Vihan's POV "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice shaky but laced with an attempt at defiance.I ignored her question, my gaze flickering to the cab that drove in. I walked to the driver, handed him a wad of cash, and said, "She’s not taking the cab. Thanks for waiting." The driver gave me a nod and drove off."Vihan!" Roohi protested her tone sharper now. "You can’t just—"I turned to her, stepping closer. "I can, and I just did. You’re not going anywhere alone tonight. I am here to take you home."Her lips parted in frustration, but she said nothing. I could see the fight in her eyes dimming, exhaustion taking over."I’m fine," she muttered, looking away."No, you’re not," I said softly, my voice was firm but gentle. I reached for her bag, but she tightened her grip on it."Vihan, stop. I don’t need you to—""To what? Protect you? I know you are strong and have that army of crazy, overprotective brothers." My voice rose slightly, and she flinched. I cursed under my breath
Vihan's POVI pulled up in front of Chaat Corner, a tiny roadside eatery Roohi had loved since we were kids. Her eyes widened as she glanced at the colorful sign, her brows arching in disbelief."Vihan, it’s late. And you don't like—""And I am starving," I interrupted, unbuckling my seatbelt. "You’re not getting out of this, Roohi. Let’s go."She hesitated, her gaze lingering on me as if she were trying to decide whether to argue. Finally, with a small sigh, she relented and stepped out of the car.The familiar smells of tangy spices and fried snacks filled the air as we approached the counter. I gave the owner a quick wave and ordered without hesitation."Two plates of your best pani puri, one aloo tikki, and a bowl of dahi bhalla," I said, glancing at Roohi. "Anything else, or should I just keep adding?"Her lips twitched again, this time closer to a real smile. "That’s... enough."We found a small table near the corner, and I waited as the server brought over the plates. The first
Vihan's POVIt was 6 in the morning, and I had to reach the hospital before 7 AM to see if someone had come to drop off the gifts during the change shift time. My phone started ringing, and Mihir was calling me back. " Hey, Mihir! How are you feeling now?""Don't ask! " He said, taking a deep breath. "I am really sorry for what happened. We don't even know how to react. Please call me whenever you want to talk... " I was saying. "Let's not talk about it!! You tell me! I am in Surat, was upset last night and didn't want to talk to anyone, so I missed your call. " " You went to Surat? All of a sudden? Why? Is Tami_" "I came here alone. Why would she come with me?? I have nothing to do with her. " He snapped. " Your family allowed you to go there leaving_," I asked hesitantly as I knew them. " I came without telling anyone." He replied. " Mihir!! Your dad would be upset. " "Gau...she is back, her family is getting her married to... him. My family is very happy and enthusiastic ab
Roohi's POV When I reached there I was surprised to see him waiting at the main gate. " Why did you come alone? I told you to come with_" " Are you crazy? What would have I told them as to why I needed a lift when I drove there in my own car? You can't expect me to tell him that someone was sending me gifts and you were getting paranoid. " Roohi, it is something to be paranoid about; this is serious; we need to tell your family about this." He said. " Are you out of your mind? This is harmless; must be some admirer, or at the most, it is some kind of a prank. If we tell my family about these, all of them will panic and you know how they will follow me everywhere." " That's exactly what we all need to do... The man is clicking your pictures, sending you gifts and dresses along with those messages." " Don't you dare utter a word to anyone? I swear, I will kill you. This is nothing. Don't get obsessed with the man." I said. " I need to be obsessed with him as he is obsessed wit
Roohi's POV “Vihan, there’s no one here—” I said getting annoyed as I was in the middle of something. “Roohi, I don’t like you spending so much time with Kabir and Siddh,” he blurted out.Really? Why? I blinked, surprised. “Excuse me?” I wanted him to say that again. “They’re always around you, laughing with you, talking to you, dancing with you—”" So what is the problem with that?" I was desperate for him to say that he was getting jealous. " I just don't feel comfortable... " He said looking away. Say it, Idiot!!! “Oh my God, you’re sounding as if, you are jealous that I am making new friends. Don't worry, you are my best friend. They are just Gauravi's cousins for me.” I smiled at him.“I’m not jealous!” he shook his and said as if he was trying to convince himself, not me. “Yes, I know, but it looks as if you are!” I replied He ran a hand through his hair, looking frustrated. “I’m just… concerned. I don’t trust them.”“Concerned? Vihan, they’re Gauravi’s cousins! We know
Vihan's POV The Night at Jindal Mansion Gauravi’s cousins had taken over the living room, transforming it into a cozy party zone with mattresses spread out, clean sheets tucked in, blankets tossed around, and pillows piled in every corner. Snacks were everywhere—chips, cookies, cold drinks—all ready for a long, sleepless night.The night buzzed with excitement, the air charged with the kind of energy that only comes from wedding celebrations.Everyone was enjoying it except for me as I was annoyed as hell because of those two guys, Siddh and Kabir. Thank god that Parshav had not come yet. I glanced around, taking in the scene. Gauravi’s wedding was just a few days away, and tonight was the perfect chance for all of us to let loose. But I could not relax... The stalker was roaming around. I had a feeling that he was someone I know well... Has to be someone we know. But who?Could that stalker be Kabir? He must have seen Roohi at Mihir's wedding as well. Oh my God!! I had to scr
Roohi’s POV An hour ago...The night buzzed with excitement. The elders had long since gone to bed, leaving the youngsters to claim the living room for a long wild, sleepless night. Mattresses were laid out, clean sheets and blankets spread, pillows tossed around haphazardly, and snacks were piled in every corner. There was an air of mischief, anticipation, and unrestrained joy—a night of endless possibilities.Vihan sat on the couch, arms crossed, watching the chaos unfold with a distant expression. His brows were slightly furrowed, and his gaze lingered longer than necessary on me before darting away.Oh God! What’s with him tonight? Ever since that admirer started sending me anonymous messages, Vihan had become extra cautious—bordering on possessive. Not that he would ever admit it, of course.I rolled my eyes, pretended to ignore him, and settled between Tami and Sri. Gauravi, as expected, was glued to her phone, probably talking to Shlok, she was glowing.I turned to see Tami
Roohi's POV After about 15 minutes, I noticed Siddh and Kabir whispering and exchanging amused glances, their eyes darting between Vihan and me. Something was definitely up.Across the room, Siddh was watching me, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.That was weird. I had never seen him smile like that. Siddh wasn’t usually this playful around me. In fact, that smile looked completely out of character.What's wrong with him? It seemed Vihan and Siddh had swapped personalities. I raised a questioning eyebrow at him, signaling with my hands, What’s with that grin? He simply shook his head and subtly glanced at Vihan.Curious, I followed his gaze. Vihan’s expression had hardened. His eyes darkened every time Siddh or Kabir so much as looked my way. His knuckles whitened around his glass, and he looked like he was ready to murder someone.Oh.Interesting.“Roohi!” Kabir called, waving me over. “Come here. We need your opinion.”I stood, making sure to toss my hair over my shoulder as
Roohi's POV Finally, we reached Jodhpur for the engagement. Most of our family friends, and relatives also reached there. Rathore family had made arrangements for all the guests in their various havelis. Our family shared it with my Mamu's family and Mohit's uncle's family; of course, Viren also stayed with us, though Shaurya also wanted him to stay with them. Jindal family, Shah family and Rajwanshi family stayed in one and Malhotras stayed at their own haveli with Sahil uncle as he insisted. So Gauravi and Shlok stayed there. Mihir and Tami have married again recently and were supposed to go on their honeymoon, but Vihan told him to go after our wedding, and then we all could go on honeymoon together; of course, he agreed to wait for some time as he could not miss our wedding. Rathore family stayed with Vidhi aunty and Shubh uncle in their main haveli. Vihan had barely let me breathe since our families had arrived here from Delhi, wrapping me in his possessiveness, his mischi
Roohi’s POV" Why did he ask them to do it?? " He asked. " What do you think?? " " You wanted me to get jealous??" " Correction!! Bhai wanted you to get jealous and react. " " But why?? He didn't even like me then. " He asked. " Vihan, I am sorry, I have a confession to make... But please don't be mad at me. " " Why are you saying it? I can't get mad at you. Tell me! " He asked looking into my eyes. " Bhai did all of that because I sought his help to make you fall for me. " I said. He looked absolutely shocked to know it. And finally, it sank into him. " You asked him to make me fall for you?? " He asked. " Means all that time, you have been in love with me??" " I fell for you even before I knew what love was and I never got over you. " I said and explained everything. He pulled me in his arms and kissed me so hard that I could hardly breathe; he broke the kiss only when we were short of breath. " You are a naughty girl, and that brother of yours is truly a LoveGuru. I swea
Roohi's POV I was enjoying every moment of our courtship period. One evening, instead of taking me to a fancy restaurant, he led me to a bookstore."For you," he whispered, guiding me inside.I gasped softly, my fingers itching to touch the shelves filled with stories and dreams. "Vihan…""You love books. I love you. So now, I love books too," he said simply.We spent hours there, picking books for each other. He sat on the floor, flipping through pages, looking at me like I was the most fascinating story of all.At one point, I found a book with a beautifully written love confession. I read it aloud, my voice trembling slightly.When I finished, Vihan took the book from my hands, set it aside, and whispered, "Mine was better."Before I could ask, he kissed my forehead and walked to the counter, buying every single book I had even glanced at."Vihan, we don't want so many books. " But he was adamant and we came back carrying lots of books. *******One night, long past midnight, whe
Third person's POV After Roohi’s family performed the ritual of blessing the couple, Ron handed Vihan a heavy envelope.“What’s this?” Vihan asked.“Your membership card to the 'Whipped Husbands' club,” Ron smirked. Everyone burst into laughter, including Roohi."Hey, what's wrong with OPH club? " Sujoy asked. "We all have been it's part."" Yes, but that is for oldies, uncle, new generation, new club. But of course, we will still be a part of that club as well." Ron replied " Who is the president of your club? " Rahul asked. " That we can decide later on." Shlok smiled. Everyone else nodded.******As the ceremony wrapped up, Sujal played a romantic tune, and everyone cheered for the couple’s first dance.As the music played, Saanjh and Sujal dragged the couple to the center for a dance. Vihan, ever the charmer, pulled Roohi close and whispered, “Ready to be Mrs. Rathore? I am excited to have you as my wife.”Roohi teased, “Let’s survive the engagement and wedding first.”The nigh
Third person's POV Ron and Raj, though furious beyond words, softened just a little at their mother’s words. But their rage was far from gone.Rohit finally spoke, his voice eerily calm. "We are going to make him pay for this."Ron nodded. "He won’t get away with this. I will ruin that family. "Raj let out a sharp breath. "If he even breathes in Roohi’s direction again—"Vihan stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. His expression was unreadable, his shoulders stiff, his entire body practically vibrating with a controlled fury. He walked over to Roohi, kneeling in front of her, cupping her face gently, as if afraid she would break."He’ll never touch you again," he swore, his voice thick with emotion. "I will make sure of it."Roohi looked at him, her teary eyes searching his, finding the raw intensity there. The protectiveness. The unspoken emotions that neither of them could voice right now.For the first time since she had woken up, she felt truly safe."Enough,"
Third person's POVThe atmosphere in the room was thick with tension and suffocating silence, each heartbeat echoing the rage and fear coursing through the family. Roohi lay on the couch, pale and visibly shaken. Every second felt like an eternity as everyone stood around her, restless and furious. Her mother, Sia, sat beside her, holding her hand tightly, whispering prayers under her breath. Priya and Sandhya were also waiting anxiously for her to be fine. Ron and Raj stood nearby, their jaws clenched, fists curled into tight balls as rage simmered inside them. Vihan, his usually confident and playful demeanor replaced by pure, undiluted fear, crouched close, his eyes fixed on Roohi's face.The mere thought of what had happened to Roohi made their blood boil. Ron, Raj, and Vihan looked ready to tear someone apart. And then, finally, a faint movement.When her eyelids fluttered open, the entire room collectively held its breath. For a moment, she looked dazed and confused. Her gaze
Vihan's POV My chest burned with fury. The rage inside me exploded. Over my dead body.“He’s planning to marry her,” Ron muttered darkly.“I will kill him before that,” Raj growled.We ditched our cars a short distance away and approached on foot, moving like a pack of wolves ready to tear apart their prey.Sujal and I spotted guards at the entrance. Big, burly men with earpieces. Armed.Ron smirked. “Shall we?”" No, I will handle him. " I said. Before I could do it, he and Raj took them down swiftly and brutally. A knife slashed through the air—silent, efficient.The first guard didn’t even get time to scream.We stormed in, our presence sending the men inside into chaos. Some of Ahuja’s hired goons charged at us, but we were ready.Raj and Ron took down the first two guys within seconds, fists flying. Sujal threw a punch that sent another man sprawling.I wasn’t even paying attention to them. My focus was singular. Roohi.We moved in deeper, sticking to the shadows. Every step wa
Roohi’s POVTaking a deep breath, I kept the phone in my grip and cautiously stepped out of the car, my heels clicking softly against the pavement. The girl wasn’t moving.Each step toward the girl made my heartbeat pound louder. My heart hammered as I knelt beside her, my fingers reaching for her pulse.Cold skin.No heartbeat.My breath hitched.My stomach twisted.Something wasn’t right.The hair on the back of my neck stood up.Then—A sharp, chemical scent invaded my senses.Chloroform.My heart slammed against my ribs.I jolted upright, whirling around—Too late.A hand clamped over my mouth.I thrashed, twisting my body, but someone grabbed me from behind, an arm tightening around my waist, and my scream got muffled.Panic exploded inside me.I kicked wildly, my nails scratching against rough skin. My phone slipped from my grip, clattering onto the pavement.NO!!! I couldn’t let this happen.I fought harder, my elbow slamming into someone’s ribs. A grunt of pain, followed by a
After about one and a half hoursVihan’s POVI wiped the sweat off my forehead as I stepped out of the operating room. The surgery had been intense, and every second had been a battle between life and death. But the patient was stable now.My first instinct was to pull out my phone and call Roohi. The thought of her alone, driving home, gnawed at me the entire time I was in the OR. I should have insisted harder. Should have made her wait for one of her brothers to come and pick her up. But she had smiled at me, kissed my cheek, and walked away with all the confidence in the world.I unlocked my phone, expecting at least a text from her.Nothing.A frown tugged at my lips. Roohi wasn’t the type to leave me waiting.I scrolled through my notifications. Missed calls from Ron. Missed calls from Raj.My heart dropped.I immediately called Ron back, my fingers trembling. He picked up a single ring.“WHERE THE HELL IS ROOHI?” Ron’s voice was sharp, panic laced in every word.I froze. My stom