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CHAPTER 6: GREEN EYED MONSTER (II)
Over the next few days Bella was very careful around Mahir, their bet still fresh in her mind. But Mahir was behaving in an extraordinarily normal manner. She thought maybe he will try to call her baba to the Shegal House to hog all of his attention. But that didn't happen. She then thought maybe he will try to befriend Suhani, who was Bella's best friend, to try and make her jealous. But even that did not happen. In fact, it seemed as though he had forgotten all about their bet. But Mahir had not forgotten about the at all. He was waiting for Bella to let her guard down. He would attack her when she was least expecting it.
Mahir was a formidable opponent as Bella was soon going to find. She had never played against him. So as days passed and still there was no sign of any plan from Mahir's side, she began to relax. Their routine had not been affected in any way. Neither Bella nor Mahir held a grudge for too long. So they were being their loving selves with each other. But at the back of his mind, Mahir was devising a devious plan. If Bella had naughty streak to personality, then so did Mahir. It was just that Bella was an extrovert, and so her naughtiness was visible to the world. But Mahir being an introvert had the advantage of no one suspecting him of anything. And Bella had worked with him in an extremely professional environment. So she was not aware of this side of his personality.
A few weeks after the bet, Bella was sitting in her cabin going through some files when she saw that she had a new mail in her mail box. When she opened the mailbox, she saw that it was an invitation to a party that had been organized by the Sehgal Industries in honour of their investor Kushboo Agarwal. Bella was aware of the fact that Kushboo Agarwal had recently invested in their latest venture, a multispecialty hospital. She herself had sealed the deal a couple of days ago but she was not aware of any party that had been organized in her honour. The email was signed in her name. She was puzzled. Who had authorised the funds for the party and when?
She called in her secretary Vinay inside the cabin.
Bella: Vinay are you aware of this?
Vinay: Yes ma'am. There is a party tonight in Kushboo ma'am's honour.
Bella: And who authorised it?
Mahir: I did. Any problems, Ma'am?
Bella hated it when Mahir called her Ma'am in office. She gave him a disgruntled look and dismissed Vinay.
Bella: Mahir! How many times do I have to tell? You are not to call me Ma'am.
Mahir: I told you multiple times to not call me sir after you took the CEO's chair two years ago. Did you listen to me?
Bella: That was different. We did not share a relationship then and you were my mentor and...
Mahir: Oh right! Now we share a relationship. So what do I call you then? Mistress? As in, Mistress Bella?
He was giving her a very mischievous look and to his utmost satisfaction he saw her blushing furiously.
Bella: Mahir...
Mahir: You had told me that you plan to take advantage of your position whenever and wherever you can. So you are my mistress and I am your humble slave. What can I do for you Mistress Bella?
Bella: Stop it Mahir, you are just too much. Listen, did you organise this party for Kushboo Agarwal?
Mahir: Ahh, you got the invitation?
Bella: Yes, apparently the party is supposed to happen tonight.
Mahir: Yes, I thought it would be a nice goodwill gesture if we host a party in her honour.
Bella: Why didn't you tell me?
Mahir: Well, I did not think it was necessary to tell you something so small.
Bella: I would have looked like a complete idiot if I had not turned up for a party that I had supposedly organised.
Mahir: Well I did mail you the invite. And anyways I had come to tell you about the party when you were questioning Vinay.
Bella: Okay. Fine. But I will have to leave immediately. I have to get ready.
Mahir: No need. Anyways everyone dims in front of Khushboo's beauty.
Bella: What did you just say?
Mahir: Nothing. I said that you look great, no matter what you wear.
Mahir exited her cabin grinning slyly. His first arrow had found its mark. Now for the next phase. Bella had heard exactly what Mahir had muttered but she chose to ignore it. But in that instant she had felt something alien flare within her when she heard HER husband compliment another woman so casually. But she dismissed it. She continued to work for some more time but she found it very difficult to concentrate on her work. Eventually she went home to get ready. She had messaged Mahir to ask him about his dress for the evening but he ignored that message. She chose a beautiful mustard yellow full length gown with a plunging neckline. Matching 5 inch heels and beautifully sequined black clutch went well with the dress. Black long tassel earrings and a black hand-cuff bracelet completed her look. She opted for black smokey eye make-up with a subtle rose red pout and a light blush on her cheeks. Frankly speaking she looked ravishing that day. She had actually wanted to co-ordinate her outfit with Mahir's as it was their first official party after the wedding reception but he neither answered her messages nor did he come home to change.
Bella left for the party all alone. She had hoped to enter the venue with Mahir but his secretary informed her that he was with Kushboo and that he had asked to go ahead and enter the venue as she was the host that night. Again that alien feeling flared within her but she managed to squash it. Andy and Sumitra were already present when she entered the venue.
Sumitra: Bella, where's Mahir?
Bella: Ma, he is with Kushboo. He will come shortly.
Sumitra: But Bella you both should have entered the venue together as it is your first official outing after the wedding.
Andy: Relax Sumi. This is not a family function. Bella and Mahir are hosting Kushboo Agarwal today. It is only polite that one of them accompany her.
Bella: Dad is right ma.
Sumitra nodded but did not look convinced. After a few minutes, Mahir entered the venue with a drop dead gorgeous lady. She was wearing a royal blue velvet body hugging gown with diamond encrusted neckline and a deep back that left most of her back bare. Mahir had colour co-ordinated his outfit with her. Even he was wearing a royal blue tuxedo with a white shirt and a matching bow tie. He looked really handsome and Bella smiled when she first saw him. Her smile soon turned into a grimace when she saw that Mahir's hand was resting on the bare skin of Kushboo's waist. It was jarring to see how comfortable he looked with her.
Mahir's eyes had found Bella even before she met his eyes. He was hoping for a certain kind of reaction and was satisfied to see it on Bella's face. He saw Bella's face change expressions from indulgent smile to grimace and then finally shock. He saw her shake her head like a dog trying to jerk off an irksome fly and then proceed towards them. As he saw her head towards them, his jaw dropped when he saw her complete look. His first instinct was to let go of Kushboo and grab Bella, his Bella towards him. Any other day he would have done just that but that day was different. That day his mission was to make Bella jealous and hence he had hatched such an elaborate plan with his childhood friend Kushboo Agarwal.
The Agarwals were old family friends and Mahir and Kushboo had practically grown up together. After their school ended, Kushboo and her family had shifted base to the USA and Mahir had lost touch with his friend. They frequently messaged each other but they had not met in nearly six years as she had not visited India in all those years. Bella did not know about their friendship, so she though that Kushboo was just another investor but that was not the case. Kushboo's investment in the hospital project was not merely a professional decision, it was a personal one. It was her way of showing her support to her friend Mahir. So when she saw Mahir looking at Bella with his mouth open, she whispered to him.
Kushboo: Pick your jaw off the floor Mahir otherwise she will see it.
Mahir hurriedly rearranged his expressions before Bella could see them. Bella had almost reached them by that time and had plastered a very fake smile on her face. She greeted Kushboo and turned her attention towards Mahir. She stepped up to him and subtly but deliberately stepped on his foot as she moved to stand beside him for the media.
Mahir: Ouch, what was that for?
Bella: That was for not answering my messages. Smile, or else the media will see.
Mahir smiled as various photographers clicked their photos. He had noticed how Bella had tactfully pulled him towards herself, effectively making him drop his hand from Khushboo's waist. He smiled to himself. Just wait and watch my darling. I will make you confess that you were jealous before the evening ends. As soon as the photographs were over, she tried to say something but he cut her off before she could even begin her sentence.
Mahir: Khushi, come I will take you to meet some of our other investors.
Kushboo: Sure Mahi.
Bella: (Before she could stop herself) Khushi, Mahi?
Mahir: Oh yeah, you had no idea right?
Bella: About what?
Khushboo: Me and Mahi, we have been friends since we were kids. We practically grew up together. Went to the same school, tuitions and everything. We were inseparable as kids.
Bella: (Her voice almost a snarl although her expression remained pleasant enough) I can imagine.
Hearing Bella's fake pleasant almost snarling voice, Mahir almost laughed out aloud.
Bella: But you didn't explain the meaning of Khushi and Mahi.
Mahir: That is what we would call each other as kids. Come on Khushi, let's go.
As Mahir led Khushboo away from Bella, he saw Bella's face fall slightly but then she once again plastered a very fake smile on her face and went to greet the next set of guests. Khushboo was feeling very bad for Bella.
Khushboo: Mahir, let's stop this now. Look at her, it's her first party as the Chairman of this company and she is not enjoying herself at all. You should be standing by her side, not mine.
Mahir: She is strong enough Kushboo. She will handle it and anyways it was she who claimed that she never felt jealous not me. So let her suffer a bit.
Khushboo: One bit of friendly advice my dear friend. Don't push her too hard. She is already looking like a volcano that is about to erupt.
Mahir: It's alright Khushi. Don't bother so much.
Khushboo: Well, don't say I didn't warn you. It's your funeral then.
Bella had been watching exchange from afar, She had not heard a word but she had seen them standing close together and whispering something together. She felt her blood boil at the sight of them together and she turned away. She spent the next few minutes socialising with the guests but her attention was on Mahir. She had not failed to notice that Mahir had not even complimented her on her looks that day. After few minutes of very fake conversations, she found herself standing in a corner, alone. Just then she saw Khushboo approaching her. She wanted to avoid any conversation with her but it was too late. Kshushboo came and stood beside her. Bella gave her a dry smile.
Khushboo: Hey, nice party by the way.
Bella: (Her voice barely cordial) I did not plan it. Mahir did.
Khushboo: Oh Mahi planned this party? I thought so.
Bella: Where did you lose him?
Khushboo: Oh, he has gone to get drinks for us. You want one?
Bella: No I am good.
Just then Mahir came there carrying two flutes of champagne. He offered one to Khushboo and Bella expected him to offer one to her. But to her surprise he proceeded to drink the other one himself. She gave him a disgusted look. Suddenly lights around them dimmed and romantic music started playing. Once again Bella expected Mahir to ask her for the first dance of the evening but to her utter surprise he pushed his champagne glass in her hand offered his hand to Khusboo.
Mahir: Khushi, want to dance with me?
Khushboo: Sure Mahi. Bella, do you mind holding my glass for me?
Without waiting for a response she pushed her glass in Bella's other hand and went with Mahir. Once safely out of her earshot she whispered to Mahir,
Khushboo: You are pushing your luck too far. She is going to kill you.
Mahir: Nothing of that sort is going to happen.
Khushboo: Be warned, when a girl gets insecure she can go to any lengths.
Mahir: You are worrying too much. Come on let's enjoy this dance.
Bella had been observing this exchange and when Mahir and Khushboo started dancing closely with each other, she couldn't take it anymore. She threw both the glasses at a nearby wall where they shattered into thousand tiny pieces. She then asked one of the servers to clean the mess and went away from there. Mahir, in the meanwhile continued to dance blissfully with Khushboo, unaware that his wife was getting more and more violent with every passing minute. After a few more dances, Mahir returned to Bella's side. She had managed to compose herself by then.
Mahir: Where's my glass?
Bella: Get yourself another one.
Mahir: Okay. But before that, will you dance with me?
Bella: No, go and find your KHUSHI.
Saying this she went from there in anger. Khushboo who had witnessed this flare up once again tried to warn Mahir against pushing Bella too hard but Mahir ignored her. As the evening drew to a close, Bella thanked everyone for coming to the party. Mahir specifically thanked Khushboo for investing in their hospital project. And then the evening finally ended. Bella went home without waiting for Mahir. This he had expected and so he had arranged for another car to come and fetch him. He insisted on dropping Khushboo to her hotel before starting for the Sehgal House. Bella had expected Mahir to follow her home and so she was waiting for him to show up. But as seconds ticked by and still there was no sign of Mahir, she began to get worried. Finally about an hour and a half after she had reached home, Mahir entered their room. The whole household was fast asleep by then. Mahir saw that she had not yet changed out of the yellow gown. He was glad. He had been itching to compliment her on her looks but had stopped himself every time. Now he could finally compliment her and tell her just how ravishing she was looking.
As soon as he entered the room, he went and hugged her from behind and began to shower her bare back and exposed neck with tender kisses. Bella was surprised and not at all pleased by this sudden burst of affection on Mahir's part. She roughly pushed him away and went and sat on the bed. Mahir was very amused by his wife's sudden and violent reaction. He decided to play ignorant. He went and placed his head on her lap and began speaking.
Mahir: The party was nice, right? Even Khushi enjoyed it so much. She was telling me that...
Bella suddenly stood up and Mahir found himself suddenly rolling on the floor because of the sudden jerk. He ignored that and continued.
Mahir: Khushi was telling me that she loved the party and my planning. She was so pleased you know. I insisted on dropping her to her hotel as it was so late at night, she told me then. She was also saying that you are so talented and clever... What? Why aren't you saying anything? Accha listen, my head is spinning and can you give me a head massage?
Bella suddenly found her tongue
Bella: Why don't you go to your Khushi? I am sure she will be very pleased to give you a head massage or even a full body massage if you ask for it.
Mahir: Huh? What are you talking about?
Bella: You know exactly what I am talking about.
Mahir: Listen, I have no idea what you are talking about, okay?
Bella: Get out!
Mahir: What?
Bella: I said get out! Out of my room. Now!!!
Mahir: But this is my room and you are my wife.
Bella: Oh, so you remember that you are married? Wow! So nice.
Mahir: Why are you behaving in such a weird manner?
Bella: (Now she was fairly screaming) I am behaving in a weird manner?
Mahir: Yes, I noticed it since the evening. You did not even speak properly with Khushi you know.
Bella: Oh you noticed.
Mahir: Of course I did. You were so rude to her. She is our investor after all and she is doing us a favour...
Bella: She is not doing us any favour. When this project is a success, even she will benefit tremendously from it.
Mahir: But even then Bella you shouldn't have... OUCH!
Mahir had turned his face away from her to hide his smile and had felt something hit his butt with a smack. He turned around to see Bella sitting on the bed with tears glistening in her eyes and a pillow in her hand. It was a pillow that had smacked him and she was ready to throw another one at him. He caught the second one before it hit his face and threw it back at her. She dodged it.
Mahir: What is this Bella?
Bella: (She is now advancing Mahir with a pillow in one hand and a very dangerous expression on her face.) What was all of that?
Mahir: What?
Bella: What you were doing today evening?
Mahir: What did I do?
Bella: You colour co-ordinated your outfit with her?
Mahir: Well yes. I thought it would look nice.
Bella: And you danced with her and were flirting with her the whole evening.
Mahir: Well Bella she is our investor. Although she is my friend, she is also an important investor and I can't treat her casually. I had a social obligation to keep...
Bella: Social obligation my ass. It extends till one dance. After that?
Mahir: Well I asked you for a dance but you refused...
Bella: Well probably because I did not like it when you asked me to dance as a last resort. And you did not even look at me the whole evening. You were constantly going on about Khushi this and Khushi that...
Mahir: Do I detect a hint of jealousy?
In return he earned another smack from the pillow. He caught hold of the pillow and wrenched it from her hand. On suddenly finding herself without a weapon she snatched nearby water jug and splashed him with water. On finding himself wet he held her by her wrists and made her drop the now completely empty jug on the floor. It clattered loudly on the floor.
Mahir: Tell me are you jealous?
Bella: I... NO.
Mahir: I can smell something burning Bella...
Bella: How dare you??? Just go to hell Mahir!
Bella had begun screaming once again.
Mahir: Come on Bella, you can't react violently for something so small.
Bella: Small? You think this is a small issue?
Mahir: Of course, she is our investor and I was just being nice to her...
Bella suddenly lost it and began throwing things around her left, right and centre. As she broke vases and show pieces around the room she continued screaming,
Bella: So is this how it is going to be huh? Is this how you are going to behave with every female investor?
Mahir was thoroughly enjoying his wife's tantrum by now.
Mahir: Well not every female investor, I will behave in this way only with hot and sexy female investors. Rest, you can handle.
Bella: You!!! What did you say?? Hot? Sexy?
Mahir: Yes Kuhushboo is hot and sexy and so gorgeous and has the perfect lips and... and... and... is married.
All this while, Bella had been throwing pillows and whatever that came in her hands at him. Unknown to them they were making terrible ruckus and Andy and Sumitra whose room was on the ground floor had woken up with a jump when the water jug clattered to the floor. They heard Bella scream Just go to hell Mahir' and sat up in surprise.
Andy: What is going on? Who the hell is screaming?
Sumitra: It's Bella's voice.
Andy: But why is she screaming at 3 AM in the morning?
Sumitra: Going by Mahir's behaviour in today's party, I was expecting this. But just not so violent.
Just there was huge crash from upstairs as Bella had thrown a glass vase on the floor in anger. Sumitra and Andy sat up in bed.
Andy: Yes Mahir was behaving rather weirdly. It was as though Yuvi's soul had entered him or something. I thought for a moment Yuvi had come back with Mahir's face.
Sumitra: My Mahir is not like that...
Andy: Yeah, it looked as though he was finally behaving like my son.
Sumitra: It is not something to be proud of Andy. I am worried. Very worried.
Andy: Come on Sumitra, it's not like some healthy flirting is bad...
Sumitra: Oh please Andy. If what you did with Polo was healthy flirting then I wonder what is unhealthy for you.
Andy: Do you have to bring it up every time Sumi?
Sumitra: I just don't want Khushboo in Mahir's life...
Just then there was a huge crash, the biggest one yet as Bella had flung a metal vase at the floor. Sumitra glanced at the ceiling worriedly.
Sumitra: Andy come on we will have to speak with them. Such fights within a few weeks of their wedding are a bad idea. Actually such fights at any point of time in marriage are a bad idea.
Andy: Sumi, let it be. They are grown up enough. They will sort things out.
Sumitra: How can you be so casual? I am going and you are coming with me.
With that she went out of the room with Andy reluctantly following her.
In the meanwhile in BeHir's room, Mahir had dropped a bombshell on Bella's head that Khushboo was married.
Bella: What?
Mahir: She is Khushboo Phillipe Ashton now. She married only a few months ago but she doesn't take her husband's surname legally. She chose to keep her maiden name even after their marriage.
Bella: Then what was all that?
Mahir: What? I was all a deliberate plan to make you jealous. And my word, did I enjoy myself? Of course I did. Your expressions throughout the evening were priceless.
It was then that Bella threw a metal vase at the floor, she was just so irritated.
Bella: You!!! I will not leave you...
And she began chasing after him. When Sumitra and Andy came out of their room they saw Mahir rush out of his room with Bella chasing after him, whacking him with a pillow every now and then. They were surprised to see that scene. Just as they reached the living room, Mahir grabbed Bella's wrists and forced her hands behind her back. He pinned her wrists behind her and that brought his face very close to hers. She had a very disgruntled expression on her face as she stared up at him.
Sumitra had begun to mutter something to Andy when this happened.
Sumitra: I should have taken some tips from Bella back then. Even I could have hit you ...
Andy: And I from Mahir. (as she saw Mahir pin Bella's wrists behind her.) Come on they will sort everything out. And it seems they are going to be very busy now. I don't want to take any more tips from my son.
Sumitra: Andy!
Andy: What? Come on, let's live a bit.
He tried to pull her towards their room, but she did not budge.
Sumitra: I want know what that was all about.
Sumitra went up to BeHir and cleared her throat loudly before Andy could stop her. Bella hid her pillow guiltily but she Sumitra was glaring at Mahir.
Sumitra: What kind of behaviour was that Mahir?
Mahir: Ma, I was just...
Bella: Ma was behaving in that way just to make me jealous.
Andy: What?
Mahir: Yes we had a bet going dad. She said that she never feels jealous and the she is a very sharing is caring kind of a girl. So I thought let's see how she feels when it comes to sharing her husband's attention...
Bella: Ma, see he troubles me so much...
But she need not have complained. Mahir's last statement had earned him a sharp whack from Sumitra.
Mahir: OUCH. Ma!
Sumitra: This is for troubling my daughter. And one is for waking us up in the middle of the night.
Mahir: No matter what you say ma, your daughter will have to fulfil her part of the bargain now. I made her feel jealous so now she will have to seduce me through dance...
Bella: MAHIR!!!!
She was blushing furiously and was avoiding looking at Sumitra and Andy. Andy and Sumitra took pity on her. Sumitra shook her head. Her darling tactless son.
Andy: Okay fine. We need not know the details...
Sumitra: Yes. Just go and Mahir, remember, if you trouble my daughter again, I will personally deal with you. Got it?
Andy: Yeah! Yeah! Now just go and enjoy yourselves.
Saying this they both went back to their rooms. After they had gone, Mahir turned to Bella.
Mahir: Get ready Mrs. Bella Mahir Sehgal. Get ready to seduce me through your dance moves.
Originally posted by: The.Wanderer
Okay, I know this is really a long one but I was having too much fun to cut short the jealous Bella parts from it.😆
Originally posted by: Vrishthi04
Yeh so happy
My thoughts we're on pointI'm too happyWaiting for the dance srry seductive dance
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