~•} C H A P T E R|12 {•~
Reaching her two bhk apartment, she took out the keys from her bag and sighed heavily being exhausted.
Once inside her apartment, she tiredly plopped down on the old sofa in the living room itself.
Suddenly her phone buzzed and releasing an annoyed grunt, she took it out from the bag only to furrow her brows in confusion seeing her father's name on the screen.
The relationship between her and her father wasn't the ideal one, it was a little rocky. They rarely talked and if they do then their conversation was cut down to the bare minimum. She talked with her mother and that too once in a week so the sudden phone call came out as a surprise to her.
Shaking the absurd thoughts from her mind which were going too far now, she pressed the green button and held the phone close to her ear waiting for him to start.
There was sheer silence for a minute until her father decided to speak, "Ishani, you there?"
"Yes,"
"Come back as soon as you can. I want to talk about something very important."
"But--"
"No buts and ifs Ishani. Take the earliest bus you can and come back!" With this, the call went dead.
Running a hand through her face, she groaned in frustration.
She hated going back to the place people called her home.
Her family held a prestigious place in society. Growing up she realized that her family wasn't like her friends where their parents had a compatible relationship. Her family was controlling, orthodox, narcissistic with a male superiority complex in them.
From enrolling her into girls' school to making a fuss about her clothes, they did it all!
And once she replied back saying, "It's not my problem that were were staring!", she was slapped hard that time.
That was the incident that shook her to the core. That was the incident when she realized how toxic they were. After that, she tried to obey them without a word.
From dressing the way they told her to apply no-makeup she did it all. But did the staring stop? No, it didn't because the creepy bastards who were staring at her in not so good way were still staring.
All they needed was a girl to stare and didn't care the way she was dressed...
Ishani was fed up with all this and was waiting for the right time to come when she would be free from this toxic environment.
And the right time came when she chose to come to Udaipur for her further studies.
There was a huge fight between her father and her regarding this as Bikaner and Udaipur were not much different from each other. Still, she chose Udaipur because her freedom was here.
He threatened to lock her up in the house till he received a good marriage proposal for her but this time she was determined, determined to leave this hell.
Ishani was clever enough to manipulate her grandfather, Ravikant Verma. Ravikant Verma was not much known about the changing world and technology so Ishani convinced her grandfather saying that how she wasn't able to score good marks and now she was not able to find any good college here. She played her master card adding that how nowadays boys needed a wife who was well educated and knew how to live alone.
Ravikant Verma, at last, gave in to her words and stated that she was going to Udaipur and no one should question his decision. Srikant Verma, Ishani's father stayed quiet not questioning his father's decision and finally Ishani got what she craved, freedom from her toxic family.
And then she turned into an Ishani which her family never thought she could be. Bold, clever and not giving a fuck about society were some traits of Ishani's new version.
She worked as a part-time receptionist in the bakery to pay off her bills because her father was now only paying for her studies, not a rupee more because he couldn't afford to change her college from Udaipur to Bikaner and can't make her drop out of it because the boys needed an educated spouse!
But still, with less money and an old apartment, she was happy because she was free!
And then suddenly her father ordered her to come back! How could she not be shocked? It had been a year since she last visited them.
"They can't do much right?" She questioned herself but don't know why her subconscious was warning her today that something bad would happen in this visit.
Packing her things she got ready in simple jeans and top.
She locked her small apartment not before giving a last longing look to it.
It was her haven.
Taking the earliest bus she finally stepped down in Bikaner, the city where she saw dreams with wide open eyes and saw them turning into a nightmare too.
She sighed, her shoulders drooped as she took a taxi towards the place she once considered home.
She knocked on the door and her mother, Kripa Verma opened the door and walked inside without giving her a second glance.
Ishani's heart thumped wildly as she walked inside.
"You are getting married next month." Her father's voice rang inside the house making her freeze in her place.
Did she hear it right?
She blinked her eyes and gazed at them with an angry stare but before she could say a word, her father spoke again, "No ifs and buts. I am not going to pay for your education anymore. It's your choice that you want to live your life like a beggar or get married." with this Srikant Verma left towards his room without even asking a word about her health.
"Kripa take her to the guest room." Ravikant Verma ordered his daughter-in-law who nodded her head.
Her mother took her to the guest room without saying a word and the whole time she was still in shock from what was happening.
She stayed inside the room the whole day and no one dared to call her for having food too. It was almost nighttime when she decided to step out and have a serious discussion.
But indeed her father was serious and that led to another huge conflict between them which ended with her father saying, "I was providing for your education so that you can get a suitable groom but now you are getting one so why should I waste my money on a girl like you!"
How much she despised him but still every nerve on her body became numb hearing this. All this hurt way too much.
...........
It had been a week since she came back and her every attempt to convince her family seemed futile now. Her grandfather this time was so eager for this proposal as last time she had befooled him.
And her mother? Her mother was just a puppet in her father's hands who did and followed everything her father said blindly afterall she was the good wife who considered her husband as God.
In short, every way to get away from this marriage seemed close right now.
And the last bomb dropped when she had to meet the person she was about to get married to.
And this was not planned by her family but the groom's family because her family didn't believe in letting girls and boys meet before marriage afterall this was stupid right?
So now she was sitting inside the cafe clad in a traditional suit waiting for her so-called to be husband whom she didn't want.
But she got the biggest shock of her life seeing The great Vardhaan Rathore walking towards her.
How in this world my father brought a proposal from The Rathores! She cursed in her mind.
For Vardhaan it was no different, the moment she turned he lost all his cool. First of all, he was getting forced to get married to a low-class girl and then that to her! The girl who dared to insult him in front of all!
No way he would get married to her!
"So... Shown your true colors bitch?" He couldn't control but mock with a dry laugh.
Ishani who was already furious about the whole situation felt her anger reach its limit seeing him talking to her in that tone.
"Yes, afterall I am going to get married to a stinky dog so I should adopt some of his traits as well."
Her reply fuelled the rage within him to an extent where he was seeing just red.
Forcing himself to take deep breaths, he stated gritting his teeth, "Reject this proposal."
"No, I--" before she could complete a hand wrapped itself around her throat making it difficult for her to speak.
"Just say no to this proposal or I will make you regret this whole life." With this Vardhaan Rathore stormed out of the cafe not caring to listen about her reply for once.
How could she decline when her family wasn't bothering about her choices?
It was a do or beg situation for her literally because not everyone in this world was so lucky to get a scholarship, were they?
Coming home agitated she yelled not wanting to get married but like always, no one cared.
Though this time she was curious too that why did Rathores send a marriage proposal for her and her curiosity was cooled down by her younger brother who told her how her father helped Deependra Rathore when their car decided to stop working on a deserted road at midnight. It would have taken two-three hours for another car to come. But luckily Srikant Verma was returning from the same route that day as he was coming back from a relative's house.
Sensing the commotion on the deserted road he decides to help them thinking of them as common people.
Deependra Rathore agreed to take help when his bodyguards checked that this person was not harmful. And here Srikant Verma was frozen in his place seeing Deependra Rathore in front of him. It was no hidden fact that they were the successors of the former rulers of Udaipur though now monarchy was no longer practiced but still these people had direct connections with the government and were feared yet greatly respected even now.
Srikant's hands were almost shaking while driving Deependra Rathore to the nearest hotel. When they reached the hotel, Deependra Rathore took his number saying he would call him in some days.
And as promised Deependra Rathore did call Srikant Verma but with a proposal, a proposal for getting his grandson to get married to Srikant's daughter saying that he didn't keep favors and returned it. The great Deependra Rathore was returning the favor by sending the proposal and for Srikant, this news was the happiest news he ever heard.
He had no reason to deny the proposal afterall the proposal was from Rathores! Also, a marriage without giving dowry was something Srikant didn't even dream of.
Ishani was stunned to hear this. It was her father who acted like a greedy man here and Vardhaan had every right to be angry as she was sure his grandfather forced him to return the so-called favor and her father agreed to take the return favor.
Was she this much detested by her father?
Though now she had no option but to marry the person she disliked straight from her heart. She just hoped that he would understand her situation and they would at least behave civilly with each other.
And just before a day of marriage she received a text, 'Advance welcome to your hell, darling to be wife.'
The text itself screamed that he was not at all ready to behave civilly with her. He was blaming her for what her father did!
Her body shivered with fear but one thing was prominent,
She was going to give him back whatever he would throw in her way whether the decent behavior or hatred.
She would not bow down!
Flashback end.
She sighed heavily rubbing her forehead as her old memories weren't the best ones... Were they?
She glanced at the man who was still sleeping and went to the bathroom to have a bath.
Changing into one of his shirts and denim shorts, she strode towards the beach with her shoulders slacked as today she didn't want to deal with this man.
Today she wanted to enjoy her company with the ocean by her side and she would do just that.
Grabbing a few packets of instant food she sat down on the sand getting relaxed seeing the blue water body in front of her.
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Here Raina was wide awake since last night. After answering the phone call of her sister she didn't even feel like simply lying down on the couch anymore.
She knew it was rude and harsh of her to talk to her sister in that way but she was no saint to get a grip on her emotions that early.
It was a fact that she called her sister yesterday and if her sister would have picked up the call then the situation would have been turned completely different.
Maybe then she didn't have to feel that scared... Maybe then Aakarsh would have come sooner to pick her up and maybe then she wouldn't have to cry till midnight in a deserted place...
But alas! Did it happen?
No, it didn't. Her sister didn't pick up the call at the right time and when Naina called back it was already too late.
She was well aware that it wasn't Naina's fault in the first place instead it was Aakarsh's fault to leave her!
But... she had hoped from Naina, not Aakarsh.
She had expectations from the person she trusted not from the person who didn't even acknowledge her.
She had hopes from the person she considered as her own, not from the person she considered as a stranger.
And her hopes were crushed when Naina didn't pick up the phone.
She was a human, a human with emotions, and right now she was hurt and not in a state to talk.
She wasn't angry with her sister but right now she needed time. Time to heal herself from what she dealt with yesterday.
Glancing at the wall clock she noticed it was time for her husband to get up.
Making his black coffee, she kept it on the bedside table and covered it with a plate. Hoping it wouldn't turn cold until he decide to get up but if it did, she couldn't care less.
Picking up her phone and wallet she strode out of the hotel because she needed space. Space from him who was constantly reminding her what happened yesterday.
Maybe people would assume that she was in love with him due to the way she was reacting when he forgot about her.
No, she wasn't in love with him.
Yes, she was attracted towards him and had a huge crush but he was no more than a stranger to her.
She was his tenant and he was the landowner like he made clear on their wedding night. Just that.
And apparently, she wouldn't express her anger on a stranger.
A stranger who was also her namesake husband.
Her hopes from this namesake husband died the moment he declared about repaying him for living in his room.
She knew her father wouldn't appreciate the fact of her breaking the marriage and maybe even abandon her if she broke the marriage as for her father his reputation mattered more.
She wasn't strong enough to go from all this so she was choosing the easiest way, living with him.
She knew it wasn't exactly the easiest path but until and unless she tried not to come in his way or make him angry she was fine.
For now at least.
Also, it was her mistake that she was stuck in a situation like this.
Only if she hadn't judged a man on his physical appearance and chosen him as her groom without meeting him then dimensions would have been changed.
Only if...
Raina exhaled deeply and sipped the warm coffee in her hand.
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Ruhanika stared at her husband who decided to go office a little late today yet was working on his laptop.
The incidents of last night were constantly revolving in her head-turning it into havoc.
She couldn't believe she blurted out that!
How in this world could she simply just blabber about the book she read and relate it with their condition?
Their condition was different!
Right?
Though now this wasn't the thing worrying her instead the reason for her worry was that how do perfect parents behave in front of their children?
She was sure that if she didn't act like one then Yuvraj would scold her so fumbling with her fingers nervously, she called slowly, "Yuvraj Ji,"
His gaze snapped towards her for a moment before he resumed working.
Arghh! This man! She thought and whirled her eyes but her eyes widen when she saw him looking towards her with raised brows.
"What are you trying to do Ruhanika?" He questioned seeing her making faces.
"Nothing." She mumbled lowly and slapped her forehead lightly when he turned back.
I have to do this! She chanted in her mind and called again closing her eyes, "Yuvraj Ji,"
"What?" He roared making her startled.
".... I was... I was thinking that how...--"
"Don't waste my time Ruhanika, Speak fast!"
"I was thinking that how do perfect parents behave in front of their child?"
She released a breath she didn't know she was holding when she finally asked what she wanted to.
Yuvraj opened his mouth to speak but no words came out of his mouth. He simply closed it back to open it again and muttered, "The way they should."
"And which way they should?" Ruhanika questioned back raising her eyebrows this time making him sigh heavily while running a hand through his hair.
Closing his laptop and removing his spectacle he stated, "How the hell I am supposed to know this?"
Ruhanika gulped and shuffled with her thumbs nervously muttering, "You created Yuvika... You are supposed to know." she tried to keep her words as clean as possible.
Yuvraj's body stiffed at her remark and he released an annoyed grunt.
"Then you are supposed to know too afterall you were telling me about that act story which you read in your erotic novels." He confided.
"Why do you bring my novels in between every time we talk." She asserted.
"Because you love to read those erotic novels!" He mocked.
"Believe me, you will one day become a character of those novels too. And you are gonna play that arrogant, cold, and emotionless villain which suits your personality." She retorted huffing slightly.
"Ruhanika!" He glared.
"I didn't say anything wrong." She mumbled then gulped fearfully seeing his furious glare.
"Not a fucking word more!" He cursed loudly making her flinch due to his loud voice.
Suddenly Yuvika walked inside through the open door with a frown etched on her forehead.
"Papa, what is f--"
Before Yuvika could complete, Ruhanika interrupted fastly, "Baccha! It's time to watch Pokemon or it won't come again today..."
Yuvika squealed hearing Pokemon and happily went out towards her room, totally forgetting about that F word she just heard.
Ruhanika heaved a relieved sigh seeing that Yuvika forgot about it because if Yuvika didn't then she would have asked about it and even if they didn't answer her then she was a child of today's generation! She would have simply clicked the microphone and asked Google about it!
Ruhanika too walked out of the room but not before giving Yuvraj an 'I saved you' look and Yuvraj just groaned in frustration.
Simply taking his laptop he and bag he too left for his office but not before mentally preparing a note to find out how perfect parents behave...
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The clock was indicating 10 pm and Naina was pacing here and there worriedly
How could she not be worried when her husband hadn't taken rest for two days and was still out, all thanks to herself.
The whole day had been no less than hell for her.
Aadarsh was not answering her phone calls nor was replying to her texts.
And she was damn worried.
And scared!
Again and again, the memories of the last few days were blurring her mind making her more guilty than she already was.
She had been selfish...
And greedy for his attention which she thought she would get when she would get pregnant.
And was bringing a child not because she wanted it but because she wanted her husband's affection.
But now she had realized her mistakes.
She had realized how wrong it was for her to let a child suffer.
How could she destroy someone's childhood when she had gone through the same! The self-guilt was killing her.
All this was because she was insecure... She knew that she was wrong but still she wanted Aadarsh to see why was she insecure...
But right now her concern was to coax her angry husband who had gotten angry at her for the first time.
And she was not liking it.
Not even a bit.
But she was scared...
What if he didn't talk to her forever?
How would he react to her apology?
What if he got angry just like yesterday?
These were some of her fears which were continuously resonating in her brain.
She jerked away from her thoughts when she saw him arriving inside with that same emotionless face...
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