The lively chatter of the group filled the restaurant as everyone settled into their seats, the air thick with laughter and the clinking of glasses. After much debate, the food was ordered, and the waiter informed them it would take thirty minutes. The group immediately dispersed-Neha, Aanya, and Rhea rushed off to take pictures, while Kabir, Aayansh, and Zayan got lost in their phones, laughing at memes.
Ishaani was about to join Neha when-
Grip!
A strong yet gentle hold wrapped around her wrist, and before she could react, she was pulled away from the group. Her back collided against a firm chest, warmth seeping through her skin, igniting a strange sensation in her heart.
"Rivaan-?" she gasped, her breath catching as she looked up at him. Surprise and an unexplainable thrill coursed through her veins.
Before she could protest, his arms wrapped around her, securing her in a way that felt both possessive and protective. It wasn't just an embrace-it was a silent promise, an unspoken claim. His chin rested on her shoulder, his breath fanning against her neck, sending delicious shivers down her spine.
"Bas... do minute," he murmured, his voice unusually soft, almost vulnerable.
Her body stilled at his words. The world around her faded-the noise, the chaos, the endless weight she carried on her shoulders. In this moment, it was just him. Just them.
She should have resisted. She should have pushed him away. But instead, she let herself sink into his warmth, let herself absorb the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her back. It felt like home, like something she never knew she craved until now.
"Rivaan..." she whispered, something shifting inside her, something she had locked away long ago.
His hold on her tightened slightly, his arms molding her to him as if he was grounding himself in her presence. "You know, after meeting you, for the first time I feel like I am living."
Her breath hitched at his words. The sincerity in his voice, the way he held her like she was something precious, made her heart ache in a way she didn't understand.
She closed her eyes, letting the moment engulf her. Since when had she started feeling this way about him? Since when had her walls begun to crumble?
"You... you can't do that," she tried to argue, but her voice came out weaker than she intended, betraying the war inside her heart.
"Why not?" he whispered, his lips grazing her temple, igniting a fire in her veins. "You are mine, Ishaani."
Her pulse skyrocketed, her body reacting before her mind could process. She should push him away, scold him for being so possessive. But... why did it feel like this was where she belonged? Why did it feel so right?
As if sensing her hesitation, he slowly pulled back, reaching into his pocket. Her gaze followed his movements, curiosity and nervous anticipation swirling inside her.
Her breath caught when he revealed a delicate silver bracelet. Her fingers trembled as she traced the engraving-one word, their name intertwined. Rivaani.
"Yeh...?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Just a small gift, so that you always remember that you are only mine," he said, his voice laced with something deeper, something raw and sincere.
Her heart clenched at the meaning behind his words. She had never received something so personal, so meaningful. A gift that wasn't about obligation but about her. About them.
Before she could speak, his fingers brushed against her wrist as he fastened the bracelet. The cool metal warmed against her skin, mirroring the warmth unfurling in her chest.
"Now it's perfect ," he murmured, his gaze locked onto hers, filled with pride and tenderness.
She swallowed hard, unable to look away. The way he was looking at her-like she was the only thing that mattered-made her feel things she wasn't ready to admit.
Just then, Rivaan frowned slightly. "Tumhe problem hoti hai na khule baalon se?" Seeing her struggling to keep the strands away from her face
(Do you have a problem with open hair?")
She blinked, surprised at the sudden shift. "Haan, lekin abhi mere paas clutch nahi hai-"
(yes but i don't have a clutch right now)
Without a word, he moved behind her. Her body froze, her breath hitching in anticipation. The air between them thickened, charged with something she couldn't quite name.
His fingers, warm and gentle, gathered her long hair. The sensation sent a delicious shiver down her spine, and she bit her lip to suppress the gasp threatening to escape.
His touch was slow, deliberate, almost reverent. He twisted her hair into a loose bun, his fingers lingering against her neck a second longer than necessary. She felt every brush of his knuckles, every graze of his fingertips, and it made her dizzy.
"Perfect," he murmured, his voice low, satisfied.
Ishaani exhaled shakily, her heart hammering. Her hands reached up, her fingertips brushing against her neatly tied hair, a smile creeping onto her lips despite herself.
"Tumhe... kaise aata hai?" she asked, turning slightly to look at him.
A small, nostalgic smile tugged at his lips. "Rhea had a habit of tying her hair in a small knot. So I learned it."
Her heart swelled at his words. This man, this ruthless mafia kingpin feared by the world-who probably held the power to destroy-was the same man who had learned to tie his little sister's hair. The same man who now, with infinite patience and care, had done the same for her.
She stared at him, overwhelmed by emotions she couldn't name. No one had ever cared for her like this. No one had ever made her feel so... cherished.
"Rivaan..." she wanted to say something, anything, but words failed her.
As if sensing her turmoil, he leaned in, his lips barely a breath away from her ear. "You calm me down, Ishani. Your words, your laughter, your company... everything. You are my solace."
A lump formed in her throat. Her chest ached with something foreign yet so heartbreakingly beautiful.
Before she could respond, a loud gasp broke the moment.
"OOOOHHHH!"
They snapped their heads toward Neha, Aanya, Kabir and Advik, who stood a few feet away, their mouths open in mock shock.
"I thought you were just giving bracelets, but you are holding hands, romancing, and now even tying her hair? When did you develop so much?!" Aanya teased.
"Bhai, is there a secret love going on? Tell us too!" Kabir grinned, shaking his head.
Ishaani's face turned into deep crimson red . "Tum log bina permission ke har jagah ghus aate ho!" she huffed, stepping away from Rivaan.
"Aur tum bina permission ke romance karte ho," Neha shot back.
Before the teasing could escalate, Rhea called out, "Guys, khana aa gaya!"
Ishaani sighed in relief and hurried back to the table. But just as she was about to take a bite-
Burn.
The second the spice hit her tongue, she coughed violently, her eyes watering as she frantically grabbed the nearest glass of water. Her throat felt like it was on fire, and her breath hitched as the intense heat spread through her mouth.
Before she could even process what was happening, a strong hand cupped her cheek, tilting her face up gently.
"Are you fine ?" Rivaan was by her side in an instant, worry flashing in his eyes as he pressed his glass to her lips. "Have this."
She barely had time to nod before he made her sip the cool water, his thumb brushing against her jawline as he held the glass steady for her. His touch was firm yet achingly gentle, and for a moment, the burning sensation faded-not because of the water, but because of the way he was looking at her.
"Mujhe nahi pata!" she gasped between coughs, her voice hoarse.
( I didn't know)
Rivaan sighed, his hand resting on the small of her back as he rubbed soothing circles to help her breathe. His other hand still cradled her cheek, his brows furrowed in concern.
"Why can't you be more careful? Jhansi ki Rani ki tarah har kaam pehle karna jaruri hai?" he scolded lightly, but his voice was filled with nothing but tenderness.
( Is it necessary to do everything first like jhansi ki rani )
She wanted to glare at him for the teasing, but the way he was looking at her-like she was the most precious thing in the world-made her stomach flutter. No one had ever fussed over her like this before.
The others, however, were having the time of their lives watching the two.
"Bhai, notice kiya? Rivaan bhai bas humare saath kabhi ice cream tak nahi khate the, par bhabhi ke saath sab kuch kar rahe hain," Zayan teased, wiggling his brows.
(Bhai, did you notice? Rivaan Bhai never used to eat ice cream with us, but he is doing everything with Bhabhi,")
Kabir fake-wiped a tear. "Humse toh kabhi pyaar nahi kiya. Bhai, badal gaye ho."
(You never loved me. Brother, you have changed)
"Yeah, so?" Rivaan shrugged nonchalantly before locking eyes with Ishaani, his lips curling into a smirk. "Ishaani is my would-be wife, not you all. "Silence
Then-
"Ohhhh.... Would-be-Wife?!" everyone exclaimed together.
Ishaani, who had just recovered from her coughing fit, choked on her water again, her eyes going impossibly wide.
Neha gasped. "Bhai, bas kar! Humari bechari dost heart attack se marr jaayegi."
(Brother, stop it! Our poor friend will die of a heart attack)
Aanya grinned mischievously. "Ishaani, tu officially Rivaan ke pyaar ke overdose se marrne wali hai."
(Ishani, you are officially going to die from an overdose of Rivaan love.")
Rivaan, completely unfazed, leaned in closer to Ishaani, his voice dropping to a husky whisper only she could hear.
"You are just seeing the beginning, Ishaani."
Her breath hitched. A strange warmth unfurled in her chest, an unfamiliar yet intoxicating sensation she couldn't ignore.
Was she really still running from him? Or had she already started falling?
---
Ishaani was reaching her limit. I had noticed it long before she even realized it herself-the way her shoulders tensed, her brows furrowed every few minutes, and the slight clench of her jaw as she followed along while everyone roamed around the mall.
She was exhausted. She needed to rest.
But instead of saying anything, she kept pushing through, silently tolerating everything, like always.
Why does she always do this?
We had left the restaurant a while ago, and everyone was still wandering around, picking up random things, laughing, joking. Normally, I'd join in, maybe even pull a prank or two on Kabir, but today, I had no patience.
My eyes were on her.
Her fingers gripped the strap of her handbag a little too tightly. She hadn't spoken in the past ten minutes, and the way her lips pressed into a thin line told me she was dangerously close to snapping.
And when Ishaani Malhotra snapped... well, I had seen glimpses of it before.
Enough.
"I'm taking Ishaani home," I said abruptly, my tone final.
The chatter stopped. Silence.
Then, chaos.
Kabir smirked. "Aaj toh Rivaan bhai full pati-material lag rahe hain!"
(Today Rivaan Bhai is looking like a complete husband material)
Zayan added with a teasing grin, "Pyaar toh ho gaya, ab bas naam ka sindoor bacha hai!"
(Love has happened, now only vermilion in name is left)
The others joined in, snickering, throwing comments that only added fuel to their fun.
I turned, my sharp glare cutting through their amusement.
"Ek aur shabd bola na, toh tum sab ki samshan ghat mein pehle entry kara dunga," I muttered, my voice dangerously calm
("If you say one more word, I will make you all enter the cremation ground first )
Immediate silence.
Good.
Everyone left and continued there shopping
Ishaani didn't argue. She simply followed me to the car, her silence speaking louder than any words could.
As soon as she sat down, she pulled out her phone and started reviewing some documents .
I exhaled sharply. Of course. My overworking fiance
I drove in silence for a few minutes, but instead of taking her home, I turned the car in a different direction.
A few moments later, she finally looked up, realizing something was off. "Rivaan, where are we going?"
"Just few minutes have patience."
She shot me a glare but didn't argue.
When I parked near a quiet park, she turned to me, irritation flashing in her eyes. "I need to go home, Rivaan."
I stepped out, walked over to her side, and pulled the door open. "Come out."
She folded her arms. "I'm not coming."
I leaned in, smirking slightly. "Jaan, if you don't step out, I'll carry you outside."
Her lips parted slightly, stunned. This is the only way to win against her .
With a dramatic sigh, she stepped out. "You're impossible."
And you're mine, I wanted to say, but I didn't. Not yet.
We walked a little further into the park, the streetlights casting a soft golden glow around us. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and blooming flowers.
I stopped and turned to face her she was leaning against the bench
"If you get a chance, would you still refuse to this marriage?" My voice was quiet but firm.
She didn't answer.
Her eyes held something-a storm, hesitation... but also something softer.
I'll wait, Ishaani. I'll wait for you to see what I already know.
I turned away, walking towards one of my guards who had been standing at a distance.
Ishaani watched curiously as I took something from him.
A guitar.
I know how much music had affect on her , the only reason she chose her career in music
When I turned back, her eyes widened slightly.
A smirk tugged at my lips. "Mujhe laga, meri jaan ko thoda music sunna chahiye."
( I thought my jaan should listen to some music)
I positioned the guitar, letting my fingers graze the strings before I started playing.
And then, I sang.
"Tera hone laga hoon, khone laga hoon,
Jabse mila hoon..."
Her gaze locked onto mine, something unreadable swirling in her eyes.
"Waise toh man mera
Pehle bhi raaton mein,
Aksar hi chahat ke haan,
Sapne sanjota tha..."
Her breathing slowed. Her expression softened.
"Pehle bhi dhadkan yeh,
Dhun koi gaati thi,
Par ab jo hota hai woh,
Pehle na hota tha..."
My guards, standing at a distance, exchanged shocked glances. Their ruthless boss was singing?
I ignored them. Only she mattered right now.
Ishaani wasn't looking away.
By the time I finished, there was only silence between us.
I placed the guitar aside, not saying anything, just watching her.
For the first time tonight, she looked calm.
For the first time, she didn't push me away.
I held out my hand. "Let's go?"
She hesitated before slipping her hand into mine.
I intertwined our fingers briefly, squeezing them gently before letting go.
The drive was silent, but it wasn't uncomfortable. The weight of the moment still lingered between us.
When we reached her house, I walked her to the doorstep. Before she could say anything, I pulled her into a hug.
This time, she didn't resist.
This time, she hugged me back.
Her arms wrapped around me hesitantly at first, then tighter, like she was holding onto something she wasn't ready to let go of.
I closed my eyes, letting myself sink into her warmth, her scent, her presence.
And then, in a whisper, she asked, "What if I am not written in your destiny?"
I exhaled, pressing my lips close to her ear.
"Then I would whisper your name in my every prayer until heaven has no choice but to change the script."
She trembled slightly, then pulled away.
I expected her to say something else, maybe a sarcastic comment, maybe a brush-off.
But instead, she simply said, "Goodnight, Avi."
Avi.
I froze.
Something inside me shifted.
My heart skipped a beat.
My face turned red.
Me breathing stopped.
She tilted her head, confused. "What happened?"
I blinked, trying to regain my composure. "What did you call me?"
She frowned. "Avi?"
She was about to say something else, but I cut her off.
"Only you have called me this." My voice was quiet, almost vulnerable. "And only you have the right to call me this now."
Her breath hitched, her lips parting slightly in surprise.
I took one last look at her, then stepped back, getting into my car.
But my heart...
It was still at that doorstep.
The city lights blurred past the car window, but I barely noticed. My mind was still at the park, still lingering on the way she hugged him back-without resistance, without hesitation. And then there was the way she called him Avi. My breath hitched even thinking about it.
I never liked nicknames, but when it came from her lips, it was something else. Something dangerous.
Before I could lose myself in those thoughts, his phone buzzed.
Unknown Caller: "We're waiting, boss."
I sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "I'm on my way."
The car pulled into an underground lot, leading to his secret office-a high-tech, heavily guarded place where deals were struck and enemies were silenced. As I stepped inside, the air smelled of power, cigar smoke, and silent danger.
Zayaan, Karan, and Vivaan were already seated, waiting for the Russian mafia representatives.
"Took your sweet time," Zayaan grumbled.
I ignored him, moving towards his chair. He had barely settled when-
Ping.
A message.
From her.
My heart did something stupid-it stopped. I unlocked my phone and saw her name.
Ishaani's Message:
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Ishaani : "I am saying yes to the marriage. But don't take this the wrong way. I'm only doing this because of my father. If it wasn't for him, I would never marry you."
Rivaan blinked.
"And one more thing. Don't expect love from me. I don't believe in love. It's just a lie. A weakness. If you think I will ever love you, forget about it. This is just a relationship by name, nothing more."
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My pulse roared in my ears. My grip on the phone tightened.
Then-
A slow, lazy grin spread across his face.
She agreed.
She agreed.
A low chuckle bubbled in his throat. Then a laugh. Then-before he knew it-he shot up from his chair, fist-pumping the air like a lunatic.
"YES!"
His entire cold, intimidating, mafia boss image?
Gone.
Karan nearly choked on his drink.
Vivaan stared like he had witnessed a ghost.
And Zayaan? He just froze, completely horrified.
Rivaan was grinning. Laughing.
Before anyone could react, he grabbed his nearest bodyguard and hugged him.
The man stiffened like a statue.
Dead silence.
The room-filled with India's most dangerous men-was now a crime scene of pure confusion.
"Boss... aap thik ho?" (Boss... are you okay?) The guard stuttered, still trapped in Rivaan's death grip.
Zayaan's mouth fell open. "Abe yeh sach mein Rivaan hai ya koi duplicate aa gaya hai?!"
(Dude, is this really Rivaan, or has someone sent his duplicate?!)
Vivaan shook his head dramatically. "Mujhe toh lag raha hai kisi ne iska dimag hack kar diya hai."
(I think someone has hacked his brain.)
Karan raised an eyebrow. "Rivaan , tereko hug chahiye tha toh bol dete. Par bodyguard bechara kyun bali ka bakra bana?"
(, if you wanted a hug, you could've just asked. Why did you sacrifice the poor bodyguard?)
"Chup kar!" (Shut up!) Rivaan snapped, quickly releasing the traumatized guard. He straightened his shirt, trying to act normal-as if he hadn't just destroyed his reputation in five seconds.
Zayaan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Bhai, tujhe kya ho gaya hai?"
(Bro, what has happened to you?)
"Main... bas..." (I just...) Rivaan cleared his throat. "Bas... stretching kar raha tha."
(I was just... stretching.)
Karan smirked. "Stretching ya pyaar ke dukh sukh mein jhool raha tha?"
(Stretching, or drowning in the pains and joys of love?)
Vivaan chuckled. "Mujhe toh lag raha hai Ishaani ka text message aaya hai."
(I think Ishaani just texted him.)
Silence.
Rivaan stiffened.
Zayaan narrowed his eyes. "Oh hooo... Sach bata, kya likha usne?"
(Oh ho... tell us the truth, what did she say?)
Rivaan rolled his eyes. "Kuch nahi."
(Nothing.)
"Toh phir yeh sudden happy dance kyu tha?"
(Then why the sudden happy dance?)
"Main koi dance nahi kar raha tha!" (I wasn't dancing!) Rivaan grumbled.
Vivaan grinned. "Haan haan, bas hawa mein punches maar raha tha, ek aadmi ko hug kar raha tha, aur upar se khud ko 'stretching' bol raha tha. Wah boss, kya logic hai."
(Oh yes, of course! You were just throwing punches in the air, hugging a random guy, and calling it 'stretching'. Wow boss, what logic!)
Karan chuckled. "Waise agar Ishaani ne haan kar di hai, toh badhaai ho."
(By the way, if Ishaani has said yes, congratulations.)
Rivaan smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Now, Ishaani is mine."
Zayaan sighed dramatically. "Bechari."
(Poor girl.)
Karan nodded. "Mujhe toh uske liye dua karni padegi."
(I think I need to pray for her.)
Vivaan snorted. "Ek taraf mafia boss, dusri taraf ek love-hater. Shaadi nahi, yeh toh ek full-on Bollywood blockbuster hone wala hai."
(On one side, a mafia boss. On the other side, a love-hater. This isn't a marriage, this is going to be a full-on Bollywood blockbuster!)
Rivaan smirked, his eyes darkening with mischief.
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