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Part 12
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RING RING!
...Dhwani's phone rang. The ring of the phone prompted both Vir and Dhwani to jump apart as fast as they could. Both realised how close they were to each other just a moment ago and how Vir was barely dressed. Things became awkward as Dhwani picked up the towel and slowly handed it to Vir without looking directly at him. She didn't know how to face him.
RING RING!
Hearing the phone ring again. Dhwani looked at her phone. She walked towards it and noticed it was Daksh calling.
Daksh: Dhwani! Are you okay? I've been trying to call you for ages but the call wasn't going through until now.
Dhwani: Yes Daksh I'm fine.
Hearing it was Daksh who called, pissed Vir off. He had to interrupt when he was finally making some progress with Bawri and her with him. Vir didn't know where to go so he had to stand there while they talked. He had no other clothes to wear either so he covered himself with the towel until Bawri could provide him with an alternative option.
Daksh: I'm so relieved to hear that. Where are you?
Dhwani: I'm at home.
Daksh: Thank God. I was getting ready to go out looking for you. Stay at home, don't go anywhere. I'll come over now.
Panic took over Dhwani.
Dhwani: NO! Don't! I mean, it's not safe. I'm at home, I'm not going to go out anywhere until the weather is better so don't worry, I can look after myself.
Daksh: How did you get home?
Dhwani: Oh I managed to get an auto before the weather got worse.
Daksh: Thank God.
Dhwani remembered Mukhiji was standing around waiting so quickly ended the call with Daksh.
Dhwani: That was just Daksh checking up on me.
Vir: You don't need to provide an explanation to me.
Dhwani felt guilty for lying to Daksh but she didn't know how he would react to finding Mukhiji in her apartment. She lied to him to not hurt his feelings and she didn't want him to misunderstand the situation. Her and Mukhiji had already been involved in a scandal previously. She didn't know how he would react now and she couldn't bear to lose Daksh.
Dhwani then noticed how Mukhiji was covering himself with the towel so she said she'll arrange something for him to wear and hastily left the room.
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Dhwani speed walked into her bedroom, covering her mouth with her hands in shock at what she was about to do. Oh my God! What was I doing?
Dhwani quickly closed her door and looked at herself in the mirror from a distance. 'Have you no control?' She said to herself. She nearly kissed Mukhiji! What was she thinking? She had decided to not act on her attraction to Mukhiji, yet here she is having nearly kissed him! Not just nearly kissed, she placed her hands on his bare body. Where is the shame?
If Daksh had not called her at that moment. Oh my God Daksh! How did I not even think of him? Only God knows what would have happened because clearly, she wasn't in control of her body. That explained her actions but what about Mukhiji? Why did he hold her like that and lean forward to kiss her? Then Dhwani thought, he is after all a man. How else was he to react to a woman giving him attention the way I was? He wasn't married so he wasn't cheating on anyone. If anyone was wrong, it was her. She was engaged to another man and now locked herself in her room, having nearly kissed a different man. She hadn't even let Daksh kiss her on the lips yet but she was willing to allow Mukhiji to, a man who was double her age as well. Before she could continue with her thoughts, there was a knock at her door.
Vir: Dhwani, are you okay? You've been in there a while?
Dhwani: Yes, I'm coming. Just looking for something. I'll be out in a moment.
Vir: Okay.
Mukhiji walked away and Dhwani was still in a state of panic. How did she face Mukhiji now? Should she continue on as normal and pretend that the near kiss hadn't happened? Or should she speak to Mukhiji about it. Clarify that it was a mistake and she shouldn't have done that. Whatever she was going to do, she needed to do it fast because he was waiting for her. So this is the consequence of me inviting Mukhiji in.
Dhwani also realised that she had nothing to provide for Mukhiji to wear. She couldn’t let him sit in front of her half dressed. She bit her finger, trying to find a solution. That's when she noticed one shopping bag left from a few weeks ago. When she and Daksh went engagement shopping. She remembered that she had bought a blue kurta for Daksh. Should I give Daksh' kurta to Mukhiji? She realised the alternative was to have Mukhiji half naked in her apartment. She couldn't have that. She quickly took the kurta out from the bag and braced herself to face Mukhiji. She took a deep breath in and opened her room door to go to where Mukhiji was waiting for her.
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Vir sat half dressed in Bawri's sitting room staring into space. He couldn't believe what had nearly happened with Bawri. He had not even had such a chance when she was his wife. They were always disturbed. Vir kept wondering what would have happened if Daksh had not disturbed them. Would they have kissed? Or more? There wasn't anything wrong, they were husband and wife but Dhwani believes she's engaged to Daksh. Maybe it was best that they got interrupted, for her sake. The figure of his thoughts just walked in then with a kurta in her hand. Where did she get that?
Bawri came and handed the kurta to him. She was avoiding making eye contact with him. Things had become awkward. How could he make her feel at ease?
Vir: Thank you. Where did you manage to get this from?
Dhwani: I bought this for Daksh for our engagement. Looks like it wasn't fated for him. Try it on, see if it fits.
Vir: I have nothing else to wear so it will have to do whether it fits or not.
Dhwani laughed hearing him say that.
Dhwani: True.
Vir took the towel off of his shoulders to try on the kurta. Dhwani already felt awkward and Mukhiji had started changing in front of her. She averted her gaze. Vir smirked as he put the kurta on. It was a bit tight but it would do.
Vir: Thanks again for this.
Dhwani: You're welcome.
Then things just went silent. Neither Vir or Dhwani knew what to say. It was just very awkward until Dhwani mentioned tea. Vir stated he would be happy to have a cup of tea of her making.
Dhwani went into the kitchen and got the kettle ready for tea. God please help. How do we get past this? I can't even tell Mukhiji to leave, the weather is too bad. Soon enough the water was done for the tea. Dhwani made sure to not add any sugar in Mukhiji's tea and despite not wanting to, went back into the sitting area. She gave Mukhiji his tea and she grabbed her mug and sat contemplating what to discuss. Eventually Mukhiji started the conversation.
Vir: I know I've apologised already but I feel I need to explain.
Dhwani: Explain what?
Vir: What I was doing in your hotel room on the day of the party.
Dhwani was surprised. Truth be told, she did wonder how he got there but she left it as a mystery.
Vir: It's the truth that I was checking up on you but there was a reason why.
Dhwani: Why?
Vir: At first I noticed you weren't feeling well and you were with Chandniji but then I noticed that creep following you as you left the party.
Dhwani: Which creep?
Vir: The one you slapped. The one who misbehaved. Daksh' friend.
Dhwani: Oh my God!
Vir: I followed him up to the corridor of the room you were in. I threatened him to stay away from you. That's when he ran away. I do believe he spiked your drink which led you to become unwell.
Dhwani was in shock. Thank God Mukhiji was there otherwise what could have happened. She dreaded to think.
Dhwani: Then how did you feel unwell? Do you think both our drinks were spiked?
Vir: That I don't know.
Vir was not going to admit he drank from her glass.
Dhwani: Thank you again Mukhiji. You're always there at the right time to save me. I'm sorry for ignoring you these past few days. I just wanted to keep a low profile after the article and...
Vir: And?
Dhwani took a deep breath. Here I go.
Dhwani: And because I've come to realise that I'm attracted to you.
Dhwani blushed as she confessed the truth. Vir was inwardly happy hearing her confession but he tried his best to not let his happiness show.
Dhwani: I've been feeling like this for a while. That's why I get jealous when anyone compliments you but I know it's wrong. I'm engaged to Daksh and my loyalty should be to him. That's why I'm sorry for the way I acted before.
Vir: Before?
Dhwani's face went red in embarrassment. Was he going to make her say it?
Dhwani: When I...
Vir realised what she was trying to say.
Vir: It's okay. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have reacted that way either, especially when I know you're engaged as well.
Dhwani: No. The blame lies with me. I'm the one who's engaged, not you. Regardless I'm sorry. Can we just try to forget and move on from it. I don't want to lose a good friend over my stupid mistake.
Vir: A friend. Is that all I am to her? Still. After today? Can I ask a question, if you don't mind.
Dhwani: Go ahead.
Vir: Do you love Daksh?
Dhwani: Of course I do.
Vir didn't believe it for even a moment.
Vir: I mean are you in love with Daksh?
Dhwani hesitated to answer and Vir noticed this.
Vir: Loving someone and falling in love with someone are two completely different feelings. You can love someone but falling in love is different. It just happens. You can't help who you fall for.
Dhwani: I understand. All I know is, Daksh means the world to me.
Vir was disappointed. He hoped he would be able to get through to her with his explanation. He knew she loved Daksh but she wasn't in love with him. She has only ever been in love with one man and that is Virendra Pratap Singh. She had admitted she was attracted to him, it was only a matter of time before she admitted her love for him. Of that he was sure.
Vir thought it might be best to change the topic as Bawri clearly wasn't ready to admit her feelings for him.
Vir: Anyways, have you set a date for your engagement?
Dhwani: Yes we have, it'll be in the next week. Me and Daksh have been meaning to come give you an invite.
Vir: No need. I would turn up even if you didn't invite me.
Vir said that to Bawri with a straight face which made her realise he was being serious and it wasn't a joke.
Vir: Stop staring. Your tea is getting cold, drink it.
Vir and Dhwani sat and drank their tea. Dhwani was a little bit confused. Why did Mukhiji say that he would come without an invite? Why did it matter to him so much about this engagement? Did he have feelings for her? No, that can't be right.
Vir looked out of the window and noticed the rain was starting to stop. He wanted to leave. Things were already awkward after the near kiss. Now Bawri had made it clear that she felt it was a mistake, so she clearly needed more time. He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable in her own home. After Vir had finished his tea, he stood up to leave. Bawri noticed and questioned what was wrong. He stated it was time to leave and he should head out when the rain has stopped. However Bawri wasn't willing to let him leave, stating it was too dangerous. He also didn't have a car to travel in and auto's wouldn't be available in this weather either. Vir considered his options. Should he risk his life with the alternative being, staying at Bawri's apartment in this awkward setting. Bawri insisted again that he stay the night and Vir finally gave in. Bawri said that he could stay in her room and she would sleep on the sofa as she didn't think his body would be able to handle the sofa at his age. The fact that Bawri commented on his age annoyed him and he commented that her Tau must be old but he wasn't. That's when Bawri replied for him to not comment on her Tauji. After the words left her mouth, Dhwani was confused. She didn't know where that statement came from. She didn't know of any Tauji of hers. Why did I say Tauji? Vir noticed Bawri's confusion. It seems like she's subconsciously remembering. Thank you Tau. You actually helped me today. Vir realised she was starting to stress so he thought to distract her and asked if she could hang his wet clothes somewhere so they could dry. Dhwani got out of her thoughts and did what he asked.
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Dhwani decided to make some pasta for dinner for her and Mukhiji. She didn't know why but she automatically assumed he would like it. She made enough for the two of them and they sat and ate at her dining table. Vir didn't actually like pasta but he didn't want to hurt Bawri's feelings and it's not like he was at his home. He had to accept what was given and so he ate the pasta. He noticed Bawri playing with her food so he asked if she was okay.
Dhwani: I was just wondering about you and Purviji.
Vir: What about Bawri?
Dhwani: What made you fall in love with her?
Vir: It was her selfless nature. She always thought of others before herself. I couldn't help but fall in love with her, despite not wanting to.
Dhwani: Why didn't you want to?
Vir: Before I married Bawri, I was a widower and I didn't want to give my wife's place to her. Bawri was there merely as a caretaker for my family. As I explained previously, the marriage was a deal made by my uncle. Bawri was such a pure soul that she automatically made a place for herself in my heart.
Dhwani: Awww.
Hearing Mukhiji's answers again made Dhwani question herself but one thing that she loved about Daksh was his selflessness. Similar to Mukhiji's Bawri. Maybe she would fall in love after marriage. Dhwani didn't want any personal questions asked about her and Daksh so she quickly tidied up her plate and also took Mukhiji's when he signalled that he was done. Mukhiji got up to help her in the kitchen but she told him to stay seated. As he waited for her to finish cleaning up, he decided to send a message to Veer to explain that he was safe and not to worry. Veer responded asking where he was but Vir didn't want to divulge that so just stated not to worry about him. Soon enough Bawri was back and they sat and watched TV for a little while before Bawri yawned, so she got up to leave. She came back once to give him a blanket and then went back to her room. Vir placed his head down on the pillow, he was exhausted. It was a very tiring day and clearly he wasn't young anymore, he needed to sleep at a reasonable hour. He laughed, thinking Bawri would have had a field day if he admitted that in front of her. At least she remembered her tauji for a moment. He had a smile on his face as he fell asleep.
On the other hand, Dhwani was in her room pondering over the day's events. She still couldn't believe that she had nearly kissed Mukhiji. They had talked it over and thankfully Mukhiji didn't make her feel any worse than she already felt. At least by making Mukhiji aware of her attraction to him, hopefully it will help her get over it. Currently she needed to get some sleep and hope to get rid of Mukhiji the next morning so she wouldn't have to be around him any longer than necessary. Dhwani got changed for bed and was able to get to sleep pretty quickly and again, she started having another dream of her and Mukhiji. This time, he had her backed up against the door, her hands in his above her head, both wearing white. She awoke with a start in the middle of the night. Why do I keep having such dreams? Dhwani got up to get some water and noticed Mukhiji asleep on the sofa. She went closer towards him. He looks so innocent when he's asleep. Dhwani just smiled and then walked back to her room to get some sleep.
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The next day Vir woke early to find Bawri had already awoken and was getting ready to make breakfast. 'I was just about to wake you.' She said and she asked him if he would like butter bread as she was making it for herself. Vir denied the request, he explained he couldn't have it due to his diabetes so he asked for porridge instead. They ate their breakfast together in silence. Vir noticed the weather was a lot better and so he could finally leave. As soon as Vir was done with his porridge, he got ready to leave. He didn't want to outstay his welcome. Dhwani was also in a hurry for him to leave, not because she didn't want him there but because she needed to speak to someone about what happened. As soon as Vir left her apartment, she dialled Sudha's number.
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Pratap Singh House
Veer was sitting at the dining table waiting to have breakfast with Sudha. He didn't get the chance to speak with Sudha yet about trying to give their relationship a chance. He was planning on bringing it up at breakfast. He was just going to tell her that he would need time but he would want her to walk side by side with him and if she would be willing to give him a chance. Start with friendship again and slowly build the trust and faith needed to have a good marriage. He didn't doubt that he would grow to love her because she was indeed a nice person and he would aim to be there for her always. As he was lost in his thoughts, Sudha brought his breakfast and was walking away.
Veer: Aren't you going to have breakfast
Sudha: Yes but...
Veer: Then sit down... Please, I want to talk with you.
Sudha sat down upon Veer's request. She poured tea for Veer and herself.
Veer: I just wanted to apologise for last night. I...
Just then Sudha's phone rang. Sudha asked Veer to hold on for one moment as she answered the call, it was Purvi. Veer got annoyed but he would have no option but to wait. As he did just that, he heard just bits of the conversation and eventually Sudha saying that she'll be right there. Sudha came back to the dining table. 'Sorry Veer, but I have to go. That was Purvi, she sounded very worried and wants me to meet her. I'll see you later.' Sudha had already walked away as he asked her to at least have her breakfast.
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Dhwani's apartment
Sudha made her way to Dhwani's apartment. On the way there she wondered what had gotten Purvi so worried? Did she remember anything? Or is it something else? Whatever it was, Sudha would find out soon enough. She arrived at Dhwani's apartment. She didn't know why Dhwani called her over but she was glad to get to spend some more time with Dhwani. She may go by the name Dhwani now but that didn't change the fact that they used to be best friends. Sudha was hoping their friendship would go back to what it was before. Also in the midst of all this, if she could get Mukhiji and Purvi back together, that was a bonus. Sudha rang the doorbell and within a few seconds Purvi opened the door.
Dhwani: Oh Sudha, you're here. Thank God! I need to speak to you about something important.
Sudha: Yes, what did you want to speak about?
Dhwani: Grab a seat. Let me make you some tea.
Sudha sat down at the dining table and it wasn't long before Purvi was back with two cups of tea and biscuits. As both friends sat on the dining table. Dhwani groaned and placed her head in her hands. Sudha questioned her, asking her what happened. Purvi moved her hands from her face and replied sheepishly.
Dhwani: I nearly made a big mistake... With Mukhiji.
Sudha's eyebrows raised in shock, as soon as she heard the words 'mistake and Mukhiji.'
Dhwani: Yes, it's nearly as bad as you're thinking.
Sudha: What happened?
Dhwani: Mukhiji... spent the night here last night.
If Sudha was in shock at the previous statement, she was absolutely stunned with this statement. Her eyebrows raised nearly up to her forehead. Of all the things she was expecting Purvi to say, this was not it. Sudha was left speechless, she didn't know how to respond.
Sudha: Huh? I mean what?...Ermmm... How? Did you two...
Dhwani: NO! NO! Nothing happened. I mean, something happened but not that.
Sudha: Okay, so what exactly happened?
Dhwani had her hands covering her face again as she mumbled 'I nearly kissed Mukhiji.'
Sudha: WHAT!
Dhwani was so embarrassed over her actions but she needed to speak to a friend because she couldn't keep it to herself. She needed a confidant and Sudha was the only eligible candidate.
Dhwani: Sudha, I just needed to speak to someone about it and I trust you.
Sudha: Don't worry Pu... Dhwani. I won't judge you and your secrets are safe with me. So what exactly happened?
So Dhwani started explaining the background of how her and Mukhiji ended up at her apartment. How she helped him dry himself and finally, how she pulled him towards her for a kiss.
Sudha: So what interrupted you both?
Dhwani: A call from Daksh, thank God.
Sudha: I don't understand. Did you want to kiss Mukhiji or not?
Dhwani: I don't know! I'm so confused. At the time I definitely wanted to kiss him but Daksh' phone call gave me a reality check that what I was doing is wrong. I also know that if that phone call didn't come, I wouldn't have been able to stop myself.
How could Sudha explain that what happened between Mukhiji and Purvi was not wrong, they were husband and wife. Sudha felt that she needed to try and give Purvi a push in Mukhiji's direction, so she would end her engagement with Daksh.
Sudha: How do you feel about Mukhiji?
Dhwani: I'm definitely attracted to him, I know that for sure.
Sudha: How do you feel about Daksh?
Dhwani: I love him.
Sudha: You love him but are you in love with him?
Dhwani: Mukhiji said the same thing yesterday.
Sudha: Well, are you in love with Daksh?
Dhwani thought to herself and she knew the answer was no. Her heart did not beat faster when she saw Daksh but it did every time she saw Mukhiji. Does this mean I love Mukhiji?
Dhwani: No, I'm not in love with Daksh. So what do I do now?
Sudha placed her hand on Purvi's and advised her to look into her heart and she would know what to do. This was something she needed to decide for herself. Sudha finished her tea and left Purvi to mull over her options. Purvi thanked her for coming over and for also giving her advice on what she should do.
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As Dhwani closed the door after Sudha left, she stared into space wondering about her feelings. She had seen all these movies about how people fell in love but what was love exactly? Or falling in love to be more specific. She didn't know. All she knew was, she was a confused woman. She had spoken to Sudha and talking to her had made her feel lighter but she said something about looking inside her heart. How do I do that?
Dhwani decided to call Chandni Di to get some advice.
Dhwani: Hello. Di?
Chandni: Hi Dhwani. How did you remember me?
Dhwani: I hope I'm not disturbing you.
Chandni: No, I'm just at home. What's happened?
Dhwani: Nothing has happened. Just wanted to ask a few questions.
Chandni: Go ahead.
Dhwani: Ermmm... Do you love Mukhiji?
Chandni: Why do you ask?
Dhwani: Just generally.
Chandni: Yes I do. Last time I told you I could fall in love with him but now I'm sure that I am.
Dhwani: How do you know?
Chandni: Are you wanting to know how it is to be in love?
Dhwani: Yes.
Chandni: Well you can't help who you fall for, it just happens. Like I did with Mukhiji. Everytime I see him, my heart starts beating faster. The few times his hand has brushed mine or touched, my hands start tingling. I dream of him all the time. I just can't keep myself away from him anytime he's near me.
The more Chandni Di spoke, the more Dhwani realised she was feeling the same way and about the same person too. She too felt her heart beat faster whenever he was near, she looked forward to seeing him and her hands tingle whenever he touches her. Not forgetting last night when he touched her waist. She automatically started blushing remembering the previous night. Dhwani was also having vivid dreams of him which felt very real to her. As she started thinking, she didn't realise Chandni Di was still speaking.
Chandni: Dhwani, are you still there?
Dhwani: Sorry Di. Yes I'm still here. Sorry.
Chandni: Why are you asking about love? Have you gone and fallen in love?
Dhwani: Ermmm... Di... Ermmm. I'll call you later.
Dhwani abruptly ended the call. She started pacing in her room. 'Oh my God! Everything Di said has been happening to me. Does this mean I love Mukhiji?' That can't be right but she couldn't deny everything that Di said and what happened last night. 'It means I love Mukhiji. I'm in love.'
Dhwani got up and looked at herself in the mirror. I don't look any different. However now she felt like she could see very clearly. Everything that happened between her and Mukhiji now made sense. She was in love and she felt ecstatic. She giggled to herself repeating the same statement 'I'm in love!'
She danced around her room in happiness and then noticed Mukhiji's kurta in the corner. Not the one from last night but the one he gave her when she met him for the first time. When he covered her, the one she was meant to return to him but forgot. She grabbed it and brought it to her face and sniffed it. It smelled just like Mukhiji, the distinct smell that he had. She then started holding it to her chest and twirling around with it, as if she was actually dancing with Mukhiji.
Dhwani didn't know how long she kept dancing in her happiness but eventually she got tired and sat on her bed, still holding the kurta. 'I love Mukhiji! I love Virendra Pratap Singh!' She finally held the kurta up directly in front of her face and said to it, 'I love you Mukhiji!'
Dhwani blushed and placed the kurta over her face and fell back on the bed.
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Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan
Mangal Lakshmi
