It has been a month since the engagement, and a lot has happened in this short time-Nirvigh returned to the office, Nirav started working from home since he is in the USA, and Mr. Knowles refused to resume the mission because both my right and left hands were missing from my side.
After gathering courage for a whole month, I finally talked to Ravya last week. The company stocks, which had dropped after Nirav's absence, surged back up as soon as he returned to work. Meanwhile, Papa and Dadi finalized the wedding date, and starting tomorrow, the preparations-shopping, arrangements, and functions-will begin.
The only solace I found in this chaotic month was Nirvigh and Nirav returning to work and Ravya's long calls, where she would yap about her entire day. I really miss my princess. I wish I could meet her, but I can't-not now. If she found out about my marriage, and that too with Aira, she would most likely start hating me. And I can't tolerate that. I can't afford my precious princess's hate.
Right now, I am in the car with none other than Aira Deshmukh, who was practically dragged out of the hospital just ten minutes before she was supposed to perform surgery. Unfortunately, because of me, another doctor had to replace her, and she was forced to accompany me.
Not my fault. Maa told me to take her shopping, so here we are. But honestly, this is her own fault-if she hadn't agreed to marry me, none of this would have happened. She's just reaping what she sowed.
"Where are we going?" she asks, still looking out of the window, not sparing me a glance.
I love seeing her frustrated-especially when I am the cause of it.
"Are you sure you're a doctor and not a goldfish?" I taunt.
She shoots me a glare, and I raise one hand in mock surrender. "I mean, with this kind of memory, I seriously doubt your profession."
She parts her lips to say something, but I cut her off before she can.
"I already told you-we're going shopping."
Her eyes narrow slightly. "Are you sure you're a CEO and not a jellyfish?" she retorts, sarcasm lacing her voice.
I open my mouth to reply, but this time, she cuts me off.
"I mean, with this kind of naivety, I doubt your profession."
I roll my eyes. "What I meant was-what specific place are we going to?" she clarifies.
This girl, ahh. Just wait. Once you get married to me, I'll show you exactly how smart I am and what I'm capable of.
I tighten my grip on the gear, pressing my foot on the accelerator. The sudden increase in speed makes her jerk forward in her seat. She gasps, shooting me another glare, but I ignore it-just as she was ignoring me earlier.
---
Aira's POV
Fifteen minutes later, we arrive at the mall, where about twenty to twenty-five guards stand stationed outside.
The car door opens, revealing none other than Jellyfish Raghuvanshi.
I step out, and he closes the door behind me. As we move forward, eight guards immediately circle us, their rifles looking heavy and dangerous.
The whole scene feels ridiculous-people are either staring openly or sneaking cautious glances at us. Maybe out of fear.
What is this, some kind of Italian Mafia movie? Ew. How can girls be into this stuff?
"What do you want to shop for first?" His voice is suddenly right next to my ear, his breath warm against my skin.
I shudder, disgusted.
"Maybe outfits," I mutter, leaning away from him. He takes it as a cue, straightening up and stepping back slightly.
"The outfit orders have already been given to Mrs. Arora, but if you want to buy clothes for other than the wedding's functions one then you can" he informs me, coming to a halt. The guards instantly stop too, forcing me to stop as well.
"Then what do we have to buy?โ I was confused why we were here shopping then.
He chuckles like I just cracked a joke.
Turning to face me fully, he tilts his head slightly, eyes glinting with amusement. At six feet tall, he already towers over my five-foot frame. It's so annoying.
"You know," he muses, "you don't just look like a child-you act like one too. Just look at that huffed-up face of yours."
I glare at him, but before I can snap back, my eyes widen when he suddenly grabs my arm, pulling me closer.
"Except for clothes, there are other things too-like jewelry, footwear, and..." His voice drops to a whisper, lips brushing against my ear as he adds, "...innerwear."
My entire body stiffens.
Before I can even react, he lets go of my arm and walks away, two guards following him.
What is wrong with this guy? How could he-
I took a deep breath to calm myself and turn toward the accessory section, trying to push the interaction out of my mind.
---
It has been thirty minutes since YSR left for his so-called "important" work, and I've already finished my shopping.
Now, sitting in the car, I scroll through some patients' soft copy files on my phone, reviewing details. My focus is broken by the sound of the car door opening and closing.
I glance up at him-and immediately notice something off.
His shirt-it's different from the one he was wearing earlier. His hair-disheveled, nothing like the carefully styled look from before. His eyes-colder. Darker.
Something is wrong.
He starts the engine, pulling out of the parking lot, but I keep staring at him, my eyes trailing downward-until they land on his neck.
Th-There are crimson droplets on his skin.
Some dried. Some still on the verge of drying.
Is this blood?
But why?
Why is there blood on his neck?
Is this why he changed his clothes and why his hair is messed up?
My breath catches.
"Is that blood on your neck?" I ask, voice barely above a whisper.
He hums in response. He seriously hummed.
WTF.
"And why is it there?" My voice is sharper this time.
He exhales lazily. "It squirted out when I slit his neck."
My entire body goes rigid.
"What?!" I shriek, my hands gripping the seatbelt.
Is he insane? How can he say something like that so casually-like it's normal?
"Stop overreacting," he sighs. "You're a doctor-you must've done worse things."
My jaw drops. Worse things?
"Why the hell did you slit someone's neck?!"
"He was trying to snatch my project," he replies flatly.
A scoff leaves my lips. My mind can't even begin to process his words.
Before I can form a coherent thought, the car jerks to a stop.
"Get out," he orders.
I blink, snapping out of my trance, and realize we're parked in front of Raghuvanshi Mansion.
I step out-and the moment my eyes land on the massive estate, a single thought runs through my mind.
WTF have you gotten yourself into, Aira?
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โฃ๏ธ Hey, humans! I know that this chapter may have felt a bit boring, perhaps even unnecessary or rushed. The next chapter might give off a similar impression, as it lacks any character's point of view, and the emotions are somewhat subdued. So, please bearย with these two chapters.
โฃ๏ธ Any theories? What do you think will happen next?
โฃ๏ธ Don't forget to vote and comment! Stay hydrated & healthy.
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