Rudransh's POV:

My actions were halted at the view. It was my Princess clenching my arms tightly screaming my name. I knew I was hallucinating but that was comforting.

I closed my eyes and then opened it. And then she was gone. By remembering that state, anger came rushing to my brain. I gripped the gun and pulled the trigger.

Gunshot echoed and they were gone. "Let's go from here," Abhishek said while putting his hand on my shoulder. I nodded.

We left.

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"How the fuck are we gonna find out about the fucking reason?" I said in a tone which was laced with anger.

"I am trying to figure that out too man," Ashutosh said while focusing on his laptop. He came to my office to tell me that he got the CCTV footage of the hospital but it was of no use.

We couldn't see her view of her from the camera angle. At this point, it was getting too much out of control. I was fucking dying for her but she wouldn't let me touch her.

I know how I controlled myself by not going in front of her. It took all my inner resilience not to call her. Although, I texted her a few times but was failed.

"I'll do it my way. You don't do anything." I said to Ashutosh as I stood from my chair and moved toward my window. I have to do it my way now! I cannot let it slip away. I cannot let her go.

"Ok! I'll meet you at the Pooja!" He said as he attended a call.

Today is SHIV VIVAH at home. She will also be there and that'll be the perfect opportunity to make her say things.

My heart was already racing because of her thoughts. I had to wrap up office work quickly so I could get home quickly.

AHANA'S POV:

"I'm in no mood, Shreya!" I said in an irritating tone to her as she listened calmly on the phone.

"See babe, I know you are in no mood, it is difficult for you but you have to do it. You cannot hide from him forever." She is correct, I cannot hide from him forever. I don't want to. I have to go.

"Hm, The least I can do is I'll go for a short period and will come back real quick," I said with a heavy heart and tightened chest. And she nodded in favour.

She is my therapist. Not as a friend but as a professional therapist. She is best in what she does. The moment she opens her mouth, I feel I can rely on her.

I went to my closet to pick up an outfit. I will wear traditional only as it is 'SHIV VIVAH'.

Flashback Started

I was in my restaurant trying to distract myself from his thoughts when my phone rang. I went to it and picked it up real quick to see who it was.

It was Veenita Aunty calling...

But why is she calling me? She doesn't do that like a normal thing. Did she get to know that he was shot?

Multiple questions ran through my head and to shut them I picked up the call.

"Hello" A cheerful voice came from the other side.

"Namaste Aunty" I responded.

"Namaste Bache! How are you?" She sounded as usual and I was relieved that she was not aware otherwise she might have freaked out.

"I'm good, Aunty. How are you?" I took a deep breath and sat on the nearest chair.

"Bache, I called to invite you for SHIV VIVAH at our residence. Your parents are not here otherwise they too would have come.

I cannot go. He will also be there. I don't have answers to his questions.

"Suddenly kyu? Any occasion?"

"Nahi Bache aisa kuch khaas nahi. Just Rudransh is behaving and being different these days. And I thought Shiv could make him feel good. Tabhi" she suddenly sounded tensed.

I was the reason for his every change. I was the reason for his stress. I couldn't tell but I also couldn't change the fact that I am guilty here.

"Hello, bache" her voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Hnji Aunty!"

"Time par aajana! I will wait for you." She said. But I cannot go. How can I? I cannot show my face, I will get weak at his glimpse.

"Aunty, I'm sorry I don't think meh aa paungi." With a heavy heart, I declined her invitation.

"Bache, I am not listening to any excuses. I want you there."

"But Aun--"

"No, buts. I want you to be here on time and that's it. Final." She said and hung up. She didn't let me complete it.

Flashback Ended

It has been 3 days since that call and here I am mentally preparing myself to see him. My body reacts differently when he is around. My heart starts dancing and I feel light.

I was just going there not to disappoint Aunty. I picked up a Red Suit (Traditional Wear). I don't know why but it looked beautiful and wore that.

I was nervous for today. I was feeling anxious. I have not heard from him since that car incident. He hasn't reached out to me. Although, it was good my heart was aching.

I went to my car and drove off to his place.

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I came out of the car and saw the view in front of me which was his house. My heart pounded like a wild animal caged and wanted its freedom. My hands were getting sweaty and from this, I knew I was nervous. I glanced around me and I didn't see his car.

He might be not at home.

But wherever is SHIV, he is present? Why is he not home yet?

Why am I thinking it too much? It is a win-win situation for me. I won't have to face him.

I took a deep breath and started moving towards the house. The house was beautifully decorated with red roses. The full entrance had this very huge Rangoli made with marigolds and red and white roses. The view was breathtaking. I stood there for a moment to take that all in and calm my nerves.

I went inside the house and expected a large crowd inside. But there was just a little noise of his mother instructing someone. I moved ahead and his mum came into my view. The mandap was again decorated with Red Roses and smelled great. My surroundings were looking peaceful but the peace which I wanted was missing.

"Ahana Bache!" These words from his mum brought me back to the place. I saw her coming to me with a cheerful bright smile. She looks utterly gorgeous in a mustard colour saree and her hair middle is parted as they were tied in a sleek bun.

"Namaste, Aunty!" I bent a little to touch her feet but she took me in a warm hug.

"How many times do I have to tell you 'Betiyaan Paaeir nahi chuti'!" She said while hugging me. This hug was much needed. It was full of love, and warmth and felt like just my mum hugged me. I miss her and I need to tell her to come back ASAP.

"This is for you." I forwarded her a gift which I bougght for while coming here as she pulled back from the back."This was not needed, beta."

"Take it please, I bought it with love." And with this she took it. She then kept a hand on my back and took me inside with her. The mandir looked eternal. I quickly clicked a picture of it and put my phone back in my purse. She then took me to the living where everyone was present.

The first person that came to my site was Abhishek and Ashutosh.

WTF! If they are here. Where is he?

Although, I didn't want to see him but he should be here with everyone.

My eyes moved in every corner within their sight but there was no sign of him. I clenched my purse tightly as negative thoughts hit my brain.

"He will be here soon! He is in the office." I heard a whisper coming from my beside. I turned my head to see a smiling Abhishek who was always standing with a straight face.

"I was not looking for him." I had to cover up because I was fucking caught. I was an idiot who forgot that he and his friends were hawks.

"Oh! I too didn't mention anyone. I was saying in general." He said with a straight face but I knew he would report this to his dearest friend too but I CANNOT FUCK UP. 

"Bha--  Ahana, you want something?" Ashutosh asked and I nodded NO.

'Arre Riya, aao beta' I heard his mom inviting some girl whom I had never met before. I turned towards her to get her full view!

She was in a bright pink lehenga.

Why the fuck is she wearing a lehenga?

Ashutosh and Abhishek came, as they stood on my side.

"She is hot," Ashutosh exclaimed and we both eyed.

I was looking at Ashutosh when I heard a familiar name. It was that name which made my heart race and made me lose my mind.

I turned to look and there he was looking hot as hell as usual. He was wearing a sky-blue kurta with mirror work. My heart was beating erratically because I saw him after a full 3 days and now I am nervous.

But he came after that girl.

Did they come together?

Why would he come with her?

What if he does? Then I have to be okay with it. I don't have much of a choice.

I wasn't thinking straight, the fact is I wasn't thinking I was overthinking. My brain was glitching because I saw him coming with someone and I wanted to be okay with that situation.

They haven't noticed us three as of now. I wanted him not to see me at any cost and thought to run away.

"Come on, let's be there," Abhishek said as he started moving but I was glued to my place. My feet were heavy. My body wanted to move but I didn't have the courage.

"I'm good! You both go." I plastered a smile as I gestured for them to go.

"Chlo bhi." Ashutosh grabbed the side of my shoulder and pulled me with him. My all protest died when I reached near them and he saw me.

The moment he saw me, I could feel his gaze moving all over my body. My stomach was full of butterflies and my lips were sealed as I was looking here and there.

Abhishek and Ashutosh introduced themselves to that girl and I just stood there.

"Hi! I'm Riya. Rudransh's friend" I haven't heard about his any friend named Riya before. She forwarded her hand and I took it.

"Hi! I'm Ahana Kapoor. A family friend." I replied while plastering a fake ass smile on my face while getting glimpses of him who was already staring at my fucking soul.

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We all were waiting for the SHIV VIVAH to get started when I saw his Grandfather staring at me.

Yes, He too had come for the purest ceremony but indeed became negative because of his toxic presence. He eyed for 2 minutes thinking that I might be scared. I am not scared of him for him, I am scared of his way to get me.

He was pushing Riya's name in every possible place that could happen. I don't know what he's trying to do or trying to achieve.

I stood near the mandap as the Pandit ji called everyone. I was wondering as he hadn't talked to me yet. Although, he was looking at me all the time I could feel his heated gaze on me.

Ahana! It is better if he doesn't.

But he was talking to that Riya. My heart was aching at the site. Fuck! I was feeling different. Jealous? No! Fuck No!

I wanted to go home. Soon, Pandit Ji started chanting the mantra. I looked around everyone was standing in pairs and here I was standing alone.

I folded my hands and started praying.

"Rudra, aage aaja. Riya ke sath." My eyes were shot open upon hearing these words.

I looked at my right side and I saw him already looking at me with his caramel eyes. His fabric was brushing my arm and goosebumps erupted all over my body.

His daddu called him again but his eyes were stuck on me. And he stood firmly by my side. I saw him and then his Grandfather who was already looking at me with evil instincts.

He called him again but he didn't move. I need to dissolve this. I don't know what his grandfather could do to Ayaan and Yashika if he didn't move from his place.

I took a step backwards from him making a place for another person. His brown orbs were now dark. I could see a change in expression, his body posture was stiffened and his gaze was still making a hole in my body.

The moment I moved, Riya came and stood near him. My heart was crying, tears were blurring my vision but I squeezed my eyes shut to get rid of them.

I am sorry Ru. I am sorry.

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RUDRANSH'S POV:

I was fuming with anger. First time in my entire fucking life my heart was aching. I stood with her because that is my fucking place.

My place is beside her always.

She moved back from me. And I was broken from that sight. I wanted my answers. She can't do this to me and be quiet. And I fucking want to get away from this Riya.

The moment I entered the house earlier, I knew she was already present. Her bodyguard who is her shadow had already told me.

I saw her in a Red dress and I was gone. She was looking eternal. A Goddess whom I wanted to worship and I wanted to adore the path she walks on.

I wanted to kiss her so bad but now she is doing nothing but hurting me and trying to rift us apart.

Not Done, Princess. You have to give answers to my questions and I will meet you after the Puja.

---------------------------------

"Maa, I will be back," I said to my mum as I had to attend an important call. I was going towards my room when I saw daddy talking with someone.

As I approached my room's staircase I saw him clearly and he was there with Ahana.

From their expressions, Princess was just nodding with a straight face and Daddu felt like was whispering and yelling. Something was off. I could feel from her face. She was sad. I could read her.

I moved towards them and my steps were halted because of a phone call. I saw the number and it was important. I made a mental note of asking Princess about her talk with daddu.

"I don't fucking care! I just want it. I pay you all for it." I yelled on my phone as my manager told me some issues in the deal.

From the past few days, My emotions have been going crazy. They are acting up and out of a sudden, I am yelling. My head hurts a fucking lot.

As I stood near my window, I saw a shadow of someone near my door. I quickly took 3 long strides and stood near. I pulled the door inside.

I saw a beautiful lady in red. She was shocked as it felt like she was caught off guard.

"Princess, eavesdropping is not a good behaviour," I told as my eyes moved all over her body.

"I was not eavesdropping. Aunty told me to call-" I didn't let her finish as I grabbed her elbow and pulled her in my arms.

I snaked my arms around her tightly because I couldn't afford to go away from her. I dug deep in her neck soaking all the strawberry scent which is my calm.

"Rudransh, leave me" she protested. Although, I knew she needed this too but why is she doing this to us?

Why baby?

"Rudransh, let go of me." I wanted to stay in her arms forever so, I requested.

"Please baby, please stay like this for 2 minutes." I know 2 minutes are nothing but they meant the world to me. She stopped protesting and I snuggled her closer to me.

She did hug me back. Her arms were on my back and I wanted her to hold me tight but she didn't. "I love you, baby," I said but she was silent. I had to take my answers. I pulled back from the hug and pinned her to the wall with one hand behind her head and the other caging her between the wall and me.

I pushed the door with my foot to get close. I could see her widened eyes looking at me. I could feel her heart beating erratically.

"Why are you doing this?" I spoke softly.  Her lips parted but she kept silent. I want her to speak. I want her to scream at me but all she is doing is keeping her mouth shut.

"Princess, I am here for answers. You don't get to be silent." I spoke again and she didn't speak again.

"Princess, Do you want me to die?" The moment these words left my mouth her eyes shot up at me and were full of tears.

She loves you, Rudransh. But something is stopping her.

A tear left her right eye and wiped it off with my thumb.

"If you keep pushing me away, I obviously will die. You are my light, my peace. Please Tell me, jaan."

"Rudransh, please don't do this. Please let me go. Please." She doesn't call me by my name. It gave me a foreign feeling and it hurt.

"You don't do this. Just tell me the answer of why and I'll sort every damn thing." I cupped her cheek and joined my forehead to hers.

I could see her chest going up and down as she was breathing heavily. I felt my princess come back to me for a moment until she pushed me off her.

"I don't want to be with you. Just it. Don't force me again." She said in a firm loud tone. A loud knock on the door distracted us.

The door was slammed open and Riya was standing. Why the hell is she here?

"Rudransh daddu is calling you downstairs." She said while looking at me and then at Ahana confusingly.

I moved and stood in front of my princess and nodded Riya.

Ahana fixed her face and was about to move out when I grabbed her wrist. She looked at me with her bloodshot eyes.

"I will find the reason soon, love."

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AHANA'S POV:

I was shaking throughout. My body wanted him, his touch, his love. My heart was crying for us. For the first time in my life, I wanted to kill someone.

As I was ascending downstairs, I heard everyone giggling. I was happy that at least someone was happy. I have to go home. I cannot stay here anymore.

Coming here was a bad idea at first only. I reached downstairs and the first person I saw was his mom.

I bid her goodbye, she tried to stop me but I told her that I had some emergency which needed my attention.

As I was grabbing my purse I heard, "Rudra ki shadi Riya se karva dete hn." His asshole Grandfather was saying this to her mother. My tears were forming and they were blurring my vision.

I looked at my adjacent and saw Rudransh looking at me. He and I made eye contact and then I came outside running.

I needed fresh air. I needed to take all that in. I can't take it alone. I have to fucking get home.

I heard someone screaming my name and I didn't want to look back because I knew it was him.

"Ayaan, tu theek hai?" I heard this from his mouth and I stopped.

Ayaan! Why is he saying this to him? Is he alright? Is Yashika all right?

I turned around and ran towards him.

"Ayaan ko kya hua? Rudransh bolo?"

I nervously clenched his kurta and asked him.

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