CHAPTER 42: " THE BRACELET OF UNBREAKABLE PROMISES"

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After dinner, Vishwanath had already changed into his night wear while Kashi went to change her clothes. His eyes drifted towards a cabinet in the corner of the room. Quietly, he walked over, opened it, and took out a round red velvet box. He had gone to pick it up earlier today, right after the lunch.

Inside lay a stunning bracelet, an exact replica of the one he had bought for Kashi from a local vendor in Jhansi. However, this bracelet was no ordinary trinket. It was simple but very beautiful, crafted from pure gold, it featured delicate charms embellished with tiny, glistening diamonds that shimmered under the light. Unlike the original, which was made of low-quality material and had broken easily, this bracelet was designed to last a timeless symbol of their unbreakable bond.

The memory of last night came to him vividly. When Kashi had gone to change out of her heavy wedding lehenga, he had noticed the broken bracelet lying on the table near which she had been sitting. What surprised him most was that she still had it, carefully kept all this time. Her words from that day echoed in his mind

"Veer ji, main isse hamesha sambhal kar rakhungi." (I will always keep it safe with me)

And she had kept her promise. Moved by her devotion to something so simple yet meaningful, Vishwanath had decided to recreate it for her, ensuring it was as sturdy and enduring as his commitment to her. He had clicked a picture of the broken bracelet and sent it to their family jeweller, who assured him it would be ready by the next day.

His train of thought came to an abrupt halt as he heard the faint sound of soft footsteps approaching. Turning slightly, he glanced towards the source of the sound and felt his breath catch for a moment. Kashi had just stepped out of the dressing room, clad in an ivory satin night suit. The fabric's delicate sheen highlighted her natural elegance. She looked adorable as she fiddled with the cuffs of her top. Her long, beautiful hair were tied in a messy bun, with a few loose strands framing her face.

"Kashi," he called softly, his voice warm and gentle as he took a step closer to her, his movements slow and deliberate. The small velvet box remained carefully hidden behind his back, his fingers curling around it protectively.

"Ji, Veer ji?" (Yes, Veer ji) she responded, her voice equally soft, filled with curiosity and a hint of shyness. Her wide eyes met his, searching his face for a clue. Her gaze lingered for a moment on his hand behind his back, her brows furrowing slightly in silent wonder, though she chose not to comment.

"Aaj halwa bohot tasty bana tha," (Today, the halwa was very tasty) he began, his lips curving into a smile that was as warm as the tone of his voice.Kashi's face brightened instantly, her lips parting into a delighted smile.

"Accha laga apko?" (Did you like it?) she asked, her tone tinged with eagerness and a touch of pride, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.

"Bohot," (Alot) he replied with a firm nod, his voice carrying an air of sincerity. His smile deepened as he saw her cheeks turn a faint shade of pink, her joy at his words evident in the way she slightly averted her gaze in bashful happiness.

For a moment, they stood there, smiles mirroring each other, an unspoken warmth passing between them.

Then, without another word, he brought his hidden hand forward, revealing the small velvet box nestled in his palm.

"Kashi, yeh tumhare liye, meri taraf se," (Kashi, this is for you, from my side.) he said softly, his voice carrying a mix of warmth and sincerity. His intense gaze held hers as he extended the box towards her.

She blinked in surprise, her delicate fingers instinctively moving to clasp the edges of her satin top. Her brows furrowed slightly as if trying to process the unexpected gesture. "Veer ji, par...." (Veer ji, but) she began, her voice hesitant and laced with uncertainty.

He cut her off gently, a small smile playing on his lips. "Koi par-var nahi, Kashi. Tum ise kholo abhi," (No But and If's Kashi. You open it now) he insisted, handling her the box with a care that spoke volumes of his intentions. His tone was firm yet comforting, leaving little room for protest.

Kashi hesitated, her eyes flicking between his earnest face and the box now resting in her hands. She held it delicately, as though it were something fragile and precious, much like the moment itself.

Her eyes lingered on the velvet covering, tracing its edges as though trying to gather the courage to open it. She looked up at him, her gaze questioning, almost as if seeking permission or reassurance. Her lips parted slightly, as though she wanted to say something, but no words came out.

Vishwanath observed her silently, his heart softening at the uncertainty etched on her delicate face. He had expected this, her reluctance, her hesitation, her inability to accept a gift without questioning its necessity. It was one of the many things about her that both puzzled and endeared her to him. Most people he knew would have eagerly accepted such a gesture without a second thought. But Kashi was different.

She always hesitated when it came to receiving anything, whether it was a small favor, a kind word, or, in this case, a gift. It wasn't pride or stubbornness, it was the way she had been raised, taught to expect little and ask for even less. Unlike the women he had observed around him, who wouldn't shy away from expressing their desires or demanding what they wanted, Kashi never voiced hers. She seemed content with whatever life offered her, no matter how little it was.

Her simplicity both fascinated and frustrated him. She found joy in the smallest of things, whether it was a stroll through the bustling streets, a simple appreciation, a sunset viewed from her modest home, or a hearty conversations that made her laugh. She never yearned for grandeur or extravagance, and that humility set her apart. But for Vishwanath, it wasn't enough.

He wanted to spoil her, to pamper her, to give her every luxury the world could offer. If she wouldn't ask, he would take it upon himself to ensure she had it all because she deserved nothing less than the finest life had to offer. No more simple joys, no more settling for less. He would give her everything, because she was worth it all.

"Kholo, Kashi," (Open it, Kashi) he urged gently, his deep voice breaking the silence. There was no rush, no impatience, only an unspoken reassurance that this was her moment, and she deserved every bit of it.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she gently unlatched the box, her breath catching in her throat as the velvet lining revealed its contents. Inside lay a bracelet, she instantly recognized. It was identical in design and adorned with the same intricate charms as the one that had been a cherished symbol of her Veer ji's first gift to her. But this one was slightly different. It was exquisitely crafted from pure gold, its charms adorned with tiny, sparkling diamonds that caught the light, shimmering with a brilliance that made her heart race.

"Veer ji...." she whispered, her voice thick with emotion, barely able to form the words. "Yeh toh bilkul vesa hi bracelet hai jo apne mujhe lekar diya tha....par voh toot gaya tha." (This is the exact same bracelet like the one you have bought for me....but that one broke.)

"Haan, Kashi," (Yes Kashi) he said softly, his voice full of warmth and conviction. "Yeh mera pehla tofha tha tumhare liye. Par voh wala bracelet utna mazboot nahi tha, isliye toot gaya. Yeh wala kabhi nahi toote ga bilkul humare atoot rishte ki tarah." (This was my first gift for you. But that bracelet wasn't strong enough, that's why it broke. This one will never break, just like our unbreakable bond.)

Vishwanath stepped forward, his expression softening as he saw the tear that had begun to slip down her cheek. Without a word, he reached up and wiped it away with his thumb, his touch gentle and comforting. The tenderness in his eyes deepened as he took the box from her hands and removed the bracelet. Slowly, reverently, he clasped it around her wrist, his fingers brushing against her skin with care.

His words, his actions wrapped around her like a warm embrace, and the depth of his affection, the sincerity of his promise, made her heart swell with emotion. She tried to steady her breathing, unable to understand how he could have known the depth of her attachment to the broken trinket.This thoughtful gesture struck a chord deep in her heart.

The original bracelet had meant everything to her, it had been a tangible reminder of his love, of the man who had come into her life and changed everything. When it had broken, a part of her had broken with it. Neel, in one of his cruel outbursts, had twisted her wrist painfully, causing the delicate trinket to snap. She had tried to repair it, working desperately to fix the fragile chain, but it had seemed beyond her skill. Despite her efforts, it had remained broken. Still, she had kept it safe, clinging to the hope that one day, she could find a way to restore it.

As she looked down at the sparkling gold and diamonds on her wrist, she realized that this bracelet wasn't just a replacement for the broken one, it was a promise, a promise of love that, no matter the struggles they faced, no matter the obstacles in their path, their bond was unbreakable.

Without thinking, Kashi stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Vishwanath froze for a moment, caught off guard by the suddenness of her gesture. But as the warmth of her body pressed against his, he found himself slowly relaxing, his arms instinctively encircling her, pulling her closer to him. He could feel the gentle rise and fall of her breath, and the soft, delicate weight of her in his arms filled him with an overwhelming sense of tenderness.

"Veer ji....thank you so much," she whispered, her voice muffled against his chest, her words laced with emotion. "Mujhe nahi pta aap bina mere kahe kaise meri har ek zarurat ya problem samaj jate ho. Yeh bracelet mere liye bohot special hai, kyunki yeh aap ki di hui pehli nishani hai mere paas. Aur yeh bracelet mujhe humesha yeh yaad dilata hai ki mein kabhi bhi akeli nahi hu, aap humesha mere saath ho." (I don't know how you understand every need or problem of mine without me saying anything. This bracelet is very special to me because it's the first gift you gave me. And this bracelet will always remind me that I am never alone, you are always with me.) She said with all the emotions she could gather, her voice trembling with the weight of her gratitude and love."

The sincerity in her voice, the deep gratitude and affection, stirred something in him that he could never quite put into words. He smiled, feeling his heart swell with love as he gently pulled back from the hug, but only enough to cradle her face in his hands. His thumbs traced the delicate curve of her cheeks, wiping away a tear that had escaped from the corner of her eye.

"Kashi," he began softly, his voice tender and full of warmth, "tumse judi chhoti si chhoti cheez bhi meri liye bohot ahmiyat rakhti hai." (Even the smallest thing connected to you holds great importance for me.) He looked deeply into her eyes, his gaze unwavering. "Aur tumhe mujhe kabhi kuch batana ki zaroorat vase bhi nahi padni chahiye, kyunki tumhe bas chahna hai, aur main woh tumhare liye le aunga." (And you should never feel the need to tell me anything, because all you have to do is want it, and I will bring it to you.)

As he spoke, he gently placed a finger under her chin, lifting her face slightly to meet his gaze. His eyes softened with an indescribable tenderness as he leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead, silently promising to always be there for her.

His words, so full of promise and love, lingered in the air between them, wrapping around her like a protective embrace. She looked up at him, her breath catching in her throat as her heart raced with a swirl of emotions,gratitude, love, and an overwhelming sense of safety.

In that moment, she realized how deeply he understood her,how he saw her without her having to explain a single thing. She had never known that someone could care so much, could grasp her silent worries and unspoken needs. With him, there was no need to ask for anything, because somehow, it felt like everything she could ever need was already there, right within her reach.

A quiet realization washed over her. This bond between them,so natural, so effortless, so pure. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever known. It was a connection that went beyond words, beyond gifts or grand gestures, because it was built on the foundation of understanding, trust, and an unspoken promise to always be there for each other. And as she stood there, in his arms, she knew that nothing could ever be more perfect than this.

"Ek (One) minute, Kashi," he said, gently pulling her out of her thoughts. He again walked back to the cabinet, opened another drawer, and retrieved a sleek box. This one was smaller, but it carried just as much significance as the velvet box from before. His expression softened, yet there was a quiet determination in his eyes.

He walked up to her, his steps measured and purposeful, and held out the box. "Kashi, yeh bhi tumhare liye," (Kashi, this one is also for you) he said, his voice full of care, each word laced with unspoken affection.

"Veer ji?" she asked, puzzled. "Yeh kya hai?" (What is this?)

"Open it," he urged gently, placing the box in her hands.

Hesitantly, she lifted the lid, revealing a brand-new smartphone. Her eyes widened in shock. "Veer ji, yeh....?" (Veer ji, this.....?)

"Tumhara phone toot gaya tha, yaad hai?" (Your phone was broken, remember?) he said, his tone casual yet firm. "Toh maine socha ki tumhare liye naya le aata hoon. Maine already sabke number isme save kar diye hai. Abb tumhe koi dikkat nahi hogi." (So I thought I'd get you a new one. I've already saved everyone's numbers in it. Now you won't face any trouble.)

Her lips parted in surprise, but no words came out. She stared at the phone for a moment, overwhelmed. It wasn't just a phone to her, it was yet another gesture of his thoughtfulness, his way of ensuring she lacked nothing.

"Veer ji, iski zarurat nahi thi," (Veer ji, there was no need for this) she said softly, her voice trembling. "Main manage kar leti." (I would have managed.)

"Kashi," he said, his tone suddenly serious, "tumhe zarurat nahi hogi, par mujhe toh hai. Office jaake jab mujhe tumhari yaad ayegi, toh mein tumhe call kaise kiya karunga?" (You might not need it, but I do. When I go to the office and miss you, how will I call you?") He added with a playful smile, lightening the mood, making her blush.

Kashi's cheeks turned pink as she looked away, her heart fluttering. "Veer ji, aap aaj kal mujhe bohot chedne lage ho. Kya hogaya hai aapko? Aap pehle toh aise nahi the." (Veer ji, you have been teasing me a lot lately. What has happened to you? You weren't like this before)

Vishwanath chuckled softly, his eyes full of warmth. He gently cupped her face, his fingers brushing her skin tenderly. "Pyaar hogaya hai tumse, meri pyaari Kashi," (I've fallen in love with you, my dear Kashi) he whispered, his voice low and full of affection, making her cheeks turn even a deeper shade of red.

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The night enveloped the room in its comforting silence, but not for Kashi. While Vishwanath had retired to bed and was now deep in peaceful slumber, she lay wide awake, her eyes tracing the soft outlines of his face in the dim moonlight streaming through the windows. Her heart ached with an unspoken longing. A longing for the peace she had experienced the previous night.

Last night, when the terrifying dream of Neel had shaken her to her core, Her Veer ji had been her heaven. He had soothed her fears, held her close, and let her sleep in his arms. It was the most comforting and restful sleep of her life, a solace she had never known before. His warmth, his protective embrace, it was her sanctuary, away from the harshness of the world. Tonight, however, that peace was missing. She longed for it again, for his arms around her, for the sense of safety and love he gave her.

But she was shy, painfully so. She buried her face in her pillow, mentally berating herself. Why can't I just ask him? she thought, frustrated. It's not such a big deal, is it? But then her overthinking kicked in. What if he teases me? She pouted at the thought, her shyness tying her in knots. Despite her longing, she couldn't bring herself to wake him up or ask for what she needed.

With a sigh, she sat up and decided to distract herself by exploring her new phone. The sleek device lit up as she unlocked it, scrolling aimlessly. Eventually, curiosity got the better of her and she suddenly thought of something. "Why not search about her Veer ji?" she mused aloud. After all, he was a prominent figure.

As soon as she typed "Vish," the search bar filled with suggestions related to him. She wasn't surprised, after all her husband was a king and one of the most influential business tycoons in the world. Article after article popped up, detailing his life, his achievements, and his influence. However, the sheer volume of articles, photos, and videos about him left her amazed.

Her fingers scrolled through the headlines until one caught her attention: "A Mystery Woman in Vishwanath Rai Singhania's Life?"

Intrigued, she clicked on it. The article speculated about a secret woman in his life and even claimed they had been spotted together in a hospital,"Both were wearing wedding outfits. Has Vishwanath Rai Singhania secretly gotten married?" the article read. Kashi's heart skipped a beat as her eyes landed on the accompanying picture. It showed their backs as they entered the hospital, surrounded by a sea of bodyguards. Neither face was visible, but she recognized the moment immediately, it was them.

Her hands trembled slightly as she read on, realizing the extent of scrutiny Vishwanath faced daily. Every move of his life was under the relentless gaze of the media and the world. She knew he was important, but this....this was a magnitude she hadn't fully understood before. It scared her. He was a giant force in a world far removed from her simple life. She felt a pang of fear, of inadequacy. Could she ever truly belong in his world? Would she be able to handle the scrutiny, the judgment, the endless spotlight?

Suddenly the phone slipped slightly in her grasp, and as she fumbled to steady it, her finger accidentally tapped on a video. The room was filled with loud dramatic sound, shattering the serene silence. Panicked, Kashi scrambled to turn it off, her heart racing.

However, the noise was enough to wake Vishwanath. He stirred, his brows furrowing, before sitting up groggily. His deep, sleep-laden voice called out, "Kashi?"

Kashi froze, her eyes wide with guilt. "I'm sorry, Veer ji" she blurted, momentarily forgetting all her previous worries. "Maine aapki neend disturb kar di. I'm so sorry. Yeh phirse nahi hoga. Aap so jaiye." (I've disturbed your sleep. I'm so sorry. It won't happen again. Please go back to sleep.)

Vishwanath sat up, rubbing his eyes as he looked at her. His deep voice was soft with concern. "Kashi, tum abhi tak soyi nahi? Kya hua?" (Kashi, you still haven't slept? What happened?)

She hesitated, biting her lip as she avoided his gaze. Finally, she muttered, "Veer ji....voh mujhe neend nahi aa rahi thi." (Veer ji.....I'm not feeling sleepy.)

He yawned, half awake. "Ohh....koi baat nahi, Kashi. Tum leto toh sahi aankh band karke. Tumhe zaroor neend aa jayegi."(Ohh....It's okay, Kashi. Just lie down and close your eyes. You'll definitely fall asleep.)

Kashi nodded, her eyes fluttering as she lay back down, both of them now facing each other. Vishwanath gently caressed her head, his touch tender and soothing, as if trying to guide her into sleep. His fingers traced soft circles through her hair.

She just wanted to say it aloud, "Veer ji, I want to cuddle with you," but her shy nature quickly made her drop the idea. The words lingered on the tip of her tongue, but the thought of voicing them felt too bold, too vulnerable. She stayed quiet, her heart racing as she felt the warmth of his presence beside her. His gentle caress on her hair only made her feel more connected to him, yet the quiet desire to be close to him, to feel his arms around her, made her cheeks flush with a deep, unspoken longing.

Vishwanath's eyes slowly drifted shut, his breathing steady and calm, his hand stopped caressing her head signalling that he had fallen back asleep. The absence of his touch left a slight emptiness, but his steady breathing filled the silence. But Kashi, despite the quiet peace that surrounded them, still couldn't sleep.

Five minutes passed. Then ten. Her restless eyes found their way back to her Veer ji. His face was serene, illuminated softly by the moonlight that filtered through the curtains. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, the rise and fall of his breath soothing in its consistency. He was asleep, completely unaware of her thoughts, of the restlessness gnawing at her from within.

She couldn't take it anymore. The longing for his embrace, for the safety and peace it brought, was too much to bear. Summoning her courage, she propped herself up on one elbow and gently shook his shoulder.

"Veer ji...." she whispered.

At the sound of her voice, his eyes fluttered open again immediately, and without hesitation, he shifted his weight onto his elbow too, his gaze sharpening. The concern in his voice was thick with sleep but laced with a tenderness that immediately soothed her restlessness.

"Kashi? Tum theek toh ho? Tumhe kuch chahiye?" (Kashi, are you okay? Do you need anything?) His hand instinctively moved towards her, searching for her, his brow furrowing with worry as he reached out, gently brushing her arm in a soft, protective gesture.

Her cheeks turned crimson, and she hesitated before saying, "Veer ji, pehle aap mujhe promise kijiye ki aap mujhe chedenge nahi." (Veer ji, first promise me that you won't tease me.)

Now almost fully awake, his lips curved into a small smile as he sensed her shyness. "Kashi," he said reassuringly, "main tumhe bilkul nahi chedunga, Promise. Abb batao, kya baat hai?" (Kashi, he said reassuringly, I promise I won't tease you. Now tell me, what's the matter?)

Taking a deep breath, she finally asked, "Veer ji....kya....kya main aapko kal ki tarah hug karke so sakti hoon?" (Veer ji....can I....can I sleep hugging you like yesterday?) Her voice was barely above a whisper, and she immediately looked down, too shy to meet his gaze.

For a moment, there was silence, intensifying her nervousness. Then a beautiful warm smile spread across Vishwanath's face, his heart swelling with love and without a word, he lay back down and gently pulled her into his arms. Their bodies collided softly, and an electric jolt passed through both of them as her wide eyes met his amused ones.

"Issme poochne ki kya baat hai, wifey?" (What is there to ask, wifey?) he teased, his voice low and affectionate. "Haq hai tumhara." (It's your right)

Kashi blushed furiously, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she rested her head on his chest, her arms wrapping around him hesitantly. He held her close, his embrace firm yet comforting.

His rhythmic heartbeat became her lullaby, the peace and warmth she had been craving washed over her in waves. In no time, she drifted into a tranquil sleep, her earlier fears and hesitations fading away.

Vishwanath watched her sleep, a sense of contentment filling him. Seeing her take this step, breaking through her wall of hesitation, made him happy. He knew she needed time to open up fully, and he was willing to wait forever if it meant seeing her progress at her own pace.

Leaning down, he again pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "My Kashi, My Queen " he thought before sleep claimed him once more, his arms still wrapped protectively around her.

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