?' Advay grabbed the paperwork from his hands and scrunched it to a ball. "Chandini won't sign anything without my permission.'

"She is marrying you now, we need to transfer her signatory rights.' The lawyer protested softly, hoping he wouldn't punch him to a pulp. Ranjit got up to his feet and straightened himself.

"Look Vilayti babu,' He said, not wanting to mess with him, "We just want her signatures and we will be gone. Now that she is marrying you, the rights to the temple need to be transferred to one of the family members.'

"I am not f**king marrying her, I am buying her for six months.' He snapped back. Tears stung Chandini's eyes at the harshness of his voice and his words. Ranjit glared at him in surprise, as he took a quick glance at a trembling Chandini.

"What do you mean?' He asked.

"This marriage is just for namesake,' He continued, "I paid ten crores, have cleared all your debts for the use of Chandini for the next six months, hasn't your sister informed you?'

Ranjit looked at him with a frown, why hadn't Indrani informed him anything? Why did she need Chandini's signatures if there was no marriage in question?

"But where is she going to live?'

"Here in this haveli,' He hissed, "With me, for six months. She is my f**king property for the next six months and I will be returning her to your precious sister, once I am done with her.'

"But.'

"She is my f**king property...just my property and nothing more.'

"Advay,' Sid put his hand on his shoulder as he watched a crumbling Chandini, sobbing softly against her Mamaji's chest, "I said enough...Stop it now.'

Advay took a deep breath as he glanced quickly at Chandini. He had stepped the line yet again, but today was a terrible day.

"We are getting late for the Mahurat,' Sid said in a stern voice to the lawyer, "I am sure she can sign the papers after the wedding, after our lawyer has checked them.'

"It will take two minutes.'

"She is not f**king signing anything,' Advay hissed with vengeance, the nerve they had to force his bride to do their bidding moments before the wedding. Indrani was not going to win this time. He was here to foil her plans.

"Vakil saab,' Mamaji said finally, it was time he interfered before another blood bath ensued, "I was there when we had those papers made,' the lawyer nodded, "we needed to transfer her signatory rights, because she was moving to Delhi.'

"Yes, right.'

"That is not going to happen now,' He continued, "Advay has bought the Haveli, Chandini will be living here in the Haveli even after her wedding. So, there is no need to transfer her rights.'

"Is she not moving out of Allahabad?'

"No.'

"Why haven't I been informed about this?' He glared at Ranjit, "If she is not leaving the city, the court won't accept this document. Why did you and your sister waste my time?'

"Nahi woh,' Ranjit protested. Why hadn't Indrani informed him anything, he was just as clueless as the lawyer? He sighed in despair. But Advay was dangerous and now he had bought the Haveli. What was his plan?

"We are getting late for the wedding, now you may please allow us.' Mamaji joined his hands and requested to take leave of the lawyer.

"Vilayati babu,' Ranjit warned him with hate. "we are watching you.'

"And I am watching you,' Advay spat back as he took a step forward and towered over Ranjit and grabbed him by his collar, "Don't ever f**king touch my woman again ...and don't ever f**king call her a s**t... She is my WIFE. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?' Ranjit trembled at the darkness in Advay's eyes, "Or you too will miss an arm and end up comatose in the hospital like your friends?'

Ranjit felt a shiver in his spine at the memory of Jagga and Haria's broken limbs. They had still not snapped out of their coma.

"Now get lost from here, before I smash you to a pulp.'

Mamaji and Sid heaved a sigh of relief and made their way towards the Haveli. Advay turned around and grabbed Chandini by her arm and dragged her towards the Haveli. She shrieked softly, her leg hurt from her fall earlier on the stairs. He stopped in his tracks to watch her wince in pain as she limped behind him. He scooped her in his arms in one swift moment and strode towards the Haveli. They would marry today, one way or another.

Chandini studied his angry face, he looked dangerous. She smiled, he had just called her his wife. His property but also his wife. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Tears welled her eyes at how handsome he looked. She gasped at the sight of the blood trickling down his brow. He was hurt. She slowly lifted her hand towards his head and wiped the blood away. Advay held her gaze in his angry eyes.

"Did you hurt your knee again?' He asked. A calm took over him, she hadn't run away from him. She was safe and she was in his arms.

"My leg.'

"Why didn't you tell me?' He asked, "did it bleed.'

"No, just scraped my leg, it hurts if...when I run.'

He nodded. She studied his angry face with her tearful eyes.

"I,' She whispered, "I didn't go... he...mausaji...he dragged me out by force.'

Advay nodded again as he finally made into the Haveli and put her down. He knelt before her, placed her feet on his knee and lifted her lehenga to assess her leg. The skin had scraped, but it was a wound on her bone. He brushed his thumb lightly against the wound, as Chandini whimpered softly.

"Don't ever sign anything?' He got up to his knees and kissed her on her forehead, "This temple belongs to the people, it is not anybody's personal property. The wealth must only be used for the people of this city, not to pay personal debts, do you understand?'

She nodded as she stood trembling before him. She was badly shaken. He dusted his Sherwani, while assessing her form. She looked beautiful, like a goddess worthy of worship. Shikha was right, she did look like the goddess Lakshmi herself decked in red and gold. He felt his heart skip a beat.

"Come here,' He said, as he wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his heart. Chandini sobbed softly against his chest, the events of the day had left her shaken, she had just wanted him to hold her and comfort her.

"Are you okay?' He whispered. "Did he hurt you?'

She shook her head.

"Are you scared?'

She nodded softly.

"I won't let anyone hurt you Chandini,' He tightened his grip around her. "No one will lay their finger on you, while I am alive.'

"I am scared, it is our wedding tonight.'

"Are you scared of me?' He asked.

She shook her softly against his chest. She wasn't scared of him. She was just scared of losing him. Advay held her face in his hand. She looked beautiful. He placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

"You look beautiful, Chandini,' He whispered, as he gathered her again in his arms, "I can't believe you are my bride.'

She blushed lowering her gaze.

"Mamaji said you want to marry me.'

She nodded softly revelling in the warmth of his body.

"This is only for six months, Chandini,' He locked his gaze with hers, "I am not lying, I am serious. I will divorce you in six months' time.'

Tears stung Chandini's eyes at the bluntness in his voice. She buried her head deeper into his chest. Six months was more than enough for her.

"You don't need a lifetime,' She whispered, "you only need one perfect day.'

Advay sighed softly, this was going to be far from perfect, this was going to be a nightmare...for her. Chandini was an indulgence he was allowing himself, there was no marriage between them, there was nothing he could promise her anymore.

"We only have six months together,' He said, wiping the tears that fell softly on her cheek. They should have had the perfect life together, yet again life had handed him a death blow, if this was all he could have, he was going to make the most of every moment.

"I am never going to love you, Chandini,' He whispered as he kissed her cheek. He just wanted to take her to his bed, wanted to love her all night. But they had to marry first.

"Think it over again.' He admired her beautiful face as he brushed his hand against his mother's necklace. "Are you sure you want to marry me?'

She nodded keeping her gaze lowered. She just wanted to stay in his arms for as long as she could. Life was never easy for her, but a life with Advay seemed like it was worth the struggle.

He adjusted the dupatta over her head.

"Come,' He said, as he took a deep breath and held his hand out to her, "Let's get married.'

Chandini wiped her face and took his hand. It was time to make this mirage a reality.

She gasped in awe as soon as she entered the lounge, gripping his arm tightly. An altar was set up in the centre of the lounge, and blooms of white and red roses spiralled around the pillars that held the canopy in place. Soft drapes in pink and white hung from the walls, along with warm fairy lights that gave it an ethereal glow. A Havan was set up at the centre of altar, surrounded by sofas and low chairs, all covered in luxurious red fabric and softs cushions in pink and white. Two priests scuffled around the altar, arranging everything for the wedding. She smiled at her sisters who stood to one side with trays of rose petals. Tears pricked her eyes at how beautiful they looked in their lehengas. Her father stood up from his chair as soon as they made their way towards the altar. Kajal Maasi and her Baba strode up to her and held her, while Advay left his jooti to one side and stepped onto the altar towards the low chairs in gold and red, on which the groom and the bride were meant to be seated before the Havan.

Chandini blushed to herself, this was an actual wedding, she was getting married tonight. She tightened her grip on her Baba's hand, as he led her towards the altar and helped her take her seat beside Advay before the havan. The priests were still arranging the Havan, it was yet to be lit. Chandini looked up at the altar and examined the lounge again. Everything looked magical. She felt like she had stepped into a fairy tale. She turned her head to look at the handsome man next to her, her dark prince in black she thought to herself as he smiled back at her.

She blushed, he was smiling at her in a long while. Hope was not lost. She admired his Sherwani, he looked dark yet deliciously in his all black attire. She would have preferred him in white, but her guess was right, he had chosen to wear black. He was angry. He was going to hurt her, but how, she wasn't sure, not that she cared anymore. He had just called her his wife and he was marrying her before her family, before her Baba.

Shikha quickly handed him his turban. Chandini gasped in awe, was it in the same fabric as her lehenga?

"We match.' He whispered. He then wore a pink dupatta around his shoulder, for the ghat bandhan later.

The wedding was a low-key event. Chandini kept admiring the lounge as everyone took their respective seat. Her Mamaji and Kajal maasi sat together, while her sisters scurried around clicking pictures. Murli smiled with tears glistening in his eyes as he sat beside Sid on one of the sofas around the altar. Her Baba sat beside them on a low chair, smiling warmly at the two of them. There were some more empty spaces, were they waiting for more guests to arrive she wondered? Shikha knelt beside her arranging her dupatta and her lehenga, while Meghu clicked her picture.

Chandini smiled broadly as soon as her two friends entered the Haveli, Meghu ran up to greet them. Chandini held Shikha's gaze in her surprised eyes.

"Jiju asked us to invite them.'

Tears glistened in her eyes like pearls as she smiled back at her friends, this was an actual wedding. Her friends were here, they hadn't attended any of the previous rituals yet they were here to witness her wedding.

The priests started with the chants, the wedding began, in rhythm to the deafening drum of her heart. She fidgeted with her hands desperately wanting to hold on to Dev's stone, but she had left it upstairs in her room. Advay rubbed the small of her back sensing her nervousness.

"Did Advay care for her?' She frowned to herself, "why was he brutally harsh if he cared?'

She sighed, he was the most complicated man she had ever known, not that she had ever known any man, other than the men of her household.

Another middle-aged couple entered the Haveli, she furrowed her brows, she had seen the man before, who was he?

"That's Mishraji, he works with Jiju, he is so funny, I love him.' Shikha whispered. "and I think that's his wife, I have seen her for the first time.'

Chandini nodded, Shikha knew Advay better than she did. How she would kill for him to smile and chat with her like the way he did with Shikha.

"I'll back Jiji,' She said, "I better go and say hello to him, he is a wonderful man.'

She went back to focussing on what was happening before her. Her brain had turned numb, she didn't remember any of the rituals, she fidgeted with her dupatta nervously, struggling to calm her pounding heart. She was getting married, it was her marriage today. She started chanting her mantra in her heart, to help calm her nerves.

Kajal handed her a garland and helped her to her feet. She frowned at the garland in her hand, what was the ritual?

"Time for Jaimala,' The priests said. She lifted her gaze towards a smiling Advay who stood before her with a garland in his hand. Chandini shivered, this was happening for real, she was getting married for real.

"You may exchange the garlands now.' The priest said. Chandini couldn't hear anything other than the deafening knell of her own heart. Meghu and her friends cheered from behind her, while Shikha and Murli stood behind Advay and teased them. What was happening, she frowned? What was she meant to do?

"Jiji,' Meghu grabbed her by her shoulder and pulled her back, "Don't let him garland you first, show him who the boss is?'

"Jiju,' Shikha yelled, "Come on garland her, quick... You have the advantage of height, she can't reach you even if she stood on the chair.'

Advay chuckled. Chandini scanned his eyes in confusion and at the garland in confusion, what was she meant to do with the garland? Finding her thoughts amidst all the commotion and her own drumming heart was proving a challenge.

"Chandini don't let him garland you first,' Kajal maasi too cheered from behind her, "show him you may be half his size, yet you are the boss in this marriage.'

"No Bhaiyya,' Murli yelled, "don't lose to Bhabhi.'

Chandini lifted her gaze to Advay's warm loving eyes. He had called her his slave, and had declared himself her master. It was obvious who the boss was in this marriage. She sighed as she prepared herself to bow her head. But everyone gasped aloud as soon as Advay took a step forward and bowed his head before her.

"Go on,' He said, as he held her gaze. "show them who the boss is.'

Chandini glared at him with widened eyes, he was bowing before her, was he serious? She smiled to herself as she lifted the garland in her hand and garlanded him first.

"Well done Advay,' Mishraji yelled from where he was sat, "its best you learn from the day of your wedding, that the wife is the boss if you want to have a happy peaceful life.'

His wife blushed beside him, giggling to herself.

"Yes, that and hand her your credit card,' Chandini's friend Pramila's husband yelled from where he was sat. "you will be forever at peace.'

"Don't believe him,' Pramila giggled at Advay, "I am a doctor, I make good money.'

"Yet she loves spending all my money.' He yelled back. Advay reached for his wallet, handed his credit card to Chandini, and raised his thumb to the chuckling man.

Chandini giggled at him in disbelief. She frowned at the card in her hand, what was she meant to do with it?

"Joru ka gulam is the best way forward.' One of the priests joined the fun, as Advay winked at Chandini. "It is best for Gruh shanti and mana shanti, a peaceful home and a peaceful mind.'

"By the way did I tell you Yajman,' The other priest laughed at him, "you look like a lamb for slaughter with that garland around you.'

"Didn't we all on the day of our wedding?' Yash too had joined the fun.

"Maybe I should make a run while I still have time.' Advay chuckled softly.

"You can't run anywhere, you are trapped mate.' Sid chuckled wickedly from behind Chandini, "I have shut the doors, you are the sacrificial lamb today.'

"Can't wait to get slaughtered at the hands of my beautiful wife here,' He said, as he placed the garland in his hand over a giggling Chandini, ensuring her dupatta didn't fall off her head.

Everyone clapped, and cheered and showered them with rose petals. Chandini felt a blush flush her cheeks. She lifted her gaze up to his smiling face from under her heavy lashes. Tears welled her eyes, he looked happy, everyone looked happy, a sad painful day had transformed into a happy joyous occasion.

Everyone made their way towards their respective seats.

Advay waited for her to take her seat beside him, before sitting himself down. Chandini heaved a sigh of relief, all the laughing and giggling had eased the tension. She felt calmer, yet there were strange knots in her belly.

The priests chanted the gayatri mantra and prayed to the heavens, requesting all the gods and the ancestors to bless the divine union. They poured ghee in the havan kund before them and started the fire after offering prayers to the divine fire...the all presiding, all purifying deity to preside over and bless this matrimony. Chandini folded her hand in reverence and prayed as soon as the fire flamed to life, the flame of their union was lit to life.

"Now it's time for Kanyadaan.' One of the priests said, giving her Baba a nod.

Yash wiped the tears in his eyes, as took a seat at Advay's feet. She frowned, why was her Baba sitting at their feet? Advay had truly turned her brains to mush today.

"Kanyadaan is an auspicious and emotional moment for the father of every bride,' The priest explained as he choked on his tears, Chandini smiled at him, he had just performed his daughter's wedding a few months ago, "It is that precise moment when a father hands a precious piece of his soul to the groom, praying and pleading with him to cherish and treasure his daughter. Telling him that he has brought her up as a princess and now the groom as her husband must treat her like his queen, like his equal.'

A large copper plate was placed before Advay's feet, while Yash Narayan sat at his feet and wiped his tears. Advay took a deep breath and placed his feet on the plate before him. This was going to be the hardest part. He took another deep breath, as soon as Yash Narayan poured water over his feet and wiped it with his hands. Tears pricked Advay's eyes, his master was touching his feet, but like he said, today he was the father of the bride, pleading with him to take good care of his daughter. He glanced at Chandini as she sniffled softly beside him, to find her father washing his feet with reverence.

Yash then poured milk on his feet and repeated the steps, and poured water again. He then applied kumkum and turmeric to Advay's feet one after the another, while wiping the tears that were slipping from the corners of his eyes. Advay wiped Yash Narayan tears and smiled at him warmly.

"These are tears of joy that every father must shed, Hain Naa Panditji?' Yash said as he looked at the tearful priest beside him who was chanting the mantras.

"I just gave my daughter away,' The priest explained to Advay, "Just last month. This is Kanyadaan, the ultimate charity of a father's life. It is believed that Kanyadaan washes a father off all his sins for the last seven lives.' He choked on his tears, "it is not easy giving your daughter away, but it must be done for the good of the world, so you can both now together carry forward the lineage of your ancestors.'

"Hence why the father is celebrated,' Yash continued explaining as he placed flowers on Advay feet, as though worshipping them, "he gives his daughter in charity, so she can carry forward the family, your family.'

Chandini smiled ruefully to herself, family, he didn't want a family with her anymore, he was going to hand her back in six months' time. But this was her decision, one which her family, her Baba supported her with.

"In that case I should be washing your feet, for handing me your daughter.'

"It is a charity pagle,' Yash glared at him, "the person performing the charity has to thank the person receiving the charity. I am thanking you for helping me wash my sins and achieve moksha. Don't ask silly questions? You should know better.'

Advay chuckled softly, his master was telling him off while washing his feet, a teacher never stops teaching, does he? Chandini watched with a frown at the ease with which her father got along with Advay, it seemed like everyone got along with him. What was this man's charisma?

Advay admired the loving man at his feet, as he wiped his feet dry. Yash was not half the man he once was. The fearless ferocious Yash Narayan was nothing more than a bundle of skin and bones. What had happened here in sixteen years? He scanned the walls of the Haveli, his Haveli. Tears stung his eyes, his Maa Baba should have been here. He sighed, at least his guru was here, at least Chandini was here.

Yash finally stood up and put his palm out to Chandini. Chandini placed her open palm on top of her Baba's hand, a betel leaf was placed on the palm of her hand, along with a betel nut, flowers, kumkum and turmeric. Yash lifted his gaze lovingly at Advay, nodding at him to put his hand out to him. Advay smiled back as he held his open palm out to the old man. He had already given him his daughter, but today he was doing it again officially. Kajal poured water over the betel leaf on Chandini's hand, and amidst chanting of sacred mantras, Yash Narayan finally placed Chandini's hand in Advay's hand. Advay clasped her hand with both his hands and held her gaze with passion. Tears welled Chandini's eyes, today she officially belonged to him.

"I give you my daughter, who is the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity of my life,' Yash joined his hands in prayer and said, "take good care of her. Treat her with love and respect. Just like the great god Vishnu treats his Laskhmi with love and devotion, you too take good care of your Lakshmi from today onwards. I entrust you with her responsibility.'

"I will,' Advay nodded as he tightened his grip on Chandini's hand. She was his responsibility now, he held her tearful gaze. Yash took a deep breath and heaved a sigh of relief, his greatest burden was lifted off his shoulder. He had handed Chandini to the man she belonged to, now he could relax and find his peace. He got down from the altar and sat comfortably on the empty space beside a tearful Niru. He patted Niru on his back, as though asking to stop crying, it was time for celebration.

"Are you okay?' Advay asked Chandini, as he continued to hold her hand, "You are mine now.'

She blushed with her head held low as she wiped her tears.

"It is time for Madhupak,' One of priests said again as he took a cup of milk and handed it to Chandini. He then asked her to add some yoghurt to it. He finally handed her a bottle of honey and asked her to add some to the mixture, and give it a stir. Chandini followed his instructions to the cue. The priests then asked her to hand the cup to Advay and asked him to drink it. Advay drank it all without any protest.

"The honey symbolises the sweetness you will bring to this relationship and the eternal love that will blossom between the two of you,' Chandini blushed to herself, "and the milk and the yoghurt is for his good health and long life, so he may outlive you.'

Advay gritted his teeth and clenched his fists again, till his nails dug painfully in the soft flesh of his palm. It looked like the entire culture was obsessed around turning the man into a widower. Was there no relief from this madness?

"There is another explanation to this ritual,' Mishraji yelled from where he was sitting. Chandini glanced at him from the corner of her eyes, "Advay, you have just promised your wife, in the presence of the gods, your ancestors, all of us gathered here and the sacred fire, that henceforth you will promise to eat whatever she throws at you without throwing a fuss.'

Everyone laughed out loud, while his wife glared at him murderously.

"Kuch bhi khilayegi, you will eat it with love and reverence.' He continued as he chuckled at his glaring wife, "Love because there is no other option but to eat it with love, and reverence because, thank god she has put food on the plate before you, after having kept you hungry for long enough so you can't tell how horrible it tastes anymore.'

"Chup rahiye,' His wife glared at him, "I am a very good cook, don't believe him. You must both come home one day.'

Chandini giggled softly, whoever said marriages were tearful events. Her wedding had turned into a joke, literally, one that made her laugh and giggle.

"Haan, toh lamb for slaughter,' Pramila's husband said again, "Prepare yourself to eat ghaas phoos that your wife will throw at your face.'

Advay nodded with a chuckle.

"I have no fear there,' Murli said, "My Bhaiyya will even drink poison if my Bhabhi was to give it to him, hain na Bhaiyya?'

"Great,' Sid added, "Chandini, I found some rat poison in the kitchen. Could you give it to him please for everything he has said and done till now? I have been meaning to kill him for a while, I will assist you with the murder and will ensure you get away with it.'

She continued giggling, as she lifted her gaze to a furious Advay.

"I thought you were my best mate.'

"Not anymore,' Sid said winking at Chandini, "I have shifted my loyalty to my sister now.'

The priests continued with their chants as they added some more ghee to the havan and allowed the flame to roar higher.

"It is time for Mangal phera,' The priest said, "This is for the promise the couple make towards each other, to fulfil the four purusharthas or goals of human life, Dharma...righteousness, Artha...economic growth, Kama..fulfilment of all desires, Moksha.to finally aid each other in final liberation,' He said, "The bride's brother will have to pour puffed rice in his sisters hand, while they go around the sacred fire four times.'

Sid stood up even before there was any further discussion on who would fulfil this task.

"I am the brother,' He said, as he made his way under the altar and stood beside a tearful Chandini. He put his arm around her shoulder and held her closer.

"You have nothing to worry or no one to fear while you have me, Chandini.' Sid said.

She nodded as she wiped her tears. Advay patted Sid on his shoulder. Sid took the bag of puffed rice from the priest's hand and waited for Chandini to gather herself.

"Can you walk or do you want me to carry you?' Advay asked as he stood behind Chandini and took her palm into his, waiting for Sid to pour a handful of the rice in her hand.

"I can walk,' She said. They together poured the rice in the fire and circled around the fire, with Chandini leading the way. They repeated the steps three more times with Sid pouring the rice in her hands each time. Chandini smiled ruefully as they finally sat down again. Advay had promised her with Kama earlier in the day, fulfilment of her desires and her fantasies, but everything else seemed like a mirage yet again.

"It is time for the Ghat Bandhan and the Pheras,' The priest announced.

Mamaji stood up and wiped his tears, as he made his way behind Advay and Chandini. He took Advay's dupatta and knotted it with Chandini's dupatta. Advay chuckled softly while Chandini watched him with a frown.

"You are bound to me now,' He whispered to her with a wicked smirk. "Bound.'

Chandini frowned, they were both bound together, what was he smirking at? She shivered, certain there was more to this word than met the eye.

"You are both bound to each other for the next seven lives with this auspicious knot,' Mamaji said as placed his hand on Chandini's head.

"Please stand up for the pheras and the saptapadi,' The priests said. Advay held his hand out to Chandini, helping her to her feet.

"The groom and the bride make seven vows to each other, which will bind them together for next seven lives and join them in holy matrimony.'

Advay held her hand in his and led the way around the fire, while the priests began the chants again.

"With the first phera, you promise each other that, together you will create a home full of joy and laughter, where you will find serenity and strength.'

Tears welled Chandini's eyes as she followed him around the sacred fire for the second phera.

"You promise that, together you will share a steadily deepening love, which grows in understanding and unselfishness.'

They continued for the third phera. Kajal rested her head on Mamaji's chest and smiled at the beautiful scene before her.

"Together you will embrace each other's family as well as the family that you will bring forth together.'

Tears stung Chandini's eyes, he had embraced her family, but they were never going to have a family of their own. He had assured her that he didn't want a life with her. She followed him on defeated feet for the fourth phera.

"You promise each other to have patience and forgiveness for each other.'

She lifted her gaze towards him, had he forgiven her? Has she forgiven him? She didn't know. Shikha and Meghu flanked on either side of their father and hugged him in joy as they watched the couple take their pheras. Advay held on to her hand as he led her for the sixth phera.

"You promise that, together you will develop a sense of value that you may care for people more than possessions, for honour more than honours, and for the dimensions of a home more than the details of a house.'

Advay held Chandini's gaze as soon as they had circled the fire for sixth time.

"This is the final phera, after this you will be forever bound in holy matrimony.'

Chandini locked her gaze with his. He kissed the back of her hand before circling the fire for the last time.

"With this final phera you promise each other that you will be best friends and partners forever, that you will share each other's ideas and ideals, and that you are one soul dwelling in two bodies.'

Tears poured down Chandini's eyes as soon as they circled the fire for the last time. Advay wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He wiped the tears that escaped the corner of his eyes. They were finally married. His Chandini now belonged to him. He kissed her on her forehead.

"You are now bound forever in holy matrimony.' The priests said as everyone showered them with flowers and rice.

"It is time for Sindoor and Mangalya daan.' The priest held a tray before Advay, with a veil of Sindoor and the mangalsutra. Chandini lifted her gaze to his loving eyes, as he placed the mangalsutra around her neck and fastened it in place, ensuring her dupatta stayed on her head.

He then pinched the Sindoor between his fingers and locked passionate his gaze with her. Tears glistened in her eyes, as she struggled to hold back her tears. She closed her eyes and sighed as soon as he filled her parting with his Sindoor. Tears escaped the corners of Advay's eyes as he brushed his thumb against her parting again before placing her delicate maang tikka back in its place at the centre of her head. She was his wife now... officially. Chandini lifted her gaze to his, he was her husband now. They were married... finally. Tears slipped the corners of her eyes.

"Yajman,' The priests folded their hands and looked at Yash Narayan, "Vivaah Sampann Hua, the wedding rituals have all been performed, please bless the bride and groom.'

Advay took Chandini's hand into his and led her towards her father, so they could take his blessing. Yash smiled in joy and placed his hand on their head, as soon as the two of them knelt before him and touched his feet. Chandini then touched the feet of her Mamaji and her Maasiji. Her Mamaji held her in his arms as she wept with her head in his chest.

"Banno you are a banno today, a bride,' Mamaji choked on his tears, "May you both have a happy married life.'

Shikha ran up to Advay and wrapped her arms around him.

"You are my Jijaji now,' She choked on her tears, "My brother forever.'

He kissed her on top of her head. Today Chandini and her sisters officially belonged to him. Now no Indrani could ever hurt the women he loved and treasured.

"Chandini, my child, I am so happy today.' Kajal hugged her tight and planted kisses all over her face. "Murli,' She barked at Murli who was busy arranging the dinner.

"Haan Maasiji.'

"Don't make child enter the kitchen, at least till her Mehendi is fresh on her hand.'

"Arey Maasiji, I won't ever let Bhabhi enter the kitchen,' He said as he touched Chandini's feet, "Welcome to the family Bhabhi, I am not a brilliant cook, but I am willing to learn under you.'

Chandini patted him on his cheek while giggling to herself.

"Murli,' She whispered, "How much longer for dinner, I haven't eaten anything all day, I am starving.'

"Ten minutes, Bhabhi.'

She lifted her gaze to Advay, as he chatted with Mishraji. Her friends ran up to her and hugged her. She was happy, despite everything she felt happy and relieved. She belonged to Advay, she could finally lean on him. She threw furtive glances towards him, he hadn't spoken to her since the wedding. She just wanted him to say something, anything, just wanted him to hold her gaze.

"Jiji,' She jumped out of her trance, a young boy ran towards her. Chandini frowned in confusion. Who was he? She had seen him somewhere.

"Jiji.' He ran up to her with a diya in his hand.

"Raghu,' She said in surprise. He looked smart in his gherua kurta, with a tilak on his forehead.

"Jiji, congratulations,' He gasped for breath, while handing her a beautiful diya, "this is a wedding gift from me and my family.'

Tears pricked Chandini's eyes, at the thought that went into his gift. She kissed him on his forehead. "Have you come alone? When did you come?'

"Nahi we are all here.' He pointed towards the kids helping Murli and Meghu arrange the table. They were dressed in new clothes. The boys wore kurtas, while the girls twirled around in colourful lahengas, "We came when Nanaji was washing Jijaji's feet.'

"I didn't hear you.'

"We were silent, didn't want to disturb.'

"Jijaji,' He smiled broadly and hugged Advay, as soon as Advay held his gaze.

"You came.' Advay kissed him on top his head.

"We all came.' He smiled again, "It's yours' and Jiji's wedding, we had to come.'

"Did you bring your diyas?'

"We did,' Raghu smiled, "We all brought one diya each, but my Maa made this special one, it a large diya with twenty-one lights in it.'

"Good, we can light it after dinner.' He said, as he held Chandini's gaze.

"I'll go help Murli Bhaiyya,' He said and ran towards the Kitchen.

Advay held Chandini's gaze in his loving eyes. Chandini blushed as she lowered her gaze. They were husband and wife now.

"You are my wife now,' He put his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. Chandini admired his handsome face. His features had softened, he seemed happy. He was decked in black except the red turban and the red tilak that adorned his forehead.

"Am I dazzling you?' He whispered. She blushed.

"Good news is, all this is yours now,' He whispered against her ears. Chandini shivered at his words and at his warm fingers that kept grazing up and down her waist, "Just like all this is mine.'

She gasped for breath curling her toes. They were standing in the middle of the lounge, there were people around them. Yet the effect he had on her was driving her insane.

"Chandini,' He whispered in a low gritty voice, "you are officially mine today.'

She smiled to herself.

"Toh Bhayawaan,' He adjusted the dupatta on her head and brushed his thumb against her parting again, "Turns out my feisty little pet squirrel has finally married me.'

She sighed in despair. Not again! She was not his pet, she was his wife.

"You are my little pet, Chandini,' He stroked her cheeks, "do you know why?'

She shook her head softly.

"Because I love stroking you.' He said, as he continued stroking her cheeks, "you are soft and cute little a squirrel, with a nasty bite.'

She looked away.

"What was that you were saying this afternoon?' He chuckled like the devil, "that I don't deserve a family, I don't deserve love...blah blah.'

"Well guess what,' He nuzzled against her cheek, "you are my family now.'

She sighed, she had been rude, cruel.

"I am sorry.' She said, tears stung her eyes, she had turned into a monster, "I am truly sorry for everything I said. I was cruel. I didn't mean...I was unkind.'

He nodded. He had pushed her till she snapped.

"No one deserves to lose their family,' She continued, "not even a monster like you.'

Advay raised his brows. This ride was going to be a fun ride.

"Sorry, that's not what I meant.' She bit her tongue, she was digging herself deeper in this hell hole.

"That's fine Chandini,' He smirked, "Keep fighting back, that gives me an opportunity to punish you. Like I said I have kept a count of all the times you have defied me.'

Chandini pouted in annoyance.

"I am a number man Chandini. I am very good at numbers.' He winked at her, "I have thought of a punishment for every time you stepped the line with me.'

"And guess what?' His voice dipped to a coarse grit as he smacked her on her bottom, "we begin from tonight.'

She gasped for her breath, had he just smacked her bottom? She scanned the room, thankful that no one was looking at them. He had never done the before, what had gotten into him?

"Come,' He held her hand and dragged her behind him, and began introducing her to Mishraji and his wife. Chandini smiled and joined her hands, they seemed like a simple and charming couple. She then introduced him to her friends. Advay laughed and joked with Pramila's husband, while Chandini watched him with admiration. He rarely laughed, he seemed happy today. Everything felt perfect, yet a niggly feeling bothered her at the back of her head. This was only for six months, they were never going to have a real marriage, never going to have a family, never going to grow old together, she was never going to die in his arms as he promised her undying love even in death. She leaned her head on his shoulder, tears finally escaped her eyes.

"Are you okay?' He asked, as he wrapped his hand around her.

She nodded. She stared at the ring on her hand.

"Let's go down to the jewellers later and have that removed.'

"No,' She said ruefully, "Leave it, like you said, it's the truth of our marriage.'

She lifted the glittering rock to him.

"The world will covet it, while only I will feel the pain,' She sighed, "Leave it, it will remind me of the truth of this marriage every time I feel it sting. Our marriage... a beautiful mirage.'

Advay sighed as he held her closer to his body. He had nothing to say in his defence, he had made up his mind, there was no return from here. He had to do what he had to. But he had now and she was his wife now.

"Chandini,' Sid tapped her on her shoulder, "I am Siddharth, by the way.'

"I know who you are.' She whispered, wiping her face.

"Here's a little something from me,' He handed her a gift, "It also has a list of phone numbers along with mine for you to call if this asshole here troubles you.'

She giggled softly.

"She has a brother now mate,' He glared at a chuckling Advay, "no funny business.'

"Open the gift,' Advay said, "let's see what this asshole has gifted us.'

Chandini sighed, it was going to take her a while to get used to his filthy language. She carefully opened the packet, while Sid watched her in despair.

"She likes to collect wrappers.' Advay said as he helped himself to a glass of whisky.

"f**k sake mate, you just got married.'

"I didn't touch it while the ceremony was on,' Advay winked, "I can drink now that we are done with all the rituals.'

"I want to go to the temple,' Chandini whispered softly, "can't you wait till we are back.'

He nodded, as he put the glass back and instead picked a glass of orange juice. Sid smiled to himself. Was he caving in to her demands? Advay didn't make sense to anyone.

Chandini gasped as soon as she opened the box, it was a decent sized idol of Lord Ganesh in pure silver. This was the best gift ever. Tears stung her eyes, as Sid stroked her hair.

"You are starting a new home and a new life together,' He said, "I thought you should have the blessings of Lord Ganesh. He is the remover of all obstacles and the fulfiller of all wishes.'

She nodded, she would install the idol in her shrine and worship him every day, asking him to bless her in her new life with Advay. She lifted her gaze to a smiling Advay. They were together starting a new life. She blushed to herself.

"Okay everyone, dinner is served.' Murli finally heaved a heavy sigh of relief.

Chandini gazed around, the lounge was transformed yet again into a dining area. There was a large round table with chairs arranged around them in a circle. The table was draped in an off-white silk table cloth. The chairs too were draped in a similar off-white silk fabric, and held in place with red and pink ribbons. Blooms of red and white roses were bunched together and arranged before each guest. Hundreds of candles had been lit and arranged between the bunches roses, giving an ethereal glow to the room. A large vase with red, pink and white roses and floating candles adorned the centre of the table. Chandini smiled, everything shimmered in red and gold, just like her lehenga. The chandelier in the centre had been lowered, just above the centre of the table so that the everything sparkled and twinkled in its golden hue.

"Do you like it?' Advay asked as he led her around the table. She nodded softly. This was better than what she has imagined. It looked like they had similar tastes. She rested her head on his chest, he still wore the pink dupatta, they were bound together, for seven lives. She giggled softly as she admired the table setting. The china was perfect in sparkling white with a golden trim with a red napkin neatly folded. Tall glasses sat beside the plates, for their drinks. They even had place cards with everyone's names written on it. She frowned, it looked like Shikha's handwriting to her. There was a potli bag in red and gold for each one of the guests to take home.

"What is it?'

"It's a wedding favour,' He said, "something the guests can take home, something that will remind them of our wedding.'

"May I?' She lifted her gaze to his, she was curious to see what was inside the potli. She gasped, there was a palm sized idol of Ganesh, along with a veil of Kumkum, a veil of Turmeric and a diya, all in silver. Tears stung her eyes, it had their names etched on it.

"Mr and Mrs Advay and Chandini Singh Raizada.'

She brushed her hand against her name and wrapped her arms around him and wept.

"Do you like it?' He asked as he stroked her hair.

She nodded. It was beautiful. It was perfect. She blushed, she was a Mrs Advay Singh Raizada now.

"There is also a small box of some handmade Belgian chocolates and a box of laddoos in there,' He said as he emptied the bag.

"Did you know about this?' She asked.

"I chose it, everything is my choice.' He smiled, "we were meant to marry tomorrow, remember. But I am glad we married today.'

She held his gaze in her tear-drenched eyes, the attention to detail that had gone into everything, Why?

"Why?'

"Like I said I wanted a life with you,' He sighed, "I wanted everything and I wanted everything to be perfect.'

He struggled to blink he tears.

"There was,' He choked, "There was a little swing in silver with a baby Krishna in it before, but I replaced it with a Ganesh instead.'

Chandini looked away, unable to stop the tears from pouring down her face. He had been serious about everything he had told her that morning. A swing with a baby Krishna, she smiled, he was right, she had truly lost him today. She sighed. Was there no hope now?

Advay wiped the tears that escaped the corners of his eyes. Life had only dealt him with a death blow every time hope had stirred in his heart. He brushed his fingers tracing the line of her jaw, she was a mirage he had hoped to touch, albeit a beautiful one.

"Is there no hope now?' She asked.

"No,' He shook his head softly, "We have this moment... we have now.'

She nodded and she was going to make the most of her now. She smiled to herself as she went back brushing her hand on the table again, revelling in the softness of the pure silk ivory table cloth. She hadn't seen the table before, it looked like they had hired the table and the chairs for the evening, along with the candle holders, the fabrics and all the crockery and cutlery. When and who had organised all this?

"Jiji, Chalo,' Shikha said, "Sit down.'

"Who has organised this?'

"Murli Bhaiyya has?'

"When?'

"All day, he has been busy all day...Meghu and I helped him.'

Chandini gazed at Murli who was busy showing the guests to their seats. He was way more efficient than she had expected. Yet he was so modest. There was surely a thing or two she could learn from Murli. She was thankful he was there to support her in her new life. There was something warm and calming about him, something that helped her relax and let go of her worries. Maybe it was because he was such a good listener, and always knew how to cheer her up with the amazing lip smacking food he conjured out of thin air.

"Do you want to sit down?' Advay asked her tenderly. She nodded as she finally stepped out of her embrace.

Advay held her chair for her waiting patiently for her to sit down. She smiled at him as he sat beside her. He was her husband now, and he was sitting beside her, they were having their first dinner together as husband and wife. Tears welled her eyes. She looked around waiting for everyone to take their seat, wondering where the others were going to sit. She watched Advay get up to his feet and hold the chair next to her out for her Baba. Her Baba was sitting beside her, her heart jumped in her chest, he seemed happy, and in the pink of his health today. This was the best wedding gift her bholenath could have given her. Her Baba had not just performed her kanyadaan but had also remembered her and was now sitting down to have a meal by himself beside her. She locked her gaze with Advay's, grateful to him for showing love and respect to her father. He could treat her anyhow he wished, hurl any amount of insult, she would bear it all, so long he treated her father and her family with the love and respect they deserved.

"Thank you,' She whispered as soon as he sat beside her.

"What for?'

"For the way, you care for my family...for my Baba.'

He kissed her on her temples, if only she knew who he was and what her father meant to him.

Chandini scanned around the table again to see where everyone was sat. Meghu was sat on her side beside her father with Mamaji and Kajal Maasi sitting together beside Meghu. Shikha took her seat with Muniya in her arms next to Advay. She had long switched places, she was no longer her sister now but his sister. Murli sat beside Shikha, followed by Sid, Raghu and the other kids, Mishraji, his wife and Chandini friends all sat beside each other forming one large circle. This had to be the best dinner party she had ever been to, and probably the first where she didn't have to stress about the food. The service began, it looked like Murli had hired people to serve them. She relaxed, now she could enjoy her dinner without having to worry about how they were going to serve themselves and the guests. She smiled, her belly was growling, she had not eaten anything all day, she was starving. She couldn't wait to tuck in, what was the menu? Where were the waiting staff? How much longer for dinner?

She raised her brow when one of them placed a large three-tiered cake before her. Cake? For a wedding? She frowned, who had cakes at wedding? She scanned the cake in surprise, it wasn't a cake, what was it? She craned her neck towards Murli, frowning at him, at what he had conjured this time?

"In the west people cut cakes at wedding,' Murli explained, "But here I have made two different halwas, one my Bhaiyya's favourite badam halwa and another my Bhabhi's favourite gajar ka halwa, and have arranged them together to from a cake. It is a blend of red and gold which is also the theme of the wedding. So now, my Bhaiyya and Bhabhi are going to cut the cake and take a bite of their favourite desserts as husband and wife. Everyone cheered, this was a brilliant idea. Chandini blushed to herself, memories of the first time he had fed her a chocolate cake under the banyan tree flashed before her eyes. It had all begun that day, and here she was sitting beside him as his wife.

"You ready?' He asked, as he handed her the knife and got up to stand behind her.

Chadnini admired the halwa cake, it was a beautiful blend of gold and red, just like her lehenga, the gold was the almond halwa and the red her favourite carrot halwa, arranged in alternate slices forming a heart shaped cake. But Murli had blended the slices in way that made it look like one but not two different desserts. She shook her head in awe, Murli was an exceptional chef, to have come up with an idea like this.

She got up to her feet as Advay stood behind her and together they cut the cake while everyone clapped and cheered them. He then held a slice of her favourite carrot halwa to her lips.

"You turn now Jiji,' Shikha chirped. Chandini blushed before holding a slice up to his lips. She squirmed and curled her toes as soon as he licked her fingers like he always did.

"Its tastes so much better when you feed me like that,' He whispered. "though I would prefer to lick it off my favourite part of your lush body.'

She shivered, he was killing her softly with all this seductive talk. He held her chair again for her while she sat down and calmed her pounding heart. With every passing minute, the inevitable night was drawing closer. Her heart skipped a million beats, she knew what to expect yet just the thought of Advay's mouth and his heat against her body was draining her nerves. She shivered as he fingers brushed against her bare back.

"It's almost nine,' He whispered as though reading her mind. "Can't wait to taste my favourite dessert...you.'

She shivered again. His words sent her poor drumming her on another marathon to the end of the world. She gasped for short bursts of air, the effect this man had on her poor nerves. She took a deep breath and calmed herself.

Her nerves instantly calmed as soon the food was served. Her eyes widened at the delicious varieties of food Murli had prepared. The aroma was heady, her stomach growled. How many dishes had he prepared? She licked her lips as she patiently waited for the staff to serve them.

There was a chat, two paneer dishes, one kofta, stuffed tinda stir fried in light spices that she loved, two types of dals, a saffron pulav rice garnished genously with cashews and pistas, the aroma of which was making her head dizzy, tiny bite sized samosas, kachoris and pyaaz ke pakode. She raised her brow at Advay.

"I asked him to make them,' He said, "Since today I am officially your piyajee, it makes sense we celebrate with some piyajee.'

She giggled softly, relaxing against the arm he had rested behind her back. She watched her father as he admired the food on his plate like a five-year old. He was a foodie just like her.

"Murli, did you make all of this?' Kajal asked him in awe. Murli nodded blushing to himself, he was very poor at taking compliments.

"Murli is an exceptional cook,' Sid said, "you should see him in action in his restaurant. He is on the roll... his food is top quality.'

"And we are lucky to have him cook for a silly bunch like us.' Pramila's husband said. Everyone laughed again.

"What is his name again?' Advay asked Chandini.

"Pravaan Jijaji.'

"He has a great sense of humour.'

"He is a wonderful man.' Chandini said. "They had a love marriage.'

"I don't have a sense of humour,' He said, "I am a serious man.'

She nodded. Neither did she.

"Maybe you can find yourself a funny man like him in six months' time and have a love marriage like your friend.'

"Could we not talk about that today please?' She pleaded him with glistening eyes. She didn't want to be reminded of her death sentence constantly, at least not on the day of their wedding.

He nodded as he kissed her on her temple.

"Don't fall in love with me Chandini,' He warned her, "I will leave you with nothing but heart break.'

Chandini sighed, what did he know of her heart break. Her heart had long shattered to a million pieces. It was impossible to break a broken heart. She blinked her tears, she was going to make the most of her now and today was a perfect day, with her Baba smiling and beaming in joy beside her. She leaned on his shoulder, as he stroked her hair softly.

"What is the matter?' He asked her.

"You remember me.'

"I have never forgotten you, my gudiya,' He whispered, "some of those medicines don't work well with my memory.'

She nodded, as she waited for the dessert trying to distract herself and trying to find a reason to smile. Her Baba grinned from ear to ear as soon as the dessert was served. Chandini gasped in awe, how many desserts had Murli made.

"Gulab jamun, you amma's favourite,' Yash chirped like a kid, "and mine too.'

Chandini wiped the tears that slipped from the corners of his eyes. He truly missed her mother.

She gasped again, gulab jamun, the two halwas from their cake, laung lata and ras malai, her favourite, yummy, she couldn't wait.

"Murli,' Mamaji whistled, "You are my man.'

Murli chuckled, as soon as Mamaji pointed towards the launglata. "These are my favourite, you have pleased the Banarasi within me.'

"I made them for you Mamaji,' He said, "Kajal maasi told me they were you favourite.'

"How many sweets have you made, Murli?' Kajal gasped at all the food on her plate, where was the roti?

"Five desserts, my Bhaiyya has a sweet tooth,' He winked in mischief, "hence why he has chosen my sweet little Bhabhi.'

"My favourite dessert,' Advay whispered in her ear. Chandini blushed to herself, she just wanted to tuck in, she felt just like the kids who sat shifting uncomfortably before all the delicious food that called out to them.

"Murli Bhaiyya,' Raghu finally whinged in frustration, "Can we start?'

"Start.' Advay said, "Please everyone, have your dinner...just tuck in.'

He leaned across and put an empty cup before Murli.

"Do tip the chef if you like the food,' He chuckled, "he accepts change.'

Everyone laughed as they tucked into the delicious food, while the waiters served them freshly prepared rumali rotis.

"Hmm,' was the only sound other than the clatter of the spoons against cutlery. Murli smiled to himself, content with the evening. The best praise for any chef was silence with an occasional, mmm and aah.

He glanced at Advay. Advay smiled at him and held his gaze lovingly. His brother was happy, he was happy, what more could he asked for.

Chandini gobbled her food without stopping for her breath. She had sampled everything and it was tantalisingly tasty. She then eyed the ras malai, they were calling to her with open arms. She smiled at them and decided to attack them and put them out of their misery.

"Huh...no,' Advay said, and picked the cup of rasai malai from her plate and helped himself to it. Chandini glared at him in horror. Tears pricked her eyes, he had just eaten her ras malai, this was the rudest thing he had ever done to her, how dare he? She wanted to yell at him, but instead took a deep breath and waved at the man with the bowl of ras malai.

"She won't be having any,' Advay told him as he had the man fill two cups with the delicious rich creamy ras malai. Chandini glared at him, was he kidding? He had to be kidding. This was her favourite dessert, one she rarely had. She wanted it, all of it. She dug a spoon into his cup, but he held her hand and forced her to feed him instead.

"Like I said,' He licked his lips, "you can't have any.'

"Why not?'

"Because I am your Master and I say so... Remember you agreed to my terms.'

She gasped for breath, fire and rage and a need to murder and every other horrible emotion coursed through her body. She eyed a butter knife beside her, would it hurt if she stabbed him with it? Could it lead to death? She could kill for her Ras malai, Advay was making a death wish right now. Tears stung her eyes, as she watched him relish on the delicious rich gooey ras malai in his plate. He watched her with mischief as she pouted ever so slightly and struggled to drink her tears.

"Oh Chandini, this is so delicious,' He licked his lips again, "you don't know what you are missing out on.'

He chuckled at how her chin quivered slightly, as she struggled to hold back her tears.

"Do you want it?' He asked with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

She nodded.

"Then you must earn it.'

She lifted her gaze up to him. Earn it? How exactly?

"How?'

"By being a good girl tonight,' She frowned at his words, she wanted the ras malai now.

"By following my instructions to a cue without protest.'

"Okay I will,' She snapped, she would cross that bridge later, first she had to coax him to let her have her favourite dessert, she was the bride, this was her wedding.

"Can I have some now, please?'

"You can have it later, provided you earn it.'

"I don't want it later, I want it now. It's my favourite,' She choked on the tears that threatened to break free, "How can you deny me my favourite dessert?'

"Just like you have been denying me my favourite dessert,' He winked, "it's payback time now.'

She gasped in horror, frustrated with his stupid logic.

"When did I deny you?'

"A couple of days ago, you kicked me out of your bed,' He raised his brow at her, "Remember.'

She frowned, when was that? She gasped, it was the morning after the violence had broken out at the hotel. She was angry with him, he had changed her into his shirt, had slept in her bed and had broken her heart. This was the worst revenge.

"I had told you,' He chuckled wickedly, "warned you...that I will make you pay for it...so now it's pay-back time my cute little pet.'

She sat with a frown. Him and his stupid punishments. Whoever had expected he would hold her favourite dessert ransom for not having let him in her bed. Why hadn't he warned her before.

"What has that got to do with my favourite dessert.'

"Like I said,' He winked, "you are my favourite dessert... you deny mine... I deny you yours.'

"You can have your favourite dessert,' he whispered in her ears, in a low gritty voice, "once I have devoured mine to my heart's content.'

She blushed turning two shades darker than her lehenga.

"Besides like I said, I am your master,' He winked at her, "you will eat what I ask you to eat.'

"This is so unfair.'

"Its fair, it's called tit for tat.'

She giggled, she felt she was a child again. "Will you let me eat it later?'

He nodded, "There is a large bowl of Ras Malai waiting for you in our bedroom... but you are going to have to earn it Chandini.'

Chandini blushed, it was their bedroom now. Tears stung her eyes, it was the first time he had referred to her bedroom as his bedroom too. She just wanted to be done with his demands so she could tuck into her favourite dessert. But she would have to wait for now, she sighed.

"You can have a gulab jamun instead,' He said as he held a jamun to her lips, "Don't bite just suck on it.'

She frowned at him, he had weird requests. She sucked on the jamun in his fingers. She was about to take a bite but he quickly gobbled the jamun to her despair. Was she allowed to eat anything? It was her wedding. She was the bride, she wanted to yell.

He held another jamun to her lips, she opened her mouth to take a bite this time.

"Just suck on it,' He whispered in mischief, Chandini wanted to stab him, "don't eat it or you won't get the ras malai later.'

She sucked on the jamun, hoping it would melt and disappear in her mouth. It was delicious.

"Hold my gaze while you suck on it Chandini,' He whispered. Chandini locked her gaze with his passionate dark eyes. "Don't drop my gaze.'

"My my, you do know how to suck, don't you?' He smirked at her seductively. Chandini felt waves of heat sweep across her body. She moaned softly as soon as he removed the jamun from her mouth and sucked it, while locking his gaze with her. She watched him with passion as she waited patiently for him to put it back in her mouth. Chandini gasped for breath as soon he put the jamun back into her mouth, this was the most erotic thing she had ever done. It had been a while since she had kissed his mouth, but the Jamun had just been in his mouth. She sucked at it fervently while he held her gaze. He smirked at her as he finally ate the jamun in his hand and let her lick his fingers forcing his thumb into her mouth so she sucked on it.

"Finish your dinner,' He whispered as he removed his thumb from her mouth, "We will continue with the sucking later in our bedroom.'

She studied his lips fervently, her brain had turned to a mush again. She just wanted him to kiss her passionately. But instead Advay broke a piece of roti and started feeding her. She leaned on is shoulder and ate from his hand without protesting or bothering who was watching them. Advay smiled to himself as he continued feeding her, impressed with himself at the effect he had on her.

"In the west we have wedding speeches,' Sid said with a chuckle, "but I guess we should do wedding advise for our newly-weds here.'

"Yes, Yes,' Everyone agreed.

"Advay,' Mishraji said, "If you want to be happy, learn to nod to everything your wife has to say, that way she thinks you are listening to her, while you could be busy reading your paper.'

Advay chuckled as he looked at a confused Chandini. She was still dazzled by what he had done to her. He fed her a gulab jamun finally, hoping she would snap out of her brain freeze.

"There is one downside to that though,' Praveen added, "The last time I kept nodding, she asked if she could buy herself a Chandra haar and I nodded like a fool... Look,' He pointed towards the Chandra haar around his wife's neck, "This haar, this was the price I had to pay...and boy it was a heavy price, believe me.'

Everyone laughed, including his wife who winked at Mishraji's wife. She had tricked her husband into buying her jewellery.

"Don't give her new ideas.' Mishraji pleaded with Pramila, "She knows how to fool me to take her shopping.'

Advay chuckled at all the fun everyone was having. Tears stung his eyes, his Maa Baba always teased and mocked at each other. If only there were here. He looked up to the heavens and took a deep breath. He wrapped his arms around Chandini and kissed her cheek, at least she was here. Chandini held his gaze with a frown.

"Are you okay?' She asked, wiping the tear that slipped from his eyes.

"I am missing my family,' He choked on his tears. She wrapped her arms around him. She had said such cruel things to him, she was no less a monster. Advay had never attacked her family, he had always hurt her, but she had said terrible things to him.

"I am sorry.' She said again, struggling to hold back her tears.

"It's okay,' He brushed his hand against his mother's necklace, "you are my family now.'

She nodded, she was his family for now, and now was all that mattered to her. She smiled at the laughter and chatting around her. She smiled at him and at how much everyone was enjoying her wedding. Advay held her close to his heart as he continued feeding her.

"Chandini,' Sid said. Chandini sat up and paid attention to him, "if he ever grumbles about hairy legs, tell him that you will shave your legs provided he shaves his beard.'

Chandini giggled softly. Thankfully she didn't have hairy legs and thankfully she loved his beard.

"I don't mind hairy legs,' Advay winked at Sid, as Sid rolled his eyes in despair.

"I don't mind hairy legs,' He whispered in her ears, "so long that you shave my most favourite part of your delicious body.'

Chandini gasped again for breath, heat pooled and settled between her legs. Just when she was getting her brain to work he had to say something like that and turn her to mush again.

"I have one advise,' Kajal maasi joined the fun.

"Advay the most important job you will ever do in your life,' She giggled, "is kill spiders for your wife.'

Advay laughed out loud. His cute little wife and her fear of spiders, that always worked in his favour like it had that morning. Chandini pouted at Kajal Maasi, now was not the time to laugh at her fears. Advay kissed her on her cheek, holding himself back from kissing the pout on her mouth.

"Advay my friend,' Praveen said, as his wife sighed in despair, "The one golden rule for a successful marriage is.'

Everyone listened to him with intent, he had a brilliant sense of humour.

"If you know you are wrong, admit it,' Advay nodded, "But if you know she is wrong, then just shut up.'

Everyone laughed out loud, as Pramila smacked her husband on his chest. He was hell bent on mocking her today. Chandini giggled at the two, they had the sweetest marriage, she had always hoped Dev and her would have a marriage like them. But she had Advay now, and she was happy in her now.

"There is a slight variation to that joke,' Advay whispered in her ears, "First I am never wrong, and second if you are wrong, I won't shut up, I will punish you.'

She gasped, at how seductive his voice sounded as he spelt the word punish. She knew how he would punish her, he would whip her, but she wasn't afraid.

"I am not afraid of punishments.' She replied.

"Are you not?'

"At school I was always punished, my Maa always punished me, my Maa says I have a thick skin.'

Advay held her gaze. "Did she punish you Chandini?' He asked, struggling to calm the rage that coursed through her body.

She nodded softly, she didn't want to talk about it. But it had made her strong, increased her pain threshold. Advay kissed her on her forehead, angry with himself for not having come back sooner.

"I can tolerate pain,' She continued, "The kitchen is an accident-prone area,' she pointed at the bandages Murli had on his fingers.

"I can handle cuts and burns, I have a thick skin,' She said with pride.

"Exactly,' He chuckled wickedly, happy they were back to the discussion he intended to have with her, "A thick skin but a weak heart, that's what makes you the perfect slave...you will do anything to please your master.'

He slipped his fingers up her back. She took a deep breath, she wasn't going to let him intimidate her with that word, she was his wife now. She arranged her mangalsutra, holding it up to him subtly as though reminding him that she was his wife now.

"I am your wife.' She hissed.

"By day,' He whispered seductively, "Wife by day...slave by night... the things I intend to do you Chandini... Can't wait to get started.'

She shivered at the sex in his voice. Was this torture ever going to end? How much longer till they retired to their bedroom. But for the first time she didn't feel guilty for wanting Advay, she was his wife now. They were bound together for life.

"Advay,' It was Mishraji's turn next, it seemed like these two men were on a roll today, "always remember not to laugh at your wife's choices, no matter how ridiculous or obnoxious they may seem, never laugh at them,'

"Pata hai kyun?' He asked munching on his papad as his wife frowned at him.

"Because you are one of them.'

Everyone laughed out loud.

"I agree, my wife, Chandini's amma,' Yash Narayan said, "She was a beautiful woman, just like my gudiya here. I don't know what she saw in me, yet she chose me and I am forever grateful to her.'

"And now my daughter has chosen you,' Advay gulped at how stern Yash's voice sounded as he glared at Advay, "so be grateful. Look at yourself, you look like a caveman, yet my delicate daughter has chosen you, so learn to be grateful to her.' He stroked Chandini's hair, "My poor child, she too is blind just like her mother.'

Advay chuckled softly.

"Don't know if I look like a caveman,' He whispered again in her ears, "but I will f**k you like a caveman.'

Chandini choked on her breath. Was he going to stop? He was going to have to stop, someone was going to have to make him stop. At this rate, her poor heart was going to explode in her mouth. What time was it? When could they hit the sheets? When could they finally get started with whatever it was he intended to do to her? Six months, she sighed, at this rate her poor heart wouldn't last six minutes with him.