Mars v/s Venus (iii)

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CHAPTER 21

“I wish to say something…” the crowd silenced as Arjun started his speech. “My dear friend Sikandar has been extra sweet, almost giving me diabetes by sharing all the credit to me! If you ask me this young Khanna, he is exceptional and it is the fusion of these two companies which would take us to the heights ahead. For I solely believe it’s passion in work that takes us anywhere. While I have a passion for hard work and loyalty, he has passion for money, eh?” Arjun burst out in laughter while Sikandar joined him too.

The associates chuckled as they all were very well aware of Sikandar’s repute. “Now Sakshi, let me recognise you in public…” Arjun’s mind whispered, bit before he could continue Sikandar took the mike from him.

“Oh Arjun! You would give me some serious cholesterol with all that flattery… jokes apart my friend, obviously Arjun and I are the foundations of this merge, but before us there is this one lady who deserves to be announced, in fact it’s her latest analytical and logic behind this year’s marketing and public relations ; which has brought us a whooping 37% increase in our profits! It’s non other than the gorgeous woman tonight who has stolen my… our hearts in that envious green saree, the brain behind the project - Miss Sakshi Anand!” Sikandar gloated and grinned at Arjun who clenched his jaws and smiled back.

Sakshi was shocked to get such an amount of attention focused towards  at her.

Shock would be an understatement of what was going through me at this moment. That Khanna, I mean Sikandar of all the people would actually introduce me to the press.

It was a pleasant surprise indeed. Since childhood my work and talents had been something people had trampled upon to get their own recognition and I had remained quiet. Not that I was someone who belonged to the sacrificing era, rather I didn't have enough power nor voice to say so.

My vision blurred the instant the glares of the cameras flashed in front of me. In spite of the sudden minute of fame my eyes searched the particular thief, for he had stolen the thing most precious to me...

My heart.

Though a pang of disappointment seeped in, for I expected him to speak up. Sikandar was truly the last man through whom I would want to be recognised. Arjun was sulking at the corner, his eyes roaming around at everything except me.

Wait, what was wrong? Why wasn't he speaking to me?

I turned aside to answer a few questions of the journalists.

So Sakshi Anand! How does it feel to be the backbone of such a mega project?

Well if you ask me, it's the team that always makes a difference. The human backbone consists of an odd 30 vertebrates, I am not just the only person who has worked hard.

Interesting! So ma'am we have heard that you are on very good terms with Mr. Khanna! What do you have to say for that?

My eyes squinted for half a second at the young fair journalist in front of me. I was fine till they were asking questions about my job and this coalition and so on... what did she mean by those terms?

I faked a smile and replied "I am on good terms with everybody in general Miss."

Really? We had heard that the reason you got to get such a big hand in the deal was due to your closeness with Arjun Singhania.

What. The. Hell.

"Oh yes indeed, the reason I got a cheaper ticket in Virgin Airlines was due to my closeness with Richard Branson , the reason I got a discount at Khana Khazana was due to my closeness with Sanjeev Kapoor? In fact whatever I have been graced with is due to my closeness with one of the business if I believe your theory to be true!"

I snapped at the journalist while the others giggled at the flushed man. Seriously! Media these days!

Ma'am one more question!

I frown and nod.

So does this mean there is something or not with Arjun Pratap Singhania?

What I felt for Arjun was something utterly personal! It was not something that I would feast for a page 3 gossip!

"It's sad to see that you aren't interested in the fifty five billion dollar deal that has been ratified in Vegas! There is no such thing between Mr. Singhania and I. I hope that clears for the day." I shot her a glare and marched out with Sikandar busting in between.

"Which company's journalist are you! I will sue you! How could you ask some derogatory questions from Miss. Anand! I will make sure the channel goes bankrupt!" Sikandar yelled at the journalist in private and came running up to me. I was certainly surprised that this man was "invisible" when the journalist shot questions at me.

He swiped the tuft of hair behind and scratched his jaws slightly. "Miss Anand I truly apologise for this baboonery out here! Don't know from where these people came! Trust me for gossip they can do anything! I hope you aren't flustered sweetheart..." He approached to touch my cheek and I stepped back.

Grinning slightly, I placed my hands on my hips - akimbo, and stared at the man in front."And I am no fool nor your sweetheart Mr. Khanna, being the PA of Mr. Singhania I do know how these journalists are. Secondly it is to my greatest surprise as to how this journalist did not react and thirdly, why and how did you appear only after the journalist asked the questions in public. So very strange." I bit off my words sardonically and walked out.

He thought I would have never understood that the journalist was planted! Ugh! But why... I bumped into another person who made my evening just as unpleasing.

"Oh My! Sakshi! How beautiful and stunning you look today!" I was surprised how she could manage to smile with all the Botox and plastic surgery on her face. "Even you look lovely." I managed to lie and she flattered her eyelashes.

"You know Sakshi! Jun would just so love you today sweetie! It's fine you didn't tell the reporters but I do know what's the inside scoop eh? Oh, wait you smell of... Channel No. 21! Aha, Jun sent his designer at your place na? Oh that's what he did for me too you know! Before gifting me diamonds, how can I forget that day! It was my birthday Sakshi! Especially the first time we had "that"... oh now don't be all prime rose and shy! The day was magical and the night had left me in awe. He is magnificent! Not just me, also with Maiksha and Lithuanne, yeah I always gave him freedom you see! You must be truly a catch for him!" I felt my blood drain out of me and sudden fatigue take over.

Not the fact that she spewed rubbish as to their physical relationship, but then... designers, he did the same for her too? I kept a mum mouth as Raina laughed over Arjun's infidelity and his craving for woman.

"It's actually not a surprise why he didn't want you to be mentioned, I mean look at the way he is sulking!" Raina spoke and to my utter hate, she had my attention yet again. Her hazel eyes sparkled as they locked into mine and gave a convincing sigh "He never likes it when women take over him. He likes to be the favourite boy of media. For him his woman should be his eye candy, nothing more... nothing more at all..." Raina sighed and even in those flick of seconds, for once I saw a look of genuineness...

She pecked me on my cheek and left citing an important work and I pondered over my words. No, none of them would affect my lo... was it love? My relation... yes, none would affect my relationship with Arjun... yet it hurt as to why did he refuse to have an interview alongside me.

He avoided me cautiously and talked with other women, surprisingly even engaged in a conversation with Raina, chuckling slightly.

It hurt...

He avoided me...

It hurt me.

I rushed off to the washroom and wiped my tears. Why.. why was I falling for a man who seemed vulnerable, who seemed to be ignorant of what my heart spoke?

I stepped out of the washroom, rubbing out any reminiscent of my tears and smiled when Sikandar offered a hand for dance. I politely refused but to my astonishment he held my hand and tugged me on the floor, I grimaced when he placed a palm on my bare back and inched to be closer.

I faked a smile and swayed gently, if only I could find Arjun.

A shock registered on my face as Sikandar traced his fingers from my shoulder blades till my waist. A wave of nausea hit me, and to my horror I started getting convulsions, the terrors of my past started catching up on me. I chewed the edge of my lip to stop myself from fainting at that moment.

"Sakshi, you okay?" a genuine concern filled Sikandar when he held my cheek. My throat dried up and I could barely speak. LEAVE ME... my heart screamed but I found tears in my eyes and a faint throb in my heart

I was having a panic attack.

Sikandar got scared, his face showed so "Sakshi..." he murmured and I stared at him. I thought I would die any minute by being in his arms when a I felt a swift tug on my elbow.

Letting caution at the winds I let myself fall and found myself to be twirled and gripped in a tight embrace.

It took me a few seconds to register that I was in the grip of someone else, the panic ceased and I found myself to be breathing again as the scent of Armani hit me.

Arjun

I embraced my Sakshi and kept her close, loving how her soft curves moulded into me me - perfectly. It was as if she was carved just for me. With a possessive tug I wrapped my arms around her and glared at Sikandar who simpered away like a kitten.

I ran my fingers through her hair as she clutched my blazer. I felt it necessary to trace her bare back and run my fingers right over where his were...

I wanted to conquer what's mine.

Cupping her tiny frame into mine, I pecked the side of her temples and waltzed around the hall, unaware of a pair of eyes on us.

If only I had noticed how frightened Sakshi seemed, if only - a lot of things would have been saved.

I smiled in content as she buried her face in the crook of my neck. "Arjun" she whispered, I cupped her cheeks and smiled "It's me honey, it will always be me." I whispered and bottled down my anger as I remembered what happened a few minutes before.  

I watched how Sikandar waltzed with my Sakshi around the room. Rage bubbled inside me but I knew better than to blast. I gulped a glass of whiskey and kept the frosted glass on the marble bar when a musky scent hit me.

"Don't they look perfect!" Raina sighed and settled with a Martini. "Who?" I snapped and she pointed out at Sakshi and Sikandar. I clenched my fists, anyways I was furious as to why Sakshi was all dilly dallying with that Sikandar on press front. I hated that! She's mine! And what's so scary to not admit that there is something between us to the media! I had future plans with us but no... she had to be Miss Perfect!

I just chuckled in response.

"Sakshi was excellent with the press indeed! And you see she is so comfortable with Sikandar, he exactly knows how to touch her, keep her comforted, cared, gentled. She seems so perfect with him, I don't know, what's in you that she detests and prevents from making you come close to her..." Raina whispered.

"There's nothing like that Raina." I spoke, though my gaze was fixed at the two making their way on Beethoven's Symphony V. "Of course, for a girl who's worked hard through her entire life, instant fame and accreditation means a lot. I won't be surprised that she wouldn't mind in being Sikandar's arms. Pity, I thought she was different." Raina sighed and left.

I clenched my jaw and strode towards a Sakshi who was almost swooning in that swine's charms! With a pull and tug a sigh of relief escaped when her soft form was enclasped with mine.

"Sakshi, chalein" I whispered and she nodded. She seemed relatively quiet as I walked arm in arm with her.

"Dinner karein" I asked and she nodded again. I bent and brushed my lips against her cheeks as they flamed to scarlet. She almost jumped and ran towards the private buffet. I laughed at her reaction, yet surprised that she reacted so much - when she and Sikandar were so close.

"Sir..." Chotu grinned as he passed me a velvet box. I kept the box in my pocket and smiled at my Man Friday*.   I walked towards a meek and quiet Sakshi who fiddled with the menu. I watched how she rolled a lock of her mahogany brown hair and tucked it behind her ear lobe. The scarlet still adorned her cheeks, I felt like kissing those red cheeks at this very instant but calmed myself down.

I sat right next to her, I felt myself harden as our thighs touched but she barely showed a difference. She choked a little as I traced my index finger down her supple arm. "Arjun.."she whispered and held my palm, stopping it from tracing her further.

"Sharam aa rahi hai? (getting shy?)" I whispered near her ear and chuckled as I felt goosebumps on her dainty arms. "Food's getting cold." She muttered and concentrated on finishing the plate of biryani and raita.

I on the other hand and rested my head on the table, watching how her jaws stiffened and relaxed as munched slightly. I realised how small and pretty her mouth was and kissable. I was envious of every morsel of rice that went in her mouth, actually I hated the spoon too which she licked and pressed her soft rouge lips on. I was jealous of the lipstick... oh God I was jealous of everything touching her!

I too managed to eat a few morsels and then contented myself on holding her right palm amidst my palms as she smiled and continued eating (she' a lefty). She was so beautiful.

Sakshi Arjun Singhania, the name seemed perfect! I didn't realise when I had dozed off.

Sakshi

I didn't know what to say when I saw him staring at me as if I was his universe. I was shocked as he pecked my cheek a little before and till now I felt that particular area to be burning. I said nothing as he held my palm and stared at me as I ate. I felt like caressing his head and planting a soft kiss on his cheek.

And after I finished eating that is precisely what I did. I found him to be sleeping, his mouth open as he dozed off on the table itself, I chuckled as his lips were parted to a perfect 'o'! I closed his mouth and shook him gently. "Arjun" I whispered and he shot up! He blinked for a few moments and then nodded his head.

We walked out of the restaurant when the strange urge to confess filled me. "Arjun, I want to say something..." I looked at his amused face and he wrapped his arm tightly around my waist. Okay, I was not yet comfortable with the physical closeness so I gently put his arm aside and laughed as he pouted. Was he drunk? Either ways, he looked so cute!

As we stood near the garden he turned towards me and gazed at the stars. "kya? (what?)" I chuckled as he counted them. "Uh, just trying to find one half as beautiful as you." he whispered and my eyes widened.

Did he just compliment me? I felt my cheeks burning in shyness and I tugged him aside"Arjun, tim bhai na..." I complained slightly and he held my wrist "Kya?" My eyes widened for the second time in the day and I shook my head. My heart throbbed in a frantic rhythm as I took every energy left in me to walk towards him and smoothen the end of his blazer.

I dusted some invisible dust on his blazer and looked into his expectant eyes. I took a deep breath and whispered "Arjun, I... I really like you a lot..." I watched how the handsome corners of his mouth turned upwards as he grinned in childish excitement.

"I really like you too!" He screamed aloud and I had to place my palm on his mouth. Come on Sakshi! This little confession couldn't be this difficult! I bit back a gasp as he placed kisses on the soft skin of my palm, his lips traced the little lines of destiny and I closed my eyes in the sensations that fought through me.

But... I wasn't ready for any sort of intimacy. "Arjun... but... I can't..." I was shushed as he placed a palm on my mouth "You hate me?" he asked, his handsome features contorting in pain.

I cupped his cheek and smiled "Never! In fact, I feel the very opposite for you..." He took me into a bone crushing hug and caressed my hair. "I feel the same..."

That's it, all I had to do was just speak, confess... that's it.

Arjun, I love you.

I took in  a deep breathe as I buried my face in his chest, loving the warmth and the exotic masculine fragrance. Raina, Sikandar, the press... everything was just out of the window, I loved him and I knew that he felt just the same! Just as I opened my mouth to confess he pecked my forehead and almost ran, tugging my wrist.

"Arjun! Where are you taking me?" I laughed as I ran along with him. "Just come na!" He pleaded and I nodded like an obedient child.

Sikandar

"Oh, yeah baby, yeah come on..." I groaned as the woman jerked herself towards me and collapsed on my chest - exhausted. I came a few minutes later and groaned out loud. I caressed the end of her hair and then pushed her aside.

"You should work out, or else I would faint the next time you fall on me." I teased the hot shot supermodel who laughed and threw the blanket away "You really think so Sik?" She laughed and my eyes blazed with lust at watching her perfect curves.

"Do you think everything will work according to plan?" I murmured and brought her close as she dropped a sliced strawberry in my mouth. "Of course sweetheart, and tomorrow morning just see, the "goodwill" of Lionex Industries will fall like hell! And I have screwed their minds so as to they do something stupid!" the Aphrodite chuckled as she bit half of the strawberry.

"Aha, smart kitty you are! By the way, with Arjun was it so bad that you comply with the revenge?" I nuzzled into her neck as she chuckled "The strange thing was that for a week I thought I was in love with him, but you are hotter - LOL, and no one dumps Raina Rathore, I dump guys!" Raina chuckled and slapped my shoulder as I worked my way lower.

"Yeah sweetheart but don't get on with me, for I swear I would kill you if you cross me!"I laughed while she put on a pout "No way Sik! As long as you have that little contract with Victoria Secret and awards going on for me, I am as loyal as a she dog!"she winked at me and I shook my head.

"Oh Raina, you are so much of a she dog!" I growled while she laughed "Oh, though not a better dog that you!"

Arjun

She loved me! A surge of happiness burst into me when I realised this fact. I walked into the elevator, least bothered about anyone watching that I held her hand. The minute we walked into the lift I embraced her tightly and showered kisses on her temple and cheeks.

For weeks I had been battling with this feeling, to know that she felt the same. I cupped her confused face and showered kisses right near her soft delectable mouth. She clutched onto the lapels of my jacket and I grinned in her shyness, I kissed her earlobe when she gasped. "Arjun please..." she muttered and try to create a distance.

I frowned, we both loved each other... what's wrong?

"Please what?" I winked at her as she slapped my left arm. "You na!" She chuckled but I sensed hesitation in her voice. "You mean the world to me, my life, my everything Sakshi, I will die without you!" I pressed a kiss on the palm which shut me when I uttered death.

"Not death... please..." she muttered and I nodded, as we reached my floor I took her in my arms in bridal style. Oh I so adored the tinge of pink that stained her cheeks as I carried her all the way to my room...

Our room.

"Arjun!!! Anyone can see us!" She squealed and I laughed off her inhibitions. "Uff, who cares!" I rubbed my nose against her forehead and then smiled as she held my collars tightly "See, you aren't leaving my collars either!" I chuckled as she slapped my cheek playfully.

I noticed her face paling as I placed her on the bed of my bedroom of my suite. "Arjun, why...ww.. what are we doing here?" she shivered as I kept my blazer aside and unbuttoned the first few buttons of my shirt.

It was her first time I guess, I kissed her cheek and sat beside her. I took her palms into mine and stared at our entwined palms for a minute. I almost teared up at the impending happiness. Her pink palm contrasted with the fair one of mine, the tiny palms fit snugly against mine - we were perfect.

I balled her tiny palm into a fist and looked at her tensed face, I wondered why she was so scared! Heck we were boyfriend and girlfriend now! And of course, after we... love each other I was ready to pop the question to her.

In a few hours we would be engaged to each other. My bride to be... I watched her pink face stare at her tiny fist. "Your heart" I whispered and she smiled, according to my grade four text book I had recalled that our heart is the size of our fist. She looked at her fist and repeated "Your heart" at which I felt butterflies flutter in my stomach. I kissed her fist and kept it on the soft bed. I fisted my own palm and said "My heart..." to which she nodded and repeated "My heart" and kissed my fist slightly.

I took her fist in mine and covered it till it looked like one fist "Our hearts" I whispered and her eyes turned glassy as tears pooled in them, she hugged me tight and whispered"Our hearts!" I hugged her back tightly and sniffed in the fruity essence of her hair.

"You mean everything to me Sakshi..." I groaned as I slid the pallu off her shoulder and grazed my palm on her bare shoulder... not noticing her to stiffen.

Sakshi

I am overwhelmed as he signifies our joint palms. But, when he slipped of the pallu, I stiffened. I try to comprehend what he is trying to do when to my horror he places me flat on the bed and crawls over me. The signs were not good, ever since he took me in his arms I knew something was wrong.

I was not yet prepared for even a kiss, how could I explain it to him. I placed a palm on his chest as gasped as he flung aside the drape and stared at me - only in the emerald green blouse. I hastily tried to cover myself up but he stopped me and planted a kiss right near the belly button, sending shivers up my spine. "Arjun NO!" I plonked myself on the bed on my stomach and he stopped. Perhaps he realised I wasn't ready yet. "See Arjun, I need to tell you something, I am not ready for this..." I spoke but then to my shock I felt his palms smoothening my tensed shoulders and a soft kiss on the base of my neck. "Why love?" he spoke, agitatedly . "Arjun! I am not yet ready for intimacy why don't you understand!" I tried to get out but found his weight on me.

Arjun

Raina was wrong, Sakshi was mine - she wanted and loved me as much as I wanted and loved her but when she asked me to stop my heart broke into pieces. At first I thought she was shy but then, now again... why?

Was she more comfortable with that swine waltzing around her, with his could breath kissing her tender cheeks, his gross fingers tracing her bare back? My inebriated state did no good to my thought process either and I flipped her on her back.

"When other people touch you you have problem! What's wrong with me Sakshi! We love each other na!" I held on to the fragile threads of hope, hoping that she would prove me wrong and heal my insecurities with the kisses I lived for. Rather I found her squint and her tucking a pillow under her arms.

"What's wrong with you Arjun?" She asked and I growled in anger! What's wrong with me! Why is she hiding from me! I wouldn't leave her dammit! And yes, I could see every inch of her, she needn't have to hide from me!

I threw the pillow and pinned her under me, she squirmed in resistance as I placed hot kisses on her neck and upper skin of her soft swells. She was sweeter and softer than I had imagined. She protested and that fuelled my anger -Raina was wrong, Sakshi loved me!!!

She only loved me! She doesn't find anything wrong with me!

"Arjun!" she yelled and I closed her mouth "What is wrong with me Sakshi! Do you hate me,. do I disgust you so much that you can't even love me!" Tears dripped from my eyes and she closed her eyes "No no Arjun, you mean a lot to me but we can't do this..." she cupped my face but anger got the better of me, she screamed in shock as I ripped away her saree and tore my shirt apart.

"Why the bloo*y f*****g hell we can't do this! I love you you frigging love me! What else do we need? You don't want me right!" I nipped at the tender skin between her neck and collarbone and she yelled my name,

I liked that. She is mine, I am hers.

I placed myself between her and locked my palms with her while she tried to move in protest "Arjun! We just can't do it now! And see, we love each other but not now! LEAVE ME!" she cried but I didn't stop from kissing her pliant soft skin. I tugged on her blouse as she cried me to leave her.

What the f*** was wrong with her that she behaved like a rape victim! "YOU ARE DRUNK!" Sakshi tried to push me aside, didn't she know she was puny against me!

I tried to kiss her delectable pouty lips but she thrashed her head left and right on the bed"Intoxicated by you Sakshi!" I groaned as I felt her bare stomach touch my bare torso.

"Stop this Arjun! I am not liking it at all! Even that Sikandar is better than you!" Sakshi yelled at me and I glared at her.

W*F

I pinned her harder on the bed and jammed my clothed hips against hers, I watched in sheer amusement as her face looked up in shock as she felt my member poking her. "Oh... I get it, you would want him in your bed instead of the man who loves you right! You would want the man who gave you instantaneous fame than the man who wants to love you for the rest of your life! I get it, your first should be with the man who spends oodles of money on you! Right... not me, cause I love you and I ain't giving you the instant fame and money! Tell me how much should I pay you, one million, ten million, hundred million... how much would you f*** Sikandar for eh? I would give you..." My words were stopped with a slap across my cheek.

Sakshi

I stared at the man who swore his life for his love to me utter the words I never would have even thought amidst my nightmare. I slapped his insolent face and kicked him to push him out of the bed. Grappling with the end of my saree I rushed out to be dragged by him and pinned against the wall.

"I bloo*y love you Sakshi, and tonight I will make you mine! I won't allow you to be Sikandar's , not everyone can ditch me like this!" He spoke with maddening rage and I slapped him again. "Of course! You were just waiting to have sex with me right! No wonder you love me all of a sudden! Raina was right about you Arjun! You are nothing but a pervert! You didn't even bother for my feelings! All you ever wanted from the first day was just that I make you bed warm right!" I punched his shoulders and struggled to get away while he pulled me closer.

His eyes were bloodshot in rage and for the first time I was scared "This is what you think of me! Fine then, You are so right..." his voice reflected sarcasm, and... a deep amount of pain? "Let me prove my image right to you then" he growled and clutched my jaw "C'mon baby, just a kiss, c'mon.." he muttered and I stood shell shocked,

For these were the exact same words he muttered when he ragged me in college.

I slapped him again and ran away... my breath caught in my lungs "You cant' escape me!"He ran behind me and I prayed for the Lords to save me. Grabbing my clutch on the way I almost cried and screamed for help as I ran out of the corridor, with him running behind me.

My demons and fear ate into me, no... not again... I won't be forced again. I turned back for a flick of a second to watch him almost catching up on me, his eyes blazed with a fire that sent shivers up my spine.

I didn't wait for lift and took the staircase with him chasing me, my vision blurred and bile rose through my throat. I started seeing double vision and my head fought with a wave of nausea. My heart almost jumped out my rib cage and I stumbled on the edge of my saree - leading me to fall a floor down the carpeted staircase "Sakshi!" I heard a panicked voice behind me, but no... I couldn't let him reach me.

I half cried as I stumbled on my now bare feet, one ankle had twisted but I manage to drag myself out of the staircase and shut the door on his face. I got up warily and hobbled towards my room. I wiped my tears as I limped towards the room.

"Keep focus, don't faint Sakshi... don't... walk walk walk walk..." I mumbled and from the corner of my eye, I noticed a drunk Arjun following me and that gave me the extra push to run to my room. Not taking the blood curling pain shoot up from my twisted ankle.

"Sakshi! You can't leave me!" Arjun hollered from the end of the corridor. "I hate you!"I screamed and managed to get into my room. My blood paled as he pushed against the door and I buckled in the impact "You are mine and I will make you mine!" he screamed and I cried out I hate you Arjun a billion times over, the door was still partially closed and before I could close it he kept his fingers between the door, no matter how much I hated him I couldn't jam his fingers and shut the door.

"Go Arjun!... Oh wait... who's there!" I lied as Arjun walked off a little to know who else was looking, taking the opportunity I closed the door even though he roared and yelled against it. Out of fright I kept the chair and luggage against the door.

How had my life changed over a matter of minutes? I cried my lungs out, least bothered my saree was torn to shreds, least bothered I had bite marks all over me, least bothered of the falling off blouse. I wobbled towards the basin and looked at my face, I cried again - in fear and pain as Arjun kept on ringing the bell and banging the door. I tried to call Liza but my phone died.

A wave of nausea hit me and I vomited at the basin, I splashed my face repeatedly with water. I vomited again and trotted towards the shower, with weak attempts I switched on the knob and washed my face amidst the little water that trickled. My heart clenched in disbelief and I swooned in the throbbing pain, not realising when, I slipped on the floor and succumbed to darkness.

Arjun

She couldn't hate me, my Sakshi couldn't hate me. She loved me a few minutes back! Oh God my heart pained as she fell from the stairs, was she ok? Was she fine? How was my Sakshi, was she bleeding? She was limping what happened to her foot?

She can't ditch me for another man! She is not like that... she can't be money hungry! I just wanted to love her.

After a few minutes I started crying as my knuckles bled from having punched the door - it did break partially but not too much. "Please, Sakshi I beg of you... please let me come in... just let me see how you are... Sakshi please... I love you Sakshi! Sakshi you fell please just once let me see how you are now. I swear on God I don't want anything else, please love. Sakshi... I love you... please..." I cried and pleaded. I don't know as hours passed by I kept on crying by the door.

My Sakshi didn't love me anymore, she ditched me like other people. "Sakshi, am bleeding... please..." I cried and slipped against the door, hitting my head on the wall.

"Please I love you..." my voice turned hoarse from crying. I didn't realise when I slipped into unconsciousness on the cold floor.

Chapter 22

Arjun

I remembered being lifted and swayed somewhere. I couldn’t exactly remember when and I felt darkness engulf me again. I woke up after what seemed like a few minutes. I blinked my eyes repeatedly to shut the bright light streaming through and stared at the man who was standing before me.

“Arjun?” he shook my shoulder slightly. “Uh?” I groaned and he helped me sit on my bed. “Arjun? Are you fine buddy?” He passed me a glass. “Drink this bro.” he said and I slurped the contents of it. “Damn, what’s this?” I asked “Concentrated orange juice. Have a heavy breakfast and then pop in this pill ok.” He said and I nodded.

After fisting some amount of fried nuggets in my mouth I took in the pill and relaxed, the throbbing pain subsided to a dull ache and my vision seemed to be clear. “Now finish these two litre water bottles right now…” he instructed and I turned to see my best friend, Sam, staring at my face.

“Better?” he asked. “Hmm” I said and gulped the water, wiping the little stream that trickled from the side of my mouth. “What happened?” Sam asked. “I really don’t know man..” my voice sounded hoarse.

I held my head in my hand to control the throbbing pain when I saw a fresh white bandage around my knuckles. “When…” I murmured.

"Please, Sakshi I beg of you... please let me come in... just let me see how you are... Sakshi please... I love you Sakshi! Sakshi you fell please just once let me see how you are now. I swear on God I don't want anything else, please love. Sakshi... I love you... please..."

My eyes widened in realisation as yesterday’s events played out before me. What the f! “Explain! What the f&^% were you think you were doing yesterday Jun?” Sam glared at me.

“I don’t know man! How did you come here? And wait… when did you come here and why did you come here!” I asked and relaxed my shoulders.

“Right, I called up Chandra to know how’s stuff going and he seemed tensed, I pried out the truth from him to know that my best friend and fiance’s older brother was found unconscious with dried blood on his hand. Damn It! Darr gaya tha main yaar!” Sam hugged me tightly and I closed my eyes.

“Sam… I love you bro.” I hugged him back as he slapped my back lightly. “Yeah fine… wait why are you staring at me?” Sam asked me while I looked at him as if he had grown another head “Saale! What do you mean by fiance’s bro?” I asked while he fumbled “Yeah that jungli and I have decided to hitch, and it’s my dad and your dad’s decision… and don’t call me saale, you are a saala!” Sam chuckled and left while I made a face.

What the! Sam and Ayesha! God bless the house and the little kids to come. Of course I would have a serious discussion with my father regarding this because when it’s Ayesha, I need to be a 100% sure. I shrugged my shoulders and got up from the bed when Sam held my shoulder “Look bro, remember that this discussion is not over, okay.” Sam signalled at the white bandage.

Suddenly I found Sam glaring at me “What?” I asked “Dude, why do I see a torn strip of a… green material out here?” he said. My mind paused as vivid memories of Sakshi wearing a green saree played in my head.

“Listen Jun… I hope you have not done anything wrong with any woman, and specially not the one you are having an eye for… yeah yeah I accept it that I am a genius and you are a douche… but yeah, I won’t be too glad if you did something with Sakshi. Not that she means anything to me, but Ayesha would kill you for sure. And the way this is torn, I don’t remember signing up for UN Women Rights but it doesn’t mean I favour tearing stuffs.” Sam said with an icy look.

I squinted my eyes to see a slightly angry Sam sit on the sofa, something told me he knows more of what had happened.

I walked into the washroom and stripped myself of my clothes. Taking in a deep breath I tried to recall everything. Mostly stuffs were in a blur but I tried to focus more. For pete’s sake I don’t know why one part of me was drowning in deep guilt shit and my mouth felt sour. That’s when I noticed something burning on my chest, a nail mark? I tried to close my eyes when flashes came in crystal clarity.

Sakshi howling, fighting me off, scratching me… screaming… running… slipped from the stairs

“Oh God, kahi maine… I hope I didn’t do something terrible did I? Damn It! Why the fudge can’t I remember anything! Fudge!” Arjun closed his eyes and let the water trickle down his sculpted bare back when a flash of memory hit his head…

Sikandar and Sakshi close dancing.

That was more than enough for me to come back to reality. I growled in anger as I realised one thing... Sakshi really never minded being with Sikandar - my own eyes were proof to it!

“ARJUN! All OK?” Sameer shouted from outside. “YEAH!” I shouted back.

Life was f***ed up!

~*~

Sakshi

A strange throb hit my head as I tried to make head and tails of where I was. My skin had turned clammy due to running water. I shook my head and discarded my wet saree. Comfort seeped in as I stood under a hot shower - trying to understand what all happened yesterday.

Why did my dreams crash within a mere seconds? They say a person spills out the truth while they are intoxicated… did Arjun just want my body? My stomach repulsed in disgust at the thought and I cleared my head.

I could barely force a few bites into my mouth in the name of breakfast. From the corner of my eye I noticed Arjun and my heart accelerated in fear, his eyes were bloodshot and his knuckles were bandaged… what happened?

I scampered away when I felt his gaze on me, ignoring the dull ache growing in my sprained foot. I could feel him approaching and I hobbled towards the lobby exit as soon as possible. This leaded to another disaster as I collided with another muscular wall.

“Hey… calm down…” a husky voice stated and I looked up to find Sikandar holding my elbow to stable me. A burst of anger filled my insides and I wished to rip his head off but I felt a wave of fury penetrating my back, ignoring Sikandar I turned back to find Arjun glaring at me.

Why was he looking at us….

Oh no wonder… a man as filthy as Arjun could believe that Sikandar and I are having an affair.

I pushed Sikandar aside and walked towards the exit when Arjun ran to come in front of me. His seething anger made my toes curl and I looked at his chiseled face “S..” Before he started I stopped him “I don’t owe any explanation to you Sir.”

Arjun

I chuckled at her frosty reply “You don’t owe anything to me… tum jaise insaan ko main kuch bhi udhaar nahi dunga..” I clutched her arm tight as her eyes watered and they seeped into mine.

“Yeah, a man who can get pissed off because I refused to sleep with him… tum jaise insaan se main udhar lungi hi nahi…” Sakshi growled at me and my heart snapped. I trailed a lock of hair behind her ear and tightened the grip on her arm “Sikandar se logi… of course… you know look better when you are angry..” I murmured and smirked in delight as she got riled up.

“What is effing wrong with you Mr. Singhania?” Sakshi glared at me “Sikandar ke jab kar rahe ho kal se! And you are no one from whom I take compliments…” Hot tears fell from her eyes but I knew very well that they were crocodile tears. “Oh… baby is crying eh? Should I kiss away all your tears?” My tongue turned sour at my words but hurting her gave a little solace to my wounded heart.

She never knew that I had given her my heart and that she had trampled over it. “You know what Mr.Singhania, your lips would feel like acid against me.” she blasted and I held like closer “Really?” my words came out to be sharper.. she hates me… beautiful!

I pulled her closer, smiling as we were a breath’s distance away “Leave me before I scream! Don’t cross your limits Mr. Singhania!” she snarled and I closed my eyes to feel her even breathing fan against me. I placed my palm at the small of her back with blatant possession and pulled her closer such as our noses touched “I haven’t even reached my limits Miss. Anand… breaking them is a far cry.”

Sakshi

My eyes widened as he held me in his arms. His last words thrashed the little hope  I had in my heart. I knew it would be futile to fight off his arms as I remained in his powerful biceps. Tears threatened to overcome me while my conscience slapped my naive heart for having trusted and felt emotions for a man as brutal as the one before me. I refused to listen to the tiny voice in my heart.

I sighed and pushed him aside, anger fuelling an unknown strength in me. “I hate you.” I bit out the words while he let me go, surprising me. “Sweetheart, that means you are still passionate about me.” A dark intensity rose in his eyes.

“Keep your emotions in check Mr. Singhania… the last thing I ever feel for you is passion or love or…” my voice trailed as I realised I was almost shouting. Arjun leaned against the glass wall and smirked at me “You’re fiery, angsty, angry and passionate in hating me… that makes a sensual combination…” his icy tone brought shivers down my spine.

He caught my palm and laced his fingers through mine, clutching them hard. My breath got knocked out as he lifted our clutched hands together "You know when should our hands be like this?" his voice dripped in an unhealthy desire while I warily glanced out how his palm clutched mine. A lump formed in my throat and a violent red grew on my cheeks - of course such a gesture would come up when we... I closed my eyes and breathed, trying to forget his physical strength which frightened the soul out of me. "Leave me..." I asked and he left my palm and whispered "No matter what you do you will come back to me."

I chose to ignore him and ran towards a taxi. On my way to airport I flipped on my sunglasses and his the tears which leaked. Where was the man with whom I traveled to India? Where was the man who robbed me of my senses by just taking me out to a carnival? What had happened to those emotions? Jealousy? Envy?

A weight settled on my heart… I wasn’t blind enough to not notice the daggers he threw at Sikandar. Jealousy acts instrumental in fictional stories or movies, in reality it can tarnish a relationship.

And that’s what happened to us. I flipped out my iPhone to see that Liza had called me home.

A gulp formed in my throat as I recalled the woman I was four years before and the woman I was now. I had indulged in a fleeting moment of fantasy and had lost the ability to differentiate amidst what was happening to me.

I was at fault too… I had given him every signal to move forward with him - but that doesn’t qualify for what he did with me. I had long forgiven him for the night for I knew he was drunk and perhaps in oblivion to what was reality. Yet his actions this morning proved one thing -

He and I were never meant to be.

A billionaire casanova and a middle class secretary is something reserved for novelists. Not for us.

~*~

“Sak… wait what’s wrong?” the happiness in Liza’s face was wiped out the minute she hugged me… had she seen through that I was devastated? Well I didn’t want to hide the fact that I was either.

“Exhausted and life’s too much at a toss.” I pressed my temples and sighed. She settled next to me and asked me to explain “Well you see, love isn’t about the moment of when the hearts connect - it’s about sustaining when lives collide. Hearts connected, minds met, souls danced… yet when our lives and experience came to play - a flesh of my four chambered organ was ripped out.” Another tear leaked out of my eye as Liza drew in an audible gasp.

She gave what I needed the most - a motherly hug. I closed my eyes and let myself lose. I wasn’t the one to hide my feelings anyway. “Just do what you love now Saki…” she patted my head with affection and I smiled back. She knew me the best, I couldn’t forget him nor could I pretend to move on. The only thing I could do now is just do what I love.

After half an hour of my brother’s company I returned to the hall to find Liza whipping up cream ‘Though of making a nice desert!” she smiled and I chuckled back - not that surprised that the joy didn’t come in my heart “Why do I have to be sacrificed for your experimental cooking?” I raised an eyebrow and ducked an apple thrown at my direction in the nick of time.

“Nice… Royal Gala right?” I smirked and munched on the apple while she muttered how this and that I was. “Switch on the TV please, am dying for that episode man. You wouldn’t believe what the precap was! The hero swung the heroine in his arms to let her sit in his car!” Liza squealed while I turned back and ran a hand through my hair.

“Li! First of all don’t expect a kiss because it is the great Indian soap and second of all he would probably go back to being different cause Indian shows have the innate quality of dragging shows. Now coming back to the point, to get into a SUV he could have side helped her you know… no need of being taken into arms!” I rolled my eyes to get a softball on my head.

“Idiot! After so much of difficulty are we getting a first love scene amidst the leads and you are debating on this!” Liza growled and I chuckled “Dude you have a kitchen or storehouse!” I switched on the TV and let  her stare dreamily at the man who was lifting his apparent lady love and I smiled.

Wait… this man’s a widow so what is he doing in a bright red shirt? And how come the two are colour coordinated? And wait… where does she get time for a perfect pedi with her being in some ETG… or ETF…

And hold on… what happened to the bada*s that the hero was supposed to kill! Well at least there is love in the air… and I secretly must admit that he looks good in the red shirt.

Red… it reminded me of the day I went to office after we landed in India, Arjun took me out for a breakfast date while he had worn a cranberry red shirt. A sigh released my lungs and I pulled out my iPhone to distract myself when the news notification caught me.

For some reason I was drawn to the place Vegas and the picture and write up below shocked me out of my wits.

PLAYBOY'S SCANDALOUS AFFAIR AT VEGAS

Ivan Helm, New York Arjun Pratap Singhania and Raina Rathore Split Confirmed! The Frolic: How do you relax after a tense day of multi billion deals and insane travelling? Why, by cuddling with your secretary in your hotel, of course. OK, that may not be exactly how two of the world's most powerful bachelor got recently hooked up, but sources admit that aviation business magnet Arjun Singhania fell for the middle classed intelligent secretary Sakshi Anand whilst their India tour which presided over the charities and meetings with the aviation industrialists. Vegas seems to be the place of hearts as Singhania and Anand danced in passion publicly; their onscreen chemistry kept us on the edge of our seats so we weren’t too shocked to see them running to his room soon enough. We think if this is another one of those high class meets middle class love affairs or Anand might be using the opportunity to get her foothold in the Board of Members. Our sources tell us that Anand and Singhania were acquainted since her college days and it’s thus no surprise that she ended up becoming the secretary of the Vice President of the company in her first shot. It’s not pretty surprising to see her date a man who was well into a steady relationship. While Anand keeps her mum on the matter Singhania just happened to breakup with his long time supermodel girlfriend Raina Rathore the same year. Hmmm. Stay tuned for more information, below are the videos from the hotel cctv's displaying steamy scenes in the lift. 

My throat dried up and tears spilt over while I tried to make head and tails of what I was being thrown with. My hands shook and finger turned numb as I failed to process what was happening.

I checked the newspaper to get the gossip magazine - ROGUE; and I felt my bile rise in my throat as I saw the cover.

CHAPTER 23

Sakshi

I didn’t even bother to read the gossip inside… how could this happen! HOW!

Liza rushed to me and was equally shocked, she changed to a news channel and saw flashes of Arjun and I hugging in the lobby, our moments in the restaurant followed by him carrying me to his room.

Oh God this came out to be so wrong.

I almost collapsed as I heard the news spew left and right about her. Mine and Arjun’s dance was filmed as well.

Liza cursed and switched off the television, she sat next to me and held my hand. “Sakshi, please explain.” A gulp formed in my throat and with a cry I poured out everything.

Arjun

“WHAT THE F**K IS THIS!” I threw the glass of wine on the floor, the red liquid seeped onto the marble tiles as I cursed at the television in front.

“CHANDRA!” I barked and Chandrakant came running “Sir, I have caught hold of a few press representatives and from the condition that is seen, Raina has planned this… am sure there is another involvement as well…” Chandrakant stated while I ran a hand through my hair and cursed further.

“That bit*h!” I swore. I immediately dialed a number “Sam, get your fu***ing cousin out of my damned life!” Sameer gulped and stated “Jun… calm down. Getting pissed off will take you nowhere okay.” Sameer said.

“Sakshi’s rep is at stake damn it!” I said and along with her name a painful feeling ebbed in my heart. Didn’t she know how much I felt for her? My thoughts were broken as Sameer stated “I understand, let’s have a quick meeting… Ayesha will handle the business from my side.”

I nodded and kept the phone, thanking Chandra who passed me a glass of water.  

Ayesha

For a few moments I was quiet and surprised to have heard that Sammy is going to let me handle his business, a sarcastic taunt was waiting at the tip of my tongue but his tired and angry face made me do something I didn’t think of for a long time.

I placed a palm on his shoulder and waited with bated breath. He relaxed and held my hand. “I can’t believe that Raina is my cousin! She has done such a bi**y thing I tell you!” Sameer cursed.

3rd POV

“Sir you have always hated Raina from the beginning, so please calm down.” Ayesha said gently while Sameer nodded. “Raina has always been a bi**h, listen Ayesha… during her term with Jun she had been quite infidel herself - please get those details if you can. That will keep her on track. Secondly thanks a ton for joining me here in New York, just handle the work here while I shall go to Arjun, you can handle this meeting as always right?” Sameer said while Ayesha nodded.

“Thanks… and yeah… after you are done dad said that we can buy our clothing for our engagement, I guess it’s in a few days time.” Sameer said while Ayesha nodded quietly and handed him over the files “Sir these were the minutes of the meeting with Delta Airways.” Ayesha said.

“Hmm good…” he said softly and noticed at how Ayesha put a hesitant lock behind her ear. Her once upon a time neon highlights on dirt blonde hair had been softened to ebony brown waves with deep wine highlights.

He now noticed that she was more comfortable in the comfy office clothes than her shorts and loose crop tops. Why had she worn those?

“Ayesha?” he called her gently “Yes Sir.” she replied, he noted the soft mute brown and black shades highlighting her eyes “Why did you change so much during your teens?” he asked and regretted the moments her eyes hardened.

“I thought there was something lacking in me due to which I was left to be a use and throw piece in a man’s life. Everyone is my life just wanted to taste me… they liked me either because I was the Singhania’s only daughter or because I had a good body. Even the first man that I kissed just kissed for he felt a moment of lust…” Ayesha’s voice betrayed her while Sameer’s eyes widened.

“Ayesha… no it…” Sameer held her palm while Ayesha blinked furiously “No Sir… it’s fine. I knew what I was then. I mean that of course does explain why I saw you being intimate with another girl the very next day. It’s fine… I.. I just wanted to change myself in a manner so as to someone would like me, being mean suited me better. I wasn’t ever comfortable in those short clothes. I hated myself and wished that someone would like me for who I was. But of course before I could go to a path of self destruction I found my best friend come sister - Sakshi.” Ayesha’s eyes watered while Sameer felt a punch of his gut.

A young lad of twenty being indecisive and scared of having kissed his best friend’s sister - hence he ran away. Little could Sameer fathom that a little mistake of playing with a girl’s heart would make her so vulnerable and destroyed. How could she think that she is a use and throw material?

He got up gently to confess his long due apologies due to his rash actions. He gently held her chin and was about to state when a peon delivered the Rogue magazine to his desk. “OH LORD!” Ayesha moved away from Sameer and held the cover, her face twisted in disgust as she held the details.

Sameer pushed away his apologies for another time and frowned deeply “How the fu***ng hell can they write this fu***ing crap about Sash!” Ayesha yelled.

“Ayesha, tomorrow night - get us a press conference at the Plaza… call every damn press and state that Arjun Pratap Singhania will release a statement on the issue.” Sameer huffed and crossed his arms.

“But Sammy what will bhai* say?” Ayesha punched numbers and began calling the press members who were way too eager to attend. “Ayesh handle the Malaysian Airlines meeting while I rush to Jun… take care.” Sameer said softly while Ayesha nodded.

What she least expected was the tight hug he gave before leaving while Ayesha stood stunned.

~*~

“Good job Sam… in the mean time ask Chandra to get me an Armani overalls.” Arjun relaxed in his lounge while sipping on his champagne. “That’s great Jun but first tell me that what are you going to state in the meeting?” Sameer asked.

“That’s for you to know tomorrow… and as far as the goodwill of our company is concerned it will just soar higher so no need to think too hard about it.” Arjun chuckled and relaxed against the faux leather couch.

His eyebrows creased a bit as he put the rest of his words on fore “Keep a tab on Sakshi, her whereabouts… everything.” Sameer nodded and left.

Arjun sighed and removed the little sparkling ring that he had bought solely for Sakshi, but she had to betray him! A bitter smile crawled up his lips as he fingered the ring repeatedly.

“If only you loved me as much as I did Sakshi, if only.” Arjun sighed and blinked away the rapidly forming tears.

~*~

“Can we have a little silence please?” Sameer barked through the mike as journalists swarmed throughout the hall.

After a much intended delay of forty five minutes Arjun walked in looking dapper in his Armani overalls and slid his shades inside his shirt. The moment he sat on his chair he took his mike and chuckled “I never knew a businessman could have the paparazzi of a Hollywood actor! Thank you dearest media for NOT having respected our privacy.” he ran a hand through his gelled hair and glared at the media personnel.

“Who do you mean by our?” A young journalist spoke up, Arjun chuckled and put an arm around Sameer “Sameer and I! Don’t you know we both are marrying each other? Really Miss, you are young and beautiful and I expected a beauty like you to utilize your brains and comprehend the fact that I am talking about Sakshi and I!” THe journalist turned red and the others chuckled at Arjun’s comment.

On the other hand Liza spit out her coffee on hearing Sakshi’s name from Arjun’s mouth and increased the volume. Something was telling her that indeed there was going to be a series of shocks in store for her.

At the office Sakshi could do nothing but helplessly stand amidst her colleagues who were tuned to the channel and watching Arjun’s press conference. The only one who truly sympathized and stood by Sakshi was Chandra. “I assure you that all’s going to well, after this interview.”

“Rathore sir has ordered all of you to go back to your work right NOW.!” Chandra barked as the others hushed and dispersed. “Thanks Chandra, but for some reason… I feel uneasy, perhaps I should just sit in sir’s cabin and complete all the files.”

“My personal advice, do watch the interview. Shall I send Ayesha ma’am over here and then perhaps be around this area?” A grateful smile from Sakshi was all that Chandra needed to adhere to what he said.

To say that Sakshi had a difficult day would be an understatement. It had been a total of seven months since she had been working in the company and the fact that her position as the Secretary of the Vice President getting fixed wasn’t exactly a welcoming fact for the members who had been long working in the company.

Quite a few stated the comforts of bed and personal reliefs to be the reason for Sakshi’s stay in the company. With the latest goss it was impossible to refute the disgusting rumours no matter how much Sakshi would want to. It was so easy to point out at her character than actually believe her. What a wonderful society is there for us!

Sakshi gently pressed the temples of her head and switched on the television and gulped as Arjun’s face came on screen. She tried to look away and concentrate on her files while those comments and questions thrown at Arjun were barely out from her mind.

“So Sir, we have heard that your trip to Vegas was more of… you know what we mean. We have heard that you and Sakshi have shared a room and that even a few designers were sent to hers?” A young journalist asked, Arjun squinted at this sore journalist and knew he had been paid to as specific questions.

“What else should I do apart from staying together and doing things for the to be Mrs. Singhania?!” Arjun rolled his eyes while the crowd gasped.

Sakshi slipped from the couch and covered her mouth while Liza spluttered the entire coffee all over the table. Sameer slightly choked on his glass of water and masked an expressionless face while Ayesha dropped all the files she had on her hand while walking towards Arjun’s cabin.

“Sakshi and sir engaged?” the office staff whispered while Chandrakant was thoroughly surprised.

“Congratulations! We didn’t know that you two were…” “If you had the patience to wait for three days then I myself would have been here with my future wife declaring the same but you had to believe the other sources right? I mean how dare you all insult my fiancee without even cross verifying with me? Due to this disgusting act I shan’t invite any press member for either mine or my sister’s wedding. The conference’s over.” Arjun barked and walked out with Sameer following him shortly.

Questions such as why aren’t they living together, apologies and wishes to be invited to the wedding, etc. were flooding the hall as Arjun stormed off. When one journalist questioned if her being his fiancee was the reason for her position in the company Sameer snapped “A woman just can’t get a position in the company for her credit right? Just because Ayesha is a Singhania you are mum about her but Sakshi isn’t so you throw the dirty pail of water? She has been a highly efficient employee and shall continue to remain so!” Sameer shook his head when the nosy journalist intervened.

“Sir, then why aren’t you are Sakshi staying together, since you did so at the hotel the same could be done now itself!” “What a brilliant idea! Mister, would you like to advise the lingerie Sakshi and I shall wear for our wedding night?” Arjun shouted at the flustered man who crumbled away.

“First of all Sakshi does stay in our house, same room or not is none of your business. I would respect a little bit of privacy now!” Arjun combed back his locks and walked towards his Lamborghini, fuming.

Sakshi locked the cabin as she saw her colleagues running to speak to her. To say she was afraid it would be little. She had never had such pressure in her life. She cradled her head and hid behind the table as people knocked repeatedly.

Shame, humiliation, anger - all combusted to a dangerous combination in her system. She shook and quaked in seething fury and fear. Tears escaped on a path of its own down her cheeks as she heard noises.

“Sakshi?” Arjun’s husky voice reached her as his eyes knit in confusion to have found her under his table.

Sakshi got up and pushed him against his chest “HOW DARE YOU! Who gave you the right to play with my life? Who the hell are you in my life!” She yelled to be hugged tightly and hushed back “Calm down sweetheart, I know this wasn’t the way….” Sakshi looked up in confusion as he brushed away the slight tears and fixed his eyes behind her.

“What are you people looking at damn it? Don’t you have work to do? Out… OUT!” Arjun barked and then pushed Sakshi away from him. “Listen! I am neither interested in getting wed with you and there are way more complications at the moment, firstly the goodwill of my company wasn’t exactly at a good place thanks to this scandal, had it been with a model it doesn’t make a difference but with an employee - it makes a hell of alot difference! Over that in this tumhara izzat hi bach raha hai! It’s a simple contract for one year. For a year you stay as my fiancee and wife - after that you are free from this bond. Get it?” Arjun ran a hand through his hair while Sakshi was just staring at him.

“It’s so easy to make and break relations for you…” Sakshi sighed. “I need time to think! It’s a nightmare for me to be wedded with you.” her voice croaked.

“I see, you might love to be with Sikandar right!” Arjun snapped while Sakshi looked at him in disbelief. This was the man she had fallen for? Mistrusting, jealous, angry and disloyal. “And you might love to be with Raina?” Sakshi took a few laboured breaths then settled on a chair, pressing her temples.

“Question for a question! Someone should learn how to speak from you!” Arjun mocked her while Sakshi looked back at him “I don’t love Sikandar, I love none. I hate him. Khush!” Sakshi barked at him.

“Can you love me then?” Arjun gripped her arm and pulled her close to a breathing distance. “This is not love!” Sakshi wriggled away as he gripped her tighter while he cornered her against the wall “Why not? You’re my fiancee, I have the right to do whatever I want and it’s my love… sweetheart!” he growled while Sakshi shoved him aside. “No man has any right on the woman in his life! Get that straight! And… who’s there?” Sakshi opened the door to find Arjun’s father standing there.

“Arjun?” Pratap asked “Dad, simple… we went to India and Vegas and bonded over each other and I decided to wed her but the media made a mess! As far as Raina is concerned we broke up eons back.” Arjun shrugged his shoulders while Sakshi coughed.

“Can I excuse myself, if you and Sir don’t mind that is…” Sakshi asked as Pratap nodded “Sure, and Sakshi… I would like to have a word with you later. “ Sakshi nodded and left the cabin while Chandrakant and Ayesha helped her dodge the crowd.

“Ashu, will speak tomorrow okay?Bye dear…” Sakshi muttered as she hopped into her apartment and collapsed on the bed.

Just a week or more back she would have been ready to marry the man of her life, if only he hadn’t tried to force himself over her and bring back the horrors of her past. She quaked in fear and disrobed herself, huddling under blankets - away from the entire world. Naked and vulnerable, she screamed out the horrors of her past into the velvety softness. The maroon darkened as the sheet got drenched in her tears.

On the other side an exhausted Arjun flopped on his couch after an extensive discussion with his father regarding his marriage and projects. A week back he would have been the happiest man if only Sakshi hadn’t turned out to be materialistic and shallow.

At the dining Sameer and Ayesha were quiet as their engagement dates were being fixed. She could barely munch into her morsel while Sameer tried to say something to Ayesha. He was guilty for having destroyed her dreams of what future meant. What sort of a future was in store for them?  Something nothing more than a business proposition for both the parents? Is this what “power” marriages were so called fixed for? It was fixed, when they would get engaged, married, have a child - everything. No space for emotions, no space for love. Ayesha tucked back a lock and hummed with what the elders said. For now she had two things in her head. TO get the company to reach the pinnacle and to rear their child in place far away from faux luxury.

Four lives, four emotions - pain, angst, guilt and realization. The world was truly not what it seemed to be.