Namaste mere wasiyoon

How are you all?

Fine?

Me too :]

I know I'm super duper late but, 12th sucks broo :\

Pooja got over and I sat to write this chapter. I had to update today...so please love it??

Nevertheless

I'm here

Target is of 90+ votes and comments

*unedited*

Happy reading

Mannat:

"Ma'am, it's all done." A worker said and I nodded, moving ahead. I stood in the middle of the hall, looking around me.

There was this stage followed by five cluster of chairs circled around each table. There was this buffet and a special seating arrangement for VIPs and friends and family.

I released a shaky breath, as adrenaline rushed through my spine. I am just praying that everything goes how I have planned it to. Not just book, but many among other things. Things I've been planning since past few days. Time was nearly five and guest started to arrive.

I quickly paced to my dressing room to change myself into day's outfit. It dint take me more than ten minutes to be completely ready.

I was wearing a which crop shirt with fanny sleeves down my hands and paired it with a pink long skirt. I left my hairs open and quickly applied the minimal make up, which included kohl and lipstick. I was now sitting on the dressing chair, bent down to tie my heels.

I tried catching hold of the lace, but my skirt wasn't supporting me. I huffed, trying for the nth time but the result wasn't different.

Just when a hand wrapped around my wrist, and pulled it away slowly. My heartbeat accelerated as my inner sense recognized the touch. I did not lift my eyes. I knew who it was. I was aware of his presence. Familiar with his breath. Known to his touch.

To him.

I felt him holding the sides of the chair and turning it towards him, with me on it. I gasped and caught hold of his shoulder at his sudden movement. I looked up meekly, to find him already staring at me. He knelt down on his one knee slowly and wrapped his fingers around my ankle to pull it on his thigh.

My lips parted as the sense of his feathery touch ran down my spine. He tied the lace slowly, gently and did the same with the another one. I did nothing but looked at him silently doing all this.

No words were exchanged, but his mere presence was enough to lighten up my day, which was no less than a special one. His eyes today had that peace. Peace that was lost because of me. The serenity that I snatched from him.

Placing my feet gently on the floor, he lifted his gaze to my staring eyes and a small smile touched his lips.

He leaned forward and slowly pressed his lips against my forehead, resting himself there. I shut my eyes, and clutched his cloth over the shoulder to let myself in. He moved back before pressing another kiss on my temple.

We stood up, and I immediately turned back towards the mirror. Our reflection. My throat dried at the sight. I was standing before him, and he was behind me dressed up all in black. Black tee, black leather jacket, black Jean and black shoes.

We were contrasting completely, yet filled each other like Ying Yang. Perfections in the mold of imperfection. Imperfect, yet complete.

"Tum aaye. Mujhe acha laga." I said slowly. I leaned back unconsciously and he stepped forward, resulting in my resting on his chest.

[You came, I felt good.]

Its been days. I did nothing but shut my eyes and let myself to be there for next few minutes. We'll be out there, behaving completely different. Just this moment. He wrapped his hands around me from behind providing me the much needed warmth, "Mujhe aana hi tha." I smiled at his words and we fell into tranquil silence.

[I had to come.]

A knock on the door flinched me out of the moment, "Ma'am, you are being called." It was a spot boy. I sighed, and bit my lips before turning towards the man behind me.

"You'll be here through the night right?" A part of me feared what his answer would be.

Creases arranged themselves on his forehead, "Of course." I smiled, "Then you must remember the promise I made to you." This time he smiled, and nodded.

I took a step back and turned to open the shut door, just when, "Mannat."

I halted at the call, but made no movement to turn.

"I'm very proud of you." I looked down, with pearls and a small smile gently touched my lips. I said nothing but sighed and went ahead to the stage.

My subconsciousness screamed that he did not need to see my face to know what my expressions would be. Or what I was feeling. My body language around him was totally different.

I rubbed my palms together, as the host was giving my introduction. It was me who had to be up there. Whole world would see me again. Mom, dad, Nandu, jiju.

Him.

I shuddered as nervousness kicked me and eyes moved everywhere to find a source of relaxation.

"Ma'am." I turned to find a spot boy standing there, with a silk and a sticky note on top of it. I frowned and read it.

It'll all be fine Minion. We are all here.

I looked at the note, while a smile threatening to fall on my lips. I gestured the spot boy to leave and immediately opened the packet. I quickly took a bite of the chocolate, only to moan in content.

Just then, my name was announced. My eyes widened and tooth chewed faster. I quickly wiped corners of my lips with a tissue.

Taking a deep breath, I climbed the dias only to be welcomed by a huge round of applause. My eyes drifted to the first row were they were all seated. The ones who mattered. Goosebumps erupted my skin as the lights dimmed and the cover of my book projected on the screen behind.

Presenting

"RULES AND ROSES"

~a devil will leave no stones unturned to protect his angel~

By
Mannat Murthy

(A/N please don't be pissed readers 😅)

My chest heaved. Finally it was the moment where this book has come out. I exhaled shakily and turned towards the audience with the mic.

"Good evening everyone. It has been a roller coaster ride since I've started writing this book. And now finally, when this book has been launched, my inner self heaves with pride. Pride of the support I received from my parents." They smiled at my sentence. "Pride of my sister's love." I looked at her before winking and she chuckled shaking her head. "And pride of having people who are there for me, to be me." And finally my eyes fell on him for nano second before drifting apart.

Nevertheless, I couldn't miss that look that adored his face. "So here's the book. Rules and Roses. Story about two people who are fighting with their own battles. It's just..a simple yet complicated story. So rush out, buy it, complete it, and definitely tag me in your edits. Thank you everyone." I smiled as my speech was concluded with a huge round of applause.

I got down the stage, and was immediately guided towards the other side where signed author's copy were supposed to be sold. My gaze involuntarily went to him, who just smiled and showed me his palm that indicated, "Carry on, I'm here." His understanding nature deepens my guilt. But not anymore.

Just a few minutes Anu.

End:

Anurag:

She was feeling guilty. Her eyes depicted clearly. I sighed, looking away from her. She has been hard on herself. Isn't her fault. If I was in her place, I wouldn't have been different. But, something aches seeing her sad.

And her biggest quality

She knows where she went wrong and is willing to make amends. I've been with girls before and have definitely been in several relationships. But this capacity of self analyzing and making efforts to save our relationship was rare.

Even today, I was feeling to proud of her. Her book has reached its destination. Published and all out to break records. I'm aware about her writing style and what exactly attracts readers. And now, seeing hundreds and hundreds of people in queue just to get her signed copy, my chest swelled in pride.

"So my doubt was right?" A voice pulled my complete attention from her to the person. Manik. But realizing what he said, I frowned.

"What doubt?" I asked, clearing my throat and tucking my hand into my pockets.

"You were sad all these days because something happened between you and Mannat?" How in the helling hell did he hit bull's eye?

"What?" I spatted.

He chuckled at my sudden voice, "The way you were looking at her now nah, any unknown person will be able to make out about your feelings."

"How was I looking at her?"

"Like I look at your bhabhi, duffer." Both of our eyes drifted to the author's corner, where Mannat was signing the copies and Bhabhi was beside her. Both of them were talking and giggling, completely unaware of their magic on Malhotra brothers.

I blinked, before shaking in a no, "There are no feelings."

"God this denial phase." He groaned and shook his head. I scrutinized my eyes at him before replying, "Zyada dimag matt chala tu."

[Don't run your brains too much.]

"Ja ja avey." He flapped his hands making me chuckle. "Abhi you've diverted this topic. But you should know that my wife's emotions are connected with your Mannat. I wouldn't appreciate the fact that my wife is sitting upset because of this reason." His voice held that seriousness. "Nevertheless, you both are grown up and are aware about things. But just keep this in mind that several other things are associated with this one thing. Just stay happy. We both want just that." And it was the longest probably he has ever advised me seriously. Words sunk into me slowly.

This time it wasn't just about me or her. It was about his wife. His brother. His family.

I nodded with a small smile. He patted my shoulder, "I know I don't have to worry, but still. Careful rehena re." He said before walking ahead of me. I did nothing but silently moved out before glancing her ones.

No, I dint leave. I promised her that I wouldn't. I was here in the garden behind the hall. There was this one tree that was decorated with lights and hanging lamps.

The air managed to push away all my thoughts for a while. I stood there, breathing the fresh rain soil and cold wind.

(Do connect Saathiyaa mere again, from here)

Naata mera teri ruh se
Aise juda hai yeh...

My eyes shot open and heartbeat halted.

The wavery sound of trees swaying along the wind was predominant.

Ke kya kahe
Bhaye koi aur na re

I released a shaky breath, before mustering up courage to turn.

There she was

But what my eyes immediately noticed was, she was wearing a different dress.

White anarkali

The one she wore on train

The other day

Silence was harshly abrupted with the sweet tinkling of her jhumkas.

The same jhumka

My eyes couldn't move. It were so captivated by just a glance of her.

The glance with which I fell for the anonymous girl

Is she...?

Dono milke chalte haina
Sapno me hi rehete hai na
Sirf tu mein ho jahan re

It was unconscious. Involuntary. But yet, I did continue.

The only difference was, she was here. Right in front of me. A smile touched her lips seeing me continue our tune.

She dint move, neither did I. Our heartbeats were enough.

Haath me ho haath tera
Chute kabhi na saath tera
Mujhko aisa tu bhi vada de

The breeze of wind struck us hard. Her open hairs flew with it, along with her loosen end of suit and dupatta. But her lips still had that serene smile.

I took a small yet unconscious step towards her. But she stayed still, allowing herself to sway in the direction of wind.

Saathiya mere
Mein toh tera deewana hu
Sare jahan se begana hu
Meri dhuno ka tarana tu

Something again churned in me. But today I knew what it was. It was just her mere presence.

That girl

Those eyes

And this lips holding a small smile

It felt as if time stood still. The lights were glittering over the tree behind me, soaked with nothing but rain.

Enchanted droplets of pearls by the sky washed us over like a winter sun.

Warm, yet content.

She tapped her feet, letting those anklets echo in the atmosphere along with my voice.

That day, I felt no less than today. The only difference is that, I was lost in business.

And today, dear of loosing someone gripped my heart.

And both of these days, she made her entry so nonchalantly, calming the thunders of my sea.

She manages to calm the storm within me, effortlessly.

Her laugh and side eyes at my silly jokes.

Her calling me jerk when she has no come backs.

When her madness matches mine and makes me feel most comfortable around her.

With her.

Khubsurat raat yeh
Hai saath tera mange
Dil yeh mera khush rehta hai
Bass saath tera page

Rain made no efforts to hide her shiny pearls as she took a step towards me. Those anklets sung along with her and jhumka tickled along the wind.

She was drenched. In rain, in feeling, in emotions. A tear slipped down her eyes, as she forwarded her towards me, as if covering that distance between us by her efforts.

Teri khushbu jaise jadu
Tere baad bhi reh jaati hai
Mein mangu uss rab se
Tujhse har dua me hi

I immediately held her hand and pulled her closer. I breath in her cologne and letting my inner self to drown in her magic. Her hands rested on my chest, as I sang and caressed her cheek with my thumb pad.

She further cupped my cheek and I leaned forward to join my gored with hers, as our bodies swayed in the tapestry of wind. Our lips held a small smile, and even though eyes shut, we looked through each other's souls.

Saathiya mere...

She wrapped her arms around my neck, while I pulled her closer to my chest, embracing it all. Each raindrop played a symphony on our skin, creating a melodious rhythm that echoed the beating of our hearts.

The world around them blurred into a watercolor painting as we held each other, finding solace in the shared warmth amid the cool drizzle. Time seemed to pause, allowing the purity of their connection to be celebrated by nature itself.

She slowly tip toed and whispered near my ears, "I'm sorry Anurag."

Answer was on tip of my tongue

Yet, words held no meaning when my eyes said it all

End:

In that moment, the rain became a silent witness to a love story written in the soft whispers of droplets and the tender language of an intimate embrace.

Precap: *haven't decided yet 🥲 suggestions?*

Hello there

How was it?

Completely about Manu and Anu;)

I hope it was worth?

Ik I was late but, I'm sorry. I was so caught up.

Stay tuned for more

Lots of love

~
Mahak