CHAPTER 47: "THE BEAUTY HE SEES"

Don't forget to check out the author's note at the end of the chapter!❤️

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The evening sun bathed the majestic Singhania Mansion in hues of gold and amber, signaling the beginning of an enchanting night. The grand reception party was set to take place at the Singhania Palace, Bundelkhand's crown jewel. The palace, converted into the most luxurious seven-star hotel, with branches across India and a ranking among the top 10 hotels globally, it stood as the epitome of luxury and grandeur.

Once the ancestral home of the Singhania royal family, the palace was steeped in centuries of regal history. Generations of the family had lived within its grand walls, presiding over Bundelkhand with dignity and power.

It was Vishwanath's father, Rajendra Rai Singhania, who had initiated its transformation into a luxury hotel, turning it into a global symbol of their legacy. The family had since moved to the majestic Singhania Mansion, a modern estate that balanced opulence with practicality. Yet, the palace retained its aura of royalty, its grandeur serving as a proud reminder of the family's heritage.

Kashi stood in front of the large ornate mirror in her room, gazing at her reflection. The radiant, red satin gown she wore hugged her figure elegantly. It was a beautiful piece, classy and sophisticated, with thin straps and a neckline that wasn't too deep but still revealed a hint of her collarbone and slight glimpse of her cleavage. Despite its modesty compared to the other options, the gown made Kashi feel shy and self-conscious.

Pic credit: Google

The reception theme was Western, and during the gown selection with Shalini maa, this was the only option Kashi found acceptable and little less revealing. The other dresses were either strapless, had thigh-high slits, or sweetheart necklines that were far too deep for her comfort, choices that left her feeling uneasy.

Vishwanath, caught up in pressing matters, had entrusted the decision entirely to Shalini, confident that her mother would help Kashi find something suitable. Rudra who was also present there at the time of dress selection however, had been adamant that his Bhabhi had to look the best, taking it upon himself to ensure she stood out. He had intentionally steered her away from the more traditional gowns brought along for Shalini, insisting that Kashi embrace something modern yet elegant. With a cheeky grin, he had declared, "My Bhabhi has to look the most stunning queen tonight, and nothing less will do."

As Kashi turned slightly, the gown shimmered under the warm light, making her look every bit of a queen, she was. Her stylist had worked magic with her hair, pinning it into a soft, messy bun with a few loose side fringes framing her face, giving her a hot yet sweet look. Her ears were adorned with large diamond hoops, and her neck bore no necklace except the sacred mangalsutra, a symbol of her marriage to Vishwanath, sitting gracefully against her collarbone. She looked stunning.

But Kashi felt overwhelmed. She wasn't used to wearing such revealing attires. How would she even face her Veer ji, dressed like this, let alone walk into a hall full of people? She silently thanked God he had chosen to get ready in a different room, giving her the space to prepare herself.

Her anxious thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on the door. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Kashi, tum tayaar ho gayi ho kya? Main andar aa jaun?" (Kashi, have you gotten ready? Should I come in?) came Vishwanath's deep, familiar voice.

Kashi panicked. Her eyes darted to her reflection, and she felt a sudden wave of shyness. "E-Ek minute (O- One minute) , Veer ji! Rukiye (wait) " she stammered, her voice slightly shaky.

She immediately grabbed a shawl lying on the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders, trying to cover herself properly. Taking a deep breath, she steadied her voice and replied, "Aajaiye, Veer ji." (Come in, Veer ji)

The door opened, and in walked Vishwanath. The sight of him left Kashi momentarily breathless. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored blazer suit, a bow tie accentuating his sharp features. His blazer sported the royal crown brooch, a symbol of his authority and legacy. His hair was slicked back with gel, giving him a polished look. He looked every bit of the powerful, charismatic king that he was.

Kashi's breath hitched as she saw him. For a moment, she forgot all her inhibitions and worries, her eyes lingering on him as if seeing him for the first time. He looked so strong, so handsome, and yet there was a softness in his eyes that melted her heart. He was everything she could have ever wished for in a partner. A soft smile crept onto her lips as her heart filled with gratitude for the man who cared for her so deeply.

Vishwanath noticed her staring and smirked. "Wifey, tum mujhe aise check out kar rahi ho....lagta hai, aaj main thoda zyada handsome lag raha hoon, hmm?" (Wifey, you are checking me out like that....seems like I look a little extra handsome today, hmm?) he teased, his voice laced with playful charm.

Kashi's eyes widened in embarrassment. She immediately looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. "Main....main aapko check out nahi kar rahi thi, Veer ji," (I....I wasn't checking you out, Veer ji) she stammered, her cheeks turning pink.

Vishwanath raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "Accha? Toh aisa hai?" (Oh, is that so?) he teased further.

"S-sach mein, Veer ji, Main aapko check out nahi kar rahi thi....aur aap toh hamesha hi handsome lag....." (Truly, Veer ji, I wasn't checking you out... and you always look handsome....) Kashi stopped abruptly, realizing what she had just blurted out. Her face turned crimson as she looked anywhere but at him.

Vishwanath's grin widened, his teasing gaze locking onto hers. "Haan, haan, wifey. Mujhe pata hai. Waise hi jaise yeh bhi pata hai ki tum mujhe har roz check out karti ho," (Yes, yes, wifey. I know. Just like I know that you check me out every day) he added mischievously, coming closer to her, he smirked, enjoying her stunned expression. The poor innocent girl's secret was out. Kashi had developed a habit of secretly glancing at him whenever he got ready, but only for a very short moment and in her defense, that wasn't "checking out" according to her. However, Vishwanath had caught her several times stealing those fleeting glances, and now he wasn't letting it slide.

"A-Aisa kuch nahi hai, Veer ji" (I-It's nothing like that, Veer ji) she stammered, flustered.

Vishwanath chuckled and stepped closer, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. "Agar aap karti bhi hai toh isme chupane ki kya baat hai. Biwi hai aap humari aur agar aap check out nahi karogi toh kaun karega?" (Even if you do, what's there to hide? You are my wife, and if you don't check me out, then who will?)

Her face turned a deeper shade of red, and she quickly turned away, muttering, "Mujhe jaana hai." (I have to go)

She spun around, intending to flee, but Vishwanath gently grabbed her arm, stopping her. The sudden movement caused the shawl she had draped over herself to fall, pooling around her transparent block heels and partly over Vishwanath's polished shoes. Both of them froze, staring at the fallen fabric.

Before Kashi could think, her panic took over, and she did the only thing that came to her mind, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly, hiding her face against his chest.

Vishwanath was taken aback for a moment but quickly recovered, his arms encircling Kashi protectively. He held her close, his heart aching at the vulnerability in her trembling form. "Kya hua, Kashi?" (What happened, Kashi) he whispered softly, tilting his head slightly to catch a glimpse of her face. But Kashi only buried her face deeper into his chest, her voice muffled and shaky.

"Mujhse nahi hoga, Veer ji," (I won't be able to, Veer ji) she mumbled.

Vishwanath frowned slightly, concern etched on his face. "Kya nahi hoga, Kashi?" (What you won't be able to do Kashi?) he asked gently, his voice low and soothing.

"Veer ji....main iss dress mein sabke samne nahi jaa paaungi. Maine aise kapde kabhi nahi pehne hai," (Veer ji....I won't be able to go in front of everyone in this dress. I've never worn clothes like this before) Kashi confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vishwanath's gaze softened as he processed her words. His eyes flickered momentarily to her shoulder, where the thin straps of her gown rested delicately, before he quickly averted his gaze, his respect for her overriding any other emotion. He knew his beautiful wife was shy and innocent, and this sudden change, this new life, was overwhelming for her.

He gently placed his hands on her shoulders and carefully pulled her away, giving her the space she needed. His gaze never wavered from her face, his eyes locking with her downcast ones. Her cheeks were flushed a deep red, her shyness evident, but she trusted him enough to not pull away. His voice was firm yet tender. "Kashi, meri taraf dekho." (Kashi, look at me)

Her shy eyes fluttered upward, meeting his.

"Tum kuch aur pehna chahti ho?" (Do you want to wear something else?) he asked directly, his gaze unwavering and kind.

Kashi hesitated, then shook her head slightly, indicating a soft no. "Veer ji, yeh dress bohot sundar hai aur main ise pehna chahti hu....par maine pehle kabhi aise kapde nahi pehne hai. Main inme itna confident nahi feel kar rahi hu. Main kaise sab ke samne jaungi?" (Veer ji, this dress is very beautiful and I want to wear it....but I've never worn clothes like this before. I don't feel confident in them. How will I go in front of everyone?) Her voice trembled with the weight of her inexperience and the overwhelming situation.

Vishwanath nodded thoughtfully, before a small smile made its way to his lips. "Hmmm," he said, as though he had just thought of a solution. Without another word, he turned and walked into the dressing room. Moments later, he returned holding a white faux fur wrap, its soft texture perfect for the approaching winter in Bundelkhand. The wrap wasn't too warm or too cold, just right for the weather.

He handed it to Kashi, then respectfully turned to face the other side, giving her the privacy she needed. "Kashi, tum yeh wrap gown par daal lo. Isse tum comfortable feel karogi, aur tumhe dress ki tension lene ki bhi zarurat nahi padegi," (Kashi, wear this wrap over the gown. You will feel comfortable in it, and you won't have to worry about the dress) he said gently, a kind smile playing on his lips even as he kept his back turned to her.

Kashi stared at the wrap in her hands, her heart swelling with emotion. She was surprised, and deeply moved, by how much respect her Veer ji showed her. He was her husband, a man who had every right to claim her as his, yet not even once had he made her feel obligated or uncomfortable. His eyes never strayed below her face, not even for a fleeting moment, and he always prioritized her feelings above all else.

At that moment, Kashi decided to let go of her shyness, at least for him. Taking a deep breath, she reached out and gently held his wrist. "Meri taraf dekhiye, Veer ji," (Look at me, Veer ji) she said softly, her voice trembling with newfound courage.

Vishwanath was surprised but turned towards her, his gaze still rooted to hers, unwavering. His respect and love for her shone in his eyes.

Kashi took another deep breath, summoning all the courage she had. "Veer ji....mujhe dhekiye aur batayiye, main kaise lag rahi hoon," (Veer ji....look at me and tell me, how do I look?) she said, her voice almost a whisper. When she saw him about to protest, she quickly added, "Aapka haq hai yeh (It's your right.)

Vishwanath stepped closer to her, his face etched with a mixture of surprise and tenderness. Gently, he cupped her face, his fingers brushing her cheeks softly. "Kashi," he began, his voice deep and sincere,"Mera pyaar tumhare liye kisi haq se bohot zyada hai. Tum meri ho, sirf tumhare tum hone se. Main kabhi tumhari aankhon mein bechaini ya jijjak nahi dekh sakta." (My love for you is far beyond any right. You are mine, just by being you. I can never see restlessness or hesitation in your eyes)

His thumb brushed her cheek in a tender caress, his eyes boring into hers. "Tumhe mere liye kuch bhi karne ki zarurat nahi hai, sirf isliye ki main tumhara pati hoon. Mera pyaar tumhare liye sirf haq tak seemit nahi hai. Tumhara sukoon, tumhari muskaan, yeh meri sabse badi zarurat hai." (You don't need to do anything for me just because I'm your husband. My love for you is not limited to any right. Your peace, your smile, these are my biggest needs)

Kashi felt tears prick her eyes, her heart swell, his words wrapping around her like a warm embrace.Yet, despite her shy nature, she knew she needed to say this, for both of them. Taking another deep breath, she spoke softly, her gaze steady though her cheeks were aflame.

"Veer ji, yeh sab main sirf isliye nahi keh rahi, kyunki mujhe lagta hai ki yeh aapka haq hai. Main chahti hoon ki aap mujhe dekhein....mujhe batayein main kaise lag rahi hoon. Main chahti hoon ki humare beech yeh sharam aur jhijhak khatam ho jaye." (Veer ji, I'm not saying all this just because I think it's your right. I want you to look at me....tell me how I look. I want this shyness and hesitation between us to end)

Her courage faltered as the words left her lips, and she lowered her gaze again, unable to hold his intense eyes any longer.

Vishwanath's gaze softened even further as he gently tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Mere liye tum iss duniya ki sabse khoobsurat ladki ho, Kashi," (For me, you are the most beautiful girl in this world, Kashi) he said, his voice firm and sincere.

Kashi's breath hitched at the intensity in his eyes, but before she could say anything, he continued, his tone turning even more tender. "Lekin tumhari jo cheez mujhe sabse zyada pasand hai, woh pata kya hai?" (But do you know what is the thing I like the most about you?) he asked, his lips curling into a small smile as she looked up at him with curiosity, eager to know.

Brushing his thumb lightly against her chin, he murmured "Woh hai tumhara masoom dil. Tumhari sharafat aur sachai tumhe itna khoobsurat banati hai ki usse kisi kapde ya gehne ki zarurat nahi hai." (It's your innocent heart. Your goodness and honesty makes you so beautiful that you don't need any clothes or jewellery to enhance it.)

Kashi's heart raced at his words, and she couldn't meet his gaze for long. But in her heart, she felt lighter, freer. She knew she had chosen the right man to love.

Kashi hesitated for a moment, her heart racing, but then she mustered the courage to speak again. "Veer ji....ek baar mujhe dekh lijiye. Aapki patni chahti hai ki aap usse dekhein," (Veer ji....just look at me once. Your wife wants you to look at her) she said softly, her cheeks flushing but her resolve firm.

Vishwanath looked at her, startled by her insistence. For the first time, his shy, soft-spoken wife had made a demand. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he decided to give in to her very first request. Tilting his head slightly, he met her gaze, his voice teasing yet unbearably gentle. "Kya mujhe ijaazat hai, wifey?" (Do I have permission, wifey?) he asked, warmth and affection lacing every word.

Kashi felt her cheeks grow warmer, but she nodded slightly, her lashes brushing her cheeks as she lowered her gaze briefly. "Ji, Veer ji," (Yes, Veer ji) she whispered, giving him the permission he sought.

Taking a step back to fully take her in, Vishwanath's sharp gaze traveled slowly, appreciating every inch of her. The gown hugged her delicate frame beautifully, fitting her like it was made just for her. His eyes traced the hem of her gown, then moved upward, grazing the slight peek of her cleavage that the dress revealed, to the delicate straps adorning her shoulders, before quickly meeting her wide, shy eyes.

She looked like a dream, a vision of elegance and innocence intertwined. The gown, though bold for her modest personality, complemented her perfectly, accentuating her natural beauty and grace. She wasn't just beautiful, she was ethereal, the embodiment of a queen, his queen.

His lips parted slightly as he exhaled, his admiration clear in every breath. "Beautiful and mesmerizing, just like a queen you are, my queen, all mine" he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "Kashi, tum ek khoobsurat sapna ho jo meri haqeeqat ban gaya hai." (Kashi, you are a beautiful dream that has become my reality) His words were soft, yet they carried a depth of conviction, each one laced with pride and love.

Kashi's heart swelled at his words, and for the first time, she didn't feel the slightest discomfort under someone's gaze. This wasn't just anyone, it was her Veer ji, the man who had always made her feel safe and cherished. This is how it feels to have the right man by your side, she thought, her heart fluttering with gratitude and affection.

She was still lost in her thoughts when she felt the gentle brush of Vishwanath's hands as he draped the white faux fur wrap over her shoulders. His touch was tender, as though handling something fragile and precious. Then, with practiced precision, he secured it with the a diamond brooch.

(Pic credit: google)

The brooch glittered against the soft fabric, and Vishwanath stepped back to admire his work, his eyes softening as they met hers again. "Perfect!" he said, a small, satisfied smile gracing his lips.

Kashi couldn't help but smile back, the butterflies in her stomach now settling into a pleasant warmth. He always had a way of making her feel special, of reminding her of her worth without needing to say a single word.

After a final glance to ensure everything was in place, Vishwanath extended his hand towards her, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and affection. "Chale, wifey?" (Shall we go, wifey?) he asked, his tone light but full of meaning.

Kashi's shy smile grew as she placed her hand into his, her fingers fitting perfectly in his firm grasp. "Ji, Veer ji," (Yes, Veer ji) she replied softly, her voice steady despite the flurry of emotions within her.

Together, they walked out of the room, hand in hand, ready to face the world. The weight of her earlier insecurities was gone, replaced by a quiet confidence that stemmed from knowing she had the right man by her side, her protector, her partner, her Veer ji.

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Author's note 📖

Hello my amazing readers,

I know this chapter is coming really late, but I want to take a moment to explain. The past week had been really difficult for me, and I had some personal reasons for my delay. I had to submit a really important project, and in the process, I overexerted myself, which led to arm pain and a fever. But that's not all , I received some heartbreaking news that really affected me. I found out that a friend I made online, someone who had supported me from the beginning, is no longer with us. Though we never met in person, we interacted a lot, and she was the first to review my book. Losing her was incredibly shocking and painful for me.

I just didn't feel like doing anything for a while, and though I had completed this chapter a while ago, I just couldn't bring myself to post it. I was truly upset. I hope you understand, and I'm so grateful for your support. Thank you for being patient and for sticking with me through this.

With love,

Smiling cupcake🧁