His words kept echoing in my mind, "Can't you walk after seeing, if something happens to you now then we will have to tolerate another problem." I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was a burden to him, a problem he had to deal with.
It had been two days since the incident, but his words still lingered in my mind, haunting me. I couldn't help but wonder if I was indeed a problem for him.
The feeling was all too familiar, reminiscent of my past when my uncle and grandfather made me feel like a wretched, unwanted burden.
Their words, their actions, had always made me feel like I was a problem, a liability they had to tolerate. And now, His words have brought back all those painful memories. I felt like I was reliving the past, and it hurt.
I tried to push the thoughts away, but they lingered, refusing to leave me alone. I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever be able to escape the feeling of being a problem, of being unwanted.
which maybe i'm..
I had finally gotten my admission to college, but instead of feeling excited, I was consumed by anxiety. My enochlophobia disorder was kicking in, making me terrified of the crowds and chaos that came with college life.
I wasn't just afraid of darkness, but also of being surrounded by too many people. The thought of being in a crowded classroom or hallway made me feel like I was going to suffocate.
After my admission, Chashni took me shopping for college clothes, but I was horrified by the outfits she picked out.
"Everyone wears them like this in college," she assured me, but I was skeptical. I had never worn such clothes before, and the thought of dressing like that in front of strangers made me feel uneasy.
To make matters worse, Chashni hadn't bought any clothes that were similar to what I was used to wearing.
I was going to have to wear the new outfits, which made me feel even more anxious about starting college. I just hoped that I could somehow manage to cope with my fears and adjust to this new chapter of my life.
It had been two days since I last saw him. He had been leaving early in the morning and returning late at night, and to be honest, I was relieved.
It was better for me not to have to deal with his intimidating presence and his handsome yet annoying face.
But my mind wasn't on his right now. Tomorrow was my first day of college, and I was feeling a mix of emotions. I wasn't sure if it was excitement or fear, but I knew I had to go. I had to face my fears and take this step towards a new chapter in my life.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I had isha di's support, and I knew she would be there to help me through this transition.
I just hoped that I could find the strength to overcome my anxiety and make the most of this new opportunity. Tomorrow was going to be a big day, and I was ready to face it head-on.
Next morning...
As the sun's rays peeked through the window, I woke up, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. I greeted my "parents" (Isha and Anant) with a good morning and headed to the bathroom to start my day.
I had prepared everything I needed for college the day before, so I didn't have to worry about that. After a refreshing bath, I came out and secretly applied sindoor to my hair, making sure to hide it. Dhruv had told me not to wear any symbols of marriage, but my "mummy" (Isha) had encouraged me to apply sindoor, and I had to admit, I liked doing it.
I got dressed in the comfortable outfit I had chosen - a white t-shirt and blue jeans. I decided to keep my hair open, as I loved the way it felt. I felt a sense of independence and freedom as I got ready for my first day of college. Little did I know what the day had in store for me.
I heard Roben's voice from outside my room, "Mam, Badi Bhu is calling you for breakfast." I replied, "Yaa, coming," and he left. I chuckled to myself, wondering which royal family these people belonged to, as no one seemed to use names when addressing each other.
I made my way downstairs to the dining table, where Isha, or "Didi," was waiting for me. As always, he was nowhere to be seen. I greeted Didi with a "Radhe Shyam, Didi," and she smiled warmly. Her smile was truly captivating.
Didi instructed me to finish my breakfast quickly, as we had to leave for college soon. She had cooked a delicious meal, and I was grateful for her kindness. As I ate, I thought about all the things I had learned about this family.
They didn't live in their actual home, but rather in a temporary residence. They had their own company, and his was one of the richest men in the country. Didi was an architect, designing a new company model near Rajvansh Mansion. And, surprisingly, Didi was pregnant, but we were keeping it a secret from his until his birthday.
After finishing my breakfast, Didi reminded me to grab my bag, and we left for college. I noticed that Didi always wore saris, befitting her role as the elder daughter-in-law of the Rajvansh family. However, I couldn't wear anything that symbolized marriage, as per his's instructions.
At college.....
9:45......
As we arrived at the college, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Isha, or Didi, gave me a reassuring smile and said, "Nothing will happen, you just go to the principal's room from here, he will take you to class." I nodded, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves.
After saying goodbye to Didi, I stepped out of the car and into the bustling college campus. As I made my way to the principal's room, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the crowds of students rushing to their classes. My anxiety began to spike, and I felt my heart racing.
Just as I was trying to navigate through the sea of people, my luck decided to take a turn for the worse. I collided with someone, and my books and papers went flying out of my hands.
I felt a surge of embarrassment and panic as I bent down to gather my belongings. As I looked up, I saw a pair of piercing eyes staring back at me, belonging to the person I had just collided with.
Author pov-
Vaani made her way to the principal's room, she accidentally collided with a tall, imposing figure. The boy's eyes narrowed in annoyance as he shouted at Vaani, "Can't you see?"
Vaani's face fell as she murmured a sorry, lowering her head in embarrassment. The boy's grip on her shoulder tightened as he asked, "Hey, first year?"
Vaani's voice trembled as she stuttered, "Le...a..ve," her eyes wide with fear.
The boy leaned in closer, his voice taking on a menacing tone, "I asked you something."
But before he could intimidate Vaani further, a deep, authoritative voice intervened, "Can't you hear? Leave."
The boy's eyes flickered towards the speaker, and he nodded hastily before releasing Vaani's shoulder and rushing away.
The atmosphere was charged with tension as the stranger's gaze lingered on Vaani, ensuring she was unharmed. Vaani's eyes, still wide with fear, met the strangers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
That stranger approached Vaani, he gently held her chin and encouraged her to look up at him. However, Vaani remained still, frozen in fear. The stranger's voice was soft and soothing as he said, "If you have a fear like this, then these people will trouble you more."
Vaani's eyes slowly met the stranger's, and he was taken aback by their beauty. "Ooo, what pretty eyes," he exclaimed, and Vaani's face broke into a small smile.
The stranger's charming smile and warm demeanor put Vaani at ease, and she smiled a little wider. "Like eyes, like a smile," he said, holding his heart, and Vaani's smile grew even more.
The stranger introduced himself as Rudraksh Raghuwanshi and extended his hand towards Vaani. She greeted him with a soft "Namaste, myself Vaani Rawat." Rudraksh chuckled and replied, "Namaste Vaani ji."
As they stood there, Rudraksh asked Vaani where she was headed, and she replied in a soft voice, "Principal's room." Rudraksh nodded and said, "Okay, let's go."
However, Vaani looked confused, and Rudraksh explained, "If I leave you here, then many boys will come back like that boy who just left." Vaani's eyes widened in fear, and she shook her head in a negative motion, clearly indicating that she didn't want to be left alone.
As Rudraksh began to walk, Vaani followed him, her eyes fixed on his back as if she was a lost puppy trailing behind its master. Rudraksh turned to her and asked, "Which year?"
Vaani replied softly, "First."
Rudraksh's eyes sparkled with amusement as he asked, "So, Vaani ji, would you like to be friends with me?" He raised his eyebrows, awaiting her response.
Vaani hesitated for a moment before nodding her head. Rudraksh's face lit up with excitement as he exclaimed, "Yes, and now I also have a friend!"
Vaani's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked in a low voice, "You don't have any friends?"
Rudraksh's expression turned wistful as he replied, "No, everybody is scared of me."
Vaani's eyes widened in surprise as she asked, "Why?"
Rudraksh's chuckle was low and husky as he revealed, "Because I'm the Prince of Rajasthan."
Vaani's jaw dropped, and her eyes grew wide with shock. Rudraksh chuckled at her reaction, but deep down, he knew that this friendship, like all the others, would eventually be broken.
For now, though, he was content to bask in Vaani's innocent and unaffected company. Little did she know that Rudraksh Raghuwanshi, the Prince of Rajasthan, was hiding secrets and reasons for being in Madhya Pradesh, far away from his royal duties.
Dhruv pov-
At office....
3:57....
I sat at my office desk, staring blankly at the clock, my mind began to wander. It had been five days since my life was turned upside down by the forced marriage. Five days since I saw her, Vaani. In those five days, everything had changed.
I found myself trying to avoid her, leaving the office early and returning home late, just so I wouldn't have to face her. I was determined not to let her presence affect me, not to let her change me in any way.
I didn't want to acknowledge the strange feelings that had been stirring inside me since our wedding day. I didn't want to admit that Vaani's presence had awakened something within me. I was Dhruv Rajvansh, a man who always maintained control, and I wouldn't let anyone, especially Vaani, disrupt my carefully constructed life.
As the clock ticked closer to 4:00 PM, I knew I had to leave soon. I gathered my things, preparing to face another long evening, avoiding the one person who seemed to be slowly but surely changing me.
Five days. It had been five days since my life was turned upside down by the forced marriage. Five days since I saw her, Vaani, and everything changed. My routine, my thoughts, my feelings - all had been disrupted by her presence.
I found myself avoiding her, fleeing from the office early, and returning home late, just to escape the possibility of facing her. I was desperate to maintain the status quo, to prevent any further changes from occurring within me.
The truth was, I was scared. Scared of the way I felt when I looked into her eyes, scared of the way my heart skipped a beat when I heard her voice. I had lost myself in them, and it was a terrifying feeling.
I knew I had to get away from here, from her, as soon as possible. I had to finish all my work in Singapore and leave. Only then could I regain control over my life, my emotions. Only then could I go back to being the Dhruv I once was.
The thought of escaping, of leaving Vaani and her unsettling presence behind, was a comforting one. I would focus on my work, throw myself into it, and before I knew it, I would be back to my normal self, free from the turmoil that Vaani had unleashed within me.
Two days had passed since I last saw Vaani's face. Today was her first day of college, and I knew she must be feeling scared. But I also knew she had to learn to stand on her own feet, to stabilize herself and become capable of handling the world.
My thoughts were interrupted by the video conferencing meeting with Mr. Wang. "Mr. Rajvansh, I think all the work related to this project is done," he said, his face beaming with a huge smile.
I nodded, responding absently, "Yes."
Mr. Wang asked, "So, when are you coming to Singapore?"
I replied, my tone is neutral, "Tomorrow. I'll be there."
The meeting concluded, and as I ended the call, my assistant began to speak. "I was thinking that if both of us are going, then Isha and Vaani should be sent to you..."
I cut him off with a single, piercing glare. "How many times have I told you not to think so much?" I growled, my teeth clenched in annoyance.
My assistant apologized hastily, "Sorry, sir."
I turned my attention to the large glass window, gazing out at the cityscape. "We're going to the Rajvansh mansion. Isha has to go there too; she didn't go last time."
My assistant ventured to speak again, "Okay, I'll inform her, but..."
I knew what he was thinking, and I preempted him. "Our home is a safe place where no one can enter without our permission, so she will be safe there."
My assistant nodded, "Okay, sir."
With the conversation concluded, I dismissed him and called the security team at my apartment, ensuring that all necessary arrangements were in place.
I barked instructions into the phone, my voice firm and commanding. "Hello, sir," the security personnel replied, his tone alert and attentive.
"I need more security in my apartment tonight," I ordered, my eyes narrowing as I emphasized the importance of the task. "The lights there should be on properly. If the power is cut even for a moment, then your security department will be held accountable in this state."
My warning tone left no room for misinterpretation. The security personnel hastily assured me, "Don't worry, sir."
I ended the call, my mind still racing with thoughts of Vaani's safety. I knew that my house was the safest place for her, but I couldn't take any risks. The memory of the incident at the temple still lingered in my mind, and I was determined to ensure that nothing like that ever happened again.
As I stood there, my gaze drifted out the window, my thoughts consumed by the need to protect Vaani at all costs. Little did I know that my actions would have far-reaching consequences, consequences that would change the dynamics of our complicated relationship forever.
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In car....
4:23pm.....
As we made our way back home to pick up Isha, Anant's phone rang, and he answered it, putting it on speaker. "Hello," he said, and Isha's voice filled the car.
"Hello, Anant. It's Isha," she said, her tone laced with tension.
Anant's expression turned concerned. "Yes, what's wrong? Are you okay?"
Isha's voice was reassuring, but I could sense a hint of anxiety beneath the surface. "Nothing, just...can you pick up Vaani from college? I'm still in the office, and I have to attend one last meeting. Please?"
Anant nodded, even though Isha couldn't see him. "Ok, don't worry, I will."
Isha's voice was filled with gratitude. "Ok, byyyyyy."
But before Anant could respond, the call cut off. I let out a frustrated sigh, wondering why the more I wanted to stay away from Vaani, the more I seemed to be drawn into her life.
Anant pulled the car over in front of Vaani's college and got out, standing outside like a proud father waiting to pick up his child from school. I watched him, feeling a pang of unease. Why did I feel like I was being pulled into Vaani's world, despite my best efforts to resist?
As the students began to pour out of the college gates, my eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a glimpse of those striking green emerald eyes. And then, suddenly, my gaze landed on her. Vaani.
My breath caught in my throat as I took in her appearance. She looked stunning in her simple outfit, her beauty radiating from within. A small smile played on my lips, but it was short-lived. As our eyes met, I saw the faintest glimmer of fear in hers, and my expression darkened.
My hand clenched into a fist, anger simmering beneath the surface. Why did she still look at me with fear in her eyes? Didn't she know that I was trying to protect her? The thought only fueled my frustration, and I felt my jaw tense in response.
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