SHANAYA'S POV

"Why didn't you introduce me as your husband to that little friend of yours?", I almost chocked on my coffee.

"I'm used to it_ introducing you as my best friend's brother ", although my heart was racing, I kept my voice steady.

"Well , now I'm your husband now, so get used to introducing me that way"

"Why ? Your fragile ego got hurt?" sarcastic and sharp tone left my mouth.

"Ego? No. It's my right", with the same sarcastic tone he is looking straight into my eyes.

"As long as I remember, you were the one who said you don't want commitment", I forced my tone to stay calm.

"You are a Malhotra now, learn to carry it with pride" ,he said ,gritting his teeth.

So that's it _ he is afraid of tarnishing the family name.

Hurt.

Everything freaking hurts.

Eight years of my love for him, just to hear this.

" I wont do anything to harm your family name, so relax", my voice slightly creaked.

"Our.... Our family name" ,he's staring at me as if he wants to eat me alive.

I always wanted him to look at me, but not like this _ I wanted it to be with love.

Love made me vulnerable, weak.

I lived in fear for years_ fear of losing him forever.

What if one day he brings another girl and calls her his girlfriend?

Now, even though I'm married to him, I'm still living with the same fear.

I let out a deep sigh , my gaze turned the other way not looking at him to hide my emotions...."Sure".

We stepped out of the coffee shop, the weather is cooler than before. He went for his bike and just stopped infront of me.

His eyes fixed on me . "Come on".

I hopped on his bike but I didn't hold him like before.

"Do I have to remind you everytime to hold me", his deep voice grew even deeper.

"I'm fine, just drive", I want to go home as soon as possible.

"Just hold me , damnit" frustration in his voice caused anger in me not fear.

"Stop ordering me around", I maintained my anger in my voice aswell.

He looked back and pulled my hands to hold him. I tried to pull my hands back, but he is stronger. I gave up and held him instead. Cool wind breezed my skin , I love dark weather , I'm with my favourite person

Yet it didn't filled the void in me.

Something is missing as always.

Maybe sometimes loving someone isn't enough...... It's not the same when they don't love you back.

Soon we reached home and got off his bike in no time. I turned to go inside without sparing a glance at him. Suddenly his hand gripped my mine, freezing me at the place.

"When will you come back?"

I still didn't face him. I don't want him to look in my eyes where my vulnerablility lies.

" Tomorrow evening"

When his hand left mine I took slow steps towards my home.

ADHRIK'S pov

I went to say sorry to her, but ended up getting mad instead. When she introduced me as her friend's brother instead of her husband , her words pierced my heart badly.

For a moment it felt like she was embarrassed to call me her husband.

The fact she is smiling with everyone except me broke my heart.

Unsettled feelings stirred my head.

Can she ever be able to accept me?

What if she asks for a divorce?

I tossed restlessly on my bed , unable to sleep.

I opened my laptop to work. But nothing is keeping my attention in one place.

And then it hit me _ what have I ever done to make her accept me as her husband?

Our wedding night should have been a promise but I told her not to keep any hopes.

She left everything _ her parents, her home, her entire world behind  to be my wife.

And I refused her, right to her face.

But I will win her_ no matter what it takes.

I am a Malhotra, perseverance is our legacy and giving up is not an option.

I will make you mine Mrs. Shanaya Malhotra.

I will find my way to win your heart by love .

I didn't sleep properly. Yet I have to visit the company at any cost. It's okay she will come back by evening.

I will apologise to her.

Thoughts consumed my mind as my mother shook me " what were you thinking? Eat your breakfast"

"Maa I'm not hungry right now", my eyes are burning due to lack of sleep.

" That's not going to happen I won't allow you to step outside without having breakfast " ,her care made my heart melt. Although I'm not hungry I completed my breakfast not to fill my stomach but to satisfy her heart.

"What's with the dramatic expression?", my dad never fails to taunt me with his sarcasm.

"Well,  My face looks  like yours, so technically it's your fault papa"

"Your mother fell for me without even trying and what about Shanaya huh?"

Oh she will fall for me, soon....mark my words I mumbled myself.

"What did you just say?" My mother's furious eyes met my father.

"Haha, you are doomed old man" , I left from there and I walked through the door  ignoring their cute banter.

I am already late I need to finish my work quickly and be back before she gets home. I am dying to see her.

A kind and beautiful woman like her deserves to be worshipped and I will do , gladly.

SHANAYA'S POV

I had a lovely girls night with Aarushi after a long time. God I needed that.

My parents are so happy they talked , laughed and fed me . Seeing them like that really fills my heart at least I'm not from a toxic family.

I have received all the love, care , and respect from them throughout my life.

By the time I am leaving for the Malhotra  mansion their faces filled with sadness , they are trying to cover it with their beautiful smiles.

Along with Aarushi I reached my in-laws home and they welcomed me like my own parents did. Finding love everywhere you go is not easy. But I am loved by both my families. Their smiles weren't mere coverup , they were real , warm and honest.

Aarushi and i decided to resume our university classes from tomorrow. So I began to pack everything I needed for my classes.

And with a sudden push the flew open revealing Adhrik.

He stood there panting heavily as if he had run miles.

"Hi", he said , catching his breath.

"Are you okay?" I forrowed my eyebrows.

"Yeah now I am more than okay"

.