AUTHOR'S POV-
.........Rashvik ended the call with a smile, he was unaware of the storm brewing inside Sarakshi, whose mind was now a tempest of questions and anxieties.
Reyansh and Rakshit, unable to hold back their laughter anymore, burst out laughing. Rashvik's smile completely faded, and he glared at his 'two overly dramatic brothers.'
"Kya khi khi khi kar rahe ho? Kya hua?" he asked with an annoyed expression.
(why are you laughing? what happened?)
"Bhai, just a second, let us laugh" Rakshit replied between laughs.
"Sarakshi, why are they laughing?" Rashvik asked her, still looking at his brothers. He had a weird habit of staring at the people he was asking about, even if he was asking someone else.
Sarakshi looked at him for a split second and then looked down.
"I-I don't know why they're laughing" she said in a low voice.
He looked at her, trying to understand her expression. Her eyebrows were furrowed, and her lips were a little pouty. She looked a bit curious, a bit confused, and very annoyed.
Sensing the tension between the couple, Reyansh and Rakshit stopped laughing. They looked at Rashvik, who was already looking at them.
"Why are you two laughing? Please care to tell" Rashvik asked, giving them a tight-lipped smile.
"Th-they were just making so-some jokes" Sarakshi whispered, still looking down. She knew they were laughing because she had asked them about the girl Rashvik had been talking to. She didn't want him to know she was curious about it.
"As if I don't know what you were asking them while I was on the call. Don't you ever dare to lie to me" Rashvik said, finally looking at her. Sarakshi glanced at the duo with a pout.
"Haa toh aap batate kyun nahi ho bhabhi ko ki kis se baat kar rahe the aap?" Rakshit said with a weird laugh, trying to lighten up the mood.
(Why don't you tell Bhabhi who you were talking to?)
"Haa bhai, batao na kis se baat kar rahe the" Reyansh said, winking his eyes. Rashvik glared at him, lightly shaking his head. Reyansh made hopeful eyes and nodded. They were having a silent conversation with their eyes, a code Sarakshi was unaware of.
(yes bhai, tell her who you were talking to)
Rashvik grinned, giving in to the plan they had just concocted, and Reyansh and Rakshit looked at each other with mischievous grins.
"Kya bataun mai aur kyun bataun?" Rashvik said with a plain, serious face.
(what should I tell and why?)
"Answer what she is asking about" Rakshit said, making Sarakshi look at him.
"I didn't ask anything" Sarakshi said, looking at the duo and showing them her angry face.
"Bhabhi was asking whom you were talking with" Reyansh said quickly, his face innocent.
"Anshu!" Sarakshi whispered-yelled at him, her voice whiny.
"You don't want to know about her?" Rashvik asked her with an amused expression. She shook her head 'no' but was dying inside to know about her.
"But I want to tell you; I can't keep it a secret anymore" he said with a serious face. Sarakshi still didn't look up. There were a lot of thoughts running through her mind, and she was scared to hear him, fearing one of her thoughts might come true.
"Should I tell her or not?" Rashvik asked the duo, maintaining his serious face.
"Yes bhai, you can't keep it a secret forever" Reyansh said, his smile long gone, replaced with a plain, serious face. Sarakshi looked at him, her heart beating fast. Their serious faces were making her more anxious.
"She..." Rashvik began, gaining her attention. She looked at him, avoiding eye contact. Rashvik stood up from his place, continuing, "She's my wife, and we are adopting a kid." Saying that he moved towards the kitchen.
"WHAT?" Sarakshi's eyes widened, and she snapped her head towards the duo, who were looking down, avoiding eye contact with her.
This was the first time ever Rashvik heard such a loud voice coming from her mouth. He walked towards the kitchen as it was getting hard for him to maintain his composure. Her reaction was a mix of shock, confusion, and disbelief which was VERY funny to him.
Sarakshi's mind raced. Wife? Adopting a kid? The words echoed in her head as she tried to process the information. She felt a pang of jealousy mixed with a sense of betrayal. She looked at Reyansh and Rakshit, seeking answers, but they remained silent, their expressions somber.
"Is... is it true, Ansh, Aksh?" she asked them, her voice trembling. The news was shocking, exactly what she had feared hearing. Her mind was in turmoil. 'Is this why he behaves so rudely with me? Why did Papa Ji never tell me about this?'
"Why didn't you ever tell me?" she asked, fidgeting with her fingers, looking down, trying her best to hold back her tears.
Reyansh and Rakshit remained silent, not saying anything. But the silence didn't last long as Rashvik joined them again.
"You're reacting as if Dad didn't tell you this before marriage" he said. Hearing this, a tear rolled down her cheek, and she shook her head. "No, he didn't" she replied her voice cracking, feeling betrayed.
Reyansh and Rakshit looked at her, their expressions softening.
Rashvik gestured for them to remain silent and proceeded to ask her, "Is it really shocking to you?"
She nodded, more tears dropping from her eyes, and got up to go to her room. As she was passing by him, he held her wrist and made her stop in her tracks. She didn't turn around, letting more tears flow freely.
"Why is it so shocking to you? You accepted this marriage so easily, right?" Rashvik said, his grip tightening around her wrist. "Now that you know I'm married to someone else, will you leave me and my family, hmm? You won't even think twice before abandoning me, Dad, and your cuties, will you? And why would we even matter to you?"
"I-I know you don't l-like me at all, Mr. Singh," she sobbed, her voice breaking. "A-and it's easy for y-you to say all this, but i-it's no-not easy for me. Don't you think it's... unfair t-to me?" Tears streamed down her face as she freed her hand from his grip and ran away.
"Bhabhi, listen!" Rakshit called out, running after her.
Rashvik poked his inner cheek, then looked at Reyansh. "The prank is done" he chuckled, though the laughter didn't reach his eyes.
"Bhai, you're so cruel. What was the need for all this? We were just having some fun" Reyansh said in disbelief as he followed them upstairs.
Rashvik stood there for a few seconds, his eyes hardening as he replayed the scene in his mind. Then, he went upstairs, not regretting a single thing he had said. And why would he? The only thing he regretted was trusting people too easily and always being kind to everyone in the past.
Now, he had embraced a new persona, one of arrogance and rudeness with no bounds. Sarakshi hadn't even seen half of this new Rashvik. He is a completely new person. The old Rashvik, who was bubbly, goofy, sweet, and kind, was long gone.
He was done being the nice guy, and if it meant pushing people away to protect himself and his family so be it. The old Rashvik was dead, and this new version had no room for regrets or second thoughts. Sarakshi and the rest would have to adapt or leave, there was no other option.
The hallway was quiet, save for the distant sobs of Sarakshi. Rashvik paused outside her door, hearing Rakshit and Reyansh's comforting murmurs. A flicker of doubt crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. He entered inside her room and watched them comforting her.
Rakshit and Reyansh rushed into the room, quickly enveloping Sarakshi in a comforting hug from either side.
"Bhabhi, we are really sorry" they said in unison, but she struggled to break free from their hold.
"Why didn't you two tell me before?" she sobbed harder, her voice filled with hurt.
"Bhabhi, it's not true. We were just having fun. It was a prank" Rakshit said, his face filled with concern, unsure of how she would react.
"Yes, Bhabhi, she is not Bhai's wife. She is our distant cousin. Aashu Bhai and Aashika Di are very close to each other" Reyansh explained, his eyes pleading for her understanding.
Sarakshi froze, her mind racing to process their words. She looked at them with wide, tear-filled eyes, her lips quivering. "Kya?" she asked in disbelief, her voice barely above a whisper. (what?)
"Yes, Bhabhi" Reyansh continued gently. "We didn't mean to hurt you. We thought it would be a harmless joke, but we can see now how much it upset you."
Sarakshi's tears flowed freely as she tried to grasp the reality. "It was... just a prank?" she repeated, her voice breaking.
Rakshit nodded, his eyes filled with remorse. "We're so sorry, Bhabhi. We didn't think it would go this far."
"She is my cousin sister, relax. You'll still live in this house, don't worry" Rashvik said in a sarcastic tone, chuckling as he turned to leave the room.
Sarakshi looked at him, more tears rolling down her cheeks, but this time not from hurt. This time, it was from anger. Her way of expressing anger was through tears, yes, crying. It wasn't that she always remained silent. She felt anger, but the only way she could express it was by crying. And during her "I'm crying because I'm angry" phase, she said things she kept bottled up. Today would be no different.
"Mr. Singh," she called out, making him stop in his tracks. "You... you are n-never going to a-accept me as your w-wife, but I have... I have accepted you since day one." Her voice trembled, but she continued, "And you are r-right, if this... all of this was true, I would have left you... but not my family. Never."
She took a deep breath and continued, "This is my f-family now. I have nowhere and no one to go to. This is my house. I don't know what you t-think of me, but whatever you think, you're w-wrong. For you, it must be a namesake m-marriage, but not for me. You all are my family now." Wiping her tears, she headed out to the balcony. She needed to let this out, to make him understand her feelings. Thanks to her anger, she managed to say it all in front of him, though she knew she would regret it later, cursing herself for her outburst.
Rashvik slowly turned around to look at her, but she was already out on the balcony. He had wanted to hear this from her, at least now he knew what she thought about him. He wondered if she would stick to her words. What had started as a small prank had turned into something more revealing. He didn't want this relation to turn out like last time; he didn't want to go through all that pain again.
The memory of his past haunted him, a time when he had opened his heart only to have it shattered. The walls he built around himself were high and fortified, but Sarakshi's words chipped away at them, making him question if he was ready to let someone in again.
Standing there, he felt a strange emotion, relief that she considered his family as her own, and fear that he might get hurt the way he had been. He wanted to go to her, to say something that could bridge the gap between them, but he was rooted to the spot, struggling with his own turmoil.
As Sarakshi stood in the balcony, more tears gathered in her eyes. Whether he chose to understand her or not was up to him, but she knew she had to stand her ground. This was her family, her home, and she would fight for it, even if it meant standing up to Rashvik's indifference.
She felt Reyansh and Rakshit approaching from behind but didn't turn to look at them, her eyes fixed on a distant point.
"Bhabhi" Rakshit called out, but she ignored him, fresh tears streaming down her face.
"We are really sorry, Bhabhi. Please don't cry" Reyansh said in a low tone.
Sarakshi's head snapped towards them, and she yelled, "Ro nahi rahi hu mai gussa hu!" Her voice was loud, and even Rashvik heard her.
(I'm not crying, I'm angry)
"Ha-ha gussa mat karo... hum actually ise rona kehte hai toh pata nahi tha" Reyansh said, looking at her with wide eyes, confused.
(y-yes, don't be angry... actually, we call it crying, so I didn't know.)
"Shut up, both of you! I am never going to talk to you guys again. Go have fun with your brother" she said furiously, looking away.
Despite his deep thoughts, Rashvik chuckled at her words. He couldn't deny that this girl was something different.
"Sorry, Bhabhi, we'll never do anything like this with you ever again" Rakshit pleaded.
"No. I'll talk to Papaji and shift back to my apartment. I'll talk to Papaji only, not you two" she said, folding her arms across her chest. She had stopped crying.
"Huh? Bhabhi, why? Itti choti si baat ke liye?" Rakshit said loudly, shock evident in his tone.
(for such a small thing?)
"Sorry, Bhabhi, don't do this, please," Reyansh pleaded.
"Chotti si baat hai na ye tum logo ke liye?" she retorted.
(it's a small thing for you guys?)
"No, I didn't mean it that way. Please forgive us. Sorry" Rakshit said, his voice sincere. Reyansh and Rakshit took turns pleading for forgiveness.
After a few minutes, Sarakshi burst into laughter. In between her laughs, she hugged her cuties tightly. "Tum dono hi prank kar sakte ho? Mai nahi?" she said, pulling their cheeks playfully. They both looked at her wide-eyed. "I would have enjoyed your prank too if your Bhai hadn't taken it that far" she said with a pout.
(only you two can prank? not me?)
"Bhabhi, dara diya tha aapne" Reyansh said, placing his hand over his heart.
(bhabhi you scared us)
"Yes, Bhabhi, I thought you were serious about it" Rakshit said as he hugged her tightly, not wanting Sarakshi to see his teary eyes. He is a crybaby like Sarakshi!
"I will never even think of doing something like that, cuties. We are family for life now" she said, making them look at her with admiration. The bond between them felt fragile yet unbroken, strengthened by their heartfelt apologies and her willingness to forgive. It was a moment of raw emotion, bringing them closer together despite the pain it had caused.
Rashvik, standing still at his place, couldn't help but smile at the scene. Despite his attempts to distance himself, he felt a warmth in his heart watching the bond between Sarakshi and his brothers. Maybe, just maybe, there was hope for him too.
He had taken it too far, but he felt a sense of ease after hearing her. She had finally voiced her thoughts, and it was like a commitment she made, a promise that if anything happened in the future, he had a point to validate in front of everyone.
He wanted to join them in their conversation but hesitated. Taking a deep breath, he took a step forward, The desire to be part of this newfound harmony was strong, but old fears and insecurities held him back.
In an instant, he turned and walked away, deciding to leave the confrontation for another time. He needed more time to process, to understand the impact of Sarakshi's words, and to find the courage to open up. But for now, he was content with the knowledge that she considered them her family.
Sarakshi and the duo stood there for a few minutes, talking about what had happened. They went back inside, totally unaware that Rashvik had overheard their entire conversation.
Rashvik was in the living room, engrossed in his work, when the trio came downstairs. They settled down as if nothing had happened, and the atmosphere seemed normal. Sarakshi kept glancing at him, her heart racing again. It was as if the earlier confrontation had never occurred.
Another wave of regret washed over her for what she had said to him. Her words had been truthful, but she regretted speaking back to him. She knew she should stand up for herself, but the fear of what others would think and the overwhelming feelings made her hesitate. Yet, amidst the regret, she experienced a small but significant relief after finally voicing her thoughts. It made her feel a little less suffocated.
As Rashvik continued his work, he felt her eyes on him. He glanced up briefly and their eyes met for a split second and Sarakshi looked away. 'No eye contact once again' Rashvik thought to himself
"Hey guys! Everybody's home, what a surprise" Prachi said, entering with Ananya following her.
"Hi bhabhi" Reyansh and Rakshit chirped. Rashvik waved his hand at them and got back to his work. Prachi rolled her eyes at him and settled beside Sarakshi.
"Hello, di, how are you?" Sarakshi hugged her and asked in a low voice.
"I'm fi- Sara, what happened? Did you cry?" Prachi said, noticing Sarakshi's red, swollen eyes. Sarakshi looked down, embarrassed to admit she cried over a small prank.
"What happened? Tell us" Ananya said, holding her hands.
"Ananya, di, nothing happened. I'm fine" she said in a low voice.
"We'll tell you, bhabhi, what happened" Reyansh said and proceeded to explain the earlier events. Prachi and Ananya listened attentively, and when Reyansh finished, Prachi looked at Sarakshi and hugged her tightly.
"Tum log na, kyu pareshan karte ho bichari ko? You must have felt really bad, na?" Prachi said, cupping her cheeks.
(You all, why do you guys bother her? You must have felt really bad, right?)
Sarakshi nodded in return and hugged her again, this time with Ananya joining in. "I was scared" she whispered in the hug. Rashvik watched them, noting how close they seemed as if they had known each other for years. Sarakshi had always felt a sisterly love with Prachi like she was her real sister.
"You should have called me right away. Fir khabar leti mai in teeno ki" Prachi said, looking at the three brothers with narrowed eyes.
(Then I should have scolded three of them)
"Exactly, you should have called Bhabhi. Class lagti in teeno ki aur mai maje leti" Ananya said, grinning.
(These three would have gotten a good scolding, and I'd enjoy it!)
"Maje hi le tu kyuki aur koi kaam dhandha nahi hai!" Rashvik said, glaring at her.
(You just enjoy yourself cause you don't have any other work to do!)
"You kept quiet, Sarakshi? You didn't say anything to him?" Prachi questioned, looking at her.
"I did" she said quietly, regretting it even more now.
"What did you say? And don't tell me you said sorry" Prachi asked. At this point, everyone knew what Sarakshi usually said.
"Aree bhabhi, she shocked us today. She didn't say sorry and actually said what she wanted to say" Reyansh said proudly, and Sarakshi glared at him with a pout.
"Now I want to know what she said" Ananya said, wiggling her eyebrows.
Rakshit told them everything Sarakshi had said earlier, and out of embarrassment, Sarakshi buried her face in Prachi's neck, not wanting to look at them.
After Rakshit finished, Prachi gently held Sarakshi's head and looked at her with a proud smile. "See, this is what you should do. Don't be quiet all the time. Speak for yourself whenever you feel that you have no fault in it" Prachi explained gently. Rajiv had told Prachi everything about how quiet and fragile Sarakshi usually was.
Sarakshi didn't say anything and looked down with a pout.
"Anyways, what are you guys doing this weekend? Let's watch a movie together or just hang out, what do you say?" Ananya asked excitedly.
"I'm out" Rashvik said, his gaze fixed on his laptop screen.
"Why?" Ananya whined.
"I'm going to London to meet Ashika, that's why" he said, looking at her.
"You're going to London?" Reyansh and Rakshit exclaimed.
"Yes" he replied and got back to his work.
Sarakshi looked at him, and the first thought that came to her mind after hearing him was about how she would hold his hands. Amidst all this, all she could think of were his hands.
"She lives in London?" Sarakshi asked in a low voice, looking at the duo, and they nodded.
"Did she attend our wedding? I don't remember being introduced to anyone named Aashika" she asked.
"No, she didn't. She was busy with her work" to everyone's surprise, Rashvik replied. They thought he was busy with his work and not listening to them.
Sarakshi nodded as she got her answer and didn't ask anything further.
"Ashika di is very close to bhai. We are not that close to her as she doesn't like being social much, but Aashu bhai is an exception" Reyansh explained to her, and Sarakshi nodded, understanding their relationship. Rashvik is the closest relative Ashika has in every sense but blood.
As Sarakshi processed this new information, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. At least now, she had some context about Ashika and her importance to Rashvik. It made her understand him a little better, even if their relationship still felt distant and strained.
"We'll have fun this weekend then without him" Prachi said chuckling
"Yeah, bhabhi" Ananya added.
"Let's go, we'll get late for shopping" Prachi said to Sarakshi and Ananya.
The three girls were going shopping together to buy a dress for Sarakshi because she was going to a party with Rashvik tonight. It was a success party for one of Rashvik's business partners. He had planned to go alone, but Rajiv insisted he take Sarakshi along. Sarakshi, on the other hand, didn't want to go but couldn't refuse her papa ji's insistence. She was scared of parties and people. Being very self-conscious and reserved, crowded places made her feel suffocated.
"Is it necessary to buy a new dress just for a small event?" Rashvik questioned.
"Excuse me, Mr. Rashvik. She doesn't want to go shopping in the first place; we're taking her. Your wife here has worn hoodies all her life. She has never worn a gown before, and for the fancy-ass party you're taking her to, she has to buy one and wear it for the first time" Prachi retorted, not liking his comment.
"I still can't believe you don't have a single dress in your closet, Sara, and that you've never worn one before" Ananya said in disbelief.
"I don't go out much, that's why" Sarakshi replied in a low voice, and Rashvik looked at her, finding sincerity in her words.
"Whatever it is, you're wearing one today, and we'll get you ready" Ananya said excitedly.
The girls left for the shopping, and Sarakshi felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. She was apprehensive about attending the party, but a part of her was looking forward to wearing something new and stepping out of her comfort zone. Prachi and Ananya chatted animatedly, trying to keep her spirits up.
At the mall, they spent hours looking for the perfect dress. Sarakshi tried on several gowns, each one making her feel more out of her element. The only condition she had was that the dress had to have sleeves, either full or mid-sleeves, but not sleeveless. As it makes her feel uncomfortable.
Prachi and Ananya were patient, understanding her discomfort. They helped her search through countless racks, finally finding a dress that met all her criteria. It was an elegant gown that made her feel beautiful without being too revealing.
"This one is perfect!" Ananya exclaimed, clapping her hands.
"Yes, Sara, you look absolutely stunning" Prachi added, beaming at her.
Sarakshi looked at herself in the mirror, feeling comfortable. The dress was beautiful and modest, exactly what she wanted.
Back at home, the girls helped Sarakshi get ready. Prachi styled her hair in loose curls, while Ananya did her makeup just the way Sarakshi wanted....very light, keeping it simple and elegant. They added a few accessories to complete the look.
"You look like a princess" Ananya said, admiring her
Sarakshi smiled shyly, feeling a bit more confident. She still felt nervous about attending the party, but seeing herself transformed gave her a small boost of courage.
"You're going to be the most beautiful woman at the party" Prachi said, giving her a reassuring hug. Listening to them, Sarakshi looked at herself in the mirror once again, but she didn't feel like stepping out of the room wearing this dress. She didn't want to be the center of attention; crowds scared her. She still had her reservations about the party, but with her friends' support, she felt ready to face it.
As they headed downstairs, Rashvik looked up at her. His eyes widened slightly when he saw Sarakshi. She looked different, she looked beautiful, and for a moment, he was taken aback.
"Bhabhi, you look really pretty" Rakshit and Reyansh said with wide eyes.
"Mumma prwtty" Pichu said, hugging her legs, which made Sarakshi's heart melt.
(mumma pretty)
"Yes, beta, really beautiful" Rajiv added, placing a soft peck on her forehead.
"Really?" she asked in a low voice, her insecurities creeping in.
"Yes, don't you dare doubt yourself" Ananya said, glaring at her with playful sternness.
"Let's go" Rashvik said, gaining their attention. Sarakshi finally looked at him and felt her breath catch. He looked absolutely charming in the three-piece black suit he was wearing, which perfectly complemented her own black gown.
She was once again mesmerized by him. Despite his behavior, she couldn't help but feel that he was the one for her. His presence, his confidence, and the rare moments of softness he showed all made her believe in a future together.
"It's time for clicking pictures" Rakshit chirped, taking out his phone. Rashvik sighed with annoyance.
"Can you not, please?" he said, annoyed.
"Bhai, please don't be so boring all the time" Rakshit pleaded, making him stand beside her.
His 6'2" figure standing beside her 5'6" frame made her feel smaller. Her head touched his neck, or rather his shoulder, and though she had above-average height, she felt tiny next to Rashvik. They stood awkwardly, looking uncomfortable once again.
"Bhai, Bhabhi, not like last time, please. Stand properly," Reyansh huffed. Rashvik moved closer to her, their bodies touching, sending sparks through Sarakshi's body. He snaked his arm around her lower back, slightly pulling her towards him to get it over with quickly. Her breath hitched, and she turned a deeper shade of red. She looked around to see others having mischievous grins on their faces, which made her blush even more.
Once they stood perfectly together, Rakshit clicked many photos, complaining about their serious faces, but eventually got a few perfect shots. Then he clicked Sarakshi's solo photos, in which she posed beautifully and happily, not feeling shy in front of her FAMILY.
As they left for the party, Sarakshi felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She wasn't sure what to expect, but with Rashvik by her side, she hoped it wouldn't be as daunting as she feared.
Arriving at the venue, Sarakshi took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The grand hall was filled with elegantly dressed guests, and the atmosphere buzzed with conversation and laughter. She walked closely behind Rashvik, drawing strength from his presence.
Arriving at the venue, Sarakshi took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The grand hall was filled with elegantly dressed guests, and the atmosphere buzzed with conversation and laughter. She walked closely behind Rashvik, drawing strength from his presence.
As soon as they entered, Rashvik met many of his colleagues and was soon engrossed in conversation. Sarakshi stayed slightly behind him, feeling both out of place and comforted by his proximity. Despite her nervousness, she tried to focus on the grandeur of the event and the elegance around her. A few of his colleagues asked about her, and Rashvik introduced her to them. Sarakshi felt happy that he at least took a moment to introduce her.
After a few minutes, Rashvik joined a group of people to talk, leaving Sarakshi standing alone in a corner. She looked around, feeling many eyes on her, and she looked down, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone at the party. She was missing her cuties' presence; they would not have left her for even a minute. She felt herself getting more uncomfortable, her breath becoming uneven, and her palms beginning to sweat out of nervousness. What made her even more nervous was a group of women staring at her continuously, clearly talking about her. This was why she didn't like people.
Rashvik stole a glance towards Sarakshi and saw her standing all alone in the corner, looking down just as she did when she was in front of him. He thought of going towards her, but one of his friends joined the conversation, and he stayed there.
Sarakshi gathered her courage and looked up to find Rashvik, but she couldn't see him in the crowd. Panic set in as she felt scared and alone. Rashvik noticed her searching for him and tried to wave to signal her to come towards him, but she wasn't looking in his direction.
She was, trying to find him in the crowd, but he was nowhere to be seen. She wanted him beside her, or else she would collapse right here. Being alone with so many strangers made her feel scared. She thought it would be easy, as he would be with her throughout the evening, but standing there alone made her feel suffocated.
Her mother took her to a party forcefully once just to embarrass here in front of people, and since then, she always had a fear of getting insulted like that. The laughing faces of people lingered in her mind, a haunting reminder of that humiliation.
Sarakshi noticed a man in his thirties approaching with a smug look on his face. She quickly looked away, but he continued until he stood directly in front of her. Rashvik, observing the scene, instantly recognized the man. He was known for his underhanded tactics and nasty behavior, much like Manish Singhania. This man had previously crossed paths with Rashvik, once laying hands on Prachi. In response, Neeraj and Rashvik, the most powerful business duo, had ensured he suffered for his actions. Their influence was so significant that a single call from them could destroy anyone's career. Now, unaware that he was confronting Rashvik's wife, the man had once again put himself in grave danger.
"Hey, beautiful" the man said, extending his hand towards Sarakshi for a handshake. She hesitated, but after a few seconds, with trembling hands, she shook his hand. He quickly pulled her into a hug. Sarakshi tried to break free, but he forcefully held her, his hands roaming over her back, making her feel disgusted. She was on the verge of tears, struggling to escape his tight grip.
Rashvik noticed her hesitation and saw the man forcefully hugging her. He immediately strode towards them, his steps quick and determined. Although he might not openly admit it, Sarakshi was his wife, and he felt a strong sense of protectiveness towards her. Seeing that vile man hug her forcefully filled him with fury; he wanted to chop the man's hands off for touching her.
The man broke the hug and looked at Sarakshi with a grin. She looked down, scared and trembling, as memories of her past trauma flashed through her mind. The unwanted touches made her feel like she was reliving her worst experiences.
"May I know who this beautiful lady is?" the man asked, touching her arm. Instantly, she stepped back, bumping into someone's arm. It was Rashvik.
He snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her close for the second time that day. She leaned into his touch, feeling warmth and safety in his embrace. Looking up at him, she saw the fury in his eyes, his jaw clenched tightly.
'All this for me?' she wondered.
"This beautiful lady right here is Sarakshi Rashvik Singh, MY WIFE"
༶•┈┈⛧┈♛♛┈⛧┈┈•༶
Write a comment ...