CHAPTER 48 "I BELONG TO YOU"

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The grand reception hall of Bundelkhand Palace sparkled with opulence, a testament to the grandeur of Bundelkhand's royal family. Chandeliers cast a golden glow across the room, and the air was filled with the soft hum of music intertwined with murmured conversations. Kashi stood beside Vishwanath, as they greeted the guests. His demeanor commanding respect, as he conversed with business tycoons, dignitaries, and political leaders from across the country.

"This is my beautiful wife, Kashi," Vishwanath introduced her to yet another influential couple. His deep voice, tinged with pride, made Kashi's heart flutter.

Kashi bowed her head politely, offering a soft smile. Though the attention overwhelmed her, Vishwanath's reassuring hand on the small of her back kept her anchored. The way he looked at her, as if she were the most precious gem in the room, made her feel secure in this unfamiliar world of power and prestige.

As the evening progressed, a waiter appeared with a tray of champagne flutes, each glass shimmering with golden liquid. Vishwanath, without hesitation, reached for a glass, the crystal catching the light. Kashi's heart raced as the tray approached her.

She stared at the sparkling liquid, her thoughts in turmoil. What should I do? I have never had alcohol before. Should I take one to avoid standing out? But I don't want to!?

Her mind waged a silent battle as her hand hesitated to take the glass. Before she could make a decision, his deep voice cut through her thoughts, steady and filled with understanding. "Please bring a glass of apple juice for my wife."

The waiter paused, nodded respectfully, and left to fulfill the request.

Kashi blinked, her wide eyes darting towards Vishwanath. He had resumed his conversation as if nothing unusual had occurred, holding his champagne flute with an air of nonchalance. Yet, his subtle smile revealed that he had been acutely aware of her discomfort.

Her chest swelled with a mix of emotionz that included love, admiration, and an overwhelming sense of being cherished. How did he always seem to know her needs, even when she hadn't voiced them? It was as if he could read her soul, understanding her better than she understood herself.

A few moments later, the waiter returned with a sparkling glass of apple juice, placing it gently in front of her. Kashi took the glass, her fingers trembling slightly.

As she sipped the cool, sweet juice, her eyes found Vishwanath's. He glanced at her with a subtle warmth that spoke volumes, his actions weren't meant to draw attention but to ensure her comfort. In that moment, surrounded by grandeur and hundreds of people, Kashi felt like the luckiest woman alive.

When there was a brief lull in his conversation, Vishwanath leaned closer to her, his voice a gentle murmur meant only for her ears. "You don't have to do anything you are uncomfortable with, Kashi. This world may seem daunting, but i will never let you face it alone."

Her lips trembled with a smile, her voice barely a whisper. "Thank you, Veer ji. For everything."

He gave her a small, knowing smile and returned to his conversation, but his hand brushed hers for a fleeting moment a silent reassurance that she was never alone.

Kashi's heart brimmed with love for him. Amidst the grandeur and extravagance, it wasn't the jewels, the applause, or the luxurious setting that made her feel like a queen, it was the man standing beside her.

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The air still buzzed with chatter and the soft clinking of glasses. Kashi stood beside Vishwanath, finally getting a brief respite from the endless line of guests offering their well wishes. She let out a small breath, glancing up at her husband.

Vishwanath turned towards her, his sharp features softening as he studied her face."Kashi, tum party enjoy kar rahi ho na?" (Kashi, are you enjoying the party?) he asked, his voice laced with warmth.

Kashi lowered her gaze for a moment before looking back at him with a shy smile. "Haan Veer ji, aap jab tak mere saath ho, koi bhi cheez boring nahi ho sakti," (Yes, Veer ji, as long as you are with me, nothing can be boring) she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vishwanath arched a brow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Accha, toh aisa hai wifey," (Oh, so that's how it is, wifey) he drawled teasingly, stepping just a little closer. Kashi nodded shyly, her gaze flickering towards him before dropping to the floor.

Leaning in, his breath tickled her ear as he whispered, "Aur tumhe pata hai Kashi,jab meri sweet aur pyaari wifey mere saath nahi hoti na toh yeh saari duniya mujhe boring lagne lagti hai." (And you know, Kashi, when my sweet and lovely wifey is not with me, the whole world feels boring to me.)

Kashi let out a soft giggle, her cheeks heating up at his words. "Veer ji, aap bhi na...." (Veer ji, you are just....) she mumbled, shaking her head in amusement.

Vishwanath chuckled, pleased with her reaction. "Main bhi na, kya wifey?" (I am just what, wifey?") he teased, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Tumhare Veer ji ke liye tumhare yeh cute expressions hi kaafi hai khush hone ke liye." (Your cute expressions are enough to make your Veer ji happy.)

Just as Kashi opened her mouth to reply, a sudden arrival of a voice laced with menace interrupted them. Congratulations to the newlyweds," a sickly sweet tone rang through the air.

Kashi turned to see a tall woman approaching them, her silk gown clinging to her frame in a way that screamed deliberate seduction. The deep neckline and high slit made it clear that she wanted to draw attention. Kashi immediately recognized her, she was Maya, Rajendra uncle's friend's daughter. The same woman who thought she was destined to marry her Veer ji, as Maya's father had proposed Vishwanath's hand for her through Rajendra. But since Vishwanath loved Kashi, this never happened.

There was a smirk on Maya's lips as her eyes flickered over Kashi for a second before moving straight to Vishwanath, dismissing her presence as if she was insignificant.

Instead of offering a handshake, Maya pulled Kashi into a brief hug,that held no warmth. Her arms barely touched Kashi's back, the gesture executed with an air of obligation rather than genuine friendliness, as if the very act of touching her was distasteful. The scent of Maya's overpowering perfume lingered in the air, sharp and heady, making Kashi's stomach churn slightly.

But the moment Maya turned to Vishwanath, she latched onto him tightly, pressing herself into him, her hold lingering far longer than necessary. The way she tilted her head up, her lips curving into a flirtatious smile, made Kashi's fingers curl slightly into fists at her sides.

"Vishwanath," Maya purred, her voice dripping with an unnatural sweetness, completely ignoring Kashi's presence now. "It's been so long....I was starting to think you had forgotten me." She let out a soft, dramatic sigh before flashing him a sugary smile.

"But I must say, congratulations on your marriage," she added, her tone deceptively sweet. Then, with a slow tilt of her head, she let out a soft chuckle. "Though, I must admit, I never expected you to settle down so....quietly. And with a commoner, no less." She said this while casting a brief, dismissive glance at Kashi, her eyes holding a hint of condescension, as if Kashi wasn't even worth acknowledging properly.

A flicker of discomfort crossed Vishwanath's face, his sharp features momentarily betraying his irritation. The warmth that had been in his eyes while teasing Kashi vanished, replaced by an unreadable coldness. Without hesitation, he broke the hug, his grip firm yet controlled as he placed a hand on Maya's wrist, gently but unmistakably pushing her away. Stepping back, he created a noticeable distance between them, his towering presence exuding quiet authority.

His jaw tightened, a muscle ticking at the side, but his expression remained composed. "Thank you," he said, his voice curt, the politeness forced yet unwavering. He didn't feel it necessary to answer her further, refusing to entertain her provocations. However, he wasn't oblivious to the subtle sarcasm woven into her words, how Maya had so effortlessly tried to demean Kashi for being a commoner. His gaze darkened ever so slightly, a quiet warning flickering in his eyes, but he held his silence, unwilling to let Maya's petty games disrupt the evening.

Maya, however, wasn't done. She placed her hand on his arm, her long nails pressing into his sleeve. "Vishwanath, you got married secretly? Didn't even tell any of us?" she pouted playfully.

Vishwanath subtly tried to pull his arm away, his patience thinning. "Yes, it happened in the presence of only family members."

Kashi noticed how Maya barely acknowledged her, treating her like an invisible entity standing in the background. The way she looked at Vishwanath, made an unease settle in her chest.

Then, with a slow turn and a vicious smile, Maya finally acknowledged her. "So, you are the lucky girl who got the chance to become the Queen of Bundelkhand," she said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness before adding with an almost mocking lilt, "Aaaaaah, we have met before, haven't we? You were working at the cupcake stall, right? What was your name again? Don't mind."

Kashi stiffened slightly, feeling the subtle jab. She swallowed down her awkwardness and answered in a calm voice, "Kashi."

Maya let out a soft, exaggerated laugh. "Oh, hyy Kashi." Her voice was honeyed, laced with faux friendliness, as if she had just now decided to acknowledge Kashi's presence.

Then, with an innocent tilt of her head, she continued, "If you don't mind, can I take your husband for a dance? Just for five minutes?" She batted her lashes, "We are old friends, after all," she added with a sweet smile, her tone carrying just the right amount of entitlement. "If you don't mind, of course." Her gaze lingered on Kashi.

Maya understood that Kashi was an innocent girl and would likely give in, making it all too easy to assert her dominance. She knew exactly how to play this game, how to smile sweetly while delivering subtle jabs, how to get what she wanted without outright hostility.

Kashi's fingers instinctively clenched against the sides of her gown. Something about Maya's request unsettled her. She didn't like the way Maya was trying to cling to her husband, as if staking a claim she didn't even have. There was an unspoken arrogance in the way Maya spoke, as if she had some right over Vishwanath, one that didn't exist.

Still, not wanting to appear impolite, Kashi nodded slightly and looked to the side. After all, Maya was Rajendra Papa's friend's daughter and a family friend. Causing a scene over something like this didn't seem right. Maybe in high-class society, asking someone else's husband for a dance was perfectly normal, Kashi thought. Perhaps she was just overthinking it.

But before anything could happen, Vishwanath's voice, deep and firm, cut through the air like a blade.

"Sorry, Maya, but I'm married now, and I don't prefer dancing with anyone else except for my beautiful wife."

The words were final.

Before Maya could process the rejection, Vishwanath took Kashi's hand in his own, gently but possessively, making her look up at him in surprise. His other hand settled on her small back, pulling her closer, a silent yet unmistakable declaration of his love for Kashi.

Maya's face twisted in shock and embarrassment. She hadn't expected Vishwanath to reject her so bluntly. For a moment, her carefully crafted confidence wavered, the smugness in her eyes replaced by disbelief. She let out a forced chuckle, trying to mask the sting of rejection. "Oh, that's fine. I was just asking as a friendly gesture. Excuse me."

As Maya went away, leaving them alone, Vishwanath turned to Kashi, extending his hand towards her, his intense gaze locking onto hers.

"May I have a dance with you, Mrs. Singhania?"

Kashi's heart pounded as she looked into his eyes. There was something in them, something unspoken yet powerful. Silent fury, not directed at her, but there.

He had never called her Mrs. Singhania before. It was always Kashi or wifey. Had she done something wrong? Was he angry with her? Had she unknowingly upset him? Was he disappointed in her? A flood of questions filled her mind, each one making her more uncertain."

She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry, and glanced at his outstretched hand for a moment before placing hers gently in his.

The lights dimmed, and a soft romantic melody filled the hall. As Vishwanath led her to the dance floor, a few other couples joined in, but Kashi could only focus on the man holding her close.

Vishwanath's grip on her waist tightened slightly as he pulled her closer, his movements smooth and effortless. Every step he took, every twirl he guided, was a silent declaration to the world, she was his, and he was hers.

Kashi barely noticed the murmurs or the eyes watching them. All she could feel was the warmth of his touch, the possessiveness in his gaze as he twirled her gracefully.

With one final pull, Vishwanath brought her flush against him, their bodies pressed together. The world blurred around them as he leaned in, his lips hovering just near her ear.

"Never let anyone take what rightfully belongs to you, not even for a second." he murmured, his voice laced with possessiveness. "That includes me as well because I belong only to you. Do you understand?"

A shiver ran down Kashi's spine. She looked up at him, speechless, only to see the intensity burning in his gaze.

When she didn't answer immediately, he repeated, firmer this time, "Do you understand, my love?"

She swallowed, feeling a warmth bloom in her chest. "Yes," she whispered.

His lips curved into the faintest smile before he leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead.

A loud cheer erupted from the background, followed by hoots and claps.

Kashi's cheeks flushed a deep red, but she couldn't bring herself to look away from the man holding her. Because in that moment, as the world celebrated them, she knew, she belonged to him, just as he belonged to her.

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As more people joined the dance floor, Vishwanath gently led Kashi to a quieter corner, where they had a little privacy. His grip on her hand was firm yet gentle, his warmth grounding her. Kashi hesitated for a moment before looking up at him, her voice soft with uncertainty.

"Aap mujhse gussa hai kya, Veer ji?" (Are you angry with me, Veer ji?") she asked hesitantly, searching his face for an answer.

Vishwanath sighed, his thumb grazing over her knuckles. "Main gussa nahi hoon, Kashi. Par mujhe accha nahi laga ki tumne Maya ko itni asani se haan kar diya mere saath dance karne ke liye," he admitted, his voice laced with something deeper than mere displeasure. "Kashi, Maya mere liye koi nahi hai. Par tum.....tum mere liye mera sab kuch ho. Tum kaise kisi aur ladki ko araam se mere saath dance karne ke liye haan kar sakti ho?"

(I'm not angry, Kashi. But I didn't like that you agreed so easily when Maya asked you to let me dance with her," he admitted, his voice laced with something deeper than mere displeasure. "Kashi, Maya means nothing to me. But you....you are my everything. How could you so easily agree to let another girl dance with me?)

Kashi's breath hitched, realization washing over her like a wave. She had thought she was just being polite, just following the unspoken rules of high society, but hearing his words her gaze lowered in guilt. "Veer ji" she murmured, clutching his hand. "Mujhe laga yeh sab normal hai high-class societies mein aur Maya ji apki family friend....." (I thought this was normal in high-class societies, and Maya ji is your family friend.....)

Vishwanath gently lifted her chin, which made her stop talking and look at him. His dark eyes bore into hers, filled with an intensity that made her heart race. "Normal agar ho bhi, Kashi....par tumhe pura haq hai naa karne ka." His voice softened, yet held a possessive edge. "Main tumhara pati hoon....sirf aur sirf tumhara." He paused for a moment before adding, "Aur rahi baat Maya ki toh maine tumhe bataya na she is nobody to me, Kashi." (Even if it's normal, Kashi....you have every right to say no.His voice softened, yet held a possessive edge. I am your husband....only and only yours. He paused for a moment before adding, And as for Maya, I already told you,she is nobody to me, Kashi.)

Her heart clenched at the raw sincerity in his words. It was then that she truly understood, this wasn't about high-class norms or polite formalities. It was about them. About her right over him.

Kashi's looked up at him with all the love in her, earnest eyes. She stepped a little closer, her fingers instinctively tightening around his. "Veer ji....mujhe samajh aa gaya hai. Mujhe Maya ji ko apke saath dance karne ke liye haan nahi kehna chahiye tha. I'm sorry," she said softly. (Veer ji....I understand now. I shouldn't have said yes to Maya ji to dance with you. I'm sorry, she said softly)

Vishwanath's expression softened, and without another word, he cupped her cheek, his touch full of warmth. "Bas itna hi samajhna tha Kashi, aur tum mujhe baar baar sorry mat bola karo, mujhe accha nahi lagta" (That's all you needed to understand, Kashi. And stop saying sorry again and again, I don't like it) he murmured, his lips curving into a smile.

Kashi blushed, lowering her gaze, but he again tipped her chin up, making her meet his intense stare. "Wifey abb agar koi bhi ladki mujhe dance ke liye puchegi toh?" (Wifey, what if any other girl asks me for a dance now?) he asked playfully.

Kashi, now understanding him completely, straightened her posture, her wide eyes holding newfound confidence. "Toh main unhe saaf- saaf mana kar dungi aur yeh bhi bta dungi ki Veer ji sirf aur sirf mere hain," (Then I will clearly refuse them and also let them know that Veer ji belongs only and only to me) she declared with a determined pout, her eyes shining with innocence and possessiveness.

Vishwanath's heart swelled with love at the sight, of her cute expressions, the slight frown on her delicate face, the way she clutched his hand as if claiming him for eternity. And then there was her bold declaration, vowing to let everyone know that he belonged only to her. That possessiveness, wrapped in innocence, made his heart race. In that moment, he felt like the luckiest man alive. How had he been blessed with such a beautiful, loving, and pure-hearted wife? He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and whisper just how much she meant to him.

Vishwanath's smile deepened, pride flashing in his gaze. "Yahi toh sunna chahta tha main, meri cute wifey," (That's exactly what I wanted to hear, my cute wifey) he murmured before gently pulling her cheeks in fondness, before pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead.

And as he pulled her into his embrace, Kashi knew, she had found her place. Right here, in his arms.

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Author's Note 📖

Hello my lovely readers🎀

I'm really sorry for not updating for a long while. I was extremely busy with my college external exams, and it's safe to say that my entire Jan and half of Feb were completely occupied. Also i didn't wanted to keep you all hanging. Thank you so much for your patience, love and support. A very warm welcome to all the new readers, welcome to the Smiling's Book Universe! I'm so happy to have you here. Now that my exams are over, I will be giving more frequent updates. Please don't worry, guys, I will never abandon this book. I promise to complete it! Also, if I ever don't update for a long time, there's probably some issue, and I always make sure to inform you guys on the message board. Please keep a check there too, and thank you for sticking with me💕

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