19.

5119 words ❤️

Abhiraj's POV

We are sitting in the living room, talking about random things. Mira suddenly stands up and looks at Dev.

"I want to talk to you about something" she says.

Dev nods and gets up, following her towards the garden. Zar mira's little son, quickly follows his mother, his feet making soft tapping sounds against the floor.

I turn to Jiya, watching her carefully. She looks lost in thought.

"Are you okay?" I ask gently.

She looks at me, her eyes filled with unspoken emotions and then gives me a weak smile.

I walk towards her and sit beside her. The moment feels strange.....awkward yet deeply emotional. I have always known her as sharp, fearless friend of mira but now… now she is my sister. My own sister. The thought still feels unreal.

"It still feels like a dream" she whispers, looking down at her hands. "I always saw you as my boss, a powerful mafia king. But now… now I know you are my brother. It’s hard to believe."

Her voice trembles slightly and I reach out, gently caressing her head.

"I wish I had known earlier" I say my voice thick with emotion. "If I had known, I would have spoiled you like a brother should. I would have taken care of you, protected you from everything. Our parents left you for me to take care of… but I failed"

Jiya lifts her head, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She shakes her head.

"I'm glad you didn't know about me earlier" she says softly. "If you had, I would never have learned how hard life is. I wouldn't have known the struggles of being alone of fighting every single day just to survive. Most of all…" she pauses looking towards the garden where Mira and Dev are talking. "I wouldn't have met Mira."

She smiles a single tear rolling down her cheek.

"You know bhai… she is an angel" Her voice breaks slightly and she takes a shaky breath before continuing. "In my worst times.she was the only one who stood by me. When I was younger, I was weak, scared… an introvert. Kids in the orphanage bullied me. Even in school no one stood up for me. But then I found her"

Jiya's fingers clutch the edge of her dress as she speaks, her voice thick with emotions.

"Mira took care of me like a mother. She never let me feel alone, never let me break. Even when we started college and moved out she made sure I was okay. Do you know what she did with her first salary?" Jiya laughs softly but her eyes are filled with tears. "She spent it all to buy me a dress. Just because one day I had casually mentioned that I liked it. That’s the kind of person she is."

A tear slips down her cheek and she wipes it away quickly.

"Bhai she deserves all the happiness in the world" Jiya whispers. "Please… give her everything she deserves. She has been through so much and yet, she still shines. She still loves. Please take care of her"

I nod, placing my hand on her head, a silent promise in my touch.

"Don’t worry" I say. "Your brother will take care of her more than himself"

Jiya smiles and suddenly pinches my cheek.

"You know" she grins mischievously "I really wish I had known earlier that you were my brother! Imagine how much fun it would have been to scare people using your name"

She giggles, bouncing excitedly and for the first time, I see the carefree child inside her. I smile shaking my head at her antics.

This moment… this feeling of family… it's something I never knew I needed. But now I will never let go.

"Now you know this so whenever someone does anything to you, just threaten them. Rest I'll handle" I say with a smirk.

Jiya grins and salutes me. "Okay sir!" she says playfully. I chuckle at her antics. She really is something else.

A thought crosses my mind and I ask "Should I reveal to the world that I have a sister?"

Jiya’s smile fades for a second. She looks at me, thinking deeply then shakes her head.

"No" she says firmly. "Let me just be Jiya Rao. Only we need to know that we are siblings. That’s more than enough"

She takes a deep breath before continuing "If people find out I’m your sister they will start treating me nicely but with their fake hearts. I don’t want that. I don’t want their fake kindness. So please don’t reveal it"

I listen to her words and suddenly, my mother’s face flashes in my mind. Jiya is just like her. A fighter. A strong, badass woman.

"You know" I say looking at her "Mumma used to say the same thing. Don't give a damn about the world. Just do what your heart says"

Jiya’s eyes soften, filling with unshed tears. "How were our parents?" she asks in a low hesitant voice.

I take a deep breath my heart clenching at the memories.

"They were angels" I say my voice thick with emotion. "Papa was like me strict, disciplined. And Mumma… Mumma was just like you....jolly, bubbly, full of life"

Jiya listens intently her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her dress.

"Papa worked in a famous company back then. We were living a happy life more than happy. I don’t remember much because I was just six years old but some things are still clear in my mind"

I pause a small bittersweet smile forming on my lips.

"Mumma always did everything to make Papa happy and Papa did his best to make her happy. They loved each other more than anything. They supported each other in every difficult moment"

Jiya swallows hard her hands clenching into small fists as she listens.

"You know" I continue "before you were born, I used to talk to you. I was so excited to have a sibling. I kept asking Mumma when my little brother or sister would come" A small sad chuckle escapes me.

"Mumma and Papa were really happy seeing my excitement. But then… that night changed everything." Jiya watches me closely, her body going still.

"They had gone for a check up… and met with an accident" I say my voice dropping. "That bitch aunty of ours told me that our parents had died. She pretended to care for me but it was all fake"

Jiya’s breath hitches and I can see the horror in her eyes.

"When I started growing up, she began to abuse me. She made me starve for food, punished me for no reason. And one day… I ran away from that house"

I pause my jaw tightening as the memories flood back.

"I was twelve when I ran away. That’s when I met Dev."

Jiya's eyes glisten with unshed tears but there’s also something else in them....pride.

"The way Mira supported you Dev did the same for me" I say giving her a small smile. "He was my support, my family when I had no one else"

Jiya’s lower lip trembles but she smiles through her tears. "You are so strong, Bhai" she whispers. "I always thought my life was full of struggles… but I never knew that my brother had been working so hard from the start"

Hearing her say that fills my chest with warmth. She’s mature beyond her years and I feel proud of the woman she has become.

Before I can respond, a familiar voice interrupts us.

"What are you guys talking about?" We turn to see Mira standing there looking at us with curiosity.

I shake my head trying to hide the emotions swirling inside me. Mira walks over and sits beside me, her soft smile instantly calming my heart. I look at her and for a moment, I feel nothing but peace.

"I have to go for something urgent in my office" Dev informs us, walking towards his room to get ready.

Before I can say anything, Jiya smirks mischievously and looks at us.

"You guys go and talk in private" she says winking playfully.

Then she turns to Zar "Zar let's go! We’ll play together and let your mumma and dadda have some quality time" she says giggling as she runs out of the living room with Zar following her excitedly.

I turn towards her and she is already smiling at me, her eyes shining with warmth.

I take a step closer my voice dropping slightly. "Let’s have a good talk, Mrs. Rajvansh" I say emphasizing the name.

I see her cheeks change color instantly, a soft pink blooming on them.

I take her hand in mine, feeling its warmth and lead her to the open area on the first floor. The sky is clear. A gentle breeze moves through the air, carrying the scent of fresh flowers from the garden below.

We sit on a long couch placed under the shade, the soft cushions making it comfortable.

I look at her, taking in the way her hair moves slightly with the wind. My heart feels full.

"We are finally together" I say my voice soft but firm.

She looks at me and smiles sweetly and at that moment, my soul wants to protect her from every evil eye in this world.

"Yes we are" she whispers before resting her head on my chest.

A deep sense of peace settles inside me as I wrap my arms around her protectively. She fits perfectly in my embrace, as if she belongs here.

I may look normal on the outside but inside, my mind is anything but calm. My heart is racing because she is so close....so close to me, to my heart… the heart that belongs only to her.

She shifts slightly tilting her head to look up at me. Her chin rests on my chest and her eyes hold a soft curiosity.

"From when did you start liking me?" she asks her voice gentle.

I move my fingers through her hair, caressing her head softly and think back to our first meeting. The memory is still fresh.

"When you hugged me in the jungle" I say, my voice deep with emotions. "From that moment I started thinking about you. And then my feelings grew so much that I couldn't stop myself from proposing to you"

She blushes lightly, her lips pressing together in a shy smile.

I watch her reaction with amusement but deep down, I want to hear something from her too.

"What about you?" I ask my voice filled with curiosity. "When did you start liking me?"

She hesitates for a second her fingers playing with the fabric of my shirt.

"I don't know how it happened" she admits, her voice soft "but slowly slowly, I started having a little crush on you… and before I knew it within just one month, my feelings grew so much for you"

Hearing this, I internally smirk.

I lean slightly closer, my eyes locked on hers. "I never thought you would accept me this easily" I say my voice teasing but also sincere.

She looks up at me her expression shifting into something unreadable. Then she sits up straight, turning to fully face me.

“How can I not fall for a person like you?” she says her voice filled with warmth.

The moment those words leave her lips, I feel a sudden heat creeping up my cheeks and ears.

Damn it.

Before I can stop it, my body betrays me.

She gasps dramatically. “Oh my God! Are you blushing?” she exclaims pointing at me with wide eyes.

I quickly shake my head, looking down trying to hide the evidence. “No I’m not” I mutter but I know she caught me.

She giggles and my heart does an involuntary flip at the sound.

A second later her face turns serious. “yesterday you proposed to me but…” she pauses pouting slightly, “you never actually asked me to be your girlfriend or wife”

Her innocent pout is testing every bit of my patience. I clench my jaw, forcing my inner beast to stay in control.

“You are mine. That’s it” I state firmly. My voice is low possessive.

She blinks at me before tilting her head. “There’s always a name for a relationship between two people. So… what is our relationship?” she asks, her big curious eyes staring into mine.

I look at her for a few seconds thinking. Then I ask “Which relationship is the strongest?”

She smiles, already knowing the answer “Husband and wife”

The way she says it....with pure innocence, without hesitation....makes something shift inside me.

“Okay then” I say leaning slightly closer. “Let’s get married so we’ll become husband and wife”

Her mouth parts slightly in shock, her eyes widening. “Are you serious?” she whispers her voice barely audible.

I meet her gaze, my eyes holding nothing but certainty. “When it comes to you everything is serious babe. Nothing is a joke” I say my voice deep and firm.

I can see the effect my words have on her. Her breathing quickens, her fingers slightly tremble.

She swallows hard before speaking. “If that’s the case… then give me a little time”

A little time? I don’t like that.

Without a second thought, I pull her closer making her gasp as her hands rest on my chest.

“Little time?” I repeat my voice low, teasing. “My lady you have my whole life… and you’re asking for a little time?” She gulps her fingers gripping my shirt slightly.

Then she suddenly chuckles breaking the tension “I never thought I’d ever witness this side of Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh” she says playfully.

I smirk and chuckle along with her.

“Let’s go. It’s lunchtime” I say getting up.

She nods, placing her hand in mine.

And just like that we walk downstairs, holding each other’s hands...our fingers intertwined, our hearts completely tangled together.

Jiya and Zar are sitting on the couch, their eyes glued to the television screen. The sound of dramatic music fills the room as they watch something with intense focus.

Curious, Mira walks towards them and asks “What are you guys watching?” I sit beside them my attention now on the screen.

Jiya without taking her eyes off the television, starts narrating the scene as if it’s the most important thing in the world.

"Ganji Chudail ka dil Ramesh par aa gaya aur usne Ramesh ko apne vash mein kar liya. Phir Ramesh bhi Ganji Chudail ke kabu mein aa gaya. Par jab Ganji Chudail ko ye pata chala ke Ramesh shaadi shuda hai aur uske bacche hain, toh usne apne pyaar ko tyag diya. Wo kisi ki zindagi barbaad nahi karna chahti thi. Aur uske baad usne Ramesh ko uske parivaar ke saath chhod diya aur waha se door chali gayi aur iss sansar ko tyag diya!"

I blink. What?

I stare at them, my mind struggling to process whatever the hell I just heard.

“What rubbish are you guys watching?” I ask looking at them as if they have lost their minds.

Jiya turns to me completely unfazed. “It’s not rubbish bhai. I like this” she says her voice full of conviction.

Before I can argue Zar suddenly lets out a loud, enthusiastic roar as if he’s agreeing with her.

Jiya grins “Look! Zar also loves this” she says gesturing towards him.

I glance at Zar hoping he would disagree but to my absolute horror, he nods his head in agreement.

For God's sake.

“You are not a kitten Zar! You are a mafia tiger” I remind him hoping to knock some sense into him.

But does he care? No.

Completely ignoring me, he uses his paw to push the remote towards Jiya silently demanding her to play another story of Ganji Chudail.

I stare at him in disbelief. This is betrayal. Shaking my head I turn to Mira, my last hope.

“You… you don’t like this right?” I ask almost praying for her to say no.

Mira looks at me with a small smile. “Actually… I love watching this. Jiya and I watch this in our free time” she says, her tone casual as if she didn’t just shatter my faith in humanity.

I feel dizzy. My strong, fearless, independent Mira … watches Ganji Chudail?

I need to get out of here. Without another word, I stand up.

“Let’s go from here Abhiraj or else they will make you watch this Ganji-Panji Chudail” I think to myself as I quickly make my way towards my home office.

Before I step out of the room, I hear Mira’s confused voice behind me.

“What happened to him?” she asks. I don’t stop. I can’t stop. I need to recover from this.

Mira's POV

“Hurry up Jiya! They are waiting” I say while tying my hair into a loose ponytail. It’s already 9 PM and we are going for a long drive.

“Yes yes! I’m ready! Let’s go” Jiya replies rushing towards me.

We walk out of our room and head downstairs, where the others are waiting near the car.

“Let’s go we are ready!” Jiya announces excitedly as we step out of the house and get inside the car.

The moment we sit, Jiya huffs and mutters “Some people just don’t understand that couples should sit together”

I know exactly who she’s taunting. I glance at Dev who is sitting in the front passenger seat. He looks at her through the rearview mirror, clearly catching her words. Without saying anything he lets out a small sigh then steps out of the car.

“Mira you sit with Abhiraj” he says while opening my side of the door.

I quickly shake my head. “It’s okay I’m fine here”

But he doesn’t listen. Instead he gently pulls me out of the back seat and pushes me towards the front passenger seat.

I sigh and sit down next to Abhiraj glaring at Jiya. She is clearly enjoying this. I know she’s just messing with Dev.

Meanwhile, Zar is sitting between them like an overexcited kid who’s going on his first picnic. His tail is slightly wagging and his big eyes are shining with excitement.

“Are you guys ready?” Abhiraj asks as he settles into the driver’s seat. We all nod and he starts the car driving us out of the mansion.

“Will those men follow us?” Jiya asks looking at the black SUVs moving in front of us and behind us.

“Yes they will. It’s for our safety” Abhiraj replies casually. Jiya simply nods in understanding.

As we drive, Abhiraj suddenly speaks “Both of your dresses will arrive by tomorrow” I glance at him and nod.

“Zar do you want to watch Ganji Chudail with me?” Jiya asks excitedly looking at Zar with hopeful eyes.

Zar immediately starts nodding his head with enthusiasm, his eyes sparkling like he’s been waiting for this question.

“Jiya! If any of you even think about playing that shitty cartoon I’ll throw you out of the car” Abhiraj warns his voice firm. Now they really look like real siblings.

“Bhai you are such a boring person” Jiya complains dramatically.

We all burst into laughter...except Dev. He doesn’t laugh. Instead he has a small, pure smile on his face. I notice it. And I know it’s for Jiya.

Curious, I turn towards Dev. “Dev do you have anyone in your life?” I ask.

Everyone’s attention shifts to him. The car goes silent for a moment.

“No I don’t have anyone” he replies simply.

I glance at Jiya through the rearview mirror. She has a sad expression on her face. Before I can say anything, Abhiraj suddenly changes the topic.

“Do you guys want ice cream?” he asks. All of us nod our heads at the speed of light.

“Let’s stop there” Abhiraj says pulling the car over in front of an ice cream shop.

“Place your orders” he tells us. Everyone eagerly places their orders. But I notice something.

“You’re not eating ice cream?” I ask Abhiraj turning towards him. He didn’t order anything.

“Mira he’ll eat from your cup right? Na Bhai” Jiya teases with a mischievous grin.

I can’t help but smile at her words but before I can say anything...

“Ohoooo” Jiya and Dev chime in together from behind their voices dripping with playful teasing.

I groan and quickly hide my face in my palms feeling my cheeks heat up.

“Stop guys! Don’t tease my babe” Abhiraj says as if that would actually stop them. Instead, his words make things worse.

“Ohooooo! My babe” Jiya and Dev repeat in unison, imitating him dramatically.

And just like that everyone bursts into laughter. Our ice cream orders arrive and Abhiraj starts the car again as we all dig into our desserts.

“Umm, this is so good” Jiya says happily licking her spoon.

“Mine too” I add savoring the cold, sweet taste before taking another bite.

Then, on impulse, I scoop a full spoon of my ice cream and hold it out towards Abhiraj.

He looks at me. Then at the ice cream. For a second he hesitates. But then with a small, shy smile he leans in and eats it from my spoon.

“Ahm ahm we are also here guys. So, be in limit” Dev interrupts with a smirk.

Abhiraj immediately glares at him but that only makes Jiya and Dev snicker in the back.

Ignoring them I turn to Zar.

“Zar” I call softly holding out a spoon of ice cream for him.

His eyes brighten instantly and he happily licks it wagging his tail slightly.

After driving for a while, Abhiraj finally stops the car at a hilly area. It’s a high spot with a small open space where a few stalls are set up. From here we can see the city lights spread out like tiny glowing stars.

“Wow this is so beautiful” I say stepping out of the car and walking towards the railing.

“It looks perfect” Jiya says already busy taking pictures.

“Zar let’s go there!” Jiya exclaims pointing at a beautifully decorated tree.

She doesn’t wait for a response....just grabs Zar and runs towards it.

Dev follows them pretending like he’s not interested but I know he’s just giving us privacy. So mindful of him.

The night is dark and only a few lights from the stalls and the city far below are visible. Our guards stand at a safe distance, giving us space but keeping watch.

And then I feel it. Arms wrapping around my waist from behind. I already know who it is.

I relax against his chest resting my head on him. His grip on me tightens slightly.

“This is so beautiful” I say looking at the breathtaking view in front of me. Suddenly, I feel a soft kiss on my head.

He kissed me. And then… he kisses me again.

Cool, Mira. Cool. Don’t panic out of happiness!

“Nothing in this world is more beautiful than you” he says his voice deep and sincere. A warm smile spreads across my face reaching my heart.

For a few seconds we just stand there, wrapped in the peaceful silence of the night. His arms around me feel safe, like home. Then, I glance toward Zar, Dev and Jiya.

“Let’s go there” I say pointing toward them.

Abhiraj nods, holding my hand as we walk together. His grip is firm yet gentle and a strange warmth spreads through me.

Zar and Jiya are busy posing in front of the beautifully decorated tree. Poor Dev is stuck clicking their pictures nonstop.

“Mira come! Let’s take a picture together!” Jiya calls out excitedly.

I laugh and run toward her. We pose together making funny and cute expressions while Dev continues his job as our unpaid photographer.

After clicking a few pictures we finally sit on the benches nearby enjoying the cool night breeze.

Suddenly Dev’s phone rings. He stands up walking a little away from us to answer it.

A few seconds later he calls out “Abhi come here” Abhiraj immediately gets up and walks toward him.

I watch them from a distance as they start talking their expressions serious. I have no idea what it’s about but something tells me… it’s important.

“This place is so calm and peaceful” Jiya says taking a deep breath.

I nod in agreement. The cool night breeze the faint city lights in the distance....it all feels so relaxing.

But then.... Ouch!

I wince as something hard hits my forehead. I quickly rub the sore spot and look around. A can rolls on the ground near my feet.

My eyes snap toward the direction it came from.

A of boys has just arrived on their bikes. They park at a distance and laugh loudly, their eyes fixed on me..Anger flares in my chest.

“Excuse me! Can’t you see there’s a person sitting here? Huh?” Jiya shouts at them her voice sharp and full of attitude.

The boys exchange glances and smirk. One of them the one who threw the can, steps forward.

“Babe we throw trash in the trash bin only” he says with a sneer and tosses a wrapper towards Jiya.

That’s it.

“How dare you!” I yell standing up. My feet move before I can think but before I even reach them....

THUD!

The boy who threw the can is suddenly on the ground..My eyes widen in shock.

“Abhiraj!” I shout.

He’s on top of the guy, punching him over and over again. His jaw is clenched his eyes burning red with fury. His fists land on the boy’s face repeatedly, each punch more brutal than the last. The guy is barely able to react....just groaning in pain under Abhiraj’s relentless hits.

I take a step forward to stop him but before I can Dev grabs my arm holding me back.

“Let him have his dinner” Dev smirks watching the scene like it’s entertainment. I glare at him in disbelief.

I turn to Jiya...expecting some concern....but no. She’s standing there, phone in hand, recording the entire fight.

And then there’s Zar. Sitting calmly on a chair his head tilted slightly, watching everything like it’s a movie playing in front of him.

These people are unbelievable.

“Abhiraj STOP!” I yell stepping forward again.

But he doesn’t stop. His fists keep landing on the guy’s face and now the boy’s head lolls to the side. His body goes still.

Oh my God is he unconscious?! Panic shoots through me. I rush forward and grab Abhiraj’s arm holding it tightly.

“Abhiraj please stop” I say my voice softer this time.

He pauses breathing heavily. His entire body is tense, his knuckles dripping with blood.

Slowly he turns his head to look at me. His eyes.still filled with rage, meet mine.

For a second he just stares at me. Then without a word, he lets go of the boy and stands up.

I glance at the boy on the ground. He’s completely knocked out.

The other guys, his friends are frozen in place. One of them is literally shivering, looking at Abhiraj like he’s a monster.

I quickly grab Abhiraj’s hand and pull him toward our car. His knuckles are still bleeding and just looking at them makes my heart ache.

I make him sit inside and then slide into the passenger seat beside him.

My hands tremble as I open the first aid kit. Gently I take his injured hand and place it on my lap.

The wounds are deep the blood thick and fresh. My chest tightens. I grab some antiseptic and start cleaning his knuckles carefully.

He doesn’t flinch but I know it must hurt.

“Who told you to beat him this much huh?” I whisper my voice filled with worry. “I know he made a mistake but that doesn’t mean you’ll kill him”

He stays silent watching me as I tend to his wounds. I focus on his hand my heart still racing from everything that just happened.

Abhiraj’s POV

He is on the verge of dying. I almost killed him.

But now Mira is in front of me, scolding me nonstop. Her voice is filled with worry, frustration and something else… something warm.

“Don’t be this violent next time or you’ll see a new side of me! Look at your knuckles....how badly they’re bleeding!” she shouts while carefully treating my wounds.

I watch her completely focused on me her hands moving gently as she applies antiseptic.

I was on a client call when I suddenly heard her and Jiya’s angry voices. The moment I looked up, I saw two boys laughing at them. One of them threw a wrapper at Jiya.

And the next second… he was on the ground.

If Mira hadn’t stopped me I would have killed him. But she pulled me away. I can never say no to her. That’s the only reason I stopped.

Now she’s still shouting at me while treating my wounds. And honestly…

It’s a beautiful sight.

The way she scolds me reminds me of those movie scenes.....where a wife takes care of her husband her anger laced with deep concern.

“Are you even listening to me or not?” she suddenly yells snapping me out of my thoughts.

I nod quickly obediently. “Yes” She doesn’t look convinced.

“Next time you do something like this you’ll get a reward from me...the reward of a good beating!” she threatens still shouting.

I just stare at her a soft smile tugging at my lips. She’s adorable when she’s angry.

Thank God my car has tinted windows and is soundproof. If my men could see their King getting scolded like this, they would probably faint on the spot.

I chuckle at the thought but before I can enjoy it too much....

“Abhiraj!” she shouts again bringing me back to the present.

“Yes?” I say looking at her. She scoffs, clearly annoyed.

“Please don’t do anything like this again” she says her voice a little softer this time. I reach out and cup her cheeks my thumbs brushing against her skin.

“Okay babe. And don’t worry it’s just a minor wound” I say trying to ease her worry. She looks at me in disbelief.

“Let’s go home” she sighs shaking her head.

I nod and call Dev. A few moments later he and the others return. We settle inside the car and I start driving towards the mansion. The entire way home my smile doesn’t fade even for a second.

Because all I can think about is....how much she cares about me.