Chap 43, 44 on Page 119 Entrapment : An Extremely Dark Advni FF - Page 92

plz don't stress your self out. post when free. love you dear

Chitra I can wait till Monday too

I know that the fruit of patience is always sweet

I know AdNi wedding will be a spectacle

I think now the main story will start hai na ?

😳 😳 ... wedding updates ... baarati ready ...!!! 😉 🥳

The dinner was finally done, with everyone showering praises on a sheepish Murli's exceptional culinary skills. Chandini giggled softly at how Murli blushed and grinned at everyone. He was too modest just like her and she was happy to have him beside her. He knew Advay like the back of his hand. Maybe she could get to know her enigmatic yet enchanting husband better with the help of Murli.

The staff and her sisters quickly cleared the table and arranged the sofa so everyone sat comfortably around each other. Murli passed a tray of pan around.

"Mamaji has made these sweet banarasi pan.' He said as he passed the tray. Chandini widened her eyes, her Mamaji was a magician when it came to making pan's. She couldn't wait to try. She sighed with defeat, certain her husband pretending to be her master was going to hold it ransom. Advay wrapped his arm around her shoulder as he chatted with Sid. Chandini sighed again as she rested her head on his shoulder and studied the mangalsutra around her neck. It was of medium length with a string of black beads woven in a gold chain with a simple soliatiare diamond pendant. She giggled softly, she was a married woman now. Her life had changed in one day.

Murli held the tray of pan before her. She eyed the delicious pan smothered in dessicated coconut oozing with gulkand and cherries and other lip smacking ingredients filled inside it. She lifted her hopeful gaze to Advay, certain he would deny her the little pleasures of her life. Advay chuckled softly, glad she was waiting for his permission. She was born to submit to him. He picked a pan and stuffed it in her mouth much to her surprise. She mumbled thanks along with a Hmmm... as the flavours exploded in her mouth.

"Stop making those noises,' He whispered seductively. She shivered at the grit in his deep voice, "or I will take you in the centre of the altar.'

She gasped in horror, center of the altar, before the guests, before her Baba, was he mad? She put her hand on her mouth muffling every squeak, her husband was a mad man, he would fulfil his words. It was best she didn't give him a chance.

Advay chuckled at the horror on her face.

"How is the pan?' He asked.

She nodded still shivering at his words. She eyed the tray in front of her hoping to help herself to another one.

"You are only allowed one,' He pinned her close to his body in his steel grip.

She frowned. What was his obsession with holding food ransom?

"You can have another one later with me.' He whispered. "provided you earn it.'

She shivered, how was she meant to earn it now? His gritty voice was leaving her heart fluttering like a leaf in her chest.

"Advay did you have a sangeet?' Mishraji asked munching on his second pan.

"No,' He sighed breaking out of his trance, "We didn't have time for it.'

"That's great we can have a post wedding sangeet in that case.'

"In the west,' Sid added, "the couple have their first dance together.'

Chadnini gasped in panic at Sid's suggestion, he was meant to be her brother, he was meant to save the situation not put her on the spot.

"I can't dance.' Advay snapped almost cutting Sid and his silly suggestions.

"But you can sing.' Sid winked at him.

"Asshole.'

"Murli go fetch his guitar,' Sid ordered, Murli was up the stairs even before the words had fallen out of Sid's mouth.

"You are going to sing and woo my sister,' Sid commanded, "this is your punishment for everything you have said and done.'

"Asshole.' Advay narrowed his eyes at a smirking Sid. He was going to get even with him later.

"You must sing,' Yash said, "It's been a while since I heard yo... since I heard good music.' He quickly corrected himself. Advay shot his eyes to him, thankful the old master hadn't spilled the beans.

He sighed heavily as soon as Murli handed his guitar.

"I can't sing,' He protested glaring at a grinning Sid, he was meant to be his friend.

"He has an incredible voice.'

"I am sure he does.' Mamaji said lovingly. Dev and his voice was legendary. People would flock from around the city to hear him sing devotional songs with his father at the temple every evening.

All the kids too cheered Advay to start singing.

Chandini lifted her hopeful gaze to his, she wanted to hear him sing, so she could laugh and tease him later.

"Chandini,' Praveen said, "You are the boss now. Command him to sing.'

"Please,' She whispered as she locked her hopeful gaze with his. Advay sighed getting up to his feet. This was a terrible idea, he didn't know many songs and surely didn't know any that he could sing to his bride on their wedding day.

"Suggest a song.' He said.

"You are singing a song for your wife,' Mishraji said, "Look at her beautiful face and draw your inspiration from there.'

Chandini blushed lowering her gaze, the last thing she wanted was for her husband to gaze into her eyes and turn her into a trembling mass of nerves. Advay sighed he was not good at this, he didn't have anything to offer, no fake promises of love, no fake assurances of a lifetime of commitment.

This was a mirage...their marriage.

He tuned his guitar, thinking of all the heart wrenching songs he had learnt over the last few months.

"Kho gaya, gum ho gaya,' He started off in his heart wrenching voice. Chandini gasped at how soothing and deep his voice was. She could hear him all day. She sighed mesmerised by his haunting voice.
"Waqt se churaya tha jo
Apna banaya tha..
Ho tera, woh mera
Saath nibhaaya tha jo
Apna banaya tha..

Chadariya jheeni re jheeni
Chadariya jheeni re jheeni
Aankhein bheeni ye bheeni ye bheeni
Yaadein jheeni re jheeni re jheeni (x2)

Aisa bhi kya milna, saath hoke tanha
Aisi kyun sazaa humne hai paayi, Ranjhana ve
Phir se mujhe jeena, tujhpe hai marna
Phir se dil ne di hai ye duhaai, Saajnaa ve
Laqeeron pe likh di kyun judaai...'

"O Tragedy kumar,' Praveen stopped him even before he continued with the torture, "It is your wedding today, yeh judai wale gaane kyun gaa rahe ho bhai mere.'

"Like I said I don't know any good songs,' Advay defended himself.

Tears welled in Chandini eyes, at the depth of the song. She wiped her tears with her edge of her dupatta

"I asked you to woo my sister,' Sid handed Chadnini his kerchief, "not make her cry.'

"Chalo take two,' Mamaji said, "Some other song now...a fast tempo wala.'

Advay sat on a chair sighed raking his hair in despair, today was the death of him. What fast tempo songs did know?

"Milne Hai Mujhse Aayi, Phir Jaane Kyun Tanhaai
Kis Mod Pe Hai Laayi Aashiqui
O... Khud Se Hai Ya Khuda Se, Iss Pal Meri Ladaai
Kis Mod Pe Hai Laayi Aashiqui
O O...'

Mamaji pulled his hair in despair. Raghu smacked his head, what kind of a song was this?

"Aashiqui Baazi Hai Taash Ki
Toot Te Bante Vishwaas Ki.'

Chandini gasped at the profundity of his words. Trust had gone missing from their relationship and she didn't know how to bring it back.

"Jaane Kyun Main Sochta Hoon
Khaali Sa Main, Ik Raasta Hoon
Tune Mujhe Kahin Kho Diya Hai
Yaa Main Kahin Khud Laapata Hoon
Aa Dhoond Le Tu Phir Mujhe
Kasamein Bhi Doon Toh Kya Tujhe...'

Chandini finally sobbed softly, he was mocking her, was reminding her that she had lost him forever. Sid moved next to her and held her close to his heart. His friend truly didn't know how to woo his woman. The last thing he had hoped for was a song that would make her cry.

"Aashiqui Baazi Hai Taash Ki
Toot Te Bante Vishwaas Ki

O.. Milne Hai Mujhse Aayi
Phir Jaane Kyun Tanhaai
Kis Mod Pe Hai la...

"Enough,' Mishraji joined his hand in prayer, "Bas karo please.'

Even his wife was crying now.

"Itna dard nahi seh payenge,' He said comforting his sobbing wife. "Please stop this torture now.'

"What?' Advay snapped, "these were the only songs he knew.'

He glanced at a sniffling Chandini, there was nothing he could say to her to cheer her up, not after how the events of the day had played out.

"Okay don't lose heart, take three... continue.' Kajal Maasi and Shikha cheered him on

He cleared his throat again as he held Chadnini's gaze with his. Memories of the morning flashed before his eyes, memories of when he had held her in his arms and dreamt of a life together. His dreams were forever dashed. Was she to blame? He didn't know anymore. He sighed as he strummed his guitar yet again to pour out another gut wrenching melody.

"Kabhi Jo Badal Barse
Main Dekhoon Tujhe Aankhein Bharke..
Tu Lage Mujhe Pahli Baarish Ki Duaa..

Tere Pahloo Mein Rah Loon..
Main Khud Ko Paagal Kah Loon..
Tu Gam De Ya Khushiyaan
Sah Loon Saathiyaa..'

Everyone sighed heavily, while Mishraji and Praveen raked their hair in despair. This groom truly was the saddest groom they had ever known. Praveen smacked his head as Advay continued with the torment. The only good thing was his voice was hauntingly beautiful.

"Koi Nahi, Tere Siva Mera Yahaan..
Manzilein, Hain Meri To Sabh Yahaan..
Mita De Sabhi Aaja Faansle..
Main Chahoon Mujhe Mujhse Baant Le..
Zara Sa Mujhmein Tu Jhaank Le..
Main Hoon Kya..

Pahle Kabhi, Na Tune Mujhe Gham Diya..
Phir Mujhe, Kyoon Tanha Kar Diya..
Guzaare The Jo Lamhe Pyaar Ke
Hamesha Tujhe Apna Maan Ke..
To Phir Tune Badli Kyoon Adaa..
Yeh Kyoon Kiya..

Chandini began her soft sobbing again, sure he was mocking at her. Sid smacked his head in defeat. He just wanted to take the guitar and smash it to pieces. Mamaji and Yash exchanged defeated glances, there was too much grief in his heart, would love ever make its way.

"Abey pagle yeh manhoos gaane kahan se seekhe aaya hai tu? Yash glared at him, "You are meant to sing cheerful songs on your wedding, songs that will make the bride blush not burst into tears...see you have made my poor daughter cry again.'

Advay stopped half way through the song, why did they keep interrupting him rudely? These were the only songs he knew.

"Let me explain,' Kajal offered to help and began croacking something illegible. Everyone stuffed their fingers in their ears, Advay's torture was better than Maasiji's slaughter.

Chandini giggled softly. Advay sighed at least she was smiling again.

"Dekh I will teach you.' Yash said again, he was his master after all, "This was my wife's favourite song, this will suit you.'

"Aaja sanam madhur chandni mein hum
Tum mile to wirane mein bhi aa jayegi bahaar
Jhumne lagega aasman
Jhumne lagega aasman

Kehta hai dil aur machalta hai dil
More saajan le chal mujhe taaron ke paar
Lagta nahin hai dil yahan
Lagta nahin hai dil yahan'

Yash sang with a smile stretching from ear to ear. Advay strummed his guitar in sync and joined in, it was a beautiful song. A song with her name in it. Mamaji too joined them and toghether they sang in chorus, it was a classic.

"Bheegi bheegi raat me, dil ka daaman thaam le
Khoyi khoyi zindagi, har dam tera naam le
Chand ki behki nazar, keh rahi hai pyaar kar
Zindagi hai ek safar, kaun jaane kal kidhar
Chand ki behki nazar, keh rahi hai pyaar kar
Zindagi hai ek safar, kaun jaane kal kidhar,'

Chandini giggled with tears brimming her eyes, as the three men of her life sang her mother's favourite song.

"She was my Chanda,' Yash pointed his finger to the heavens, "and this is my Chandini.'

He wiped his tears as he smiled at his tearful daughter. He was meant to cheer her up but together they had made her cry again.

"You are all lousy singers,' Praveen smacked his head, "you have no idea what kind of songs one must sing for their wives...let me explain.'

Everyone giggled and chuckled as soon as he got down to his knees before his giggling blushing wife and began croaking.

"Jo teri khatir tadape pehle se he, kya use tadpana... O Zaalima...O Zaalima.'

His wife turned a bright shade of red at the blantant display of affections. Chadnini giggled she was not the only one tormented by her husband, looked like all men were equally shameless.

"Our favourite song is,' Mishraji got up to his feet and dragged his wife behind him.

"Dekha ek kwaab toh yeh sil siley hua,' He hopped around her like a frog, "Door tak nighah main gul khiley hue.'

His wife blushed as she joined him in the fun. She hid her face in her duppata and sang.

"Yeh gila hai aapke nighahon se, phool bhi ho darmiyan toh phasle hue.'

"Kya silsiley hue Bhaiyya,' He finally sat down and wiped the sweat on his brow, "Two daughters and a boy was the outcome of this love story, alongwith an unpaid mortgage and the worry of how to pay for the daughters wedding.'

Everyone laughed, wasn't that how all love stories were meant to end. Chandini felt a stab in her heart, hers would forever remain an incomplete story. She lifted her gaze to his, she knew the moment their gaze met, he too was having similar thoughts. He smiled ruefully at her.

Murli finally had enough of all the tear wrenching songs. It was time he took control of the situation. He selected a song on his phone and connected it to the speakers before his brother took off on another torture inducing song.

The kids squealed in delight as soon as the music blared from the speakers. Finally, they had the much needed relief from Advay's torment. They jumped to their feet and started dancing... to the music of

"Main toh Ainvayi ainvayi lut gaya.'

Shikha and Meghu too joined the fun and dragged their Mamaji and Maasi to their feet. Murli grabbed the guitar from Advay hands much to everyone's relief and started hopping and dancing before him. Advay chuckled as everyone got to their feet and began dancing.

Sid held Advay's hands up and forced him to dance with him, pointing at him at

"Chai main dooba biscuit ho gaya,' Chandini giggled from where she was sat at how stiff and ungraceful Advay looked.

Shikha dragged her to her feet and pushed her into Advay's amrs. Chandini danced gracefully around him while blushing to herself.

Advay put his hand on his heart and winked at her at, "Main toh Ainvayi Ainvayi lut gaya.'

Pramila teased her whistling husband at "Seeti veeti maarke irritate karta.'

Sid forced Advay to his knees finally before Chandini at, "Chey fut se do fut ho gaya.'

Advay laughed at his friends' antics, while Chadnini giggled at the man on his knees before her. He finally got up to his knees, held her by her hand and gave her a twirl. She giggled as she twirled around him, her lehenga flared around her making her feel like a true princess. Advay held her in time just as she lost balance. He locked his passionate gaze with hers oblivious to everyone dancing around them. He lowered his gaze to her inviting lips, just wanting to grab her mouth into his. Chandini felt her heart stop in her chest at the passion seeping through his eyes. She licked her lips in anticipation of what was to come. He took a deep breath and kissed her forehead instead. She sighed, wrapping her arms around him and rested her head on his chest as their circled slowly in each others' arms, lost in their own world.

The music continued it was gallan googiyan next. They laughed as they watched the rest of the family dancing and having a blast. Shikha danced with Raghu, Meghu and the other kids. Murli was on the floor doing his weird snake dance. Advay took his phone and recorded it, happy that Murli finally got to dance at his wedding. Muniya ran into Advay arms, he kissed her and twirled around the dance floor with her in one arm and Chandini in the other arm.

Mishraji and his wife danced with total abandon as he whistled and hopped and danced around his giggling wife. Kajal and Mamaji too danced together and laughed and giggled. This had to be the best wedding of their lives. Yash sat on a sofa and watched the scene before him. Tears stung his eyes at the sight of his daughter in her husbands' arms. He had finally fulfilled his promise and his purpose. He took a deep breath, looked up to the heavens and joined his hands in prayer thanking god and his master for blessing him with this day.

The music finally came to an end and everyone collapsed wherever they could find an empty space and panted for breath. They thanked Murli yet again for delivering from the torture and for having lightened the mood. Murli chuckled as he collapsed next to Sid. This was a much needed exercise after the scrumptious dinner everyone had had. The kids enjoyed themselves the most.

It was almost ten, the guests began to take their leave. Chandini thanked them along with Advay and her Baba. Her friends hugged her and wished her good luck and left with a gift bag. Sid chose to stay back. She finally sat beside her Baba after seeing the guests off and leaned on him. They were still meant to go to the temple and the Ganga ghat. She didn't know what waited for her in the future, but for now she had gained back her father. She would marry Advay every day and agree to his every sick twisted arrangement, if she could have a day like this with her Baba again.

"Jiji,' Raghu ran up to her, "Let's go float your diya.'

Chandini nodded softly, she had some twenty Diya's to float that each kid had gifted her. She lifted her gaze up to Advay, to find him smiling at her.

"Shall we go?' He asked.

"Could we go to the temple first?'

He nodded as he got up to his feet. Meghu ran up to Chandini and helped her Baba to his feet.

"We are all going to the temple and then to the Ganga Ghat,' Yash told Meghu. Chandini gasped in surprise, was her Baba accompanying them to the temple? This had to be the best day of her life.

Everyone gathered and waited for the groom, while Shikha held a basket with incense sticks, flowers and camphor to take to the temple.

"Why are we waiting?' She asked impatiently.

"We are waiting for Advay and Murli.' Mamaji said, as he watched Advay on his knees searching for something.

"Why is he on his knees?' Meghu frowned.

"Kya karein, he is a married man now.' Sid joked. "he will have to spend the rest of his life kneeling before his wife.'

Everyone laughed. Yash and Mamaji decided to sit down, while the groom wiped the floor clean with his knees.

"Murli,' Advay snapped, "Where the hell did you put it?'

"Bhaiyya yahi tha.'

"I left it there, Murli,' He glared at him, "It was your responsibility.'

"Arey Bhaiyya,' Murli raked his hair as he scuffled under sofas and chairs.

Shikha gasped aloud as realisation struck her. She hid behind her Maasi sheepishly before Advay screwed her ears.

"Advay,' Mamaji yelled, "What have you lost?'

"His freedom.' Sid yelled back. Everyone laughed heartily.

"Sid,' Advay snapped his finger at his friend, "come here now.'

"What's it mate?'

"You are an ACP, come and help me.'

"Help you with what?'

"Help me find my shoes, you moron.' He hissed.

Everyone laughed out loud.

"I am an ACP,' Sid rolled his eyes as he got on his knees and starting searching with Advay, "not a f**king shoe finder.'

"It's Murli's fault.' Advay glared at Murli again. "how am I meant to go out now?'

"Bare feet, try bare feet.' Someone suggested.

The kids giggled and laughed at Advay's plight.

"Shikha,' Advay finally got up to his knees. Shikha hid further behind Kajal.

"I can see you,' He glared at her, "What have you done with my shoes?'

"It wasn't her,' Murli said, "She is on our side, she was meant to be minding it with me.'

"So together you have both done a lousy job.' Advay collapsed on one of the Sofa's, as all heads turned towards an innocent Meghu, who was busy arranging the pleats on her dupatta.

"Wh...What?' She asked in alarm. Chandini giggled at her softly. Meghu didn't have a single bone of mischief in her, this was certainly not her handiwork.

"Where is my jhooti?' Advay glared at her. He didn't have time to waste, he had waited for too long, he just wanted to float the diyas and take his beautiful bride to bed.

"Wh..What jhooti?' She mumbled, "I have no idea what you are talking about.'

"Have you stolen Jiju's jhooti?' Shikha glared at her in disbelief. "How could you?'

"What...No,' She gasped out aloud, she was accused of being a shoe thief, "I have been busy handling dinner with Murli Bhaiyya.'

"Toh phir kaun.'

Advay scanned the room, glaring at every face with suspicion. He smiled broadly, he knew who was behind it. He got up to his feet and scooped a giggling Muniya in his arms and tickled her.

"Where is my jhooti?' He asked her as he continued tickling her.

"Raghu Bhaiyya has it,' She giggled in his arms, as he kissed her cheek. Chandini smiled, gazing at him in awe at the way he kissed and tickled Muniya. He was serious, he truly loved girls. What had she done? She sighed, wanting to turn back time. She wanted to have his child, wanted to have a girl, wanted to see him smile and play with his daughter. A lone tear rolled down her cheek, they would never have a family together, she reminded herself. She wrapped her arms around her belly.

"Raghu?' Shikha screwed a chuckling Raghu by his ears, "I expected better from you.'

Murli heaved a heavy sigh and finally collapsed to the floor. He had worked round the clock all day; this extra exercise had been unwarranted for. Sid too got up to his feet and straightened his back.

"Where is the thief?' Sid asked, "I must reward him now.'

Everyone laughed again.

"He has managed to bring the mighty Advay Singh Raizada to his knees.'

"Shut up.' Advay snapped.

"Has no one brought you to your knees before?' Kajal asked in surprise.

"Chandini has,' Advay winked at her, "haven't you Chandini?'

Chandini turned the same shade as her lehenga at the mention of Advay on his knees before her. What was he hinting at? What kind of a shameless man had she married?

"Don't you want to tell Maasi of the time I got on my knees before you?'

She gasped for breath, struggling to form words.

"When was that?' Kajal frowned.

"When I got down on my knees and proposed to her?' He winked at her again, but she knew that was not what he was hinting at. She blushed again as images of that night flashed before her eyes, with Advay kneeling before her as he had made her come apart with the stroke of his tongue. Her palms tickled at how soft his hair had felt, she wanted to touch his hair again, wanted to feel his mouth on her again. She blushed again as Advay gazed at her with lusty eyes. Heat and lust coursed through her body in waves. She gasped as she lowered her gaze, she knew, he knew as soon as a wicked smirk curled at the corners of his mouth.

Raghu placed the jhooti before Advay and smiled sheepishly.

"We are the bride's brothers and sisters and hence we are holding your shoes ransom,' He giggled, "you fulfil our demands and we will release your shoe.'

"Murli,' Advay said, "run upstairs and fetch me another shoe.'

"Jijaji, this is not fair.' The other kids whined as they gathered around him.

"You must accept our demands,' Muniya kissed him again.

"Shikha will pay you, it is going to come out of her monthly allowance for having lost my shoe.'

"What allowance? You have never given me any allowance,' She glared at him.

"She will sell her designer lehenga and pay you.' Advay chuckled.

"Jiju...No.' Shikha wrapped her arms around her lehenga, she was planning on wearing it forever, on never stepping out of it if she could.

"What are your demands?' Murli sighed in relief, at least they had found the shoe. He would pay everything he had, if only he could crash on his bed. It had been an eventful day.

"We have arranged a little party in our area tomorrow for you and Jiji, promise us you will come.'

Tears stung Advay's eyes at Raghu's demand. He had expected them to demand for money, yet again they had stunned him with their generous request. They had nothing on them, yet their simplicity and love always tugged at his heart.

"Jijaji,' Muniya kissed him on his cheek, "Will you come with Jiji? My Maa is making pyaaz ke pakode for you and Jiji.'

Advay nodded, as he kissed her back and held her tight in his arms.

"Can I come too?' Shikha asked as she cuddled the other kids.

"All of you must come.' Raghu said, "all of you, Meghu Jiji, Murli Bhaiyya, Nanaji, Maasiji, Mamaji, Sid Bhaiyya aap bhi, please come to our house.'

Everyone nodded as tears glistened in their eyes at the sincerity in Raghu's voice. How easy was it to give love and receive love?

"Jijaji is that a promise then.' Raghu asked.

Advay nodded, as he kissed Muniya again.

"Good,' Raghu held the Jhooti for Advay, "We'll be here at seven, let's float the diya's like every day around seven, and then we'll take you all home.'

"Jijaji give me your feet.' He held the Jhooti for him.

"Leave it, I will wear it.'

"No,' Raghu smiled at him, "as the bride's brother, it is my duty to hold it out while you slip your feet in it. I will feel honoured. Please don't refuse.'

Advay nodded as he slipped his feet into the jhooti Raghu held out for him. Chandini smiled, the abandon with which everyone loved him tugged at her heart. He was truly a man with a golden heart, a monster with a golden heart, she reminded herself. But he was her monster now, and she loved him for who he was.

"Wait, wait.' Yash Narayan said as soon as they gathered to leave for the temple. "How are we planning on the bidai and the grih pravesh?'

"The top floor is mine,' Advay said.

"The Haveli is yours.' Mamaji said.

"Yes but, I am going to restrict the usage of the rear door that leads to the top floor. We will use this part of the house, while the rest of you can use the main door.'

Mamaji nodded, trying to think of a way on how to perform the bidai.

"I want the rear entrance because it is easier to get in and out of the temple, which is where I am most of the day.'

"In that case,' Yash said, " Let's perform gudiya's Bidaai now, from the main door and she can later enter her house from the rear door.'

Tears welled Chandini's eyes, at the mention of Bidaai. Was she leaving her home so soon? She leaned on her father's chest allowing the tears to escape her eyes.

"Chandini you are moving from ground floor to first floor,' Advay said with a frown, "besides you have always lived on the first floor, away from the rest of the family.'

"Yes, but she is leaving her father's house today,' Kajal maasi said with unshed tears, "your men wont understand how that feels.'

Advay rolled his eyes, the last thing he needed now was a sobbing bride in his arms. He had bought the Haveli with the hope that she didn't have to shed buckets of tears. It seemed like it was mandatory for a bride to weep on her wedding day.

"Right let's be done with this quick.' He sighed.

Yash led Chandini towards the door while she sobbed softly. Shikha giggled beside her sister, this was the best Bidaai ever, her sister was leaving from the front door, only to be back by the back door.

Kajal hugged Chandini next, pretending to sob, forcing a tear from her parched eyes. Chandini frowned at her, was it so difficult to shed a tear, she was leaving.

"Chandini,' Advay pointed to his watch, "quick we haven't got all night.'

She fumed to herself, did she not have a right to weep her heart out, she was leaving her father's home. Meghu quickly held a tray of rice and coins in front of her, so she could throw is back over her head before stepping out of the haveli. Mamaji was the only person shedding buckets of tears other than Chandini.

"Mamaji,' She wrapped her arms around him and together they sobbed to their hearts content,

"Banno, don't forget us.' Advay glared furiously at the two of them. Mamaji had to be kidding him.

"Gudiya,' Yash stroked her hair gently, "now quickly throw the rice, if we leave quickly we can be back quickly, you want to come back, don't you?'

She nodded wiping her tears as she took a handful of rice and hurled it over her head. Her family stood behind her, the women held their pallu while the men held their kurta to collect the rice and coins that fell upon them. Advay took a deep breath and followed beside her as she hurled two more handfuls. She finally took a deep breath and crossed the threshold and stepped outside the Haveli while chanting her mantra in her heart. The fresh cool evening breeze hit her senses. She breathed in a lungful of air, she had stepped out of her maternal home. The bond was over. Now she would never return as the daughter of the house but as a married woman, as Advay's wife. She wiped her tears again. She was no longer Chandini Yash Narayan Vashisht. She was Chandini Advay Singh Raizada henceforth.

Her father put his hand on her shoulder, leading her towards the car that was decorated in roses. Chandini frowned, why had he decorated his car when she was meant to be back from the back door. Had he played her again? Were they moving out of the house? Were they moving to London? She hadn't even wept to her heart's content. She hadn't even packed, she sobbed softly.

"Why is your car decorated?' Kajal frowned as though reading her mind.

"It's a package deal,' Murli explained with a sigh, "the people who decorated the lounge said they would decorate the car as a part of the package.'

"Oh.'

"Shall we?' Advay held the door open for his sobbing bride to take a step inside. She threw her arms around her father again and wept, followed by Mamaji.

"She is an emotional girl,' Mamaji said as he stroked her head, "she loves with all her heart. Completely surrenders herself to those she loves. Always puts others before herself.'

He smiled at Advay.

"You will see how deeply she loves, how fully she gives herself without holding anything back'

Advay nodded as he watched her trembling form. She had given herself to him with total abandon. He had seen her shatter, had watched her helplessly as she had gathered the pieces of her scattered heart. But there was nothing he could promise in return anymore.

"Don't cry, we are following you in that car.' Sid said as he pointed towards his vehicle.

Chandini finally wiped her tears with the kerchief Advay handed her and stepped into his vehicle. He too got inside and sat beside her. All the kids cheered and hopped in with them. Chadnini giggled softly, as the kids clapped and chirped. Murli and Shikha got into the front of the car, while the rest of the family followed Sid to his vehicle. Advay circled his arms around Chandini and held her close to his heart. What would she do the day he would leave her? What would she do the day he would embrace the fire? He couldn't let her fall in love with him, he wouldn't let her fall in love with him. He would ensure she never felt anything but anger and resentment towards him. This was not a marriage, this was an arrangement, an indulgence he had allowed himself.

The kids cheered as soon as Murli turned the ignition on. Chandini giggled softly, everything felt like an actual wedding. It was an actual wedding. She was Advay's legally wedded wife now. She clutched on to her mangalsutra.

The trip to the temple was a quick affair. Advay stood to one side as Chandini worshipped the Shiva linga with flowers and incense sticks. He watched her with pride as she circled around the solid mercury and made prostrations every time she circled it. The last time he had watched her was on the day of the Maha Aarti, she was in a red on that too. Only that today she was his wife, wearing his mangalsutra and his sindooor. His Chandini finally belonged to him.

Chandini took a deep breath and touched the mercury linga before her. A serene calm took over her as soon as she touched the cold mercury. She let the cold stone calm the restless heat of an uncertain future engulfing her heart. Just this morning she had worshipped her god as a single girl, totally oblivious to how the day would unfold and wreck her life forever. She touched her mangalsutra again, she was his wife now. She took a deep breath, calming her fluttering heart. It was going to take time to get used to.

Advay held on to Yash as he joined his hands in prayer and worshipped his god. Advay had not wanted to step inside, but he didn't have the courage to protest before his guru. He held on to Yash as he chanted the shiv panchakshari stotra, a poem penned by Adi Shakaracharya explaining the significance of the matra, Namaha Shivaya. Yash glared at him asking him to join in the chants. Advay sighed as he began chanting beside his master, it seemed like olden times. The walls of the temple echoed with the deep humming of the two men who sang the chants in sync, like perfect master and disciple. Mamaji watched them with tears welling his eyes. Goose bumps pricked his body, Advay was Dev. His pronounciation was perfect just like his master Yash Narayan.

Chadnini finally stood beside him and joined their chants. Advay smiled at her, she was his family now, he finally had a family. A wife, a father, two beautiful sisters, an uncle and an aunt, and Murli his brother for life. He also had all the kids and their families who loved him with everything they had. He was not a lonely man, he was a family man now. He heaved a sigh of relief, the city that had once snatched everything had returned a family today.

He supported Yash against him as they made their way down the ghats. The Ganga looked calm and peaceful today, it felt like as though the restless rage within her had calmed. He helped Yash take a seat beside the river and handed him a Diya, requesting him to float the first diya.

Yash joined his hands and sang hyms to the great goddess. Tears stung his eyes at the memory of the evenings he had spent beside the river with his guru, memories of the grandeur of the Ganga Aarti of the olden times flashed before his eyes. If only he could restore the temple to its former glory. He held Advay's gaze, now that his Dev was back he could finally hope.

Advay lit the diya and helped his master float the first diya of the evening into the river. Soon the kids, Meghu and Shikha began lighting their diyas. Chandini sat beside him surrounded by the many diyas the kids had gifted them. They lit the large Diya Raghu had gifted them first, and together floated it into the river while everyone clapped and cheered. It was their first diya as husband and wife. Murli stood behind them and clicked pictures of the bride and groom as they continued floating the diyas.

Advay studied Chadnini's beautiful form as she joined her hands and chanted her prayers to the great river. Tears stung his eyes at all the times he had spent with her beside this river as a young boy. Today they stood beside each other as man and wife. The river had been a witness to everything, and today the river glimmered in gold witnessing the union of two childhood lovers. He wrapped his arms around her and held her closer as they watched the diyas bob and twinkle in the soft moving river.

Advay took a seat on one of the steps while Chandini sat beside her father and rested her head on his chest. Advay smiled to himself, the old man was not half the man he remembered, yet he was a man of great moral and mental strength. He remembered his daughter and was here to bless their union. He heaved a sigh of relief.

He smiled again and watched the kids, as they splashed and played in the river. Everyone looked smart and pretty. The boys in their multi coloured kurtis and the girls in their beautiful lehengas, with flowers and bangles and other jewellery adorning their beautiful form. Muniya ran into his arms and kissed his cheek. She yawned as rested her head on his shoulder. She looked like a little princess, a little bride, in her cute little red lehenga. It was the same colour as Chandini's bridal lehanga.

"Did you like your lehenga?' He asked her.

She nodded, "I feel like a princess.'

"You are my princess.' He kissed her on her cheek, "My most beautiful princess.'

The kids floated all the diyas. There were some five hundred diyas yet again. Everyone sat beside the river taking in the breathtaking view before them. Kajal sighed as she leaned on Niru's shoulder.

"It reminds me of olden days,' She smiled ruefully at the glimmering river in gold, "The river looks like how it used to under Mahantji.'

Niru nodded, tears welled his eyes as he watched his Dev rocking the little girl in his arms to sleep. He would have made an incredible Mahant, just as good as his father if not better. But his sister and her ambitions had ruined everything. He wiped his face, maybe there was still hope. Dev and Chandini were finally married, they could together restore the temple back to its former glory. He could reveal his identity and declare himself the unrivalled Mahant of the temple with Chandini beside him, guiding him and supporting him in his life. Advay smiled back at him. Niru nodded the gods were finally on their side again. Indrani's ruin was here.

Murli finally huddled the kids in his car, along with all the food for their families. Shikha held on to a sleeping Muniya in her arms and got into the car.

"Meghu, you want to come,' She asked?

"No,' Meghu replied, "I have work at home, how long will you guys be?'

"Twenty minutes,' Murli said, as he started the car. Advay waved at the kids promising them again that they would attend the function the next day.

Chandini sat beside the river hand in hand with Kajal Maasi. Sid still hung around as he chatted with Advay on top of the ghats. She shivered both in the cold and at the fact that she was now a married woman. She clutched onto the mangalsutra around her neck. Her six months had begun.

"Don't worry, we are all here?' Kajal said, "It is not like you are going anywhere far away. We are downstairs, if you have any trouble come speak to us.'

She nodded, not sure on how to inform her Maasi about his harsh rules.

"He respects your Baba a lot, I have noticed,' She continued, "Speak to your Baba if you ever feel sad or nervous. He won't mind if you speak to your Baba, I am sure.'

She continued, her Baba seemed like a stronger man in a long while. She had him and she would see him often. There was no way Advay could stop her from seeing her Baba. She was going to have to find a way to keep seeing her Baba on a regular basis.

"I am sorry about what your Mausaji did today.' Kajal said resting her cheek on Chandini's head.

"No, I am sorry about...I am sorry he hurt Mausaji.'

"Jiji must have asked him to get the signatures,' Kajal continued with a smile, "he is a good man. He has been Jiji's right hand man from before our wedding.'

"I know.'

"Jiji arranged our wedding, you were only just five at my wedding,' She sighed, "It feels like yesterday, yet here I am laughing and giggling at your wedding...time flies.'

"Hmm.'

"This time too will pass Chandini,' She patted her on her cheek, "Dekhna, after every strom there is a new dawn. You too will have your dawn one day soon.'

"It's okay Maasi,' Chandini sighed to herself, "three weeks ago I was sobbing for Dev. Yet here I am married to another man, worrying about what awaits me in six months time.'

She wiped the tear that fell on her cheek.

"I have faith in my bholenath, he must of thought of something for me.'

"Maasi, it's getting late, shall we go?' Meghu called from behind. Chandini took a deep breath, her wedding was over, it was time to face the reality. She got up to her feet and turned around to find Advay watching her with passionate eyes. She felt a flutter in her heart. It was time.

Advay held her hand and sat down on one of the steps while the others made it back to the Haveli. Chandini frowned to herself, why were they not joining them.

"They need to organise for your grih pravesh.' He kissed the back of her hand, "besides I wanted to have a quiet moment with my bride.'

She blushed at his words. She was soon going to enter her home again, but this time as a bride. This was the weirdest grih pravesh, where a bride stepped out of her maternal home only to enter it again as a bride. She giggled to herself, at the irony of her strange life.

"What's so funny?'

"I am entering my home as a bride.'

"It's my house now.' He smirked at her.

She nodded. It was his Haveli, but thankfully everything would remain the same even after her wedding.

"Every girl has to give up her room, her home, her family, her life and move in with her husband,' She sighed, "I am probably the first bride who won't have to worry about all that. I am not even moving out of my room.'

"Yet you shed enough tears at your Bidaai to cause a flood in the Ganga.'

She giggled.

"Besides it not your room, it's my room.'

He chuckled, it was never her room. It was always his room. She had moved into his room a long while ago. She was where she belonged.

"I am making a few changes to my room.'

Her heart sank, it was Dev's room. How dare he make changes to her room?

"What kind of changes?'

"You will see,' He said. "I am sure you will like it.'

She nodded. Did she have an option?

He wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer to his heart.

"You are my wife now Chandini,' He whispered brushing his fingers against her mangalsutra.

"You did play hard to get, didn't you?'

She frowned, she hadn't been playing at anything. If anything, he had broken heart.

"I am a strange man Chandini,' He sighed, "it won't be easy with me.'

She nodded.

"The good news is, you only have to do this for six months.'

She wrapped her arms around him, if only he could stop reminding her of the inevitable. They had only just got married.

"Why did you agree to marry me?' He asked.

"I wanted my mirage to turn into a reality.'

"It is still a mirage.'

"It's real.'

"It won't be in six months,' He reminded her. "this marriage is not forever.'

"Nothing is forever,' She sighed, "My Maa Baba were married for less than a year.'

Advay shot his eyes to her. The profundity of her words struck him hard.

"True, when they married, they didn't know they would only get one year with each other,' She choked on her tears, "but my Baba once told me, he would have still married my Maa had he known they would only have one year together.'

Advay kissed her forehead.

"He loves her till this day,' She sniffled, "has loved her for the last twenty six years, still searches for her face in every face.'

"Hmm.'

"A bond so deep yet a marriage that lasted for less than a year.' Tears trickled down her eyes, "she died just before their first wedding anniversary, I was six weeks old.'

Advay held her tight in his arms, he remembered everything, he had been a young boy, but he remembered the day Yash Narayan lost his wife. He was there when his parents had coaxed Yash to marry Indrani for the sake of Chandini, little had they known of her sinister plans.

Chandini nuzzled against his chest, revelling in the warmth of his arms, watching the lights drift away. Her life had never been easy, she had hoped she would have a normal life with Dev. But life had yet again make a mockery of her. Six months, she reminded herself. She had today and today she was his wife. She would take six months with him, if that was all she would get.

"So, what are your plans six months from now,' She asked casually.

"Once I open the temple doors I will be going back to London,' He lied.

She nodded.

"What do you plan on doing six months from now?'

"Once you divorce me we are planning on moving to Banaras, I might get a job and start all over again.'

"Good.'

"Have you done this before?'

"What?'

"A short term marriage.'

"What?' He chuckled, "No...I have never been married. I have had short term relationships...but never marriage.'

She nodded.

"Have you been in love?'

"No.' He sighed heavily.

"So how does it work?'

"What?'

"Sort term relationships,' She asked tonelessly, "how do you end it?'

"Hmm...I don't know how other people do it, but I always enter a relationship fully aware of how long I intend to stay in it.'

She raised her brow at him. He was a strange man.

"In my world,' He sighed not knowing how to explain to her, "I...I come from a different world.'

She nodded struggling to gather how falling in love or getting into relationships could be different in different parts of the world. Human emotions were all the same at the end of the day.

"In my world, we get into a contract,' He said, "the contract clearly states how long the two of us intend to be in a relationship...it is open-ended, either one can walk out at any time.'

"What about love?'

"There is no love, it's just a mindless f**k.'

She nodded, reminding herself of the video. So, he didn't love the woman in the video. Maybe he had bought her.

"Have you bought many women?'

"What?' He chuckled at her innocent question.

"No,' He shook his head, "God no...I have never bought anyone.'

"You bought me.'

"I didn't buy you...I bought the Haveli,' He said, "you chose to marry me.'

She frowned, none of his words, none of anything made sense. But one thing was true, she had agreed to marry him and she had agreed to get into this arrangement for six months. So, if he hadn't bought her, how did that make her his slave in that case? She frowned.

"But you said I am your slave.'

"That you are,' He smirked like the devil, "the arrangement is that I am your master and you are my slave.'

"But we are married.'

"Would you have lived with me as my slave without marriage?'

She gasped as shook her head furiously.

"Hence why I had to married you.'

"You married me because you wanted me as your slave.'

"Yes.'

"Have you had many slaves?'

"Hmm...no not exactly,' He sighed, he had had part time subs, but never slaves, "the last short term relatioship was with a girl who was willing to pretend to be my slave for two months.'

Chandini shook her head in confusion. He had a relationship with a girl who was willing to play his slave. Why?

"Why?'

"Because she wanted to be my slave,' He smiled, "just like you do now.'

"I am your wife.'

"But you know I want a slave and I want you to play my slave.'

She nodded.

"Yet you agreed to marry me, agreed to all my terms and conditions. Right?'

She nodded, but her reasons were different, she loved him.

"Similarly, I have had short term Master slave relationships with other women who were willing to play my slaves.'

Chandini trained her ears to every word he was saying.

"Only that in the west, people are open minded, we can get in and out of such relationships without marriage. So, I never had to marry anyone.'

She continued nodding. This was news to her, a new world. Something she had never heard of ever in her life. Was this even legal?

"It's a short term arrangement which may last from between a few hours to a few weeks,' he continued, "where I am the master and I lay the terms and the slave obeys my orders...there is no love and no emotions involved. It's an agreement at the end of which we shake hands and move on.'

"I see,' Tears pricked her eyes, hence why he had laughed at their first time together, it hadn't meant anything to him. There was no love or emotions involved here. She had been a fool to hope for more. But who were these women who were willing to get into a relationship without love or marriage, she wondered? Maybe they were s**ts. Hence why he thought she too was a s**t, just like the women he had been with. She nodded to herself. He had misjudged her, had branded her a s**t because he had only known s**ts in his life. She held his gaze again, she felt sorry for him, sorry he hadn't met a well brought up good girl in his life.

"What did she do?'

"Who?'

"Your last slave.'

"Who Lizzy?' He frowned, "She is a hotelier, she owns a chain of hotels. A smart no nonsense kind of a woman who loves to boss around yet couldn't stop herself from submitting to me.'

Chandini frowned to herself, this woman sounded like a genuine woman, a good girl from a good family.

"Did she have a family?'

"Of course. she does, she took over her family business after her father passed away when she was twenty-one and has doubled the business since.'

"How long were you with her?'

"Two months,' He chuckled, "that's the longest I have been with anyone, and that too because we lived in two different cities and met once a week.'

"What?' She gasped.

"Hmm...I don't ...I can't commit.'

"Did you love her?'

"Absolutely not.' He said firmly. "We had an arrangement, we terminated it...I terminated it because she breached the rules of the agreement. Besides she is married now to a good friend of mine.'

Chandini sighed, he found it difficult to commit, yet had been hounding her to marry him till that morning. Tears stung her eyes, at how tender he had sounded as he had told her of his desire to have a daughter. She truly wanted to turn back time, wanted to go back to that man who had held her like she was made of glass.

"Did you really want to marry me this morning?' She asked with unshed tears. She didn't know what to believe anymore.

"I did,' He sighed heavily, "till this afternoon I did...you are the only woman I ever made love to, the only woman I wanted to marry and have a life with...the only woman I was willing to commit my life to.'

"Why?'

He sighed, he didn't want to answer her question. There was nothing he could say. It didn't matter anymore.

"I have a strange lifestyle,' He continued instead, "It's not easy to live with me. I am very demanding. But now that you have agreed you are going to have to comply with my demands, the day you don't want to continue we will terminate this arrangement.'

She nodded. She didn't remember most of the rules he had lashed out at her. All she remembered was he was her master and she was his slave.

"If you follow my demands to the cue, I will reward you,' He continued, "if however, you defy me, I will punish you.'

She nodded softly with her head against his chest.

"We start tonight.' He said sternly, "I don't want to waste any more time than I already have.'

She noticed how his features hardened in an instant. His eyes had turned cold and piercing, completely devoid of emotions. He looked like a different man, like someone not to be messed with. She shivered. Advay held her closer against the warmth of his body. She sighed as she nuzzled against his chest. He sounded scary, yet she felt the safest in his arms.

"Bhaiyya.' Murli called out from behind him. "they are ready, let's go.'