Hello there

This or that, random

Perfect job or perfect relationship

Be a dragon or be a unicorn

More love more suffer or less love less suffer

Lose weight 5 kg or 5 inches taller

K drama or movies

Be able to speak 10 languages or able to play numerous instruments

That's it.

IT WAS BY FAR THE MOSTTTESTTTT difficult chapter I've written.
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Mannat:

I bit my lips nervously and oscillated back and front in my room. I was freaking out. I rubbed my palms and exhaled a deep breath. I stared at the message in front of me which said 'Meet at 7PM today.' from the editor of my recent book.

I had received the very same message last time, a few years back and my book came to a permanent halt.

I couldn't release it.

I dint want that to happen again. This book? I've given a lot of mine to it. Its this close to my heart and a mere probability of it not being able to reach out there did not feel good.

I shook my head to push away all the weird thoughts. That won't happen. I breath out and looked around for a way to handle the commotion in me.

But none.

Alright. Without having a second thought, I rushed to pick up my bag and phone and rushed out of the room.

"Where madam?" My mom interrupted me mid way, seeing me in a rush.

I halted, unaware how to answer her. "Uh-" She raised her eyebrows while I straightened myself.

"What's going on baby? I'm worried about you lately." She caressed my cheeks slightly. Oh mommy.

I smiled and held her hand on my cheek. "I'm good. Book stuff."

"You know you can talk? Right?" And I nodded, before taking her in a bare hug.

"I'll come." I said and she nodded. I exited the house and next moment I knew, I was standing in front of a huge office. So huge that I was literally an ant in front of it.

Nervousness kicked me in suddenly and made me realize how stupid I became suddenly.

I shook my head, before murmuring. "This was a bad idea." I turned to leave just when a voice stopped me. "Ma'am."

I frowned. The girl bad cute bangs and wore perfect, not so fitting office outfit. "Yes?"

"Sir has called you." I stood rooted to my place.

"Sir?"

She clarified. "Anurag Sir, ma'am." My frowned deepened and neck stretched to find him staring down at me from his glass window, hand tucked inside his pocket and leaning towards the wall. As my gaze went up there, his eyes went straight into mine. He gestured with his index finger to come up and I immediately nodded in a no. He glared me on my reaction, to which I straightened up and gulped.

Huh

Jerk

"Ma'am?" That same girl's voice pulled me out of my trance.

"Huh?"

"Please come Ma'am." I hesitated before making a move. Chill wave of shiver ran through my spine as I entered his office. For the first time. I glanced around and, I was mesmerized with the interiors. It contained every shade of gray and white. Subtle and eye catching.

I walked ahead, in trance and ended up in a lobby which was uncertainly empty. There were cameras but no one else. The open space was enough for air to pass and along with seating arrangements in one corner.

My attention shifted ad I bumped into a huge figure. I shut my eyes, waiting for my back to touch my back and pain to shoot up. I gasped I felt a tug on my wrist which pulled me closer. Dior Sauvage cologne reached my nostrils and it dint take a second for me to recognize the man behind it. I never opened my eyes, probably scared to find anyone else but him.

"Hey." Husky voice hit my ears and now I was confident enough to let my eyes flicker slowly. I raised my lids and there he was. "Lagi kya?" He asked slowly, wrapping his one hand around my waist and eyes checking out spots for injury. I did nothing but nodded slowly, my eyes still not moving from his face. How much ever a part of me wanted him to move on, but another part will he selfish enough to keep him forever.

"Anurag." I called out, pulling his attention. His gazed pulled up to mine and stayed still. Those were brown.

And now my favorite color.

I suddenly realized that he's been up in a black tuxedo, messy hair and specs resting on his nose. Messy, yet charming. And I felt so timid in front of him, in just a Tom and Jerry crop top, and denim jeans.

"Why don't I just look myself in mirror while coming out of my house? We're having a serious conversation on this Aiyappa." I mentally cribbed, and warned the one above.

Aiyappa looked at me, frightened with her warning, while I was just resting myself over the cushion chair and enjoying his state.

"Why? You're the author, why do you do this?" He turned towards me, asking. I shrugged nonchalantly and giggled. He shook his head and we looked down, to gaze at the chaotic couple.

"Ahem ahem." I cough widened my eyes and we immediately sprang apart. My heartbeat was accelerating upto no extent. I bit my lips and shut my eyes, pushing my face apart.

"So she's the girl?" I heard a manly voice. Gathering some courage, I looked up to see another man standing beside him along with a girl.

"Stop assuming Ridhit. She's Mannat." He introduced after snapping him. "Mannat, he's Ridhit and she is Urvi." He introduced like wise, and I nodded, smiling slowly.

"Nice to meet you." I said, answering to the girl's, uh, Urvi's handshake.

"You'll like her Urvi, she's an author." Anurag added, making Urvi's eyes go wide. She looked at me immediately and asked, "You're Mannat Murthy?" I laughed nervously and nodded.

"The one who wrote Beautifully Broken?" I again nodded, smiling genuinely this time. "God, I really love your work. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Same here Urvi." I replied softly, overwhelmed with the response.

"Done with your meet up?" The other guy raised his eyebrows at Urvi, who only rolled eyes and said, "Any problem if I say a no?" I look at Anurag listening their banter. He just looked unbothered, as if witnessing it everytime. I shifted on my legs, looking here and there.

My timing has to be the worst in this entire world.

"I'll see you then." I heard them calling off their meeting. Having a good hug, the couple..or uh, I don't know, moved away. I could still see them bickering till the way towards lift. At times he'd roll his eyes and shake his head, and there were times when she'd tilt her head to give him a look. A small smile took its place on my lips.

Cute.

"And mohotarma aap batayengi? What happened suddenly." His voice pulled me out of my trance.

I turned towards him and looked at him, who was standing there patiently, looking at my dilemma. "I'm here for that only. But they." I pointed towards them, who just got into the life. "Are they a couple?"

He chuckled and nodded. "Unfortunately no. But I wish they were. Rules And Roses. A dangerous combination, who can neither stand each other, but parting ways hurt their soul, Ridhit Merhotra and Urvi Khatri."

[Just a moment of yours my dear readers.

Kindly kindly check out my new book, Rules And Roses and meet Ridhit and Urvi, played by our very own Parth and Niti. Please give it utna hi love jitna this book gets. Please.

Aapko Mannat Anurag ki kasam🤣 ]

I nodded thoughtfully, before saying, "The man was hot though." He passed me a look to which I shrugged.

"Chalo tum." I giggled at his sulked face and moved with him towards his cabin. He let me in, and I moved towards the couch placed opposite to his table and sat there. A sudden wave of realization, that why am I here, rushed in me.

But the weirdest part is that now my chest isn't heavy as before. My heartbeat wasn't accelerating and breath weren't hastened.

I was feeling...normal.

"Now tell me. What happened?" He leaned against the tabled and folded his hand across his chest, asking me.

Hot

I ran my palm on my face, my voice suddenly betraying me. My eyes again reached to his, and he waited patiently for me to get comfortable.

"I'm sorry, I came unannounced." I said, realizing how stupid I acted today. I shouldn't have come without informing him. He's busy, and obviously how can I expect him to give some of his office time to me.

I saw him frowning, and then raising his eyebrows. I shifted uncomfortably on my seat and looked down.

"Minion, you fine?" I nodded, before biting my lips nervously.

"It's just a message from my editor. The publishing house person wants to meet me." I said and looked up to him, expecting him to say anything. He kept mum and let me continue. "Last time also the dame scenario repeated, and my book came to a permanent halt." I sighed out and the very next moment, he was here. In a swift he came towards me and knelt down, holding my hand in his. I looked up at him, who passed me a soft smile. "I'm serious. And you're laughing."

He chuckled and nodded. "No baba. But I'm amused that even Mannat Murthy can be afraid." I scrutinized my eyes, before looking away.

Huh, I'm scared here and he's making fun of my situation.

Jerk only

"It won't come to an halt." I turned my face to him, unexpectedly.

"I promise."

***

Mannat:

My heart dropped at the E mail I received a few moments ago.

To,
Miss Mannat Murthy,

The Collin's publishing house apologizes for the inconvenience faced. The team with great regret informs you that this house will not be publishing your book. The reason for the same is that your book falls into the category of contemporary romance, which is not acceptable by the house.

Thank you for reaching us out

Have a great day

From,
Collin's Publishing house.

I immediately dialed the the publisher's number, and waited for the person to pick the call.

"Collin's publishing house. How may I help you." The person greeted.

"Mr. Meheta? It's me, Mannat Murthy." I said and he did recognize me. "I've just received your mail. You were ready for this just a week ago. What happened suddenly?"

"Ma'am, it's out of the genre and category. We aren't allowed to." Bullshit.

"This dint strike you when we signed this deal?" I blasted. "Is this some kind of joke going on?"

"Oh please, madam. The contract said that we can cancel deal within a week, with no charge penalized."

"This isn't fair. You cannot abruptly call this off."

"I can, and I will. Call here again, and I'll place a police complaint, of harassment." Nerve of this guy.

"Mr. Meheta?"

"Yes?"

"FUCK OFF!" I yelled out and hung up the call. The car went silent after my burst out. Subtle wave of air passed through, and my heavy breath mingled. A few moments passed. I chuckled and shut my laptop, darting my eyes towards the window. I was on my way back from the meeting with the editor, and he was certain about this deal going off. And it did. Like it did the last time. I blinked my eyes to shove away the tears, but nothing helped. Heaviness clogged my throat, and my inner self suffocated. Again.

I spent more than an year writing this one and it had to end it did way. I've tried reaching several publishing houses, but nothing helped. The roads and trees ran behind and the sky shone with the ever lightening moon. But nothing seemed uplifting my smile.

I feel like giving up.

Everything feels so messed up.

Writing isn't working. Break up with shivansh after three years of relationships. The second book coming to an halt. Everything is against me. And then comes that man. Who manages to make me smile even at my worst. He doesn't even know what I'm going through, but his texts at that time manages to distract me. Being with him evident how original I get with him. Like the first blush of dawn, the feeling unfurled quietly. It was in the stolen glances, each time our eyes met, a flutter danced within my chest. The ordinary moments became extraordinary, a shared smile across a crowded room. Yet, amidst this blossoming affection, there also lay uncertainty, a gentle hesitance like a delicate bud afraid to fully bloom.

I sighed, gulping down the oppressiveness down my throat, and looked down when my phone pinged.

From Nandu,
How was the meeting?

She remembered! I chuckled sadly and texted back.

To Nandu,
Leave that, hit the third base? ;)

There's no way I can let her honeymoon go down for no reason.

From Nandu,
You are distracting me. I know. I'll talk to you ones I come to India.

I sighed at the text. She's my twin. How can I forget it.

From Nandu,
Where are you?

To Nandu,
Anurag called up. Hang out and come back.

I immediately regretted sending it.

From Nandu,
Aren't you ghooming too much with him? *scrutinized eyes*

To Nandu
*Network lost*

From Nandu,
😒

I chuckled, this time a real one.

But the statement about Anurag was false. He did not message. Why would he? He is busy running a multi million company and definitely is clueless about what's happening with me.

From Anurag,
How did the meet go.

THIS MAN!

From Anurag,
You there?

To Anurag,
Yes.
Halt it is :)

The message was seen, but remained unanswered. The very next moment, my phone rang, displaying his number. I smiled and picked it up.

"Hello?" I answered.

"I'm sorry." He whispered from the other end, while I smiled.

"Not your fault Anu. My fate." I looked out, my eyes drifting towards the highway and mind attached to this man. Few moments passed by and we spoke nothing. The breeze of air reached out from both of our ends and the sound of our shallow breath surpassed through the phone.

A few minutes passed by, which is when he spoke, "Meet me in Patiala Dhaba."

I frowned, "Huh?"

"I'll see you there. Bye."

"Anu.." Before I could ask anything, he hung up the call. Nevertheless, I asked the driver to take me where he asked.

I knew I needed him, despite of my inner chaos.

End:

***

Author's POV:

Mannat's car halted and reached the place Anurag called her to. Her gaze traveled across the dhaba, which had a typical interior. Wooden chairs and tables, village like counters and the servers were wearing typical Punjabi costumes as uniform.

The place was chaotic, but no less than an escape.

Just like their relationship.

She stood there, clueless about where to go. Her gaze went everywhere, in each each that one person amidst thanks. Her eyes betrayed the sight of anyone else but the desperation to find him.

Her attention shifted when she found people, out of nowhere, getting up and shifting all the tables, as if making a way for her. The staffs suddenly appeared and people stood aside.

A slow tune reached her ears, when her gaze stopped at a particular place. A band who played it. A girl came forward and took her bag, before placing it aside. Mannat glanced at her weirdly, just when another girl came up behind her, and pushed her shoulders gently until she was standing in the mid.

Everything confused her until her eyes caught glance of one figure among many.

"Anurag?"

Ho chand chahoon, na chakora
Na falak ka thukda thukda thukda
Noor chahoon, na main hoori
Na pari saa mukhda mukhda mukhda

Her mouth fell apart as he sang, without turning back on her. He winked before coming closer slowly, walking with that smile. Her eyes stayed with him, he who wore casuals and people around him swaying slowly.

As he came closer, her heartbeats rose. He was now parallel, cracking his fingers on his forehead as he mentioned noor and then held her chin, before gently turning her towards the sky and pointing towards the moon.

Sang sang chal de, Sang sang chakh le
Meeta meeta har sukh har dukhda
Usey khwaabon se jagaun,
Usey baahon main sulaun
Sar aankhon pe bithaun,
Usey haathon se khilaun, ta umar

Her eyes stayed there until he held her hand and pulled her closer to him. She looked up at him when he held her chin, and hit her forehead with hers as he continued singing.

He held her hand before pulling apart and again pulling her closer. Her hand rested on his chest as he caressed her cheek and winked. She chuckled at his lyrics, just when he twirled her away and jogged a few steps back.

Dil ne dastarkhaan bichhaya
Haan

She gasped when he twirled her around and it took her moments to part away and stand facing him.

Dil ne dastarkhan bichaya
Daawat-e-ishq hai
Dil ne dastarkhaan bichhaaya
Daawat-e-ishq hai
Hai qubool toh aaja jaana
Daawat-e-ishq hai
Hai qubool toh aaja jaana
Daawat-e-ishq hai, ishq hai

She smiled with those shining eyes as he did that step with a crowd behind him. She stood there in pink chikankari kurti and matching leggings, and he was there, in white shirt, white jacket and black denim.

He came to her, as she frowned when he pulled her towards the crowd and twirled her around. She giggled slowly, before matching her steps with him.

It felt like it was all fictional. The books she has written, the stars she had prayed to, the books she has read, the movies she has watched.

Anurag was answer to all those.

Dil ne dastarkhaan bichhaya
Haan, dil ne dastarkhan bichaaya

Anurag gestured to someone, while she watched everything happening cluelessly. There were food served suddenly in a huge table, to her surprise, all of her favorite.

Baadlo ko chun ke, bhun ke
Kaalin banaaya hai tere liye
Taaro ko tod kar ke,
Tashtari mein sajaaya hai tere liye

In a moment, she was pushed into a chair, and Anurag hovering, holding the handles from the either side. She inhaled deeply at the closeness but that was soon replaced by effortless giggles and he pushed the chair and twirled her chair as she was sitting in. His voice behind everything suddenly made sense.

This was them, no meaning, yet

Chaand taaro ko kyun sataya,
Tilmilaya hai mere liye

She got up, singing and witnessing everything around her, set up by him. She sniffed slowly, having a similar feeling of stars being down, just for her. He folded his hand across his chest, watching all of her movement with that smile.

Jaun jidhar bhi khil khil udhar hi,
Dhoop nikalti hai mere liye

Her hairs flew exquisitely as she turned to him. They were in one end of the place, where people were eyeing Anurag and Mannat was in front of him.

Haye baatein teri,
Chashni si meethi meethi

He chuckled before walking towards her, his hands tucked in his pocket. Her eyes widened, before taking a step back as he approached.

Aye haye,
Baatein hi adaab bhi meeti meeti

She replies, leaning back as she felt him approaching closer. Her gaze went down and her hairs covered her face.

Tu aaye toh phiki se mehfil mein,
Meri hain lazatein laut aaye

He held her chin and sang as there gaze met. Chills ran down their spines as his skin contacted hers and breath almost fell on her.

Hasrat-e-lazzat jo hai teri,
Daawat toh bolo bhala kaun aaye

She replied, her eyes shut as his nose touched hers slowly. Unable to handle it, she opened her eyes and pushed him by his chest, making a move to escape.

Arey keh de tu jo,
Sare deghon ko aag du
Dil ki jo dum bhi mein de doon apna

An audible gasp escaped her lips when he tugged on her wrist, their back facing each other and her hand in lock with his.

I will give the fire of my heart to all of your pots, and my breath is in your hands.

His words

Her translation

Dil ne dastarkhaan bichaya
Haan, dil ne dastarkhan bichhaya
Daawat-e-ishq hai
Dil ne dastarkhaan bichhaya
Daawat-e-ishq hai
Hai qubool toh aaja jaana
Daawat-e-ishq hai
Hai qubool toh aaja jaana
Daawat-e-ishq hai

None of them were willing to face each other. Trying their best to hide what their faces now exhibit. So evident. So prominent. A part of them always was afraid of letting each other in.

One held the fear of letting someone else go in search of someone else

The other was afraid of getting heartbroken, yet again

When he was ready to take a step forward, fear clenched around of her insecurities

When her heart was ready to make a move, his loyalty to that one person ashamed her

He was stuck

So was she

But the only difference was, he was in her world, and she was in him.

Daawat-e-ishq hai, Daawat-e-ishq hai
Daawat-e-ishq hai, Daawat-e-ishq hai

Their trance broke when a group of young students pulled them in the crowd. Their eyes never left each other. Nevertheless, planting a huge smile on their face, their feet moved in the solitary of tune.

They were now in divided. The girls came in one side, behind Mannat, where as boys did the same, behind Anurag. They smirked at each other, before swaying with the tune.

Haan sherbat mein ghuli mohabbat,
Daawat-e-ishq hai

He sang, winking at her.

Third time

Tauba tauba buri milawat,
Daawat-e-ishq hai

She replied chuckling, holding her ears and dramatically stepping back.

Arre kismat se milti hai shirkat,
Daawat-e-ishq hai

He chuckled before singing.

Aa ji be fizool ki kisko fursat,
Daawat-e-ishq hai

She rolled her eyes before singing.

Haan haan, tunak nahi jara chakh toh le

He came forward, singing.

Dhadak nahi tu jara, dum toh le

She stepped forward, yet again.

Chidd jaane doh taar se taar ko

Another step

Jara soch samajh, ik baar toh

Another one

Na soch ke, na hosh se,
Tujhe mehman banaya,
Haan humnein bulaya dil se

The moment he felt her closer to him, he took another step and pulled her closer using her waist. He nudged her face towards right, holding her cheek and yet again making he race him holding her chin.

Her shiny eyes looked at his brown ones.

Haan, hai qubool yeh humne maana

She breath out slowly, audible only to him.

Hai qubool yeh humne maana
Daawat-e-ishq hai
Jee huzoor hamein manzoor,
Yeh daawat-e-ishq hai
Jee huzoor hamein manzoor,
Yeh daawat-e-ishq hai, ishq hai

He locked his eyes with hers and caressed her nose gently with his. She held his collar before pulling him closer and resting her forehead on his cheeks. She sang, slowly, carelessly. Their eyes shut as they allowed their inner self to wrap around themselves. As the music swirled around them, Anurag's presence led Mannat in a dance that felt like a shared secret amidst the onlookers. Their giggles intertwined with the melody, and for a few moments, the worries that had been clouding Mannat's mind seemed to dissipate like morning mist. Anurag's lighthearted spirit was infectious, his energy pulling her out of the shadows and into a moment of pure presence.

As the song reached its end, they paused, their breaths slightly uneven from the impromptu dance. Her smile was genuine now, her eyes sparkling with a renewed light.

And his heart prompted with that contagious smile.

Their forehead connected, allowing them to continue the symphony.

Their connection was palpable, a gentle energy that enveloped them like a cocoon of happiness.

***

Precap: Chaos and Love

It's a 4k+ worded update

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Lots of love

~
Mahak