Tangled: Hearts And Truths 𝟒𝟓: 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

AKSHARA’S POV

“Nooo” I shouted shaking my legs in air.

“Stop shouting, someone can misunderstand, we aren’t home.” Arhaan said gripping me tighter around my waist.

“Leave me..” I said gripping the door tightly with my both hands.

“Then you should start thinking before you speak because it was you who gave me this idea.” He blurted again trying to pull me in with him but I just realised today that I’m not that weak because he hasn’t been able to even move me from the place I’ve been gripping the door.

“Arhaan, I’ve already took bath two times because I dropped that juice over me. I can’t fall ill, specially today by bathing again in this cold.” I mumbled slowly putting my hand over his where he was holding me and tried to remove it.

“It’s not that cold and you won’t fall ill. Now stop the drama and come with me. It was your idea.” He said again pulling me and I gripped the door tighter.

“I was just spilling facts!” Absolutely. He went in bathroom to take shower and told me that the water was too cold and there wasn’t any other option either because we aren’t in our house but a resort in Jaipur because Dear Aaliya and Reyansh wanted a destination wedding, which is today.

Then what? I just muttered lightly, very lightly, that it would surely be cold if he takes shower alone.

He somehow heard me and here I am. Stuck between the door to bathroom where I can hear the cold shower running.

I surely didn’t said it because I watched a movie with a shower scene just yesterday.

“Fine.” I breathed calming down and he also stopped pulling me but didn’t removed his hands from my waist.

“I’ll come in with you but-Aah!” I screamed when he suddenly pulled me in so effortlessly as if he wasn’t applying any pressure before.

“Thats too cold! You’re too bad!” I exclaimed frustratingly, wiping my face as the cold shower soaked me in no time.

He let out a light chuckle and I looked up to see him leaning against the wall with both arms wrapped. “Stop laughing. It’s really cold.” I muttered splashing a little bit of water over his face.

“If I fall ill because of this and can’t enjoy the wedding then I won’t let you go there either-” my eyes widened when he suddenly placed a peck over my lips.

“Complete your buts quickly before I start.” He said leaning back against the wall again and I licked the water dripping of my lower lip from the shower.

He wasn’t even complete wet as he stood away from the shower. He was wearing a kurta and I could bet he second looked hottest in traditionals.

For First, he doesn’t even needs that either.

I didn’t even had to look down at my soaked clothes that were now sticking to my curves to know how much they were revealing me. His glinting eyes were enough, and I least cared about it because I hardly managed to not ask him about start what.

“I had gotten the makeup done from that artist and I liked it a lot but you pulled me in even before listening and it might have washed off already.” I muttered.

“You still look the same like always, making me doubt the existence of fairies.” I tried my best to keep the dangerous smile from my face.

“But if you liked it, I’ll bring 2-3-4 or 5? However much artists you want and can get it done again. Any more buts?” He asked.

“I had put so much effort in styling my hair like…” I held my hairs just to realise it was already wet and the style wouldn’t be visible anymore.

“That’s still perfect enough to urge me to lock them in my hands and..” My cheeks were already caught on heat as he shook his head slightly.

“I’ll try to do the same as you did. More?” He asked stepping to me and leaning downer to my level that our nose were slightly touching.

“Last one, Everyone is going to be there today, I don’t want any marks around my nec-” “I doubt this.” He hissed gripping me from my hair before pressing his lips on mine.

He kissed me roughly with his one hand in my hair and the other brushing over my bare waist. My hand went onto his chest for support as I stepped back under the shower from the pressure.

I felt the cold water dripping down me but still, nothing was cold. Every fucking thing felt warm and hot as he brushed away the hair locks from my face without breaking the kiss.

And I forgot about my own conditions.

“I’m going..” He said for the third time and I sighed walking to the door. He’s acting as if I’m sending him another country.

Reyansh asked me to be with him in the ‘baraat’ also with Arhaan which I would absolutely enjoy for sure but then Aaliya’s glare was enough to let him know that I’ll be staying here with her.

He even dared to ask Aaliya’s dadi why they couldn’t see each other because he got caught when he was sneaking here last night.

Caught by whom?

Absolutely me.

I absolutely needed a revenge for that voice recording and what could be more better than sending the video of him sneaking slowly in dark towards Aaliya’s room directly in the family chat group that was made only for the wedding.

But I can say, his punishment wasn’t as fun as mine.

Her dadi lectured him the story behind it for more than an hour and I didn’t saved him even though Aaliya told me to.

“Go now, quickly.” I said opening the door. I had to get ready quickly also because Aaliya had already warned me to go to her once I’m ready.

The moment I opened the door, someone stepped in front of me.

I smiled back at the woman who was offering me a warm smile. She looked pretty despite her age that looked like in her late 40s.

“Akshara?” She guessed and I nodded as she put a palm on my cheek in a caring way. “Is Arhaan inside?” I nodded again stepped aside to give them both a view at each other.

“Mummy you could atleast ask me if I was doing well here.” I heard a disappointed voice from behind her as she walked in and looked to see Neil.

I turned around to look at them as Arhaan touched her feet and I realised she was Neil’s mother.

“I’m seeing you after years. You never visit us!” She exclaimed she last line hitting him slightly over his back and he chuckled hugging her.

“She’s my mother.” Neil said leaning against the door and I turned to him again. “I can see.” He let out a tsk sound.

“You can see everything but my innocence. Or else, you wouldn’t have doubted me that day.” He said and even though he wasn’t serious, I could still feel the disappointment in his voice.

“Arhaan?” I heard Neil’s mother’s concerned voice and turned back there to find Arhaan still hugging her.

Suddenly, my heart clenched and my hands tightened into fists as soon as I heard tiny sobs.

“You have me, beta. You’re not less than a son to me and you also know that, then why cry.” She rubbed his back softly.

Not only her but I’ve watched how Reyansh’s parents have been comforting him and treating him no less than Reyansh since they all discovered it.

Month ago, I had almost forgotten about the pendrive that Shaurya had handed me that day when he was caught because I was busy in Arhaan’s health conditions but he didn’t forget about it.

He directly reminded me of it by that video.

The way his mother’s tears shed, it’d be impossible to even doubt her if not that video.

Same happened too, even when Neil told me that it was Maa who called him and asked him to visit that police station in a fake panik without even letting him know what the problem was and soon again called him, asking him to go back because she thought Arhaan’s father had some accident but that news was fake.

Fake was her.

Her innocence.

She did it at Shaurya’s call because he knew how to use other to remove any kind of doubts from him.

She had discovered about Vidyut when Arhaan was 15, Vidyut was 16 as he was a year older than Arhaan.

She decided to blame Vidyut’s mother, who was unaware of his father’s marriage until he left her at the pregnancy, and let the matter go.

She was also the one who forced his father to stay away from Arhaan because she didn’t wanted him to be like him. But she didn’t dared to divorce him, because she did want the fame too.

After all, it was all for that.

Vidyut, being the innocent. He let maa know about the chances of him being her husband’s son to let her know about the betrayal. She dared to scare him by saying that his father or, My Arhaan could try to hurt him if he tries to bring the truth to the world.

When she got to know that Vidyut has called Arhaan at night, she knew his plans, so she proceeded on hers. Just because she feared that Arhaan’s position in his father’s company would get replaced by Vidyut as he was a year older than him.

The same position and company that my Arhaan himself didn’t chose and builded his own.

She just didn’t killed a child same as her son but also his mother. Because she might have discovered somehow that Arhaan didn’t know about the truth so she tried to let him know.

Maa even made Shaurya write her some warning letters too, but she wasn’t threatened by that and hence, Shaurya killed her by himself as he accepted and then paid another driver to take the blame.

Shaurya’s part? He blackmailed maa to get the company that was going to be Vidyut’s, to be handed to him by her husband.

It wasn’t hard for her, she lied that she recieved the money by Shaurya or something and her husband didn’t even checked and signed the company to him.

Maa even answered the question that I doubted she could answer. Why Shaurya didn’t let us know about her when he was already caught? He knew that it was going to hurt Arhaan the most and leave him in pieces.

If anything, his hatred had only grew towards Arhaan these years instead of him realising his mistake.

Arhaan didn’t shed even a single tear that night, when she was arrested with complete evidence. And that scared me more.

He only broke down when she was gone. And that view, I’d rather die than seeing it ever again. I was cursing myself because I couldn’t help his pain even though however much close I held him to me.

He’s only been better since we came here last week. Neil and even Reyansh, even though he had alot of duties, gave him their best.

Arhaan’s father wasn’t guilty, according to law as he didn’t had any idea about maa’s deeds. He even tried a lot to meet Arhaan, but I made sure to not let him.

He still was wrong. He was still the root of everything.

And now, I’d not let any kind of negativity in my Arhaan’s life. He’s faced a lot of betrayals in his life and I’m going to make sure whatever happens in his life now, will be the best

“I’m sorry.” Arhaan muttered breaking the hug and sat over the bed behind him. “It’s alright.” She ruffled his hair softly.

“Let me see my sweet daughter in law now.” She said turning to me but my eyes were still locked on Arhaan with concern when he eyeid me to her.

I walked to her and smiled before touching her feet before earning bunch of wishes. “Don’t worry bhabhi, my mother is used to calling everyone sweet.” Neil commented walking in.

“No beta, I never called you one.”

She replied not sparing him a glance and I let out a light chuckle while holding the end of my saree and wiping off the tears from Arhaan’s face.

“Aunty if you say, I’ll find a girl for him also.” I said with a grin and glanced at Neil expecting him to protest but instead, he smirked.

“Neil? You haven’t told them anything yet?” She gasped turning to him and I crooked my brows in confusion and looked at Arhaan expecting a same reaction but he looked normal.

“I was shy..” He said sticking to the room door and drawing circles over it with his finger.

“We had the girl in our eye since long. It was just when he came back home from your house and suddenly told me that he also wants to get married. It’s almost hard to understand this boy, when I excitedly told him about her, he again said he doesn’t wants to when he realised my seriousness.”

I gasped looking back at him after listening to his mother.

“Don’t look at me like that..” He muttered in same position and his mother laughed. “I forced him to meet the girl, she herself wasn’t agreeing to it and her parents also hardly managed to send her out to meet him. He hasn’t said anything in the matter since he came back after meeting her except telling me to fix the dates.”

I looked at him with a suprised reaction. “Yeah yeah that’s enough, you had to see Aaliya bhabhi too.” Neil interrupted her and she laughed

“His father was so busy and we got late. Okay I’ll go meet Aaliya, you both take care.” She said and I nodded as she was walking out.

“Tell me the date too Neil..” I tried to tease him but the reply was from his mother. “She’ll be completing her laws this year so marriage will be next year. I’m sure you both will be joining us with my grandson or granddaughter till then.” She blinked before going back.

“Or twins?” Neil asked and I looked around rapidly before grabbing the tissue box from the table and throwing it staight at his head before he ran away with a grin.

I walked to the door to closed it because they left it side open.

“You knew already about Neil, didn’t yo–Aah! You scared me.” I said after finding Arhaan right in front of my eyes as I turned back.

“Aunty just requested me something.” He said with a grin. “That wasn’t a request. You’re getting late. Go!” I said turning back again and opening the door for him.

“I’d like a daughter. What do you think?” He asked stepping towards the door. “Go…” I said managing not to smile like an idiot.

“As you order.” He pecked me over the lips before running out.

I knocked on the door and it didn’t even take her a second to open it.

“Come in quickly.” She said instantly before going and sitting over the chair in front of a big mirror. She chose this room only because of this mirror.

She was wearing a dark red lehenga with heavy jewelleries that was going perfectly with the royal theme of the wedding. Just like she always dreamt of.

“Is anything wrong?” I asked with concern walking to her as I noticed her voice. “I’m confused.” She said and I leaned down to take a full look of her face reaction.

“About what?” I asked again grabbing another chair from near and placing it in front of her.

“That artist said that this shade is suiting me more but i think this one is better. What do you think?” She asked holding two lipsticks in her hands and I sighed.

I almost said that they both were almost same before realising that wouldn’t sound much girly. “Just go with what you like.” I blurted knowing both would look perfect on her.

“How am I looking?” I took a deep breath. She had asked the same question that day, with the same exciting smile.

Even though everything was now sorted, the sudden hit of regression didn’t helped.

I had betrayed her that day, what if it was for her.

“You didn’t let us know about the way Arhaan was talking about how he pulls you out of your overthinking yesterday or else I’d try it now.” My eyes rose back to hers.

“Ewwww, I wouldn’t appreciate it.” I scrunched my nose.

“Whatever happened, we both have the best in our life. So nothing else matters.” She said hugging me and I hugged her back.

“Reyansh told me about Arhaan’s plans and I’m very happy for you, I’d give you hint if you didn’t kept from me that you knew that Reyansh was coming my home that day a month ago.” She said breaking the hug and I was about to ask what she was talking about but she cut me.

“You didn’t told me how I’m looking.” I smiled. “The prettiest.”

I remarked putting my finger around my eyes corner and then placing it behind her ear that even I believe is required a lot even though I know her dadi isn’t going to miss it already.

A notification in my phone grabbed my attention and I checked it to know it’s Arhaan.

Arhaan : You got ready?

I glanced at her to find her busy on her phone also before leaning more comfortably over the chair and texting him.

Akshara : Jii

Arhaan : Send a pic

Akshara : Stop acting so free and pay attention there.

Arhaan : I’m bored here.

I sighed.

Akshara : Idiot, you’re supposed to dance and enjoy. What are you even doing?

Arhaan : Sitting in the car with Mr. Dulha. And about dance, I’m not doing so.

Akshara : Such a boring person! Go and join with other people.

Arhaan : Other people? None of them is dancing.

I stood from the chair confusingly.

Akshara : Why?

Arhaan : Because they are busy watching him with shock.

Akshara: whom?

Arhaan : Neil is dancing.

Akshara : I didn’t know he was so good at it.

Arhaan : Very much, I and Reyansh also discovered it today and have already disowned him. Forget it, send me your photo.

Akshara : No, have patience Mr. Singhaniya. Pay attention to the groom.

Arhaan : He was the one to give me the idea.

I looked up front the phone and turned me. I gasped to find Aaliya grinning with her eyes dig in her phone screen.

“That’s illegal according to your dadi’s laws!” I exclaimed snatching the phone from her.

“And what were you doing?” She asked back standing up with me. “Talking with my husband.” I winked at her.

Someone knocked on the door and I walked there to open it.

“They are here Aaliya, you’re ready yet or no-” I tried my best to stay calm and not explode wondering what will happen to me if Arhaan knows it and stepped aside.

“Yeah, I’m ready.” Aaliya answered to her brother. Arhaan was even telling me to book separate resort for us because of him and I managed to move that idea out of his mind.

It was also the moment that I realised, even though I might forgive him by time, Arhaan will never.

Reyansh told me that he even blocked Riya from all companies followed by the one she worked previously in and she’d be not getting employed anywhere.

While I had even forgot about her existence, he remembered to never let her forget her mistake.

He nodded at her and stepped out again.

“It’s time, miss dulhan.” I smiled.

My brows crooked confusingly wondering what she’s even doing, when Akshara slowly leaned to Aaliya in the mandap and whispered her something while the priest continued his ‘mantras’.

She stood up and I could feel her urge to grin that she was trying hard to hide. She looked around rapidly before her eyes locked on mine and walked to me excitedly. 

She was wearing a dark blue lehenga, the same colour I’m wearing like she ordered.

“Did your patience paid off, Mr. Singhaniya?” She asked looking over herself.

“It already did when I filled vermillion in your hair partition, Mrs. Singhaniya.” Now the blush on her face was looking like the shade I loved, because I was the one who created it also.

“Come with me.” She said checking around before holding my hand and taking me out of the venue with her.

I watched curiously as she brought me at the back of the resort with her that was completely empty now, but this part didn’t missed the decoration either.

“Now you are going to get a hint of the smartness I hold, you ready?” She said with a proud smile and I couldn’t help but smile back and nod.

“Here! No one could even guess when I took this.” She said holding out her left hand that she had kept hidden in her dupatta since then.

“That’s for me?” I asked looking at the shoes she held in her hands. She tapped her forehead in what looked like disappointment.

“Stay more with me, you will surely get smart one day.” She sighed squatting down near a bench and hiding the shoes behind it before it hit me.

“Neil dared to say that he won’t let me take it, he doesn’t even has idea till now.” She smirked rubbing her hands.

“Let’s go inside now.” She said stepping forward but I stopped her by her wrist.

“We can wait a little bit more.” She turned back to me. “We can, but why when everyone is there inside?” She rose a brow.

“Because no one else is here.” I said walking to her.

“Did you really thought that those shoes were for you? You already got bunch of black ones so I think I’ll buy a white pair for you. We are going back the day after tomorrow so.. it’ll be only possible after 4 days, till then you will have to wai–”

“Akshara.”

She stopped and looked at me carefully. “Hmm?”

“Marry me. Again.”

Her eyes widened and she took the smallest step to me even though I was already standing close to her.

The beauty of the clear night sky and watching how my moon could shine brighter than the one sky had, was enough for spoiling the plan I had made to propose her perfectly tomorrow.

“I might have missed the chance to make this one a perfect planned confession either but that’s what happens to me. I lose my patience, my control, and even my own self when it’s about you.”

“I’m in love with not only every part of you but even everything that relates to you. I thought that all I want is just you. But only in this wedding I realised, I want my every fucking memory with you also.

And so, I don’t want that reaction of any kind of regression or horror over your face when we talk about Our Wedding. I want to recreate every memory with you. I want to marry you again, with you smiling and laughing by my side.” I breathed holding her hand and looking at the henna she had over her hand that she got in Aaliya’s mehendi.

It was dark in colour but my eyes were locked on my name written over it.

She cupped my face in her both hands when I noticed moisture in her eyes. “I know I don’t say it always but I want to express it in my each breath. I love you. More than–” I cut her.

“Your movies?” She chuckled hitting me slightly over my temple. “Interruption was also a part of your class. Forget it. More than myself, and those movies too.” She moved her hands from my face just to wrap it around my waist and stick her head in my chest.

“Even though however our marriage took place, you being a part of it makes it perfect.” I wrapped my hands around her. “I love you. The most.” She tightened her arms around me and we stayed like that for a minute before I remembered and broke the hug.

“I don’t know if you giving you this after asking you to marry me right, but I’m gonna do it anyways.” I said putting a hand in my pant’s pocket but stopped.

“I think you are supposed to turn around.” I muttered holding her by the shoulders and turning her around.

“I’ll actually buy 10 pairs of shoes for you, all white wouldn’t look good so we will think about the colour late-” I heard her taking in a sharp breath when she felt the metal in her neck slipping off.

“Arha–” “Shhh”

I pulled out the new ‘mangalsutra’ in my hands before gently putting it around her neck. I saw this when I went to the jweller with Reyansh and his family.

The moment my eyes laid on this piece, the first face that came my mind was hers. And so, I took it for her.

“It’s beautiful.” She breathed turning back to me with her eyes over the mangalsutra. I wanted to give her new since long because I wanted that to be my choice, the previous one was bought by ma– someone else.

The small two entwined diamond hearts shape shined in her neck. “Let’s go inside quickly or we will miss more than those mantras.” She said holding my hand and I nodded as we walked in.

“Actually… I’ll buy 20 shoes for you now.” She said again and I sighed. She’s been counting from 11 since we started walking in. 

“It’s time for the pheras, come quickly” she said holding my hand and dragging me towards the mandap.

Reyansh stood up and offered his hand to Aaliya. She held his hand and stood up.

The progress he had due to her in him was huge. Otherwise none of us would think he would be doing marrige by his choice a year ago.

Or more like he’d be calling his feance on every single choice we asked him for, from the place to the colour they are wearing, he made sure everything was her choice.

They took 7 round around the sacred fire before sitting down again.

“We’ll also do a destination one, what do you think?” Excitement showered in her voice and I glanced at her wide smile, while her eyes were on the bride and groom.

“Whatever you think.” I muttered looking at them also.

The priest called Reyansh to fill the sindoor in her partition and I felt someone pushing me slightly before blocking my view.

“Why did you stand in front of me?” I asked. “Because I want a clearer view.” She said peering her eyes at them as Reyansh took a pinch of vermillion in his hand.

Aaliya lowered her head to him as he filled the vermillion in her partition. “It did!” Akshara exclaimed loudly and everyone’s eyes dragged to her.

“Sorry..” she again muttered looking around before looking back at her friend, Aaliya and showed her a big thumbs up with a grin and she also tried to hide back a smile.

“What was that?” I asked and she looked at me by her shoulder before gesturing me to learn closer. “When sindoor falls over bride’s nose, it means that her husband–” I cut her. “loves her alot?” She nodded.

I stood up straight again before she again gestured me closer. “I’ll beat you if it doesn’t falls in our marriage.” She whispered and I leaned closer as my lips slightly touched her earlobes.

“I’d love, if the hand is yours to beat me.” I whispered and heard her sigh.

Later, Reyansh tied the mangalsutra in Aaliya’s neck and The priest announced them as Husband and wife.

“They’re so happy!” She exclaimed with a wide smile as we watched them touch elders feet.

It was easy to guess that Aaliya was nervous, but it wasn’t hard to guess either how easily Reyansh was managing to calm her with just eye contacts.

I didn’t even had to do anything, Akshara was handling me perfectly, just like she dragged me to the other side with her where they were meeting family members.

Aaliya instantly walked to Akshara and hugged her as she saw her. “What?” Reyansh asked like a fool from my stare as he stood beside Aaliya.

“Get some manners, you’re supposed to hug me.” I told him glancing again at Akshara and her friend’s almost never ending hug.

She literally gave me a long manners class because I didn’t touched Reyansh’s parents feet according to her, while I was done doing it even before she was done doing her dress-up.

“I got my wife to do so, ask Neil if you want to.” He said and soon I heard a loud throat clearing sound.

“None of you hug me.” Neil announced. “Touch my feet and take blessings from a loyal guy like me who remained single even though I went out on date nights with girls, 8 times a week.”

Even they both broke the hug and stared at him in disbelief and Reyansh looked up and down at him. “First time your shoelace, asshole.” I glanced down at Reyansh’s bare feet and looked at akshara to find her already looking at me with a grin and winked at me, rubbing her thumb and index finger. Money.

“Fine fine, get in a line.” I crooked my brows confusingly before a hand wrapped around my arm and pulled me.

“Cameramen’s are costly nowadays, you four will be doing the job in my wedding on behalf of this.” He said holding the camera for a selfie.

“Now look at the ‘best decision on your life’ I’ll manage with my eyes on the camera, after all she’ll be watching the image also.” He muttered the last line.

“Look here, idiot.” She said placing her hand over my cheek and turning me to her.

“You ready?” Neil asked and they all said yes except me, my brows crooked.

I wasn’t seeing the best decision of my life in her.

“Suno na.” She said after we heard the click of the camera.

“Bolo na.” I said not moving mt eyes from her.

“I can’t even see the best decision of my life in you.” I rose a brow with a hidden smile.

“But I see my entire life in you.”

The End.

__________________

So…we come to an end.

I’m not crying.

Today, we marked complete 6 months of this book from 1st November.

I completed my first book in 6 months. I never believed that I could.

And even though it’s complete, Akshara and Arhaan are always going to be special for me.

Even Reyansh, Aaliya and Neil too.

Ahh, one more thing. If the votes are impressive, there is a chance of a bonus chapter for Reyansh and Aaliya.

Do comment your complete review.

Well, I’ll be uploading the epilogue too. I’ll try to make it soon as possible.

And one request, please give my second book, RAVELED: SOULS AND LIES a chance too and you won’t be disappointed.

I’ll start updating it after 15-20 days but will surely notify y’all.

Thank you❤️