23.

There are at least 3k readers who read the chapter daily but the votes are only around 700-800. If you're reading daily, that means you’re enjoying it right? So why do you forget to vote? Writing each chapter takes me four hours, yet all I ask in return is just a vote....not even a comment. And still some of you don’t give that🙂.

Maybe this is what I get for updating new chapters daily.  I should start updating only once a week and that too only after you meet the target.

But I can'ttttt do this because of a few I can't make my honest readers wait❤️🌎.

Second update at 11: 30 PM😚❤️.

Mira's POV

It’s so much fun teasing him. I glance at the bouquet in my hands...this is the most beautiful bouquet I have ever received. A warm feeling spreads in my chest. My eyes shift to Jiya and Zar. They are busy taking selfies. I shake my head with a small smile. At this rate, Jiya will surely turn Zar into a photogenic white tiger.

Just then, I hear Dev’s voice.

"Let’s have dinner" he says as he walks down the stairs.

I turn to look at him. He looks relaxed as he approaches us. Then his eyes land on me.

"Mira please forgive my best friend. He is innocent" he says giving me a knowing look.

I chuckle at his words. My lips curl into a teasing smile.

"I know he is innocent but I just want to tease him a little" I reply playfully.

Dev grins and gives me a thumbs-up. My gaze flickers to Abhiraj. He is walking down the stairs towards us. His expressions are unreadable but I can tell he has been paying attention to our conversation.

We all walk towards the dining area and take our seats. The atmosphere is warm and lively.

A mischievous thought pops into my head and I can’t stop myself.

"Why are some people eating here? Shouldn’t they go out for dinner instead?" I say in a dramatic tone. Then I clear my throat and mimic Miss Turana’s voice "Abhiraj, are you free tonight? Can we go for dinner?"

The entire room bursts into laughter. Jiya, Zar and Dev are all enjoying my teasing. But Abhiraj... he just pouts at me like a sulking child.

I try to control my smile but seeing his cute face makes it almost impossible.

Dinner continues in the same lively manner....I keep teasing Abhiraj while the others enjoy the entertainment. Meanwhile, Abhiraj keeps sulking, but I know he secretly enjoys my attention.

After dinner, I get up to leave. As I walk towards my room, I hear hurried footsteps behind me.

"Baby please… sorry" Abhiraj’s deep voice reaches my ears.

But I don’t stop. I keep walking, my lips twitching with amusement.

A sudden idea crosses my mind and I glance at him from the corner of my eye.

"If some man asks me like this, saying he wants to have dinner with me what will you....."

Before I can even complete my sentence, everything changes in a blink.

Abhiraj moves so fast that I don’t even realize what’s happening until my back hits the wall beside my room’s door.

I gasp, my breath hitching. My hands press against the cold wall as I look up at him. My body stiffens.

His face…

His eyes are no longer soft they are turning dark red, burning with something dangerous. The veins on his forehead are visible and his jaw is clenched so tightly that I can hear his teeth grinding.

A shiver runs down my spine. My throat goes dry.

"I’ll kill that man before he even completes his sentence to ask you for dinner" he says in a voice so cold that it sends a chill through my bones.

My heart pounds loudly against my ribs. But instead of fear something else sparks within me.

A smirk tugs at my lips as I meet his fierce gaze.

"Then I should also kill her for asking my man about dinner, huh?" I say my voice unwavering.

His eyes glint with something unreadable. Then suddenly, he smirks. That famous smirk of his that always makes my breath hitch.

His hand grips mine tightly, while his other hand moves to my waist, pulling me closer until there’s no space left between us. My heartbeat quickens at the sudden proximity.

"If you want, you can kill her, my lady" he whispers his voice husky. "And… are you jealous?"

His smirk deepens as his piercing gaze locks onto mine, daring me to deny it.

“Yes I’m jealous because you are mine” I say loudly, my voice firm, my anger clear on my face. My hands clench into fists at my sides. "And if someone dares to look at what’s mine, I will not think twice before killing her"

The air between us is thick with emotions. Before I can say anything more, Abhiraj suddenly buries his face in my neck.

My breath hitches. My body freezes for a moment. The warmth of his face against my skin sends a shiver down my spine.

His voice comes out deep, firm and filled with devotion. "This soul and body of Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh can never look at anyone who is not Mira Rao" he murmurs against my skin. "Because every ounce of this body belongs to you, my queen"

A wave of relief washes over me. My heart feels lighter.

Abhiraj pulls back slightly and looks into my eyes. His gaze is intense, unwavering. A small smile forms on my lips. His words… they always have a way of making my heart race.

I can’t resist. Mischief twinkles in my eyes.

Clearing my throat, I mimic Miss Turana again. "Abhiraj, are you free tonight? Can we go for dinner?"

His expression changes instantly. He gives me a cute glare, his brows furrowing in fake annoyance.

"This Abhiraj is never free for anyone except his lady" he says in a serious tone, making my smile widen.

His grip on my wrist loosens. I place my hands on his shoulders, feeling his warmth. Just then, his phone buzzes. He pulls it out with one hand but his other hand remains firmly on my waist.

He answers the call and, while speaking, snuggles his face back into my neck. His warm breath tickles my skin but I stay quiet, letting him hold me. My fingers move on their own, running through his soft hair locks.

"Hmm… I’m coming" he says, his deep voice sending a vibration through my skin.

He ends the call and looks up at me. His eyes hold something unreadable.

"Where are you going?" I ask softly searching his face.

He lifts his hand and gently strokes my cheek with his thumb. "I have to go to check on my mall. There’s an emergency" he replies.

I nod, though a part of me doesn’t like the idea of him leaving.

"When will you return?" I ask my voice barely above a whisper.

A small smile plays on his lips. "Maybe morning" he says.

I nod again, trying to push away the uneasiness creeping into my heart.

"Take care of yourself" I say softly.

Abhiraj leans toward me and presses his lips to my forehead.

My world stops.

The warmth of his lips lingers on my skin and my heart beats wildly in my chest. When he moves away, I find myself staring at him.

I don’t like this feeling. The feeling of him being away from me.

"Good night. Sleep well" he says, turning to leave.

But before he can take another step, I grab his hand and pull him back. He turns confusion flashing in his eyes.

I cup his face in my small hands and stand on my toes, trying to reach his face. But he’s too tall.

Seeing my struggle, he bends down slightly. Taking the chance, I place a soft kiss on his cheek.

For a second I hear nothing but the sound of his heartbeat. A fast, strong rhythm. I smile, listening to it.

I pull away and look at him. His ears are turning red. I chuckle. He smiles shyly, his usual confidence melting away for a moment.

"Take care of yourself" I say again, my voice filled with warmth.

He nods. Then, giving me one last look.....one last lingering smile.....he turns and walks out of the room.

Jiya's POV

I am lying on my bed, staring at the flower crown in my hands. It is so simple yet so beautiful that I can’t take my eyes off it. Or maybe… it feels this beautiful because he gave it to me.

A smile creeps onto my lips and I can’t control it. My heart feels light, my chest warm with happiness.

Mira is already asleep beside me, her breathing slow and peaceful. But I… I can’t sleep. Not when my heart is racing like this.

Dev, bhai and Zar had left for some work and they won’t be back until morning. The room is quiet but my mind isn’t.

Ahhh! It’s impossible for me to sleep like this!

I sit up on the bed, still clutching the flower crown. After a moment, I grab my phone and unlock it. Maybe distracting myself will help.

I open Instagram and without even thinking, i search for his profile.

Dev Malhotra.

His profile appears instantly. I click on it.

He has 250 million followers. My eyes widen slightly. Of course, he would have this many.

But… he only has two posts.

One is from an international conference—him standing tall, looking serious and professional.

The other… it’s a picture of him with bhai and in between them, there’s Zar. They are standing on a hilly area, looking away from the camera.

That’s it? Just two posts?

I check his following list. He only follows bhai and his brand’s official account. That’s all? Not a single person more?

A thought crosses my mind. Should I follow him?

I hesitate. The last time he ignored me, I had unfollowed him out of frustration.

"No no Jiya you shouldn’t follow him" I mumble to myself, shaking my head.

But… it’s just one follow, right? He wouldn’t even notice it.

I keep staring at the follow button, my fingers itching. To follow or not to follow?

And then....oh no. I accidentally tap on the follow icon.

"Shit!" I whisper my heart stopping for a second.

But wait… he wouldn’t see this, right?

He gets tons of new followers every day. My notification will be lost in that crowd. He won’t even notice.

Nodding to myself I quickly exit his profile and start scrolling through reels to distract myself. Maybe now I can get sleepy.

Just as I start feeling relaxed, my phone vibrates. A notification pops up on my screen.

Dev Malhotra started following you.

My heart skips a beat. I blink. Wait. What? Is he really following me?

I sit up straight and immediately go to his profile checking his following list.

Yes. Yes! He is actually following me.

I stare at my screen in shock. Did he know my Instagram ID? Is he stalking me? Does he know all my social media accounts?!

I gape at my phone, my mind running in circles. Then, suddenly, my lips curl into a smug smile.

"Jiya you are not a normal person" I whisper to myself, flipping my hair dramatically. "Dev Malhotra follows you!"

But wait.

He should be the one feeling proud! Because Jiya Singh Rajvansh is following him! Huh!

Feeling victorious, I let out a small squeal and fall back onto the bed, hugging Mira tightly in excitement.

She lets out a sleepy hiss, shifting slightly.

Oops.

I quickly start stroking her hair gently just like a mother soothing a child. She relaxes again and I giggle softly.

Closing my eyes, I hug her and drift off to sleep with a wide smile on my face.

Abhiraj’s POV

“Did you really think you could ruin my plan?!” I roar my voice echoing through the half constructed site.

The man in front of me flinches but that doesn’t stop my fury. I throw a punch straight at his face and he stumbles back, blood trickling from his nose.

He is the construction officer and because of some political backing, he thinks he can stop my work. I had warned him before but he seems hungry for my beating.

“S-Sir, I w-won’t… do anything… ag-against you…” he stutters, barely able to breathe. His whole body is shaking, his legs ready to give out.

I scoff, gripping his collar before shoving him away with force. He lands with a thud groaning in pain.

I turn away from him, breathing heavily and walk towards my chair. Sitting down, I rub my forehead, trying to calm the rage boiling inside me.

I came here to check the problem at the site but the moment he found out I was coming, he gathered his officers and dared to threaten me. In front of everyone.

That I, Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh, would never be allowed to build my mall here.

A smirk tugs at my lips. I had to teach him a good lesson.

“Let’s go, I’m really sleepy” Dev yawns beside me, stretching his arms.

“You go. I still have some work left” I reply without looking at him.

He shakes his head, rubbing his tired eyes. “We will go together”

I mentally smile. He knew something was going to happen tonight, that’s why he came with me. And as always, he was right.

I glance at my guards. “Throw him away”

Without hesitation, they grab the man and drag him off the site. His muffled cries fade as they take him away.

I push myself up from the chair and walk inside the half constructed mall. The smell of cement and dust fills my nose. My eyes scan the unfinished walls, the steel rods sticking out, the workers' tools scattered around.

I stand there for a moment, imagining the final version of my project. Thinking about what changes need to be made, what parts need improvement.

Everything needs to be perfect.

After a while, I turn to Dev. “Let’s go. It’s already 8 AM”

Zar is exhausted, so it’s just the two of us. We step outside and get into the car. As soon as I settle in, Zar rests his heavy head on my lap.

I sigh. “I told you not to come but you never listen.”

He doesn’t respond, already half asleep. I shake my head and gently run my fingers through his soft fur, stroking his head.

I glance at Dev. His eyes are struggling to stay open, his head leaning against the window. He is on the verge of passing out.

The morning is soft and warm.

Our cars glide smoothly over the roads, cutting through the peaceful silence of dawn.

Workers sweep the streets, clearing away last night’s dust. Shopkeepers unlock their shutters, preparing for the day ahead.

I look down at my hand.

Blood.

Dried blood stains my skin, a dark reminder of what I did before coming here. Two men. I had killed two men earlier......drug dealers.

Both were young boys, supplying drugs to girls at my college. I had no choice. They had to be removed.

After dealing with them, I came straight to the mall site. feeling the warmth of the morning sun, I let out a slow breath.

The world is waking up, but my night is just ending.

Our car stops at a signal and my eyes wander outside.

A group of small kids is roaming around selling gajras.

The moment my eyes land on those delicate white flowers, her face flashes before me. My Mira.

The boy selling them doesn’t approach the car. His tiny body trembles as he looks at it, too scared to come closer.

I roll down the window slowly and his eyes widen in shock. Lifting a finger, I signal him to come.

He hesitates for a second but then runs toward me, his small feet tapping quickly on the road.

“Yes sir?” he asks, his voice soft and hesitant.

I glance at the gajras in his small basket their fresh jasmine scent filling the air.

“Give me one” I say.

His hands tremble slightly as he pulls out a gajra and places it in my palm. The flowers are fresh, their soft petals brushing against my skin.

I stare at the little boy. He must be around thirteen, way too young to be working on the streets.

“Why are you doing this work? Where are your parents?” I ask my tone firm yet curious.

He lowers his gaze and a single tear escapes his eye, trailing down his dusty cheek.

“My mother is very sick… She used to sell gajras. My father died… I couldn’t pay my school fees, so they threw me out of school that's why I'm here” he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

His words hit me harder than I expected.

For a second, a memory flashes in my mind...my own childhood. The struggles. The pain.

“What’s your name?” Dev asks, stepping in.

The boy lifts his head and despite his situation, gives a wide smile.

“Shiva” he says.

“Shiva, give me one gajra too” Dev says.

Shiva quickly takes out another gajra and hands it to Dev. Then, without another word he turns to leave.

“Wait” I call out, stopping him. He looks back at me, confused.

“Take your money” I say holding out a note toward him. But to my surprise, he shakes his head.

“You are a great man, sir. This is a small gift from my side” he says, his voice filled with innocence.

I feel something warm spread in my chest.

A small smile tugs at my lips but before I can say anything, he runs off, disappearing into the crowd.

I turn to my guard, my voice turning cold and authoritative.

“Give his mother the best treatment available. Also, enroll him in Rajvansh School and take care of all his family’s expenses”

The guard nods and immediately pulls out his phone to inform the other guards.

I lean back into my seat, my fingers tightening around the gajra. Mira will look so beautiful in this.

A rare, soft feeling fills my heart. I carefully wrap the gajra again in a paan leaf to keep it fresh.

Looking out of the window, I smile....a bright, genuine smile.

We reach the mansion and the moment I step inside, my eyes find her.

Mira is already sitting in the living room, waiting. A soft smile appears on my lips.

“You came?” she asks the second she sees us, her voice filled with relief.

I nod at her, still smiling. Before I can say anything, Zar moves straight to her and lays his head on her lap.

He is taking everything that belongs to me. But it’s fine. He is my son only. I take a deep breath and focus back on her.

“Mira, come to my room” I say my voice firm.

She looks at me, confused. “Why?” But she doesn’t question further and gets up.

I walk ahead, making my way to my room because I need to wash my hands and change my clothes. A few drops of blood still stain them.

Quickly, I wash my hands, making sure not a single drop of blood remains. Then, I change into a fresh t-shirt, adjusting my sleeves before stepping out.

My eyes instantly land on her.

She is already sitting on my bed, gently running her fingers through Zar’s fur.

Zar is fast asleep, completely at ease in her touch. I shake my head slightly and move toward her.

Without a word, I take her soft hand in mine and pull her up, leading her toward the mirror.

She follows but looks at me in confusion. “What happened?”

I don’t answer. Instead I place the gajra in her palm.

She blinks, her eyes widening in surprise.

For a second, she just stares at it and then, without warning, she throws her arms around me, hugging me tightly.

My body stiffens. Her warmth seeps into me, her soft scent filling my senses.

“Abhiraj, thank you so much” she says, her voice filled with happiness. “You know I love gajre”

She pulls back slightly, looking up at me with a bright smile. My hands clench. I should have bought the entire basket.

Maybe then, she would have hugged me for a few more minutes.

Before I can process my thoughts, she steps back and spins toward the mirror.

“Make me wear it” she says excitement dancing in her eyes.

I exhale slowly and take the gajra from her hands. Carefully, I lift her hair, my fingers brushing against her soft strands.

She stays still watching me through the mirror. I focus, trying my best to place the gajra properly in her hair.

Once it’s tied perfectly, I lower my hands. But I don’t step back.

Instead I wrap my arms around her from behind, pulling her against my chest. She leans into me resting her head lightly. Her smile is soft, content.

“I love you” she whispers her voice barely audible, yet it shakes something inside me.

My breath hitches. For a moment, I forget how to breathe. I hold her gaze through the mirror, my grip tightening slightly.

“I’m yours” I reply my voice deep and certain. She turns around in my arms, facing me fully, her smile never fading.

"Why don’t you say I love you back when I say it?" she asks her voice soft but firm.

I look at her, my gaze steady.

"Because I don’t know how love feels" I say honestly.

Something flickers in her eyes.

Sadness.

For the first time, I see it so clearly. But before I can say anything, she steps closer and cups my face gently.

"It’s okay" she whispers, her voice filled with warmth. "I’m here and I’ll make you feel how love feels"

And then....she presses a soft kiss to my cheek. A deep shiver runs down my spine.

My grip on her waist tightens instinctively. She starts to move away, but I tilt my head slightly, offering her my other cheek.

She chuckles. I watch her, my heart pounding in my chest. She leans in and presses another kiss on the other side of my cheek.

The moment her lips touch my skin, something electric shoots through my body. A strange heat spreads inside me. My mind stirs with thoughts I shouldn’t be having.

If just her lips on my cheek can make me feel like this…Then what will happen when our lips meet? The thought alone sends a rush of heat through my veins.

"Why are you sweating?" her voice breaks my thoughts.

I blink and shake my head quickly. I want to kiss her. Badly. But not now. Because when I kiss her it will be when she is completely mine.

"When will you marry me?" I ask my voice deeper than usual.

She looks at me, stunned. Then she chuckles, shaking her head.

"Propose to me first" she teases. "I don’t have any issue. I’m already ready for marriage. Just propose to me properly"

I smirk and pull her even closer.

"Let’s go right now" I whisper near her ear. "We’ll take pheras and I’ll tie mangalsutra around your neck. Then we’ll be a married couple."

She gasps and smacks my arm.

If it had been anyone else, they wouldn’t be standing alive after hitting me.

But it’s Mira. And she is the only one who can do whatever she wants with me.

"It’s not that easy!" she scolds, narrowing her eyes. I pout like a child.

"Let’s go for breakfast" she says, trying to change the topic. I shake my head.

"I’m not hungry. I’ll sleep a little" I mumble, leaning back.

She nods. "Okay, then take rest"

Before she can leave, I grab her wrist and pull her close again. Then, I press a soft kiss on her forehead.

She blinks up at me, her lips parting slightly. I let her go and she walks out of the room, leaving me alone.

The moment the door closes, I stare at the ceiling. I have to do something. I can’t just sit and wait.

With that thought, I lay on the bed, my mind already working on my next move.

Dev’s POV

I walk toward Jiya’s room, my heart pounding against my chest. I raise my hand and knock on the door. To be honest, I’m really nervous.

But if I hesitate now, how will my relationship with her move forward?

"Come in" I hear her voice from inside.

Taking a deep breath, I push the door open and step in. She is standing near her bed, packing something in her bag. She turns around.....our eyes meet.

And just like that, everything around me fades. The only thing I see is her.

Jiya.

I swallow hard and take slow steps toward her. My fingers feel cold, my heartbeat uneven.

"This is for you" I say my voice quieter than I expected.

I don’t know where my confidence has gone. She looks at my hand, her eyes curious. Slowly, carefully, she reaches out and takes it from me.

Our fingers brush for a brief second. A sudden shiver runs down my spine. Her touch. Even the smallest touch from her affects me like this.

"Thank you" she says softly, taking out the gajra wrapped in paan leaves. I watch her closely.

"Did you like it?" I ask, my voice low, almost hesitant. She looks up at me, her smile widening.

"I love it" she says her voice filled with excitement.

I can’t control myself. A smile spreads across my lips....one I don’t even try to hide. I turn around to leave before she can see how much she affects me.

"Wait! I have something for you" she calls out, making me stop in my tracks. I turn back around, surprised.

She rushes inside her closet and comes out holding a small box in her hands. She extends it toward me.

"This is for you" she says with a shy smile.

I don’t hesitate....I take it immediately. Curious, I open the box. Inside, there’s a small brooch.

A butterfly brooch.

"I know it doesn’t match your personality" she says quickly. "But I liked it, so I bought it for you"

She looks a little unsure, as if waiting for my reaction. I shake my head and look at her, my chest tightening.

"This is beautiful" I say honestly.

Her face lights up with a smile. I can’t take my eyes off her. After a moment, I nod and walk out of her room.

But the moment I enter my own room As soon as the door shuts behind me, I start jumping like a little kid.

She bought me a brooch. Jiya thought of me.

Dev Malhotra, you won.