Next morning, the first light of dawn filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a soft glow over the room.
Darshil sat by the large window, staring out at the garden below. He wore a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, and his dark hair was slightly tousled from sleep. There was a contemplative look on his face as he sipped his coffee, lost in thought.
Aarvi, still wrapped in the warmth of her blanket, stirred awake. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the morning light, and then her eyes settled on Darshil. There was a moment of silence as they both absorbed the presence of the other, a quiet tension filling the room.
Darshil turned to face her, a faint smile on his lips.
Good morning. Darshil greeted, his voice low and gentle.
Good Morning. Aarvi replied, her tone neutral.
She sat up, adjusting the blanket around her shoulders. There was a pause before she spoke again.
Slept well? Darshil asked and she nodded
You were up early. Aarvi said
Darshil shrugged slightly, setting his coffee cup down on the side table. Couldn't sleep. Too much on my mind Darshil said, his gaze dropping to the floor.
About? Aarvi asked
You. Darshil said looking at her.
What about me? Aarvi asked
I.... I almost lost you that day. I couldn't let that happen again. Your pain, your tears, your blood, all of them were tearing my heart into pieces. I never thought, my enemies could take advantage of yours to get revenge. But.... Darshil said and paused
But they did. And if it can happen this time, it can happen again. Aarvi said
Darshil nods
I'll be more careful. Darshil said
I am fine now. You don't need to worry. Aarvi said and walked towards the washroom.
After half an hour, she walked out of the changing room and stood in front of the mirror, wearing her earings, mangalsutra and sindoor.
Darshil was looking at her reflection in the mirror and smiled softly. Aarvi turned back to look at him.
What? Aarvi asked
You're looking beautiful, as always. Darshil said and Aarvi glared at him.
I didn't asked you. Aarvi said
Darshil smirks.
Todayâs Ruhiâs big day. Sheâs been looking forward to this for weeks. Darshil said
Aarvi nods thinking about Ruhi.
I know. Sheâs been talking about it nonstop. I want everything to be perfect for her. Aarvi said
Darshil smiled softly
I appreciate your love for Ruhi. Darshil said
She deserves it. Aarvi said with a slight smile that got on her face thinking about Ruhi.
Darshil walks forwards and stood closer to her and looked at her.
And I? Darshil asked
W-What? Aarvi asked
When will I get the my love? Darshil asked looking into her eyes.
Aarvi's eyes were also stuck in his.
Never..... Aarvi said in frustration and walked out of the room.
As she walked downstairs, she saw the household was abuzz with activity as everyone prepared for Ruhi's grand birthday party. Nandini ji oversaw the kitchen, making sure every dish was prepared to perfection. She moved with purpose, overseeing the kitchen staff as they prepared an elaborate breakfast spread. Pancakes, parathas, fresh fruits, and an array of sweetsâeverything was being made to ensure Ruhi's birthday started with a feast.
After sometime, Poorva and Aarvi flitted around, ensuring the decorations were just right, and that the entertainers were briefed.
Meanwhile, Poorva and Aarvi took charge of the decorations. Aarvi talked to the event managers and was keeping an eye on everything going on. The mansion's large ballroom, which would host the party, was being transformed into a magical wonderland. The walls were adorned with pastel-colored streamers and balloons, and a massive banner reading "Happy Birthday Ruhi" hung over the entrance.
Poorva directed the decorators, ensuring every detail was perfect, from the placement of fairy lights to the arrangement of flowers.
The garden was a riot of colors with blooming flowers, and Aarvi ensured that the floral arrangements matched the party's theme. She had chosen a palette of soft pinks and purples, reflecting Ruhi's favorite colors. As she helped arrange the flowers in the garden, she couldn't help but notice Darshil watching her from a distance, his gaze intense and unwavering but she ignored him.
Aarvi focused on the preparations. She supervised the catering team, ensuring that the menu was perfect. The chefs prepared Ruhi's favorite dishesâmini pizzas, chocolate fountains, and a variety of traditional Indian sweets. Aarvi tasted each dish, making sure everything was up to the mark.
As the morning drew to a close, Nandini called everyone to the breakfast table. The family gathered, sharing a meal in the large dining hall.
After breakfast, Aarvi took Ruhi to her play room as she insisted, while Nandini and Poorva went over the final details of the party.
As the preparations continued, Darshil's men patrolled the perimeter of the mansion, ensuring that security was tight. Darshil's reputation as a mafia boss meant that enemies were never far away, and he took no chances when it came to his family's safety.
As dusk fell, the mansion was transformed into a fairy tale wonderland. Lights twinkled in the garden, and a beautifully decorated stage awaited the performances.
Darshil emerges from of his changing room wearing a blue two piece suit.
His eyes were searching for Aarvi but he thought she must be changing.
After sometimes, Aarvi walks out of the the changing room and stood in front of him. As his gaze shifted on her, he observes her from top to bottom, his heart skipping a beat, and breath catches as he looks at her beauty.
She looked like an angel in an elegant grey and blue shade sequin saree with sleeveless blouse. Open straight long hair, nude makeup with smokey eyes, nude lipstick.
Darshil felt his breath catch in his throat as he took in her appearance. He was undeniably drawn to her. Aarvi had always been beautiful, but tonight, she seemed to glow with an ethereal grace that made it impossible for him to look away. His heart pounded in his chest.
Unable to resist, Darshil walked towards Aarvi, his steps slow and deliberate. His eyes were intense, filled with a mix of admiration, longing, and something deeper that he couldn't quite name.
You look... breathtaking. Darshil finally managed to say, his voice rough with emotion. He wanted to reach out and touch her, to assure himself that she was real, but he held back, unsure of how she would react. Instead, he simply stood there, gazing at her with an intensity that made Aarvi's heart skip a beat.
T-Thanks... Aarvi said looking into his eyes.
Aarvi found it hard to look away from Darshil. He had dressed for the occasion, wearing a tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean figure. His usually stern expression softened as he looked at her, and she noticed the slight stubble on his jaw, adding a rugged charm to his appearance. His dark eyes held a warmth she rarely saw, and again, Aarvi felt a flicker of something other than resentment towards him.
She usually don't want to face him but today, there was something undeniably magnetic about him tonight, and Aarvi found herself drawn to him in a way she hadn't expected.
For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away.
Aarvi stood there, locked in each other's gaze. Aarvi felt a strange mix of emotions: confusion, curiosity, and a reluctant warmth that she couldn't quite explain.
Shall we go? Darshil asked as he extended his hand to her.
Aarvi hesitates for a moment but then she took his hand. Darshil pulled her a bit close.
The both went downstairs to the party hall.
Guests began to arrive, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Ruhi, the star of the evening, looked like a princess in her pink gown. She ran around excitedly, her eyes wide with wonder. Darshil couldn't help but smile at her joy, but his eyes always found their way back to Aarvi, who was attending the guests.
The party was in full swing, with games, magic shows, and dance performances.
Aarvi noticed some elders were cheering up for Darshil to sing but he was ignoring it.
Aarvi, you are looking so beautiful today. Nandini ji said
Thankyou dadi. Aarvi said
Poorva also arrives there.
Why is Darshil ignoring if everyone is cheering him up? Aarvi asked
Darshil hates singing now. Nandini ji said
Yes, but what if my romantic bhai sings a song for my beautiful bhabhi? Poorva asked with a excited smile.
I wish.... But you know it's not possible anymore. Nandini ji said as her smile faints
Yeah.... You know what Aarvi, bhai sings very well but it's been so long he left music. Poorva said
Why? Aarvi asked
It was just a past. Nandini ji said
Yes I know, in present time, bhai hates singing. Poorva said
All of them walked towards the stage where Darshil was already standing.
Ignore it Darshil if you don't want to sing. Nandini ji said
I am already doing it. Darshil said
Aarvi smirks.
I heard you are a good singer. Aarvi said
I used to be.... I am not intrested anymore. Darshil said
Darshil..... An old lady arrived with some more guests and Darshil looked at him.
Hello, Neha aunty. Darshil said
It's been more than 5-6 years since we heard your melodious song. Neha ji said
I have left singing, everyone knows this. Darshil said
Darshil, how about you sing a song for your beautiful wife? For Aarvi? Neha ji said
Aarvi's eyes widened in surprise, and a small smile tugged at her lips.
Yes, Darshil. Why donât you sing for me? Aarvi said
Darshil's expression faltered for a moment. He couldn't refuse her. He looked at her for some moments, his eyes filled with love and affection for her.
He took a deep breath, and with a nod, he approached the stage and took a guitar in his hands. Everyone including Nandini ji and Poorva were shocked at his action. He began playing the guitar, his eyes never leaving Aarvi.
Teri muskurahatein hain taaqat meri
Mujhko inhi se ummeed mili
Chaahe kare koi sitam ye jahaan
Inme hi hai sadaa hifaazat meri
Zindagani badi khoobsurat hui
Jannat ab aur kya hogi kahin
Jo tu mera Humdard hai
Jo tu mera Humdard hai
Suhaana har dard hai
Jo tu mera Humdard hai....
His voice, so trained, carried a raw emotion that touched everyone present. The lyrics spoke of unending love and longing, of regret and hope. Aarvi felt a lump in her throat as she listened, the walls she had built around her heart trembling.
Darshil's eyes fixed at Aarvi, making her feel the most loveliest girl on earth. His voice, made his love and affection look so pure.
Teri dhadkano se hai zindagi meri
Khwahishein teri ab duaaein meri
Kitna anokha bandhan hai ye
Teri meri jaan jo ek hui
Lotunga yahaan tere paas main haan
Waada hai mera mar bhi jaaun kahin
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Suhaana har dard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Aarvi's heart was melting at his affection, eyes getting wet on this overwhelming feeling.
When the song ended, there was a moment of stunned silence before the crowd erupted in applause. Aarvi's eyes met Darshil's, and for a fleeting second, she saw the man he could have been, the man he wished to be for her. Aarvi clapped for him, her eyes never leaving his.
As the guests began to leave and the house quieted down. After party, Aarvi sat alone in the garden, her thoughts a tangled mess.
Aarvi sighed, her fingers idly tracing patterns on the stone bench. She couldn't deny the warmth that had been steadily growing in her heart, a warmth that frightened her. How could she begin to forgive the man who had taken away her freedom, who had bound her to him against her will? Yet, how could she ignore the undeniable care and tenderness he showed her every single day?
As she sat there, lost in thought, she heard the soft crunch of footsteps on the gravel path. She turned to see Darshil approaching, his silhouette outlined by the moonlight. He paused a few steps away, hesitant, as if afraid to intrude on her solitude.
What are you doing here alone? Darshil asked
Why did you sing? Aarvi asked without looking at him.
What?? B-Because you asked me to do so. Darshil said and Aarvi stood up and looked at him, getting close to him.
But you hated singing, don't you? Aarvi asked
I still do. Darshil said
Then why? Aarvi asked
I just.....couldn't refuse you, Because I want to fulfill all your wishes. Darshil said
Really? If you would have cared about my wishes, you would have not married me. Aarvi yelled
I had no other option, I would have lost you if I hadn't forced you. Darshil said
Stop doing all this nonsense. I know it's just a trap, your planning of showing that you care for me. Aarvi said
But I do care for you, I love you. Darshil said
No, you don't and stay away. Aarvi shouted, her eyes wet and she turned to walk but Darshil grabbed her hand, spins her and pulled her close. She looked into his eyes.
His expression darkens and serious.
I. Love. You. Darshil said in a serious and intense tone.
Let me go. Aarvi said
I won't, I will never, you are mine, you belong to me now. And don't you dare question my love for you. Darshil said, his expression darkens even more.
Aarvi looked into his eyes, her eyes filled with mixture of both anger and fear.
Just because we are married, doesn't mean I am yours. You are just a force alliance. And I don't accept you as my husband. Aarvi said
I don't care if you do or not. You will still ne my wife, my Hazel. Darshil said
Stop calling me that. Aarvi yelled
Darshil grabbed her chin and pulled her even more close, their face were just some inches apart.
Darshil leans more closer, making her heart beat fast. She could feel his hot breath on her neck.
I warned you earlier..... Never refuse to let me call you Hazel. Darshil whispered
They were just few centimeters apart and Aarvi looked at his lips.
Their gaze were locked at each other.
The silence was deafening as Darshil lifted his hand and grazed his thumb over her bottom lips.
Aarvi's breathing swallowed, but she didn't move away. Also, it was hard to move out of Darshil's tight grip.
She stared at him, eyes full of defiance as he took his time observing her eyes and lips.
You are so irresistible. Darshil whispered looking into her eyes
Are you trying to break your commitment? Aarvi asked
His thumb paused the movement of her bottom lips as he shook his head.
Never..... I never break any promise or commitment. But don't force me to break it. Darshil said as he loosed his grip.
I can see the lust in your eyes. Aarvi said
Even if it is, it's for my wife. Not for any other woman. Darshil said
Aarvi pushed him back.
Don't touch me. Aarvi said while taking few steps back.
Darshil walks towards her slowly.
Stop me if you can. Darshil said
Darshil grabs her by her waist and pulled her close and smirks.
Where are you going? Can't you see? I will not give up on you so easily. I didn't care if I have to put efforts or kill anyone. Darshil said
Yeah, you are right. You have already killed 3 men because of me. Aarvi said
No.... I have killed 4 men for you. Darshil said
Aarvi was surprised.
Who is the 4th one? Aarvi asked
Darshil loosed his grip.
Actually he is the first one..... Yash, your ex. Darshil said and Aarvi was shocked on this confession.
Her eyes widen in fear and shock.
But why? He was already out of my life and your way. Then why did you kill him? Aarvi asked
Because he tried to take advantage of yours. You remember, you were drugged on his birthday party? It was Yash, who added drugs in your drink to take advantage of yours when you will get unconscious. Luckily, I got you. Darshil said
This was even more shocking for her.
I can't beleive this. He did that..... And you.... You killed him? You are just a beast Darshil. Aarvi yelled
Maybe I am, but I won't spare anyone who try to hurt you. Darshil said
********
So guys, that's all for today.
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As English is not my first language so there can be some grammatical mistakes, I just request to please ignore it.
Thankyouð¥