Vihan's POV
But they both have been very close to each other. Almost a few years ago I had even become a bit jealous to see their friendship. They were always talking to each other all the time making Gaurvi and me feel left out. But they both were a bit different from Gaurvi and I. Gauravi and I were very outgoing, extroverts, fun loving, they both were more calm, level headed, a bit introvert. So maybe they were more comfortable with each other, but I was still hurt a bit. I shook my head and turned him to look at me.
"But she didn't tell me..." I asked.
" I guess she didn’t think you’d care because you were too busy with the pretty girls of the city..." He shrugged and said.
" Why is she not picking up the call?" I asked, getting hyper.
"I guess she is with that guy..." He was saying but I was surprised to hear that.
" What? She is with a guy? That's something new. I don't believe it. " I smiled confidently, but when the expression on Mihir's face didn't change, I felt that he was not lying.
" Yes, it is new; her family wants her to get settled now; that's why they introduced her to an eligible candidate last night." He said turning to look in the mirror of his walk-in wardrobe.
Really? Why didn't she tell me?
I clenched my jaw, ignoring the jab. “And what did she say about this...guy?”
Mihir shrugged, turning to his wardrobe. “Not much. She said she dodged the meeting, but her family’s pushing hard. It’s only a matter of time.”
I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Roohi had never mentioned any of this to me. Why?
Before I could press Mihir further, his sister Mahi walked in, a bright smile lighting up her face. She was Roohi's bhabhi, too, so she must know what was going on...
“Bhai, Mom’s calling you,” she said, then turned to me. "Hi, Mahi, you are looking gorgeous, Ron is lucky. You are glowing. "
" He is the best husband in the world. I am lucky that I got my superhero. " She grinned.
" By the way, Mahi, do you know where Roohi is?” I asked.
“Oh, she just came from Jindal's mansion."
"Okay, I will go and meet her. I haven't had time to talk to her for the last two days. " I said and turned to go.
" Wait! Don't go, right away. She is already late and was supposed to be going out with Raj and Myra. They’re running errands before the evening function.”
“Errands?” I frowned. “Why isn’t she here? Mihir wants everyone around.”
Mahi chuckled. “Vihan, relax. She’ll be back in time. Besides, girls need extra time to get ready for weddings. Let her enjoy herself.”
Her casual tone didn’t ease the unease twisting in my gut. Roohi never just “enjoyed herself” without letting me know.
“I need to talk to her,” I said, brushing past Mahi and heading downstairs.
By the time I reached downstairs, she had already gone out, and I saw her just as she was getting into Raj’s car.
“Roohi, wait!” I called out, jogging over. She paused, glancing at me with a mix of surprise and impatience.
“Vihan, what is it?”
" I need to talk to you. "
"No, Vihan! I need to go with them. Bhai and Bhabhi have been waiting for me. I’m already late, I hope you understand."
" Where have you been? You didn't give me a wake-me-up call, no message; why? Not even picking up my calls? " I asked.
" Oh, I was busy...Gaurvi was a bit upset and nervous so I needed to be with her." She replied and before I could ask anything else, Raj blew horns. I swear her brothers were...
“Too busy to even send me a message?”
“Do we really have to do this now? Bhai and Bhabhi are waiting.”
“Fine, but what about my outfit?
"How do I know? You must have kept it somewhere... " She shrugged.
" I am asking about the new outfit that we went to buy together at Mohit uncle's showroom. You were supposed to pick everything up.” I reminded her. Her expression hardened.
" Oh, I didn't get anything since you were busy, I dropped the idea. Anyway, it was a stupid idea, you can wear whatever you want, There is no need to wear any coordinated outfits. That is meant for couples. Bye, Vihan. I am getting late. " She said. The words hit harder than I expected, and before I could respond, she slipped into the car, shutting the door with a bang.
As soon as the door was shut, Raj drove in and I kept standing there looking at her. She could have talked to me for at least five minutes. I stood there, still trying to process her sudden departure.
What the hell was going on??
She didn't call or message me, didn't even get anything for me, for us? But why?
In fact, I was a bit reluctant earlier, as just like my dad, I hated to go shopping, but since she was so excited about it... I agreed to it.
She’d been so excited about the idea just days ago.And how come it was a stupid idea all of a sudden now?? Coordinated outfits are for couples now?
She was behaving differently. And I was getting uncomfortable with that. No!! She can't change so much...I was so used to having her in my life, she was behaving differently... That was unsettling to me.
Something was wrong. Roohi wasn’t just busy—she was pulling away, and I didn’t know why.
But one thing was certain: I wasn’t ready to let her go.
***********
Roohi’s POV After the Sangeet NightThe sangeet had ended hours ago, yet here I was, staring at the ceiling of my room, the melodies and laughter still echoing faintly in my mind. My best friends were getting married tomorrow, and I was supposed to feel nothing but joy. But tonight, joy eluded me.Instead, my thoughts kept circling back to Vihan. It wasn’t new; he had this uncanny ability to occupy my thoughts even when I tried to push him away.This time, though, it wasn’t just about him—it was about letting him go. Could I? Could I ever?A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Letting him go, I thought. How could I let go of someone who had been a part of my life for as long as I could remember? Every little moment we had ever shared came rushing back, unbidden as if my mind had decided to replay the story of us in vivid detail. It was maddening and overwhelming.I closed my eyes, letting the memories wash over me one last time. Tomorrow would be another day, another chance to face the r
Roohi's POV I rolled onto my back, the memory shifting to one of our many family vacations.I was five, sitting in the middle of a room full of toys, my hair tied into pigtails, clutching a stuffed rabbit that had seen better days. Vihan had just barged into my house, his tiny face flushed with excitement, holding a box of chocolates he had stolen from his mother's drawer.“Roohi, let’s play doctor!” he declared, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. He always loved playing doctor just like his dad. Even then, I suppose, his destiny was already calling to him.I had agreed without hesitation, of course, as I always did when it came to him. We’d spent hours diagnosing my stuffed rabbit with imaginary ailments, and he’d carefully “treated” it, offering chocolate pills as the cure. My rabbit survived every time, and my laughter echoed through the room. That became our favorite game while we used to enjoy the chocolates that were meant to be taken by my rabbit as medici
Roohi's POV The memories kept coming, each one painting a picture of a boy who had been everything to me—my best friend, my protector, the center of my universe. Middle school brought new adventures, but some things never changed. Vihan’s teasing, his protective streak, and those circles he couldn’t seem to stop drawing on my back—they were as constant as the rising sun.It was in middle school when I realized my feelings for Vihan weren’t just the fleeting crushes that came and went like passing seasons. It wasn’t just a crush anymore. It wasn’t just the way my stomach fluttered when he smiled or the way my heart raced when he drew those stupid circles on my back. It was deeper than that.It wasn’t about his mischievous grin or his endless charm, though those things didn’t help my cause. It was the way he made me feel safe, like the world couldn’t touch me as long as he was around.It was a quiet realization, the kind that settles deep in your chest and makes itself at home. I di
Roohi's POV By the time we hit high school, my one-sided love for Vihan had fully blossomed into a dramatic saga worthy of a prime-time soap opera. I could no longer ignore it. It wasn’t just about his small, protective gestures anymore—it was everything about him. The problem was, I was the only one who seemed to know about it.By then, Vihan had perfected his playboy persona.He flirted with everyone—except me.I watched as he charmed his way through our school, leaving a trail of swooning girls in his wake. I hated how easy it was for him, how effortlessly he was drawing attention wherever he went. Girls adored him, teachers praised him, and even the boys in our batch couldn’t help but admire and envy him at the same time. But through all the attention, all the adoration, he remained oblivious to the one person who cared for him the most.But high school wasn’t all laughter and stolen moments. There were times when my heart felt like it was being shattered into pieces, each one sh
Roohi's POV "Lucky?? Why do you let him get away with it?” Gauravi asked me once, her sharp eyes missing nothing. “Because he’s Vihan,” I replied, as if that explained everything.In a way, it did. Gauravi rolled her eyes and said, "You have lost it. Don't give so much importance to him; he is already very high headed. I guess they deserve each other. But I don't want her to be part of our group. I will punch Vihan if he ever includes her in our group." After a few more words of meaningless ranting, she asked me to come out. " I need to use the washroom; you go, I will join you in five minutes. Er... In fact, I think I should call one of my brothers; he would come here to pick me up. She didn't want me to leave so early but I wanted to go so she hugged me and went out. But when the door clicked shut, the tears I had been holding back finally fell, silent and unstoppable. It wasn’t just about the kiss or Kavya—it was the harsh realization that Vihan would never see me the way I s
Roohi's POV The next day, there was another Holi celebration, and we were surrounded by bursts of color and laughter.I had been trying to avoid him, unsure of how to deal with the new confusing whirlwind inside me. But Vihan was relentless. He asked me to come and play, but I said that I was not in the mood and was with my younger cousins, Sahaj and Saanjh, and my brother Ruhan, Mahi. My older brothers/cousins ( Raj, Ron, Sujal, and Viren) were busy with their group. Mihir and Gauravi also applied color to my face and asked me to play with them, but I told them that I was a bit under the weather. But Vihan cornered me by the water pump, his face streaked with vibrant pinks and yellows.“Why are you hiding, Roohi?” he asked, his voice teasing but with an undercurrent of concern.I had looked away, pretending to focus on the ground, but he wasn’t having it. He smeared a streak of color across my cheek, his touch lingering for a moment too long. My heart raced, and I hated how obvious
Roohi's POV “Why are you doing this to yourself?” Gauravi demanded. “Doing what?” I asked defensively.“Letting him stomp all over your heart with his stupid, oblivious charm!”"What are you talking about, I am not!" Gauravi cornered me, “I know you have a crush on him. He doesn't feel the same way. Why do you do this to yourself, Roohi?” she asked, her voice a mix of exasperation and concern. I didn’t have an answer. How could I explain that loving him wasn’t something I chose? It was as natural to me as breathing, as vital as my heartbeat. Even when it hurt. Even when it broke me. It was simply a part of who I was." For God's sake, say something. " She shook me. “What am I supposed to do?” I snapped. “I can’t help liking him, no matter how hard I try.”Gauravi sighed. “Well, then you need to either tell him how you feel or get over him. This pining thing? It’s not cute anymore. You deserve better than being a silent spectator in his life.”But I couldn’t tell him. Because wha
Roohi's POV Next week, One of the seniors threw a party to celebrate finishing finals, and Vihan insisted we all go.“Come on, Roohi. Live a little,” he said, dragging me away from my textbooks.The party was loud and chaotic, and Vihan immediately disappeared into the crowd. I found Mihir, who was having a mojito and rolling his eyes.“Let me guess—he’s flirting with someone,” Mihir said, nodding toward Vihan, who was chatting with a girl in a red dress.I tried to act indifferent. “He’s just being friendly.”“Friendly? He’s practically reciting poetry to her,” Mihir deadpanned.I watched as Vihan leaned closer to the girl, laughing at something she said. My stomach churned, but I forced a smile.“You okay?” Mihir asked, his voice softer.“Yeah,” I lied.When Vihan finally returned, I pretended I hadn’t noticed his absence.“Having fun?” he asked, handing me a drink.“Loads,” I said sarcastically.“Good,” he said, tracing a quick circle on my shoulder. “I wouldn’t want my favorite g
Six months laterI stared at the two pink lines for the fifth time that morning. No matter how many tests I took, they all screamed the same thing.Positive.I was pregnant.“Oh my God.” I sat back on the bathroom floor, breath caught somewhere between stunned and giddy. A dozen emotions danced in my chest—shock, nervousness, excitement… and one tiny, trembling ball of fear.Because how exactly was I going to tell Vihan Rathore—my drama king of a husband—that we were having a baby?I opened the bathroom door to find him already awake, shirtless, hair messy, standing with a cup of coffee and his ever-annoying smugness.“Took you long enough,” he said. “I was about to send a rescue team.”“I—I was just—uh…” I fumbled with the test behind my back.His eyes narrowed. “You okay?”I nodded, trying to hide the nervous grin tugging at my lips. “Totally. Peachy.”He squinted. “Roohi. What are you hiding?”And just like that, he stalked over to me, snatched my hand, and caught sight of the preg
Roohi's POV The moment we stepped off the seaplane, the warm, salty breeze kissed my face. A long wooden pier stretched out over the bluest water I’d ever seen. Palm trees swayed in the distance, and a small villa stood waiting like a dream.“Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor,” the host said, handing us two chilled coconuts. “You have the island entirely to yourselves.”I looked at Vihan, completely overwhelmed.“You did all this?” I whispered.“For you. For us.”The villa was breathtaking—open air, wooden interiors, a bed that faced the ocean, and an outdoor shower with a tub made of stone nestled under a canopy of trees."This is breathtaking. Awesome! " I said. He carried me straight to the bed and laid me down gently.“You have no idea how long I’ve dreamed of this,” he murmured, his voice rough. “Of waking up to you. Sleeping beside you. Making love without anyone around having to sneak on us.”My breath caught.We didn’t speak for a long time after that.Only touched.Only felt.On
Roohi's POV He looked effortlessly elegant in an off-white kurta with muted gold embroidery, his eyes scanning the room before resting on me. He waited patiently as my family welcomed him.Mom handed him a sweet with a smile. “Welcome, beta. You’re part of this madness now.”Dad and Tauji patted his back. “Come in. We’ve all been waiting.”Ron stood silently, watching. Not disapproving—just protective.“You’re officially our kanwar ji now,” he said. “Hope you’re ready.”Vihan smiled. “I think I’ve always been ready. I just needed her to agree. By the way, I hope you will not serve me your special snacks now. If anything happens to me, what will happen to your sister?”Ron’s eyes softened.Sahaj grinned. “We were planning a prank welcome dish, but the elders vetoed it.”“Good,” Vihan replied. “I’ve had enough pretend-smiling through terrible food, right Ron?”Ron smirked.The house turned lively—drinks, snacks, chatter. Vihan seamlessly joined in, discussing the hospital with Dad, lau
Roohi's POV Eventually—eventually—we managed to bathe and get dressed, though it took far longer than it should have. We were giggling like teenagers, stealing kisses between every ritual of dressing. He insisted on helping drape my saree, his fingers grazing my bare waist far more times than necessary. Each touch left a trail of shivers, each stolen glance heating my cheeks.“You’re so distracting,” I scolded, struggling to slip on my bangles.“Good,” he said with a wicked grin. “That’s the plan. Shall we_”"No!" I glared at him and he smiled. By the time we made it downstairs, we were both slightly breathless, flushed, and—undeniably—head over heels in love.His mom raised an eyebrow at our entrance.Vidhi Aunty leaned over and whispered something to Sandhya Aunty, making them both burst into knowing laughter.Vikram uncle clapped Vihan on the back with a smirk. “Well, well. Looks like the prince had a good night.”I turned crimson. Vihan just grinned smugly.“Come, beta,” Sandhya
Roohi's POV His arm curled around my waist, pulling me close until I was curled against his chest. He kissed my forehead, then my temple. "That was just the beginning,” he whispered against my shoulder. “I plan to worship you every night.”I laughed softly, burying my face in his chest. “You’re insatiable.”“And you’re intoxicating.”We lay in silence for a moment, the only sound of our breathing and the faint rustle of the curtains swaying in the breeze.“Vihan?”“Hmm?”“You were worth the wait,” I said. He turned, tipping my chin up to meet his eyes. "And you, Rooh... you were worth giving up every other woman in the world."My heart ached with how full it felt.This wasn’t just a wedding night, this was the night two souls found their forever.And I knew, deep in my bones, that he would never let go.Not of me.Not of us.********I woke to the softest caress against my cheek.Warmth surrounded me—his scent, musky and deliciously masculine, still lingered in the sheets tangled ar
Roohi's POVThe world, the palace walls, the weight of waiting, the ache of all the silent years. It all melted into the warmth of his lips.It wasn’t a kiss of hunger, not yet. It was a kiss of longing—soft, slow, reverent. Like he was tasting every unshed tear, every whispered prayer, every heartbeat I’d saved just for him.The kiss was soft at first—tentative, exploring. Like a question. Like he was asking for permission.I answered with a whimper, my hands sliding up to curl around his neck. He groaned low in his throat, deepening the kiss, his arms circling around my waist and pulling me against him.He groaned softly, his hand slipping around my waist, holding me like he was afraid I’d vanish.I gasped at the contact, my body was arching involuntarily into his. Every nerve was vibrating, every sense overloaded.My dupatta slid from my shoulder, pooling at our feet. I didn’t care. Not when he kissed me like I was the only woman he had ever wanted. Not when his hands tangled in m
Roohi's POV The door clicked shut behind him.And just like that, the world shrunk to the space between us.Vihan stood still, barely a few feet away, yet the energy radiating off him made it feel like he was everywhere. The glow of the soft golden lamps flickered across his features, casting gentle shadows that only deepened the intensity in his eyes. His sherwani, regal and crisp, still hugged his broad frame perfectly, but a few strands of hair had come undone—wild, rebellious, like the storm brewing in his eyes.Silence settled, thick with unspoken anticipation. The room, dimly lit by the golden glow of candles, flickered softly against my lehenga. The scent of fresh jasmine from my hair mingled with the delicate perfume on my wrists. My heart raced, each beat was like a thunderous echo in the hush.Vihan stood a few feet away, the soft rustle of his sherwani the only sound. The fabric hugged his broad frame perfectly, every inch of him exuding power and grace. His hair, just sl
Roohi’s POV" Vihan put me down! It is not our tradition; please, let's not spoil our GrihaPravesh." I said, and Aunty nodded with a smile. "Ours or not, I like this tradition, I want to do it." He argued. " He is my son." Vikram uncle said proudly. " He is your clone. Happy?? Both are too much." Aunty said and rolled her eyes. " Let your mom do her tradition and then you can follow yours. " Vidhi Aunty said and winked at him. He grinned I buried my face in his chest as his mother and aunt burst into laughter.Finally, he put me down. I was blushing. "Welcome home, beta," Sandhya Aunty said, placing a soft tika on my forehead.Vidhi Aunty and Vidhya held a golden kalash at the doorstep."Kick this gently, Roohi," Vidhi explained. "It symbolizes you bringing prosperity into our home."I did as instructed, watching as the Kalash rolled inside the house.Aunt Vidhi and my sister-in-law, Vidhya, stood beside her, giggling excitedly.Vidhya teased me while placing a bowl of kumkum wa
The Wedding The ceremony began with traditional grandeur.The mandap was set under a canopy of jasmine flowers, the fire flickered beautifully, and our families sat around, watching with joy.And Vihan?Oh my God!! He was watching me like a starved man.Every time I tried to focus on the rituals, his fingers brushed against mine, his touch electric, making me squirm.When we took our saat pheras, he tightened his grip on my hand, his thumb stroking circles on my palm.He and his circles...My entire body burned.When he applied sindoor, he leaned close, whispering, "You’re completely mine now, Mrs. Rathore."I shivered.And when he tied the mangal sutra around my neck, he bent down, his lips brushing the shell of my ear."I’m going to make love to you tonight."I choked on air.My brother glared at him. "What did he just say?"Raj bhai asked. "NOTHING!" I said, pushing Vihan away.Vihan just chuckled darkly.Idiot!! Devil!! ********Roohi's POV The moment I had dreaded all my life