ADHRIK'S pov

I woke up with the sun rays hitting my face. The curtains were not closed properly. I got irritated and turned to the other side.

Shanaya is sleeping like a baby. Her hair falling on her face blocking the beautiful view.

My hands automatically reached her face, I was just about to touch her and i heard the door knock.

I corrected myself and sat on the bedside. The door knocked again, I rushed to the door and Opened it.

My sister Aarushi was standing there with a cup of black coffee in her hand. A devilish grin was on her face.

" What do you want?" I asked her.

" I didn't come for you Demon. I came for her", she said pointing her hand towards Shanaya.

" Can't you see that she is sleeping?" I blocked her from entering the room.

"Mumma wants her to come downstairs for the first pooja as the new bride", she said and tried to forcefully enter my room.

"Whatever " , I closed the door on her face.

Again the door was knocked, this time louder.

I was about to shout at her, but she is not alone. Mumma was standing next to her.

" Beta , is Shanaya still sleeping?" , she asked with a smile on her face. " Yes maa , she got tired from yesterday..." I realised my words were taking differently than exactly what happened last night.

It's better to leave before I embarrass myself more.

'Or maybe Sometimes it's better to shut the fuck up ', my alter ego smirked at me.

I left from there immediately ,sipping my black coffee.

SHANAYA'S POV

" Wakey , wakey sunshine" I heard Aarushi's voice, it took me a few seconds to realise that I am not in my room.

Strange right, one night changed everything.

"Good morning beta", maa greeted me. She already got ready, her presence screams royalty.

The way she carries herself, is impressive everytime. " Good morning maa" I replied with a smile. " Get ready with in one hour and come down for pooja" , she said and kissed my forehead.

I nodded and she left the room.

" So anything happened last night?" Aarushi asked me with a straight face. "Aaru yaar, you really have no shame , do you? " I judged her hard with my look.

" What? Now that you are my bhabhi you won't share anything with me? Huh? " She asked me, she didn't give a damn about my judging face.

' I can't give any commitment towards our relationship right now ' his words echoed my ears again. " I have to get ready" , I rushed to the washroom.

That was an excuse , I want to escape the situation.

" You have to tell me everything later" , she shouted outside and I cared less.

I looked myself in the mirror and the marks on my neck due to the jewellery didn't fade yet.

Today I have to skip the jewellery, otherwise it will get worse, I thought .

I got ready, maa gave me a beautiful pink saree , with jewellery i asked her, " can I skip the jewellery today? " , and she said "of course beta, wear whatever you want " , the smile never left her face .It pleases me to be in a place unbound by rules.

I draped the saree , got ready and went downstairs. Maa and I performed pooja , I haven't seen Adhrik since I woke up.

"Where did he go?" I murmured. Aarushi came to me shouting, " Shaanu, bhaiyya is calling you to his room", my eyes widened. Everyone is present there including papa.

" Go beta" , maa said and gestured for me to go. I nervously got up from my seat and walked upstairs.

.

ADHRIK'S pov

I returned from the gym, my lungs still catching the rhythm. I gave a quick glance around the room but she was not present.

My eyes landed on the mangalsutra resting on the vanity table. My heart tightened slightly, her little actions holding the power to control me. She must have forgotten to wear it.

I remembered the rash on her neck in the morning. Yes, I noticed. Why the fuck I'm so concerned about her, 2 days ago I felt nothing.

My sister entered the room while humming a tune, " looking for someone?" She asked.

My mind drifted back, "yes", I tried to maintain the unbothered voice.

"Can you call her for me? I said. " Call ,who?" She knows whom I'm referring to but decided to act like the devil she is. I am damn sure, my parents found her in garbage but I just can't prove it yet.

" Just go and call Shaanu , will you? " I maintain the same serious tone.

"Sure, sure" , she ran out of the room.

I took the mangalsutra in my hand and returned to the bed and continued my work on my laptop.

10 mins passed and she appeared. The pink saree draped over her, tracing her curves. I stayed still, almost forgot to breathe.

"Have you called for me? " She said hesitating . "Yes! " I said with the mangalsutra in my hands, "you have... forgotten to wear this".

" Oh... I'm sorry"..., she murmured in her soft voice ,"I.... I forgot about it." She reached out , her fingers brushing mine as she took the mangalsutra from my hands.

Our eyes met for a brief second and i averted my gaze.

She held it, slight frustrated trying to lock it around her neck. I remained silent, letting her take her time. She can't lock it even after a few attempts.

I stood up and gently asked her "May I help you?" , she took a second and looked straight into my eyes. Her eyes lined with kajal, looked dark and captivating. Pure Adrenaline rushed through me just by looking into her eyes.

Damnit.

"Yes", the answer I am waiting for . I gently took the mangalsutra from her hands, " turn around",I said, I thought it's better this way cause she wouldn't be facing me, but to my surprise her back looked even more beautiful, framed by the deep neckline of her saree.

Just kill me already.

I tried to stay calm, maintaining the sturdy face and I locked the hook. My fingers brushed her back, her posture straightened goosebumps are clearly visible.

I guess I am making her uncomfortable.

"Done" , I said and went back to my place .