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A team of makeup artists and hair stylists were brought in to make Pakhi ready. Ekta showed many outfits to her and she chose a saree embroidered with beads.
The saree looked decent so she decided to wear it.
The hair stylist made a bun of her hair and let the loose strands of hair fall on either side of her face.
She closed her eyes when the hair stylist applied vermillion on her hair line.
" You can open your eyes, mam."
She opened her eyes and stared at her reflection in the mirror. She looked beautiful. Expensive jewelleries were put on her that enhanced her beauty. Her lips were coloured with a terracotta shade of lipstick.
She wore bangles then grabbed the anklets.
" Shall we help you mam?"
One of the artists asked. Pakhi was about to refuse when sounds of footsteps approached her room. They all looked at the person and found Aryan.
He looked up and down at Pakhi before saying, " you all may leave the room now."
The artists nodded and packed their things and left the room. Pakhi instantly felt nervous and avoided his gaze.
He walked toward her and did not dare to remove his gaze from his beautiful wife. His eyes fell on the anklets in her hand and a mesmerising idea clicked his mind.
Before she could make any excuse, he stood in front of her and took the anklets from her.
" What-"
She was cut off in the middle when he sat down, kneeling on the left knee.
" What are you doing?"
She asked confusedly yet suspiciously while he just smiled and grabbed the left foot of her.
" What-"
She got an imbalance.
" Cool down. I am not doing anything," he said and put her foot on his knee.
She blinked her eyes and wondered if he had gone mad. She decided to better stay silent while he tilted his head slightly and wrapped one piece of anklet around her ankle then brought his face closer to it and tightened the hook with his teeth.
Her heart fluttered and she again felt sick to stomach. So, he wanted to put anklets on her.
She tucked the strands of her hair behind the ear and felt...strange.
Neither good nor bad.
He put another foot on his knee and made her wear the other piece of anklet as well. Before letting her go, he planted a kiss on her foot in the most gentle way possible.
When he looked up into her eyes, she looked away. He smiled and put her foot down then stood up and fixed his blazer. He's wearing a dusty rose three piece suit, matching with her saree.
" All ready?"
It doesn't seem like she has any option. She nodded and wore her sandals, gaining a little more inches of height.
" Well, I think my wife doesn't know how to answer. Maybe my brother-in-law could not teach her."
She fisted her hand in anger as he provoked her. Deliberately ignoring him this time, she walked out of the room grabbing her mobile.
He followed her with a mischievous smile on lips.
" Gir jaogi. Dhyan se chalo. Kamar-vamar toot gayi to jail mein daal dega tumhara Bhai mujhe."
( You will fall. Walk carefully. Your brother will put me behind bars if you break your back.)
She stopped on her track and turned around only to glare at her.
" What? I was telling the truth."
She holds the urge to roll her eyes and just forward a you-are-not-cool look at him.
" Vaise!"
He ran to her and stood beside her.
" Do you think your brother will come?"
No reply.
Pakhi crossed her hands around the chest and waited for the rest of the family members. Aryan shook his head dramatically at her and said,
" Bahut badtameez hai meri biwi. Koi baat nahi, kuch din mein thik kar dunga-"
( My wife is so insolent. It's alright, I will fix her in some days-)
" Who are you to fix me?"
He rolled his tongue inside the mouth when she finally broke her silence. He knew she would react if he'll say something provoking.
" See, I never lose. Now shall we leave?"
He forward his hand but she refused to grab his hand. He shrugged his shoulders and tucked his hands in his pockets.
" Let's go. Everyone has already left."
Did they leave me along with him? How cruel- she thought and started walking ahead.
Aryan followed her and utilised the time to see her from behind. She has a petite body with a provoking figure.
" Haye!"
She looked behind at him confusedly and he, in his defence, gave an innocent look. They came near the car once Aryan was done locking the house.
" Please get it,"
He opened the passenger seat door for her. She brought her pallu in front and sat in the seat. He closed her door and came to sit on the driving seat.
They fastened their seatbelt. He ignited the engine then drove away from there. Pakhi checked the time.
7:30 PM
Don't know how many hours she'll have to tolerate him.
" I thought you were talkative?"
He asked and she turned her gaze to the window.
" Now you have become ignorant as well," he taunted her.
" At least I do not force people like you," she murmured.
" I heard you."
He looked at her with raised eyebrows, stopping the car at the traffic lights.
" Listen, little one, give respect and take respect. I do not buy such behaviour from people okay?"
It was a warning but she was too busy to keep it in her mind.
Her behaviour did not go well with Aryan. He has never let people deal with him like this. But his wife is becoming an exception. She's doing everything that triggers him.
He clicked his tongue and decided not to speak now.
...
The reception hall was filled with many big personalities. Many lawyers, judges, officers and business men came to attend the party and congratulated the couple by offering them presents and bouquets in which Pakhi was least interested.
She glanced at the entry and sighed mentally as she did not get her family's glimpse. She wondered if he had invited them or not.
" Reason for hasty marriage? You did not even invite anyone," one of the guests asked Aryan, which grabbed Pakhi's attention.
There hasn't been a guest who did not ask them this question.
" Some personal reasons. But, yeah, enjoy the reception."
And Aryan gave the same answer every time.
" Your wife is so beautiful, Mr. Chauhan."
The wife of the man complimented Pakhi who smiled politely at her. While, Aryan wrapped his hand around her waist and uttered with proud tone,
" Certainly, Mrs. Dutta."
Pakhi frowned and tried removing his hands from her waist, making sure nobody noticed them.
" Please excuse us," Aryan said to them and walked to the side with his wife.
She hurriedly freed herself, showing him that she highly disliked the way he grabbed her. He took a sip of his drink before smiling viciously,
" This kind of behaviour will cost you dearly. It seems you don't want to meet your brother."
Her expression changed into a worried one and he stepped close to her. She fisted her saree as he raised his free hand up to her face and tenderly tucked the strands of her hair behind the ear.
" Good girl. Shall we meet the rest of the guests now?"
She looked down to her feet and he grabbed her hand before proceeding to meet the left out guests. She followed him like a puppet and forced a smile at his guests, pretending to show that she was happy with her husband, Aryan Chauhan.
When she almost lost her hope to see her family, a voice entered her ears.
" Pakhi?"
" Bhai-"
She turned around while Aryan smiled to himself and made an excuse to the guest he was talking with.
" Bhai!"
Pakhi hugged her brother without thinking for a second and hid her face against his chest. Jaydev wrapped his hands around her and kissed the crown of her head.
She broke the hug and he cupped her cheeks.
" Pakhi, princess, are you okay?"
She nodded with tear filled eyes.
" Pakhi?"
She looked at her grandmother and went to her. However, Jaydev's expression turned cold as soon as his eyes fell on Aryan whose look provoked him.
" Hello, brother-in-law. Didn't expect you would come."
Pakhi looked at them in tension.
" How about we talk for a while?"
Aryan asked and tucked his hands inside his pocket. Pakhi held her brother's elbow making him look at her. She shook her head at him. Their conversation in gestures caused Aryan to chuckle.
" It's alright, sweet heart. I won't hurt your brother. Shall we? Saale-saab?"
Jaydev gritted his teeth and held his sister's hand.
" I did not come here for you but my sister."
" You sister is my wife."
Aryan gave the obvious answer. Pakhi sighed and said to her brother,
" Bhai, please leave it."
Seeing her face, Jaydev dropped the plan to argue with Aryan and nodded. Rajdeep came and took all of them to a VIP corner where they all had dinner together. Although, tension was evident between Aryan and Jaydev but none pointed out and tried ignoring it.
Pakhi was happiest with her family and smiling without any fear. Her brother made sure that she ate properly.
After having food, Ekta took Pakhi with her to introduce her to his friends.
Jaydev was going somewhere keeping his eyes on the phone when he bumped into someone.
" Shit!"
He lifted his gaze and saw Shruti. Amusement glistened in his eyes while she looked irritated as water had splashed on her skirt from the glass she was holding.
He put his mobile in the pocket and clicked his tongue.
" We met again. Seems like you are interested in me-"
" Shut up and keep your eyes on the way when you walk," she passed him a displeasing look and walked past him.
" Wait-" he stopped her.
She turned around and stared at his back confusedly while he turned around and walked toward her while saying,
" You were the one who made that artist write your bastard brother's name on Pakhi's hand?"
She knitted her eyebrows and found him standing just one feet away from her.
" And you were the only one who clicked pictures of my sister for him."
" So what?"
She uttered, not really in the mood to argue with anyone right now. He smirked amusingly and shook his head, looking up and down at her.
" Didn't know the idol of greatness can do such a despicable act."
He taunted her and ended the only distance between them, making her step back until her back hit the wall behind.
" Anyway, I can't expect anything from his sister."
" You are not innocent either. If you hated my brother so much then why did you send an invitation to us? You knew he would do anything to get Pakhi. So, blame yourself, not my brother or anyone."
His expression stiffened and eyes darkened hearing her tone and reply. She startled when he suddenly put his hands on the wall beside her head.
" I remember my mistake and don't you worry I know very well how to fix my mistake. After doing that shit, your brother can't sit peacefully."
She blinked and uttered nervously, " step back."
Instead of doing what she said, he smirked and moved closer to her. She widened her eyes and uttered, " what the hell?"
She put her hands on his chest to push him back but he fake gasped and said,
" Now you are finding ways to touch me."
" What the-"
She immediately removed her hands from his chest.
" Step back. This is highly inappropriate behaviour from a police officer especially."
She crossed her hands around the chest. He tilted his head slightly and glanced at her lips before looking into her eyes.
" What if I don't."
She clenched her jaw in anger and decided to hit his torso with her elbow but it seemed like he read her strategies.
When she raised her hand, he grasped her upper and turned her back to him. She gasped as he twisted her hand behind her back, not too harshly and brought his face closer to her ear. She held the glass tightly.
" You are still feisty. I like it."
His breathing hit her ear as he whispered, sending chills down to her body.
" Leave me!"
She wiggled but he just increased the pressure on her hand.
" Why? Can't you do it yourself."
He mocked her and she fisted her other hand. She lifted her left foot to place it on his foot but again, he overpowered her and locked her left leg with his, not letting her move.
" Tsk tsk tsk!"
Her blood boiled hearing his mocking tone and she felt like pulling his hair-
He left her and stepped back. She faced him. She looked furious and he looked like he was enjoying the show he just witnessed.
" Meet you soon."
He said with a sly smirk on face. She rolled her eyes, " not even in dreams."
She turned to a side and started going away as soon as possible but again stopped on her track when something clicked her mind.
She tilted her head slightly and faced him. She glanced at the glass in her and saw there was still water in it.
She smirked in her mind and walked toward him. He frowned slightly, not knowing what she wanted from him.
But,
he startled when she suddenly threw water on his face, drenching his shirt till chest.
" Next time, I'll throw dirty water on your face. Stupid."
She passed a despised look and walked away from there. Jaydev chuckled and took out his handkerchief from pants pocket and wiped his face with it.
" Naubat hi nahi aayegi," he mumbled while glaring at the way she went.
( I won't let it happen.)
...
Jaydev was standing at the corner and watching his sister who was with Ekta and Shruti and his family. Guests have now left the party and only family members were present.
" Hello, brother-in-law."
Jaydev clicked his tongue, hearing the voice he loathed to the core of his heart.
" You did not bring any presents for us?"
Jaydev raised his eyebrows and smirked slightly before saying,
" You will soon get the best and worst present of your life."
" Oh? I am eager," Aryan replied in a fake excited tone.
" Becoming your friend was the worst decision of my life," Jaydev uttered with a hatred filled voice.
Aryan, whereas, chuckled and said opposite,
" But it was the best decision. If I had not befriended you, how would I have met Pakhi?"
Every time he utters Pakhi's name, Jaydev felt his heart burning and hands itching to hit him but he controlled himself knowing he will bring his sister in between their matters.
" The day you-"
Jaydev rolled his tongue inside the mouth and decided not to bring the past otherwise he'll get furious.
" The day I betrayed you?"
Aryan said what he wanted and folded his hands around the chest before leaning back on the pillar.
" You must have understood what type of man I was, no?"
" Yeah, a stain in my life and the child who followed his mother's footsteps."
Jaydev's one sentence was enough to trigger Aryan.
" I dare you to talk about my mother again-"
" So what?"
Jaydev raised his eyebrows at him, " can't bear the truth? Shit! I forgot you are a lawyer whose business is only to lie."
Aryan fisted his hands and stood straight. Jaydev faced him and the corner of his lips curved into a small smirk.
" Your mother did the right thing by leaving you when you were just a few months old. Who would even handle a child like you?"
With great difficulty Aryan controlled himself from attacking Jaydev.
" Oh? Why did your face turned pale, Mr. Chauhan? Did I say something wrong-"
It was enough.
Aryan raised his hand but just then his sister stopped him.
" Bhai!"
Everyone looked at them. Jaydev's smirk grew wider. He enjoyed provoking him and did not budge a bit from his place when he raised his hand.
" Stop it," Shruti pulled Aryan back and Jaydev turned his gaze at her.
" Bhai-"
Jaydev looked at his sister who came and stood by his side.
" What the hell are you two doing? If you can't stand each other's presence, why do you even talk?"
Rajdeep scolded them. Aryan freed his hand from Shruti's grip and took a step close to Jaydev. Both of them looked into each other's eyes without uttering a single word. Their eyes filled with vengeance. There was not even an inch of calmness in them.
Aryan leaned his body forward only to grab Pakhi's hand and pull her to his side.
" Thought of sending her to your home tomorrow but I have dropped the plan now."
Pakhi widened her eyes and looked at him shockingly. Just because of a previous argument with her brother, he can't do this to her. He promised her.
She looked at Jaydev with a hopeful gaze who blinked reassuringly at her.
" Aryan!"
His family called his name when he started going out of the hall with Pakhi. She looked back at her family until they disappeared from her sight.
" Get in," Aryan said to her, opening the passenger side door for her.
Not wanting to arouse his anger, she got inside the car and he sat in the driver seat.
He drove away from there in a few seconds. Pakhi looked at his face and saw his eyebrows frowned. He rested right hand's elbow on the edge of the window and controlled the steering wheel with left hand.
He looked furious.
She looked outside the window. How excited she was to go home tomorrow but in no second, he snatched her happiness.
She hates his dominating and egoistic attitude along with her submissive and naive behaviour.
When they reached home, he unlocked the door and she entered first. She was walking to her room when he stopped her-
" You are not going to stay in that room from now on."
She turned around and stared at him confusedly.
" Why?"
Her voice was low.
Aryan replied while loosening his tie, " isn't it obvious? Husband and wife should stay in the same room."
" But I don't want to."
Pakhi opposed, keeping her low.
" You have to, biwi."
" I..don't want to," she repeated.
He removed his coat and said,
" I hope you do not want me to forcefully take you there."
She looked at him without any definite expression on face.
" Upstairs. 1st room on the left side."
Tears of anger filled in her eyes and she spatted, " I hate you. I hate you so much."
And she ran upstairs while tears streamed down from her eyes. Aryan stared at her disappearing figure with a blank look on face.
" Aryan?"
He sighed hearing the voice of his father.
" Yes?"
They came and looked around the living room.
" Where's Pakhi?"
" where she should be. In my bedroom."
He faced them.
" What was that behaviour, Aryan?"
Rajdeep asked.
" What?" Aryan asked boringly.
" Why did you tell them you won't send Pakhi to them tomorrow?"
" Because I won't," Aryan replied.
" Who are you to decide, Aryan? It's a ritual and you made her attend the reception because of this reason only."
Ekta said.
" Yes but now I am breaking my promise because I am a lawyer and popular for lying."
Rajdeep sighed heavily.
" It's getting too much, Aryan. You are not thinking about Pakhi. Don't you know how bad she must be feeling right now?"
" He should have taken care of that also."
He snapped back then continued a second later,
" And why are you all taking his side?"
Shruti stepped forward and tried making him understand,
" We are not taking his side, Bhai. You two are not thinking about Pakhi in your enmity. She was excited for tomorrow and you broke her happiness in no second. Is that why you married her? Why does this type of husband make his wife cry?"
Aryan did not say anything.
" Atleast, think about her before fighting with her brother. Jaydev is your brother-in-law now. Instead of breaking the wall between two families, you two are building it higher."
Ekta said.
Aryan crossed his hands around the chest.
" What do you all want me to do? Beg to him and apologise?"
Rajdeep shook his head, " for now, let Pakhi go."
" I won't. Once he'll apologise, I will let her go."
He made the choice which can never be fulfilled by Jaydev. Both had ego higher than mountains.
He threw his coat over his shoulder and went upstairs.
Reaching outside his room, he frowned hearing crying sound from inside and instantly realised that his wife is crying right now. He sighed and cursed himself for behaving like that with her. He twisted the door knob and entered.
Pakhi got attentive hearing the door opening sound and hurriedly sat up on the bed. She wiped her tears. Her back was facing him.
Aryan locked the door and faced her.
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Any favourite part?
What do you think about Jaydev and Shruti?
And Pakhi Aryan?
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