7

"Jise dil se chaha tha, woh kabhi mera tha hi nahi.Woh rishta hi kya, jo aansuon ke kaabil na ho."

A week later

Kahani stood in front of the mirror, running her comb slowly through her hair. Her eyes are distant, lost in thoughts of her past. Memories flashed in her mind, the betrayal, the pain. Her expression hardened as she thought about how to take revenge on the family that wronged her.

A sudden knock on the door brought her back to reality. She turned slowly, her face unreadable, only to see Arohi standing at the door.

Kahani raised her eyebrow, smirked slightly. "You? What do you want now, Arohi? I'm getting bored of your daily drama."

Arohi rolled her eyes, clearly uninterested in Kahani's taunt. She folded her arms and leaned casually against the doorframe. "Don't think too much. I'm not here to listen to your nonsense. There's a business meeting and party tonight. You and Ranvijay should get ready. Very important people are coming."

"Ah, so you went through all this trouble just to tell me that? You know I always make everything perfect."

Arohi glared at her, clearly irritated by her attitude. "I don't care. Just don't be late tonight."

Kahani stepped forward slowly, her smirk never leaving her face. She walked closer to Arohi, standing just inches away from her. "You should care, Arohi. Because when I take my revenge, everything will fall apart in front of you. You'll just watch and be able to do nothing."

Arohi stared at Kahani for a moment, slightly taken aback by her words. "Revenge? All you have are dreams, Kahani. And dreams never come true."

Kahani turned and walked in to the room, Arohi's eyes burning anger.

Kahani talked to herself, staring into the mirror. "Dreams do come true, Arohi. And my dream is to destroy every ounce of your happiness."

Ranvijay came out of the washroom with towel around his neck. "Who knocked on the door?"

Kahani still combing her hair, looked over her shoulder. "Arohi thi. Business party ke baare mein batane aayi thi."

(It was Arohi. She came to tell me about the business party)

She turned and accidentally brushed her hand against Ranvijay's bare chest. He isn't wearing a shirt, and the unexpected touch made both of them freeze for a moment.

Kahani quickly turned away. "Why aren't you wearing a shirt?"

Ranvijay with a playful smirk, took a step closer. "Shayad tumhe mujhe aise dekhna pasand hai biwi. Kya pata?"

(Maybe you like seeing me like this wife. Who knows?)

He kept walking toward her, clearly enjoying her reaction.

Kahani blushed, feeling overwhelmed. "What's this, Jay? You know, you shouldn't joke like this."

Ranvijay leaned in slightly, teasing her. "Come on, relax! You shouldn't take it too seriously."

Suddenly, memories of her past flood in Kahani's mind. She pushed him back.

"Stay back! Just leave me alone."

"What happened, sweetheart? Did I say something wrong?"

Kahani turned away to hide her emotions. "Nothing, it's just nothing."

Ranvijay's eye softened.

"Alright. But if you need to talk to someone, I'm here. Just let me know anytime."

Kahani nodded. "Just leave me alone for now."

She walked out of the room, leaving Ranvijay standing there, confused, realizing that he has touched on something deeper.

Kahani ran into the garden, her heart raced, she collapsed onto the grass. "My past and pain is hurting Ranvijay now."

She buried her face in her hands, tears streamed down her cheeks. The memories flood back, each one sharper than the last.

"Why can't I forget that? Every time, those memories grab hold of me. Why am I hurting Ranvijay? I never wanted him to become a victim of my pain."

She opened her eyes slowly, looking around the garden, feeling the cool breeze on her face.

■

It's been more than an hour since kahani sitting in the garden. tears streaming down her face, lost in her thoughts.

Ranvijay got worried, and searched the entire mansion. "Kahani! Where are you?"

After searching for sometime, he finally spotted her in the garden, sitting on the grass, her shoulders shaking with sobs. His heart sank looking at her. He soon ran towards her and made her turn towards him.

Kahani looked up, and the moment their eyes meet, she ran into his arms.

Kahani cried while hugging him. "I am sorry that I pushed you away."

Ranvijay cupped her face gently. "Kahani, you are my wife. You have every right to do anything."

Kahani looked into Ranvijay's eyes."How much do you love me, Ranvijay?."

"Kahani, my love for you is greater than a star that can never hide in the darkness. Your happiness is my greatest wish. You are everything to me."

Kahani hugged Ranvijay tightly, tears streaming down her face, she lost in thinking. "You love me so deeply, and I'm thinking of hurting your family."

She closed her eyes, trying to block out the memories that haunted her, but they keep creeping back in.

Ranvijay, sensed her distress, tightened his hold on her, hoping to reassure her.

"Biwi, what are you thinking? Kahani, I am here na. Don't overthink what you are thinking now. I mean I might don't know your thoughts but all I know is to tell you to stop overthinking."

Kahani pulled back slightly to looked into his eyes. He gently cupped her face, his thumb lightly brushing away a stray tear.

"Biwi, main tumhe aise rote hue nahi dekh sakta," he said softly, his voice filled with concern and affection.

(Wife, I can't see you crying like this)

She sniffled, reaching up to wipe the tears herself, but he gently stopped her hand mid-air.

"Ruk jao, mujhe karne do," he whispered, his voice tender yet insistent.

(Stop, let me do it)

She hesitated for a brief moment, unsure of what he was about to do, but then nodded slowly, giving him her silent approval.

A mischievous yet loving smile spread across his face as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin.

"Main nahi chahta meri biwi kabhi royegi," he said with a playful grin.

(I don't want my wife to ever cry)

He paused for a moment, making sure she was comfortable, before he stuck his tongue out playfully and gently licked the tears from her eyes.

She blinked in surprise, a soft gasp escaping her lips as she felt the warmth of his touch.

"Tum pagal ho," she whispered with a small laugh.

(You're crazy)

He chuckled softly, pleased to see the change in her mood.

"Pagal toh hoon, par sirf tumhare liye," he replied, his tone filled with warmth.

(I'm crazy, but only for you)

Leaning in further, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"That's it, no more... only I will wipe your tears." He murmured, pulling her gently into his arms.

He held her close, his arms wrapping around her protectively.

"Sab theek ho jaayega, main hoon na," he whispered softly into her hair, his fingers gently stroking her back.

(Everything will be fine, I'm here for you)

She closed her eyes, letting his words sink in. The weight she had been carrying for so long felt a little lighter, as if his presence alone was enough to ease her burdens.

She pulled back slightly to looked into his eyes. "I have complete faith in you."

He smiled back, gently cupping her cheek once more.

"Then stop crying. I like your smile better."

She couldn't help but smile at his words.

"Ab bas, chalo ab humein tayaar bhi hona hai," he said, his tone lightening as he glanced at the clock. "Aaj raat ko party ke liye jaana hai, yaad hai?"

(Enough now, we need to get ready)

She sighed, still nestled against his chest. "Main bhool gayi thi," she said.

(I forgot)

"Come on, let's get ready. As always, everyone's eyes will be on you at the party."

■

Ranvijay adjusted his tie in front of the mirror, wearing a sleek black suit. He glanced over his shoulder just as Kahani stepped out, dressed in an elegant cream saree. She looked stunning, the soft fabric draping her perfectly.

Ranvijay's eyes couldn't leave her. "Wow, you're looking amazing today," he said, walking towards her with a smirk.

Kahani blushed under his intense gaze, feeling shy.

He stepped closer, his hands gently resting on her waist, pulling her closer. "How can I not look? You're looking more beautiful than ever today."

Kahani's blush deepened, and she looked away, feeling the warmth rise to her cheeks. "Jay, we're getting late."

But he wasn't ready to let her go just yet. His hand moved up to her face, tilting her chin upwards to kiss her.

(One kiss is necessary)

Kahani, her heart racing, gently placed her hand on his chest, stopping him. "No, not now. We'll be late for the party."

Ranvijay groaned in frustration, his lips curling into a smile. "You always do this."

"Come on, let's go now, or everyone will be waiting." She said pulling him towards the door.

Kahani and Ranvijay stepped out of their room, the soft click of her heels echoing as they walked down the staircase. As they reached the bottom, Kahani's eyes immediately fell on Randhir and Arohi sitting together. Her heart tightened for a moment, and she knew this was the time to make her first move.

Without hesitation, she glanced at Ranvijay. As Randhir and Arohi's gazes shifted toward her, she reached for Ranvijay, grabbing him by the collar. Before he could react, she pulled him in and pressed her lips against his, kissing him passionately.

Randhir and Arohi froze, exchanging surprised looks. Kahani could feel their eyes burning into her, but right now, all she could focus on was Ranvijay. Initially, her kiss was driven by her revenge, her need to make Randhir feel something- jealousy, anger, anything. But as her lips moved against Ranvijay's, something unexpected happened.

Watching them, Randhir hands on his wheelchair tightened.

A spark ignited inside her. His warmth, the way he responded to her kiss, the way he held her, it felt right, and she couldn't deny it. What started as a calculated move turned into something she never saw coming. The plan was simple: use Ranvijay to make Randhir and family feel the pain she had felt, but now, standing there with her lips locked with Ranvijay's, she realized she didn't want to stop.

Her heart raced as the kiss deepened. She found herself clinging to him, not wanting to pull away. This wasn't just about revenge anymore. Ranvijay was like a magnet, drawing her in, pulling her closer even when she tried to resist.

She knew this kiss was meant to send a message to Randhir, but now, all that mattered was the way Ranvijay made her feel. The lines between her plan and her heart blurred. As her fingers gripped his suit jacket tighter, her mind screamed at her to remember the plan, but her heart wouldn't let her.

She finally broke the kiss, breathless, her lips still tingling from the intensity. For a moment, she stood there, staring up at Ranvijay, her chest heaving, unsure of what to say. She glanced at Randhir and Arohi, who were now looking anywhere but at them, clearly affected.

But Kahani's mind was no longer on her revenge. It was on Ranvijay, the man who, without even knowing, was becoming her weakness. He was supposed to be just a tool for her plan, but now, he felt like so much more.

Ranvijay blushed as he looked at Kahani with a playful grin. "You're a good kisser, but not better than me."

Kahani raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk. "Oh really? You think I was trying to compete with you?."

Ranvijay laughed softly, shaking his head. "Whether there's competition or not, I'm always going to win."

Kahani rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. Despite everything, Ranvijay had this way of making her forget all the complications, if only for a moment. She still felt the pull towards him, even though she knew this wasn't part of the plan.

"We'll see," she said softly, leaning in just enough to brush her lips close to his, teasing him before pulling back with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Ranvijay chuckled, clearly enjoying the game she was playing, and his blush deepened slightly as he whispered. "I've already won, I wait for every moment with you."

■

Ranvijay caught sight of his father engaged in conversation with some guests and decided to head over, glancing back at Kahani. "I will go meet dad and come" he said, motioning toward his dad. Kahani nodded, her expression turning more serious as she turned to face Randhir and Arohi.

She walked over and sat down in front of Randhir and Arohi, crossing one leg over the other.

Arohi's expression darkened as she looked at Kahani. "That kiss with Ranvijay was the worst revenge game ever," she spat.

"You think I started the revenge game?" Kahani asked.

Arohi's eyes widened slightly. "What do you mean by that?"

"I'm here to write my own story, and you two are just a chapter in it." She said looking at Randhir and arohi.

Randhir, who had been quiet until now, exchanged a glance with Arohi.

"Think about it, is it easier to forget me or to stay in this story with me?"

She stood up, brushing her saree down, giving them one last look before turning to leave.

Kahani stepped outside toward the party, she scanned the crowd, she spotted her mother-in-law, chatting with a few guests.

"Namaste, Sa-su-ma" kahani greeted offering a slight bow of her head.

(Namasthe mother-in-law)

Her mother-in-law's expression hardened slightly. "Kahani, stop this acting. I see right through you."

Kahani raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on her lips. "I'm just living my life. What's your problem?."

Her mother-in-law leaned in closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "I will tell Ranvijay the truth about you. He doesn't know any of this."

"Are you trying to scare me?" Kahani asked. "But honestly, I don't care about that."

Her mother-in-law's eyes widened in shock. "You don't care? Do you even understand what you're saying?"

"I just want to live my story. If you try to stop me, that will just be your problem."

With one last smile, she turned to leave, leaving her mother-in-law in confusion.

■

Kahani stood with a glass of juice in hand, scanning the crowd as the guests settled in. Ranvijay's father stepped onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began. "Thank you all for joining us this evening. I am proud to announce that from this day forward, my son Ranvijay will be taking the lead in our company."

Guests clapped enthusiastically as Ranvijay's face broke into a proud smile.

His father continued, "Ranvijay has proven himself time and again, and I have full confidence in his abilities to take this company to new heights. Let us support him in this new journey."

Ranvijay glanced around the room, his eyes landing on Kahani. He smiled at her.

After her father-in-law's speech, Kahani walked over to him. "Why are you interested in a company that's going to shut down soon?"

Her father-in-law looked taken aback, his brow furrowing in confusion. "I don't understand what you're saying, Kahani."

"You'll understand soon."

A few minutes later, the family gathered in a private area.

"I think Kahani is planning something big." Arohi said.

The mention of Kahani's name sent ripples of worry through the group. Her father-in-law's expression darkened. "I'm glad I wasn't home when you torched Kahani and killed her baby. I know I wasn't there that day. I mean the way you all tortured her it shouldn't even happen even to our enemies. I am telling you, even if she kills you all, it's not big suprise."

"We need to keep a close eye on her," Arohi said. "If she's thought of something, we have to stop her."

■

As the party came to an end. Ranvijay was still outside, engrossed in a phone call, while the rest of the family settled into the hall.

Kahani walked in, as she sang a playful song. Her mother-in-law looked, "What's the secret to your good mood? Is there some good news?" She asked.

Kahani laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Sa-su-ma, sometimes I just feel like being happy."

But her mother-in-law's expression darkened slightly as she replied, "I am going to tell Ranvijay about your secret, that you are using him."

Kahani's laughter faded as she processed her words. "If you say about me I guess he will find about your mistakes too."

Arohi came in between by clapping her hands. "That's where you are mistaken. We have created such a story where you are villan and we are the hero's. We are going to tell him that you married Randhir in past for his money and enjoyed with him, later you got bored so you divorced and came back to same house by marrying ranvijay."

Just then ranvijay entered the room. "What are you guys doing?"

Ranvijay's mom toom his hands in. "Ranvijay, now I am going to tell you something which you might not believe."

"What is it mom?" Ranvijay asked.

"Kahani is not the person who you think she is." Said his mother looking at ranvijay with a cunning smrik.

To be continued