10

8-Smiles and tears

~•} C H A P T E R|8 {•~

Her shoulders straightened and her body stiffened as his furious eyes bored into her's terrified one.


Gulping the lump in her throat which was formed due to his stare, she stepped backward as he stepped towards her.


Each step he took was heavy and constricted, his breathing sharp as he forced himself to take a deep breath and the tension on his jaw was evident.


Fear settled itself deep inside the pit of her stomach as she gazed at the man who was almost shaking due to the anger his body was radiating right now.


She was very well aware of his anger. His mind lost its control over his body when he got angry, his rage blurs the line between right and wrong, his anger got out the worst in him. That's why she feared it the most in the world.


Her guts twisted inside when she saw him close his lids and ball his hands into fists tightly.


This indicates he is very, very, very angry.


She thought as her breathing quickened.


In these two months, she had started understanding him well as she was quite an observant person.


No, she didn't do this on purpose but she had no work other than this.


Sometimes she wished that instead of letting her infatuation rule her mind that day, she would have thought from her mind and denied the proposal straightaway then she would have been in a better position today.


She would have been a fashion designer like she wished from childhood.


Yeah, she deeply regretted her decision now but alas! nothing could be changed now.


Divorce, was not an option for her because she knew he cared for his family name too much to let that happen and even her father would never favor this as his reputation was everything for him.


And now she was struck with this beastly man forever, who was right now coming towards her just like a dangerous predator, and the fact that his upper torso was naked, his boxing gloves still on wasn't helping in calming her nerves down even a bit.


Bumping his gloved fists together, he tilted his head towards his right as his lips twitched upwards and eyes scrunched ever so slightly.


Raina's heart thudded loudly in her ribcage as she could feel the wall nearing behind her back.


She tried to turn to her right but she flinched as a gloved fist formed a barrier in that side. Inhaling a sharp breath she turned towards her left but in a blink, one gloved hand settled itself there. She felt small and caged suddenly by the man in front of her.


Her insides trembled when her eyes came in contact with his furious ones, knowing well how bad his anger was for her. Harshly shutting her lids shut she forced herself to breathe normally, in a sense to calm herself down.


But the moment she could feel his warm breath fanning her cheek, her insides started quivering because of the anger his body was radiating and because of the way his body was intimate to her's. Never had she felt someone this close to her. This proximity was terrifying yet exciting her nerves at some point and this reaction of her body was scaring her.


"Why. Don't. You. Listen. To. Me?" His breathing ragged as he spat out each word bitterly.


She gulped hard to moisten her dry throat but still, she was unable to form the suitable words, the words which would satisfy the beast in front of her.


I don't want to anger him ...further. She thought and looked in his eyes to find a hint of softness but failed terribly.


"ANSWER ME!" He roared as his nose touched hers making her squeeze herself into the wall as much as she could.


"I..uh..." She tried to form the words but her brain wasn't cooperating.


He punched the wall beside her hard making her flinch in fear.


Slowly she opened her eyes and found his face beside her. Gulping thickly she slowly turned and found his forehead leaning on the wall, eyes squeezed shut hard, jaw clenched and his body almost over hers.

His breathing was harsh and ragged as he was trying to suck in deep breaths, she could tell that he was trying his hardest to control the rage within him.

"GET OUT!" He yelled as his eyes darkened with sheer rage.

She was unable to believe what she heard.

No, he can't throw me out of the room at this time of night. She thought.

His gaze moved towards her and Adam's apple moved as he gulped hard to swallow the anger which was all ready to swallow her.

Taking in a sharp breath, he clutched her arm harshly and dragged her out of the room which was only his according to him whereas she froze.

Once she was out, he closed the door on her face. She was too shocked to react to anything.

Coming out of the haze her mind suddenly built, she hastily looked at the door which was closed now.

No! No! He didn't just do that!

What will servants think seeing me out at this time!

What should I do?

Where should I go?

She panicked as her breathing quickened and the lump in her throat grew larger till she felt she couldn't take it anymore.

She didn't want to cry because of him, she was stronger than that but a year still made its way down her way making her wipe it harshly as she took long steps towards the balcony.

The moment her feet reached the destination, she simply sat on the swing while looking at the moon with a pained expression marring on her face.

The cold breeze flowed and wrapping her arms around herself to secure some warmth, she gazed at the moon blankly.

This relationship is only getting worse with time.

A dry laugh left her lips at the thought as she smiled with a blank expression while tears trickled down.

No, she didn't want to go back inside because she wanted herself to feel the pain, the pain which her infatuation had caused. She wanted to feel the consequences of her actions and drown deeper into the ocean of regret which was all ready to engulf her.

Aakarsh on the other hand took out the boxing gloves from his hand throwing them on the floor with a thud as he used his fists directly to punch.

He groaned in frustration, his fists red and swollen now. He clutched his hair tugging at the root in annoyance as he thought about what he just did.

He hastily opened the door of their room, frowning as he didn't find her outside like he expected to.

He walked down the stairs trying to see if she was outside. He asked the guards and they said she didn't come here making him heave a sigh as he went back to his room thinking she must've slept in one of the guest rooms...

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The orange hues of sunlight peeked inside, Ruhanika's lids fluttered as she let out a frustrated sigh but finally blinking away the sleep, she opened her enthralling orbs.

Glancing towards her right she saw her husband still asleep across the partition of the bed. The memories of last night knocked the door of her mind and she reminisced the way Yuvraj secretly peeked inside her novel, the way he was so close to her for her liking, the way he scolded her.


A warm flush crept her neck and flooded her face in embarrassment as she thought more about it. He caught her reading a romantic novel and that too an explicit kissing scene for crying out loud how could she not be embarrassed!


It was embarrassing, awkward, and whatnot!


Ignorance was bliss in situations like this and she was going to do just that, try to interact with him as little as she could.


Sucking in a deep breath with a determined expression on her face she was all ready to start her day.


......


Stepping down the stairs, Ruhanika stared at the huge mansion with a faraway look in her eyes.


This is just a mansion that can never be called home.

Her thoughts came to a halt when she saw Naina pacing here and there with a frown while fumbling with her fingers.

"What happened?"

"Bhabhi, I ain't able to find Raina. See it's 7:00 am, she should be here at this time to make Aakarsh bhai's coffee."

"Um.. maybe something happened in the night?" she tried to assure Naina but it came out like a question.

"Yeah you are right something had happened at night. I am going to check on her." with this Naina was all ready to leave.

"Where? Her room?"

"Where else then!" Naina snapped and Ruhanika rolled her eyes.

"Well it's not her room alone, she shares the room with Aakarsh Bhai and I don't want you to invade their privacy... you know."

"Yeah, you are right... but I am concerned for her. You already know how the relationship is between them..." Naina trailed off with a worried look while straining the tea into a cup.

"I know." A sigh left past Ruhanika's lips saying this and just then Aakarsh Rathore stormed inside the kitchen.

Ruhanika raised her brows towards him while Naina gave him a confused look.

He royally ignored their stares and started preparing his black coffee.

"Where is Raina, Aakarsh Bhai?" Ruhanika questioned.

"I don't know." was the hurried reply of Aakarsh Rathore as he turned to move out.

"WHERE IS MY SISTER?" Naina asked sternly this time.

"I said I don't know, bhabhi," he didn't meet her eyes as a bit of guilt gnawed inside him which he shrugged as it made him uncomfortable.

Both Ruhanika and Naina stared at him for a good five seconds at his reply.

"She was with you last night until I know. You are her husband so you should be aware of where she is! What did you do to her?" Naina shouted though her voice was low, not to attract unwanted attention.

"I asked her to get out of the room last night and she did. Now where she goes or is she alive, I don't freaking know! Now get out of my way." with this Aakarsh Rathore hurried towards the gym of the mansion.

He wanted to get away from all this as it made him feel guilty. Something he didn't want to at all.

He knew he was at fault, but would he admit that?

No.

Ruhanika was not at all surprised by watching Naina's outburst. She knew that how soft-spoken and sensitive person Naina and Raina were, they would fight with the world for their twin. The twins always had each other's back in happiness, sorrow, or grief. The fact that they didn't receive the love they should have since childhood, made them more protective of each other.

Naina's shoulder slumped as she heaved a sigh in dissatisfaction by the way Aakarsh was unconcerned about her twin.

Ruhanika gazed at her with a concerned look and stepping forward, kept a hand on her shoulder to provide some kind of support.

"Bhabhi... I am going to search for her. Can you give this tea to Aadarsh if he comes downstairs?" There was a silent plea in her voice to which Ruhanika nodded.

Ruhanika got back to her work to make breakfast.

No, it's not that she liked doing it but she was ordered to do so by her mother-in-law.

"Ruhanika there is no need for you to cook the breakfast but if everything is to be done by the servants then what are you here for? Just spending my son's hard-earned money? At least you can show us gratitude by doing this much. Also as the eldest daughter-in-law, you should take some responsibilities!"
Ruhanika remembered the exact words which her mother-in-law spoke after 1 month of her marriage.

She jerked away from her thoughts when she saw Aadarsh all set to make his tea.

"Here," Ruhanika passed the cup of tea towards him.

"Thank you." Aadarsh awkwardly croaked out.

Ruhanika rolled her eyes and told, "This was made by your sweet wifey so don't thank me. Thank her."

Aadarsh registered her words and questioned in a low voice hesitantly, "...Where is she?"

"Raina was missing so Naina is trying to find her," Ruhanika replied curtly while cutting the vegetables.

She heard him sigh as he ran a hand through his hair in frustration being well aware that who was the reason for this. With this, he too left leaving Ruhanika in her thoughts.

Clutching the wooden spoon in her hand hardly, Ruhanika drew in a deep breath.

All of them are aware of what their brother or son is doing. Still, they are doing nothing to stop this...

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Naina moved towards her room to see off her husband after finding Raina in the balcony.

Naina was all set to leash out her anger on Aakarsh but Raina stopped her saying that she was fine and it would be better if Naina let her handle her matters by herself and she was strong enough.

Raina didn't want to create problems for Naina as interfering between her and Aakarsh could lead to a fight between Aadarsh and her sister which she didn't want at all.

Also, she still firmly believed she herself was responsible for her condition being blinded by her crush for Aakarsh. Raina was well aware how marriages were in these high-class societies and how vile these men were thanks to her father, yet she dared to dream.

Now, it was her who started this problem and she would be the one putting an end to it but right now, she didn't have any options than staying and listening to his whims and orders.

Also, Raina was afraid that her taking a big step would end up creating problems in the marital life of her sister.

Naina was the elder one of the two yet Raina was the protective one from childhood. Naina was too emotional and naive for the world making Raina scared for her, always. She had done everything to protect her sister from childhood, be it taking the blames sometimes or even hiding their father's truth...

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Naina was extremely sad by all the fiasco in the morning. She knew she was one of the reasons her sister was silently bearing all this.


The door of her room soon came into view and before she could open it, it was opened from inside and a well-dressed Aadarsh Rathore came into her view who was all set to leave for work.

Taking in a deep breath she wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled closer into his chest.

His scent calmed her nerves down, all the frustration and worries leaving her mind as his proximity did the magic on her. Being close to the person whom she loved dearly soothed her nerves and her innocent heart which was getting more and more attached to him.

Parting away from him, she mumbled, "See you later. Come soon."

"Hmm." was the only response she got from him before he turned and left.

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"Maa! Don't go please." Yuvika pleaded and Ruhanika for the umpteenth time cooed her saying, "Baccha, maa will come back soon. And more soon if you don't trouble Naina Chachi. Okay?"


"But why do you want to go? Don't go..." Yuvika whined making Ruhanika groan in annoyance, not on Yuvika but the thought of going to the business party.


Even I don't like to go to these parties.


Ruhanika sneered in her mind but turned towards Yuvika,
"Baccha, it is important to go. I will come soon."


"And if Maa will not go then Maa will become sad. Do you want Maa to become sad?" Ruhanika played her most powerful weapon while faking an extremely sad face and Yuvika's eyes widened as a horrified expression took over her face.

"No-no! Maa, you go. Yuvika is a big girl now she can manage but don't be sad." Yuvika pleaded being guilty.

Ruhanika's heart hurt playing with an innocent kid's brain and seeing Yuvika like this but Alas! going there was important too.

Extending her arms, she hugged Yuvika close to her heart while kissing her hair non-stop to which Yuvika smiled brightly like she won the world and a satisfied smile broke on Ruhanika's face too.

............

Clutching the soft fabric of the green saree Ruhanika exhaled softly.

The torn empty box carelessly lying on the bed indicated that this was a new dress.

Suddenly her phone rang, seeing the caller's name she gulped audibly before pressing the green button on her smartphone she held it close to her ear.

"H-Hello,"

Why the fuck am I stuttering!?

She scolded herself in the mind but couldn't help but think about the fact he just discovered about her erotic book. Also, he had always intimidated her from the start of their marriage due to his age and behaviour.

"Did you get the dress?" Yuvraj's nonchalant and rough voice came from another side.

"Yes." She mumbled. That feeling of being intimidated rooted deep inside her making her mentally slap her brain at this stupid behavior which happened whenever he was near but right now he wasn't near right?

"I will pick you up at 8:00 pm."

With this, the call went dead making her sigh heavily.

Drooping her shoulder in disappointment, she stared at the shimmering green fabric in front of her, her eyes held no excitement and happiness while gazing at the expensive saree.

It didn't matter to her that how much expensive gifts someone gave her, if that person gifted her with sincerity then she would happily accept it but this saree was anything but a gift. And this was not the first time she got a saree when they had to go to a business party and this wasn't going to be the last one. The sole reason for this favor on her was that according to him and his mother Ruhanika's taste in dresses didn't match their standards so how could they let down their standard in business parties.

Ruhanika jerked her head to get out of the unwanted thoughts and looked at the wall clock which indicated 6:30 pm.

I better start getting ready or else my punctual husband will leave me here only.

She thought and scurried towards the changing room.

After checking herself in the mirror for the last time, Ruhanika scampered towards Naina's room with Yuvika in her arms.

Knocking on the door, she patiently waited for Naina to open the door.

"Bhabhi, you are looking so beautiful!" Naina chirped unlocking the door to which Ruhanika smiled in return.

"Naina you will be fine taking care of Yuvika right?"

"Ann... Yes bhabhi! I have said this umpteenth time that I will take care of Yuvika and I don't have any problem with this. You go and enjoy."

"Okay!"

With this Ruhanika rushed towards the parking area as her husband was waiting for her there.

"3 minutes and 40 seconds late you are." She heard him state in a low tone.

Ignoring his previous words, she sat down on the passenger seat of his matte black Lamborghini.

In no time they drove off with their bodyguards following them in other cars.

The drive to the business party was as usual silent.

Yuvraj parked the car and paced out without waiting for her.

Coming out of the car, Ruhanika forced herself to stay calm at this behavior and followed him silently not wanting to create a scene.

Their outfits were matching she just noticed.



Oh, we are the so-called 'perfect couple'.

She thought sarcastically and swiveled her eyes.

Then started the most boring part for her where Yuvraj got engrossed in talking with his business partner and she followed him like a lost puppy everywhere he went whereas he never turned back to see if she was behind him or not.

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Aadarsh came back to the home being all exhausted. Today he had his dinner with his clients so he directly ambled towards his room.

Opening the door he saw his wife giggling with the little Yuvika in her arms who was giggling as well.

The frown on his forehead deepened as his lips curled up a little in a smile maybe.

He cleared his throat wanting their attention and as he guessed their attention drifted towards him but unlike the usual sweet words he would hear after coming back, he was greeted with, "Aadarsh you came early."


Instead of responding he simply pointed towards the wall clock making Naina's eyes widen.


"Oh, it's 10:00 pm already. I didn't think about you so forgot to check the time, as generally, I check the time to see when will you come back."


She blabbered and he suddenly felt something in his heart hearing she forgot about him. He glared at Yuvika who pouted adorably making him sigh heavily.


Loosening his tie while throwing his suit on the table, he ruffled Yuvika's hair making her pout angrily.


"Aadarsh! Don't throw your coat here. Go and keep it neatly inside the cupboard." Naina scolded while Aadarsh looked towards her and simply shrugged his shoulders ignoring her.


"Aadarsh, please!" Naina almost whined and Aadarsh simply stood up and kept his coat and tie inside the cupboard and headed towards the bathroom to change his clothes.


After coming out of the bathroom he sat behind Naina who had Yuvika in his lap. He simply raised his brows looking at Yuvika,


"Why is Yuvika here at this time?"


"Actually Ruhanika and Yuvraj Bhai are gone on a business party so I am taking care of Yuvika till they come back. That's it."


Aadarsh simply nodded in return and lifted Yuvika in his arms while she giggled making his lips twitch into a smile as well.


Here Naina was gazing at both of them with a smile on her face and a faraway look in her eyes.


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Ruhanika felt a tap on her shoulder and turned towards the man who was grinning towards her.


"Hello, Bhabhi."


That man greeted with a cheeky smile whereas Ruhanika gave him an awkward smile.


"Recognized me?" That man questioned with a curious look making her smile apologetically in his direction.


Suddenly Yuvraj turned and didn't find her behind him. Raising his brows in caution, his eyes raked across the big hall and finally set them on the person he was searching for but she was talking with a man it seems.


He frowned, no, not in jealousy but suspicion as he was sure that she didn't know anybody after all she wasn't from a high-class family.

Striding towards them he cleared his throat making that man turn towards him and hug him suddenly.

Yuvraj patted his back in a manly hug.

Ruhanika watched the scene in front of her with bewildered eyes.

"Yuvraj you didn't tell bhabhi about me yet!" That man exclaimed and Yuvraj shook his head at that man's behavior.

"Okay so let me introduce myself! Bhabhi, I am Anirudh Sinha, the only best friend of this dumb man." Anirudh extended his hand for a handshake.

Ruhanika smiled softly and gave her hand for the handshake.


Yuvraj just rolled his eyes at his best friend's introduction.


"Ahnn. I don't even know how in this whole world you married a man like him. I mean come on, for a gorgeous girl like you, you should get a man like me." Anirudh winked and Ruhanika bit her lip to control her laugh at The Yuvraj Rathore's open insult.


I know.

Ruhanika screamed in her mind but kept a soft smile on her face from the outside.

"We are already late so we are heading towards the mansion. So goodbye Anirudh." With this, Yuvraj sprinted towards the exit without looking back, and Anirudh laughed heartily.


"Bye bhabhi! See you soon and more power to you for tolerating this man."


Ruhanika bid her bye as well and rushed towards the exit as she knew that Yuvraj could even leave without her!


As she expected, Yuvraj's car was out from the parking spot, and he was all ready to leave.


The audacity of this man!

Only if he didn't scare me--

She grumbled in her mind while giving him a fake smile who let out an annoyed sigh.

Sitting inside the car, she closed the door hard with a thud. Yuvraj's dark eyes glared down at her dangerously, her throat went dry seeing his stare, that same feeling settled itself deep inside her as her insides shuddered.

Gulping thickly she mumbled a small sorry as she realized that she hurt his obsession, his love, his CAR!

The ride back home for her was no different with that man who was silent all the while with that serious expression on that face.

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Ishani was idly sitting on the sofa while gazing at the moon and vast ocean through the window of the bungalow.


It had been one whole day since they landed here and Vardhaan was no where to be seen.


Though it's better to be bored than being with him.


She sneered in her mind as her lips twitched in detest for her husband.


In this one day, she had hoped for all the worst scenarios and prepared herself for the worst.


Maybe he would just barge inside the room with a bimbo to make her feel bad...


Maybe he would just insult her...


Maybe he would try to humiliate her due to being middle class...


And then started the never-ending cycle of maybe...


But one thing would remain intact that she wouldn't give up, she would fight for herself!


Suddenly she heard the door being unlocked.


That different maybe scenario started running inside her brain making it havoc that what was coming next.


And then she heard a creak...

~~~~~~~~

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