"You look at me like I'm chaos, Vikrant. But maybe I'm the fire you need to feel alive."
- Siya Maheta
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I am so happy that I spent my whole day with Dii and bro. It was such a beautiful memory.
I was away from my house for three straight months. Even though I have always lived away from everyone because of business work and studies, I always come for at least a few hours to meet everyone in a month.
This was sooooo long. Uff. I missed everyone so much.
Now. My dii. My sweet sis is going to marry.... Ummm.... What was his name yaa Vikrant.
Such an old fashioned name!
Anyways I have a lotttttt of work!
My big bro sorry magarmach gave me so much work to do. He told me, no! He ordered me to complete the decoration of the marriage as the Di's in-laws can arrive here at any time.
Yes! The whole marriage is taking place here.
Both the groom side and the Bride side will be in one place enjoying every ceremony together.
The first thought that came in my mind was, FUCKING YESSSSSS!!!!
It was my dream to see both sides together before the marriage ceremony too. And it's going to happen.
" Ma'am, ye kha lagaye hum?"
I flinched out from my thoughts and looked at the wedding florist before me giving me an awkward smile.
( Where should we put this ma'am?)
Shit, i again zoned out in my thoughts.
I smiled sheepishly feeling embarrassed. Of course who wouldn't after seeing the judgment on this man's face.
"Bhaiya aap na in tulips ko ye iss vali side laga do."
Finally I broke the embarrassed silence and gestured upside the mandap.
(Bhaiya, put these tulips on this side)
He nodded and started to follow instructions. His other workers also started to help.
I was helping them too.
Suddenly, I felt the presence behind me. Before I can turn a soft yet seducing voice echoed in my ear.
" Need any help beautiful!"
I immediately turned ready to punch the hell out of whoever the person was but as soon as I turned and saw him I..... Froze.
WOW! What a Beauty he is.
He was so close to me. So so close.
I had to step back from him to see him clearly but this Fucking clumsiness. I Tripped over my own foot caused me to lose my balance.
I closed my eyes baring myself for the pain after falling on the floor.
But instead of pain, I felt someone's hand around my waist preventing me from falling.
Thank God!
I opened my eyes only to regret immediately as he was again too close. Our face inches apart and his dark Black eyes bored into my light grey one.
" Sorry.... Wo... Woh actually... I lost my balance."
I whispered in a low voice only to feel more of an idiot because of my stuttering.
But why? I never stutter in front of anyone. Never even when I was giving my first ever speech in front of the whole school in 4th class. I just forgot some lines but didn't stutter.
He smiled gently. My eyes dropped on his lips as they curved so beautifully.
"It's Okay. It's normal for everyone." He spoke in a low yet soothing voice. Calm yet flirty voice.
" So.... Can you leave me so that I can stand properly. My back is hurting now." I said to him with a sarcastic smile.
Finally, I got myself back.
He chuckled softly and pulled back from me after making me stand properly on my feet. I step back immediately.
" By the way who are you? And what are you doing here?" I asked him raising my eyebrows.
He smirked.
Uff! Ladka kitna haseen haiiii.
Control siya control!
" Maybe your.... Desire!"
He spoke in that same deep seductive voice.
Is he flirting? Hell YEAH he fucking is!
I rolled my eyes and said," chal be !"
Yes! I am the kind of "Tharki pana side me, mujhse flirt nahi karne ka" girl. Hehe.
His smirk grew wider and said," calm down sweetheart I am the groom's younger brother and you?"
Ohhh! isi liye itna ud Raha hai.
I smiled sarcastically and said," and I am the bride's younger sister "
"Kya baat hai jodi to achi jamegi hamari "
He said grinning from ear to ear.
( What a thing! We will be a good pair.)
I huffed at his words and said," ohh hello, khubsurat ladki dekhi nahi ki future dekhna shuru. I am not interested, find someone else."
( Ohh hello, saw a beautiful girl and started flirting already.)
Don't you dare. I am fucking intrested.
He stepped closer to me. My eyes widened slightly and my legs instinctively Started to step back.
My back touched the mandap piller behind me but he didn't stop.
He stood right in front of me and reached out with his hand. He carefully tucked strands of my hair that were coming to cover my face a little. His eyes follow the movements of his own hand.
" I don't know why but I couldn't think about anyone else right now except you." His words echo in my ear. A soft calm confession of his heart.
" Love at first sight? " I whisperly asked him.
" Maybe " he replied in an equally low voice.
I looked into his eyes for a while then gently pushed him away by his chest and said," apni harkaton per kabu rakhiye zara"
( Control your actions.)
" Aap apni khubsurti per kabu rakhiye hum apne aap kabu mein aa jayenge" he spoke with undeniable flirtation.
( Control your beauty, I will be in control automatically.)
I chuckled softly shaking my head at his words and said," shameless."
He, in reply smirked at my words and said," i didn't do anything shameless work.... Yet... "
He winked at me and left from there leaving me alone with the unknown feelings.
" Idiot " i muttered under my breath and turned to start the work on hand.
★ POV ends ★
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Everyone gathered at the entrance of the palace where the wedding is going to take place.
The soft murmurs and laughter of the marriage space fill the hallway completely. The lights around the palace bling softly and the royal palace was decorated with lavenders and red rose petals with a few touches of jasmine flowers.
White and red coloured clothes hanging around walls making them look more elegant and graceful.
Meenakshi stood in front of Vikrant who was wearing a beautiful red coloured shervani. His face is a mask of calmness and joy hiding the turmoil of emotions in his mind.
Mansi standing beside Rudra wearing a baby pink lahenga. Her hair was beautiful with two pins and left open afterwards. Her face is emotionless and cold giving nothing about her thoughts and feelings.
Rudra wears a dark brown suit that hugs his masculine frame perfectly. His dark Black eyes express the joy and happiness of his brother's wedding.
Vikas was standing beside his wife wearing a pitch blue coloured suit looking undeniablely cold and hot at the same time.
Rishika wears a light blue colour saree with embroidery patterns on borders. Her fair skin glowing with vibrant colours perfectly. The light make-up adds the touch of innocence in her serene beauty.
Meenakshi Started Doing Arti of Vikrant. The grand entrance of the groom and his family in the palace was what Devyani asked from Manish.
She specifically instructed to get everything done royally to match the status of their family.
After they made their entry everyone went to their respective rooms as the haldi ceremony will take place in the afternoon.
Vikas and Rishika fortunately got one room to share despite Vikas' resistance. They entered the room placing their bags on the corner of the room. Vikas sat on bed and pulled out his phone to complete some pending work. Rishika however went to change her attire.
Suddenly, Rishika's scream came from the bathroom. Vikas eyes snapped towards the bathroom in concern. He immediately went and knocked on the door.
" Rishika, what happened? Open the door." His voice was filled with concern for his wife's well being.
The door crack open revealing her slender figure looking down on the floor.
He looked at her from head to toe seeing no sign of any hurt or injury.
"Why did you scream?" He asked in confusion.
Rishika gulped down slightly before speaking in the lowest voice," woh.... I... I saw a cockroach."
Vikas looked at her with a blank expression. He shook his head in disbelief and said," itni badi hokar cockroach se darti ho?"
( You are still scared of cockroaches?)
Rishika looked down. Her fingers fidgeting with her saree's pallu.
"Sorry. Woh achanak se udne laga so I couldn't control my scream"
( Sorry, it suddenly started to fly.)
He sighed hearing her apologetic voice and said," I thought you got hurt. Anyways. It's gone naa?"
His eyes scanned the bathroom to see any glimpse of the cockroach.
Rishika shook her head and said," it's gone."
Her words made him sigh internally and said," okay okay. Now Change. And..... If you want you can change in the room I will go outside."
Saying that he left the room without hearing her response.
She smiled softly at his retreating figure and whispered," kitni Dhyan rakhte hai ye mera"
( How caring he is. )
Her voice is filled with love and affection for Vikas.
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Vansh was sitting on the bed and trying to make the right series of Siya's bangles.
" Ye ho gya." He exclaimed in excitement and satisfaction after seeing the collection of bangles in his hand.
( It's done).
Siya turned from the mirror to look at his art work of bangles. Siya rolled her eyes and said," magarmach kahi ka. This is not right. I have literally given you a picture of the right placements of each bangle and you are still doing it wrong."
Her voice dripping with frustration and anger.
Vansh smacked her head and said," tu gadhedi. And this is not right okay. Pehnana tujhe Hai or taiyar karke mai du. Ye kha ka insaaf hai."
( You have to wear it and I am arranging this. This is not justified.)
" Ohh supreme court se nikale gye lawyer. Ye andolan baad me karna pahle ye thik karke de." Siya's voice is filled with sarcasm and irritation.
( Ohh terminated lawyer of the supreme court. Stop this protest and do it right)
Vansh rolled his eyes and started to rearrange the bangles.
" Achha tu ye kar mei di ko dekhkar ati hu pata nahi stylist ne unka kya haal kar diya hoga." Siya told Vansh and left the room leaving him to deal with her bangles.
( Achha, you do it. I will go check on dii. Don't know what that stylist must have done to her.)
As she was walking towards Drishti's room, her lahenga's embroidered border stuck with the furniture edge. She couldn't bend down because of the heavy lahenga. She tried to pull it carefully not wanting to tear the piece of fabric.
Suddenly, she spotted Vikrant who was on call with someone.
" Ye wahi hai na Jo didi ko leke ja ne wala hai. Umm... lag to wahi raha hai. Bulake dekhti hu ager mudega to yeh nikalne ke liye bula lungi." She whispered to herself while giving an uncertain and suspicious look to Vikrant.
( He is the one naa who is going to take my dii. Umm... Looks like him only. I should call him if he turns then I will ask for his help.)
She cleared her throat before shouting," Vikrant jii..." She mistakenly shouted too loud.
Vikrant flinched at the sudden shout and nearly dropped his phone but caught at the right time.
She cursed under her breath at her voice problem and smiled sheepishly at him as he turned to see the source of sound.
He pointed at himself as if asking if she called him or not.
Siya rolled her eyes slightly and said," Apke alawa koi Vikrant hai yaha."
( Is anyone else is vikrant here?)
Vikrant's eyes narrowed slightly but he didn't stretch further and went to her.
" Actually my lahenga is stuck here and I can't bend down because of the dress so can you help me with this?" Siya explained calmly and softly.
Vikrant looked at her and her lahenga's border which is stuck in a bolt of furniture.
His eyes bored dangerously into hers as he spoke," I don't bend before anyone."
His voice calm yet laced with anger and disbelief at how she can ask a king to do these things.
Siya looked at him dumbfoundedly. She looked at him from head to toe and said," kyu kamar Tut gyi hai kya"
( Why? Is your back broke?)
Vikrant's eyes widened slightly at her words.
" Mujhe nahi pata tha aap itne buddhe ho." She spoke in confusion and sympathy for him.
( I didn't know you were that old.)
Vikrant looks at her with a dumbfounded expression as if he has seen a ghost. She literally called him, The Vikrant Singh Rathore. The king of Udaipur a Buddha.
A term he never thought he would ever hear directed at him. And here She is. Calling him Buddha at the very first meet.
Vikrant eyes blaze with anger as he spoke," what the hell are you talking about? I am not Budhha. I don't bend because I have reputation and the fucking king tag." He spoke with gritted teeth that shows just how angry he is.
Siya gave him a judgemental look at his sudden anger. She spoke in an offended voice," ohh hello, Meine sirf help mangi hai, tumhari property mai hissa nahi ki itna gussa ho rahe ho. "
( Ohhh hello, I just asked for help not part in your property. Why are you being angry?)
Vikrant's eyes narrowed slightly but he chose to leave the exchange here only not wanting further drama. He left from there without other words.
Siya watched him leave in shock and whispered," sathiya gaya hai lagta hai. Meri di ese admi ke saath kaise rahegi?" The concern for her sister was evident in her voice.
( He is gone crazy. How will my dii live with him?)
As she turned she remembered the problem she was in. Siya Tried to bend down slightly to free her lahenga.
Suddenly, a hand comes to help her free her lahenga. She looked up at the person finding Rudra kneeling in front of her to make her lahenga escape the cage of the bolt.
After freeing the troublemaker carefully he stood straight and looked at her with gentle expression.
Siya smiled softly and said," thanks. You are really different from your brother. "
She gave words to her observation softly earning a soft chuckle from him.
He smiled softly and responded," I saw everything. Actually... It's just typical of him.
He is not bad but he is strict about the sayings of royalty too. He is king and he never bends for anyone."
She nodded slightly and said," but you bend. Why?"
"Because I am not a king and moreover, I wanted to help you." He answered her question softly.
"By the way, I don't know your name." Siya asked playfully.
He raised his eyebrows at her playful words and said," you didn't ask."
"I am. Now. What's your name?"she said to him Crossing her arms over her chest.
" Rudra. Rudra Singh Rathore." He replied almost immediately.
" Hmm... And I am Siya. Siya Malhotra."siya said softly.
"Ohh no. I forgot I was going to dii. Achha mei chalti hu okay." She said to him in urgency and left from there without another glance.
( Achha I am going okay.)
Rudra watched her go away with a small smile and whispered," she is something else."
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" Dii. You are not ready yet. Where are those parlour girls?" Siya asked Drishti in shock after seeing her makeup less face and sitting on bed while still wearing her nightdress.
Drishti looked up from her phone looking annoyed at the disturbance between her chat with Ekant and spoke," no one was here and those parlour girls just texted me they are not coming."
"Whattttt???" Siya screamed in shock and panic because in just half an hour her haldi ceremony was going to start.
Drishti covered her ears to save them from being damaged by Siya's scream.
"Ab kya Karenge?" She asked her in panic.
( Now what will we do?)
Drishti stood up placed her hands on siya's shoulder and encouraged," there is saree, make-up box and everything essential."
"And who is going to do all this?" She asked suspiciously at her words.
Drishti raised her eyebrows mischievously with a smirk on her lips.
Siya's eyes widened slightly at the implications of her words and started to shake her head in negative.
While Drishti started to shake her head positively.
"Dekh tere bina mera koi Sahara nahi hai yaar." Drishti exclaimed dramatically.
( I don't have any support without you!).
"Dekho di ye dialogue marne ka koi faida nahi hai. Aapko bhi pata hai mei isse nahi pighal ney vali."siya replied trying to turn away from her but Drishti's grip on her shoulder remained unyielding.
( Look dii, don't act in front of me. You also know I won't flatter.)
"Please... Meri dull face per apne jadu ka make-up karde. Teri maherbani hogi. "Drishti gave her puppy eyes look Knowing it will flatter her immediately.
Siya looked into her eyes and couldn't resist but nod at her words with annoyance.
" Thike thike. You know very well how to trick me."
( Okay okay. )
Drishti grinned at her words and sat in bed again grabbing her phone and said," now pick my dress and see how to make me wear it. "
Siya rolled her eyes at her command but reluctantly started to search for it. Drishti is the only one who can make her do things without her consent and she couldn't even deny her words.
The perfect business woman melt in front of her elder sister completely.
And still, Drishti never understood her love is loyal to her.
Drishti was looking at her as she was trying to help her with a soft smile. The smile she never liked. The smile that shows her love. The smile that makes her see siya as her younger sister and nothing else.
But then, she remembered. She remembered Minakshi's words and Manish's taunts.
" Only she is our daughter. You are nothing but a worthless burden on us."
" She brings money. What can you bring your tears only. She is worthy of something."
" You know she knows everything we do to you. But she never did anything because she also knows you are not worth fighting for. She won't get anything in return if it helps you."
" She is a perfect business person and she only thinks about profit and return which you certainly don't have."
And this goes on.
She was told from the beginning that siya knows what they are doing to her but she never brought up the topic.
Vansh however doesn't have anything to save her. He is also on their side only.
And drishti never tried to get Their love as she got enough from Ekant and doesn't need anyone in her life.
Her chain of thoughts broke by Siya's voice.
" Dii, chalo mujhe aa gya."
( Dii, come on. I learned it.)
Drishti nodded and went to her.
She wore a blouse and peticoat by herself in the bathroom and efficiently hid her back injury behind a full sleeved blouse with a collar.
She started to make Drishti wear the beautiful saree with embroidery of peacock and elephant on it. The beautiful light peach colour glowing on her light brown colour skin.
"Aree ese nahi yaar ese kar" Drishti said while trying to tuck a saree in the petticoat. Siya did what she said and it went wrong.
( Not this way yaar, do it like this.)
" Dekha! Jo me kar rahi thi na wahi sahi tha" Drishti sighed in frustration at her words.
( See, what I was doing was right.)
After around 15 minutes they finally succeeded in the saree task.
Siya sat on the dressing Chair heavily and said dramatically," uff. Mein to thak gyi bhaisahab."
( Uff, I am tired now.)
Drishti shook her head and said, " abi hua nahi hai jaldi meri hairstyle kar aur makeup bhi. "
( It's not done yet. Get up and do my hair style and make up.)
" Aree yaar di, 2 minute shanti se baithne nahi dete aap. " Siya argued.
( Aree yaar di, can't even let me rest for 2 minutes.)
As she was about to stand up vansh Stromed inside in a panicked stat.
He collided with Drishti making her fall on Siya.
"Ahhhh" both girls screamed in shock and pain.
"Andha gadha kahin kaaaa" siya said in anger as Drishti got up from her.
Her pallu lossen in the chaos making drishti groan in frustration as they wasted so much time to make it perfect.
"Konse khilji ki jaan me Jana hai tujhe. Dhire bhi to aa sakta tha na!" Drishti said slapping his head.
( Which Khilji's marriage does you want to go? You could have come slowly too!")
Vansh smiled sheepishly and said," woh tere sasurji ki maa ne kaha hai ki 15 minutes me rasam shuru ho Jani chahiye varna apshagun ho jayega."
( Actually your father in law's mother told us that haldi should be started in 15 minutes otherwise it will be a bad omen.)
Both girls shouted in shock," whattt! "
Vansh has to cover his ears to prevent his ear damage.
"Chillana bandh karo aur ye Asian paints lagana shuru kro iske chehre per." He spoke with seriousness and urgency.
( Stop shouting and start to put on the Asian paints on her face.)
Drishti looked at him in confusion and asked," Asian paints? Hum painting kyu karenge bhala?"
( Why will we do painting now?)
Siya rolled her eyes and at the taunt of Vansh and silliness of Drishti.
" Dii, he is talking about make up. And you, make up ke baare me kuch bhi bola to mug pe fevicol ki lipstick kar dungi. "
( And you. If you say anything about makeup I will put fevicol lipstick on your lips.)
"Aa gyi MMM le kar!" He said to siya shaking his head in disbelief.
( Again came with MMM.)
" MMM? Ab ye kya hai?" Drishti asked in irritation.
( Now what is this?)
" Mahila makeup morcha " vansh replied dramatically.
Siya pushed him out of room and closed the door on his face in anger and frustration.
Drishti trying her best to hold back her laughter.
Siya Stromed to her and said, " abb khikhi khikhi ho gya ho to apke sasural valo ki Agya ka palan karein?"
( Now if your khikhi khikhi is done, can we start to follow your in law's instructions.?)
She fixed her saree pallu again and started her makeup.
"Oye aa baju nu eyeliner sahi nahi hai!" Drishti inspecting her left eye closely while half speaking her native language.
( Oyye this side of eyeliner is not right.)
"Everything is fine. No one is going to look at you from this much closeness. " Siya replied while applying touch-up on her lips with beautiful shade of nude pink.
The simple yet elegant Make-up making her look more devine and ethereal. Soft small strands of her hair falling kissing her jawline softly.
Drishti got up looking at mirror and handed siya her phone.
Siya grinned and they both captured the elegance in the phone making the memories they neglected for past few years.
Drishti was going through her photos as Siya's voice reached her ears.
"Dii, apne aap ko baad me tad lena. Now we have to go."
( Dii, look at yourself after some time.)
"Siya, you go first I will come in two minutes"
Drishti said gesturing her towards washroom.
Siya sighed and said," okay I also need to take my bangles from that magarmach."
Drishti nodded slightly at her words and disappeared inside washroom.
Siya left the room and Stromed towards her room where she has left Vansh to arrange her bangles.
Drishti stood infront of mirror but her eyes were fixed on screen of her phone. She sent few best pictures of her to Ekant with a small question.
* How am I looking? *
His replied Came almost immediately. His words made his heart race with the excitement. The unstoppable fire lit in her heart which was both tender and consuming.
* Sugar. You look beautiful in every damn Cloth and.... without too. As for your answer, you are looking just like my sweet desert which I can't get enough of. *
She took deep breaths, closing her eyes and desperately trying to calm the sudden rush of heat in her body especially on her cheeks.
She looked at the screen again and texted him.
* Today is haldi Ekant. I want you to apply that on my skin first. I want to apply that sacred paste of turmeric on your skin first. *
Her words were not just a request. It was speaking the volumes of her beliefs and trust on tradition which she wants to celebrate only with him.
She Waited for long five seconds before the his reply pops up on her phone screen making her heart beat fast.
* If my Sugar wants then it will happen. Just in few minutes. You will be painted with paste of my devotion and love. Just few minutes sugar. *
His words sending another jolt of satisfaction and happiness. The feeling she received only from Ekant. The flutter of heart she always felt by his every action and word was too much to bear and too much to ask.
She knows. If he says something it will happen. Definitely. In his way. Just the way she loves.
And she was excited and nervous to see what he is going to do.
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Vansh who was watching the preparation of the haldi ceremony and was busy ensuring everything is happening properly suddenly stopped on his tracks.
His eyes fixed on the person draped in yellow beautiful anarkali suit that hugs her curves in every right places. Her light brown skin making her look angelic and her big eyes filled with innocence giving her an heavenly look.
The girl came and disappeared so fastly that Vansh couldn't even think about his next action. He was too much captivated to do anything but to witness the Alluring beauty that walked infront of his eyes.
As soon as she disappeared in the corner he exhaled unsteadly letting go of the air he didn't know was holding.
The only thought in his mind came was " How much time God must have given to make this angel "
________________________
Siya was going towards her room to get her bangles when she accidentally bumped into someone.
She immediately caught hands of the person to steady both of them.
Rishika, standing infront of her with wide uncertain eyes.
"Are you okay?" Siya asked in worried and apologetic voice.
Rishika nodded with soft smile and said," I am fine."
Siya smiled and stepped back giving her space to stand properly.
" Sorry woh I couldn't see you coming" Rishika spoke in her natural soft and low voice.
Siya as always a loud hearing person asked in slight raised voice," kya?"
( What?)
Rishika flinched at her sudden raised voice and couldn't help but chuckle softly. Her laugh made Siya realise that even her laugh is so cute and calm.
" Hyyyee, tum wahi ho na Jo ekdum sweet and soft tarike se sabkuch karti hai. " Siya asked with teasing voice and undeniable calmness which she rarely shows.
( Hayee, you are that one person naa who does everything with softness and sweetness.)
Her words made Rishika confuse." Huh? "
Siya shook her head slightly and said," nothing. Your saree is so beautiful."
Her complement made her blush.
Siya chuckled at her blush and whispered in low whisper," cute!"
The interaction was so cute and serene unaware of the fact that Vikas is watching the interaction from few steps away. His heart racing with unique emotions as he saw his wife blushing and smiling for someone else.
A small yet undeniable spark of jealousy striking his heart even if it's for another girl.
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Words: 4757
So sorry for this much long wait. But now I am on track and update regularly on both platforms.
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I'd: honeydewwrites
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