Author's POV:-
"I..I... remember" she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper.
His teasing grin widens as he observes her reaction, enjoying her flustered state. "Even if you don't remember, it wouldn't take me a second to recall everything for you. So, Mrs. Malhotra, how are you going to make it up to me?" he asks, his tone playful yet suggestive as he leans in closer.
Her heart races as she feels his proximity "I-I... don't... know..." she mumbles, her voice trailing off uncertainly.
With a soft chuckle, he reaches out to brush a strand of hair from her face, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "Perhaps, a kiss would be a good start" he suggests, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he leans in even closer.
Her breath caught in her throat as she found herself drawn to him, her heart pounding in her chest as their faces were just inches apart.
Feeling nervous and shy, she gets up, mumbling, "ss... sorry" before hastily making her way outside. However, he catches her by the hand and pins her against the wall, his voice firm yet soft as he speaks.
"Trying to escape again? Not today."
Her heart raced as she looked up at him "kya...kar rahein ..aap?" she stammers nervously, feeling trapped by his proximity.
He leaned in closer, his warm breath brushing against her skin, "Mai kaha kuch kar raha, It's just I promised you giving you plenty of kisses today, remember?" he whispered, a playful grin tugging at his lips.
Feeling embarrassed by her actions from the previous night, she remains silent, unable to meet his gaze.
He leans in closer, his warm breath against her skin causing her breath to catch in her throat. "I made the deal, and I'm a man of my words. So, shouldn't I fulfill the deal I made?" he whispers softly, his words sending shivers down her spine.
She looks away, blushing furiously as she tries to escape his proximity once more, but he catches her wrist and stops her. "Kaha jaa rahin aap?" he asks, a smile playing on his lips.
She ..... blushed?
He stepped back, his eyes still dancing with mischief, he gestured towards the tray of pancakes and lime juice he had prepared. "I made some pancakes and lime juice for you. Don't forget to eat it." he said, his tone warm and caring.
She glanced at the tray, feeling touched by his thoughtfulness. "Par...?" she began, but he interrupted
"It will help with your hangover." he explained, his gaze softening as he looked at her.
"Thank you" she murmured, a smile spreading across her lips, her cheeks still tinged with a rosy hue.
Then , a soft but firm knock resonated on the door, followed by his mother's gentle voice. "Beta, are you both awake?" she inquired.
As he opens the door to his mother's gentle knock, she greets them with a warm smile. "Good morning, beta" she says, her eyes crinkling with affection as she looks at Meera. "Meera beta, I wanted to inform you that today is your pagphere ki rasam. Your parents have now returned, as they were not in town before, so we couldn't do the ritual earlier. But now they are back, so today's the day."
As his mother delivers the news about the pagphere ki rasam, Meera's initial surprise quickly turns into apprehension. Memories of past encounters with her family flood her mind, reminding her of the strained relationship she shares with them. She nods silently, her expression a mixture of resignation and discomfort.
"Beta, get ready" his mother continues, unaware of the turmoil brewing within her.
Meanwhile he notices the change in her demeanor, her fallen expression contrasting sharply with the usual sparkle in her eyes. Concern washes over him as he realizes that something is amiss.
His mother hesitated, her voice filled with a mixture of apprehension and determination. "And Aaryansh, beta come downstairs. Your ..father needs to talk to you..."
His eyebrow rises in disbelief, his features darkening with suppressed anger. "I've no interest in speaking with him." he retorted, his voice tinged with frustration.
His mother's expression softened, a hint of sadness clouding her features. "Aaryansh, he just wants to have a word with you. He's your father. Can't you even have a conversation with him?" she urged, her tone pleading.
His anger intensified, his fists clenching as he battled to control his rising temper. Without a word, he stormed out of the room, his mother's silent anguish trailing behind him.
Left alone in the room, she let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping with the weight of her emotions. Despite the turmoil brewing inside her, she made a conscious effort to regain her composure before addressing Meera. "Beta, if you need anything, just let me know" she whispered softly, her voice tinged with genuine concern. With a reassuring smile, she turned to leave.
Meera watches the exchange, sensing the tension between mother and son. Confusion clouds her mind as she tries to make sense of the situation, feeling the weight of the unspoken words lingering in the air.
___________________________________________
After some time
She descended the stairs, dressed elegantly in a suit with her hair casually tousled into a messy bun. As she approached, she noticed his mother and father sitting together, their expressions somber. "Maa" she greeted softly, her voice tinged with concern.
Naina looked up and smiled at her "Ready? Bahot pyaari lag rahi ho" she complimented, reaching out to apply a stroke of kajal behind Meera's ears.
She returned the smile gratefully, but before she could touch his mother's feet, Naina pulled her into a warm hug.
"Na na, pair mat chuo beta" she insisted affectionately, embracing her tightly
After a moment, Naina released her, still smiling warmly. "Aaryansh is outside, waiting for you. Go, he'll drop you " she said gently.
Meera nodded and proceeded to touch his father's feet respectfully.
"Good morning, uncle" she greeted politely.
He chuckled and shook his head playfully. "Abhi kaha na beta, pair nahi chhute. Aur ye kya baat hui, inko maa aur humko uncle?" he said, a twinkle in his eye.
She couldn't help but smile, a tear glistening in her eye. "Sorry... papa" she apologized softly, feeling a rush of emotions.
He smiled warmly, offering his blessings by touching her head. "Khush raho, jao beta, Aaryansh bahar wait kar raha hoga" he said gently.
With a nod, she turned to leave.
As she stepped outside, her gaze fell upon him, who leaned casually against his car, engrossed in conversation on his phone. Despite the seriousness of his call, he exuded a charming and debonair aura.
Dressed in a sleek black suit paired with a crisp white shirt, he appeared devilishly handsome. His tousled hair only added to his allure.
His gaze softened as it fell upon her, the steely resolve melting away into a warmth that was familiar to her. After speaking a few words, he ended the call, his attention fully on her now.
She looked away, feeling a flutter in her chest as she made her way towards him. "Chalein?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of gentleness.
She nodded silently and moved to sit in the car, but he opened the door for her. "Thank you" she murmured, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she settled into the seat.
They arrived at her house, the air heavy with tension. She appeared hesitant, her expression a mixture of nervousness and upset. He noticed her discomfort.
"Aap thik hain?" he asked, his voice gentle.
She nodded, as if snapping back to reality from a distant place.
"Kuch hua Aapko?" he inquired again.
She shook her head, indicating that nothing had happened.
Just as he was about to say something, a call interrupted him.
With a frustrated sigh, he reluctantly answered, noting the caller ID.
"G-Good..morning, Sir. Miss. Ishika... has come...to meet you" his assistant spoke on the other side of the call.
He frowned deeply, irritation evident in his voice, "So? Are you calling me to tell me this crap--" He paused, noticing her presence.
He sighed heavily and said,
"Throw her back to where she came from." before abruptly ending the call.
He put away his phone and turned towards her.
"I'll be going... Thank you... for dropping me" she said quietly.
He nodded and watched her retreating figure, a pang of concern lingering in his thoughts.
After a moment he left from there.
___________________________________________
She stood at the front entrance, debating whether to go inside. Her brother would likely be at college, and the thought of spending even a moment with her so-called parents was unbearable. After a brief moment of contemplation, she decided against entering and turned to leave. But her mother opened the door and spotted her.
"Oh, look who's here" her mother said dramatically, her tone laced with sarcasm.
She turned to face her mother's scornful gaze. "So, miss madame madonna, how are you feeling living a luxurious life, huh?" her mother spat, her voice filled with rage.
Meera sighed, accustomed to her mother's outbursts. Ignoring her mother's verbal assault, she attempted to make her way inside. However, her mother grabbed her wrist firmly, causing her to wince from the pain.
"You! How dare you ignore me?" her mother exclaimed, tightening her grip.
Her father intervened, his irritation evident in his voice. "What are you shouting about? Can't you keep your voice down?"
"How can I be quiet? Look at this gold-digger,daring to ignore my question" her mother continued, her anger escalating.
"Listen, you stupid girl, don't forget your place. You're just a replacement for your sister. No need to float on clouds, understand?" her mother spat, her words dripping with malice.
Meera had enough. She pulled her hand away from her mother's tight grip, causing bruises to her wrist, and began to ascend the stairs. But her mother persisted, hurling insults at her.
"You slut! How dare you defy me?" her mother screeched, her voice dripping with venom.
"Enough." Meera said firmly, her patience wearing thin.
"Control your tongue, Mom." Meera asserted, standing up for herself against her own mother.
But her mother's anger only intensified. "You bitch! How dare you talk back to me? Have you forgotten your place?" her mother spat, her face contorted with rage.
Meera had reached her limit.
"Enough, Mom! Don't forget, you're talking to your own daughter. Who speaks to their daughter like this? And you talk about replacement?Mom, It was your daughter who ran away from her own wedding. It wasn't my fault! I didn't ask her to run away! All of this happened because of her, and now you're blaming me?" Meera retorted, her voice shaking with emotion.
"You whore! How dare you blame my daughter!" her mother screeched, raising her hand to strike her
But before her mother could follow through with the blow, a voice echoed through the house, causing everyone to jump hard in place.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?" a booming voice exclaimed, cutting through the tension like a knife.
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