Chapter 9

"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences."

The whole media and newspapers were covering the marriage story of Dhruv along with his beautiful fiance, Ayushi. From social media to TV news channels, everything involved around Business tycoon Dhruv and his soon-to-be wife, Ayushi.

They published that how cute & adorable their love story was, as Dhruv in an interview told them all that how they had met in a hotel and from there, started their love story. Although it was a partial lie, the deepest point of Dhruv's heart knew that he loved her unknowingly.

There, on the other hand, Ayushi too felt the same kind of connection and attraction that Dhruv felt for her. But still, she didn't want things to rush, firstly she wanted to clear all the misunderstandings between them, and then friendship and then their love story. She too was asked to be interviewed but Dhiraj denied saying that after their marriage, they both can give some interviews for the media to increase their TRP and sale.

They were all busy in the preparation of the marriage, shopping accessories, arranging gifts, inviting guests, relatives, and friends, wedding cards distribution, and so on. And finally, the D-day came.

Udaipur Palace was decorated majestically like a bride with dazzling lights surrounding it because it was the marriage of Dhruv Singh Rajput, the youngest billionaire of India.

The whole of the palace was filled with lots and lots of important people, from politicians to actors to different businessmen and other important personalities. Who could miss this marriage which has been waited for so long!

The Tilak & Janeu ceremony was already over and the gifts to the bride had been already given.

The Sangeet, Haldi, Mehendi ceremony was already a hit with relatives and friends enjoying every bit of it, ranging from dances on Bollywood hits to scrumptious and mouthwatering delicacies along with lots of chitter-chatter of relatives and friends. Ayushi was adored by the whole extended family of Dhruv, they welcomed her wholeheartedly. Her humble and friendly nature was enough for all to love her, to adore her. Whereas Dhruv too didn't know why but he surely felt something so strong and pure whenever he was around her, but still Chandani's words were always there in his mind that how manipulatively Ayushi had come into their lives, just for money. He just got disgusted whenever he recalled the words which he heard from Ayushi's parents' mouth when he met Ayushi for the very first time.

Today was their marriage ceremony in the evening and it was noon now. Ayushi was busy in Yagya & Pooja as before a Hindu marriage, we've to firstly do Lord Ganesha's Pooja which she was doing now along with her mother and her mother-in-law and other family members inside a famous temple in Udaipur so as to start the wedding ceremony with auspiciousness and also to remove any obstacles around the marriage. Payal was along her side all the time, to give her support from any of her doubtful and sad thoughts that a bride faces on her big day.

Whereas, Dhruv had invited all his friends who were soon going to reach here anytime soon in the palace but the one for whom he was waiting so dearly had already arrived. And she was standing before him in his allotted room.

But she was not in a good mood. She had seen how much people were talking so nicely about Ayushi, she had heard how Dhruv's Grandma was boasting about Ayushi in front of her other relatives. And she had also seen the fan following Ayushi had gained within this small span of time on Online as well as Offline platform.

Whereas Chandani was seething in anger because she wanted to be in that place where Ayushi was now, but she was nowhere to be seen. She was a No one.

"Dhruv, you are now getting that what was the game of that whore? She wanted you just because of your money, status, and fame in society. Everything was planned by that witch. Because of her, we're apart. She should be punished for all the things she had done," and she cried out loudly because of the burn due to jealousy she was feeling within her.

"You know, I met that Aryan who was her ex-fiance, in jail, even he told me that how manipulatively she used to ask big lump sum of money from him, making excuses like she has to pay her left education loan and all and you know what, he even told me that she and her family had asked him and his family a huge amount of money in exchange of her hand for marriage. I can't believe all this, so I asked him for proofs and yes, he gave me some shocking proofs through his mother. See, this," Dhruv after hearing all this was infuriated, he was seething in anger, tightening his fist so hard that it had turned white, his veins on his forehead were bulging out, because of the boiling blood he had within himself.

He saw the photocopy of the passbook and checked it thoroughly which Chandani had brought, which clearly showed that a total of ten million INR was credited in an account whose account holder was none other than Ayushi's father. His calculative eyes couldn't be fooled, he knew it that this photocopied passbook was stating the true facts and figure.

"How dare she! How dare she cheat my family like this along with her family members," he roared out loudly and even Chandani flinched at his tone.

"I'm going to my family to show her real face, they really need to know that how bitchy that girl is," Dhruv was going outside the room with the photocopied passbook in his hands when Chandani stopped him.

"And you really think that she'll be guilty after all this? No, not at all Dhruv. She'll find another rich man and continue this game of gold-digging. You already are a live example of it, you saw how easily she moved on with you, while she was tried to be "raped" by that Aryan. These are just a part of their game, Dhruv whenever they find some big goat," Chandani tried to make him understand that what kind of a girl was Ayushi actually.

"Girls like her deserve the worst punishment, Dhruv, worst. You should teach her a lesson that she will not even think about a rich man, forget about looting any. I want you to avenge her Dhruv, for all those suffering which we had to endure because of her entry in our lives, I want you to avenge her for your innocent family who was fooled by her fake innocence and I want you to punish her for what disgusting things she might have done with all the uncountable men she had been with," Chandani cried out loudly, provoking the slept and calm lion which was inside Dhruv, now he was the enraging lion and he just wanted one thing, Avenging Ayushi for all her cunning plans and manipulations.

"I promise to you Chandani, I'll make her realize how grave mistake she did by playing with my family's feelings and almost breaking our love. She'll not be spared, I promise," this time Dhruv got the proofs which were all against Ayushi, the strong and pure feeling he had felt for her were long gone. Now he had only resentment, loath, and disgust for her.

"I know Dhruv, you love your family and me so much that you will not spare that girl who tried to break everything apart," this was it, Dhruv's pledge was so strong now that it couldn't be broken by anyone. Not any vague feelings, not any person or force.

****

Ayushi was dressed in a gorgeously embellished, bright red lehenga, which had beautiful invaluable stones intricately weaved on it giving her the look of a pure Rajputana. Her red heavily embroidered dupatta was nicely draped around her right shoulder and another red-colored, beautifully embellished dupatta was pinned on her head, like a veil. It was the dupatta of her late mother, which was now a little bit altered in its design and dry cleaned so that it wasn't looking like some old dupatta but a newly embellished one. Her forehead was graced with a beautiful Rakhri & her neck was adorned beautifully with gold designed, and diamond-studded choker. Her henna clad hands were full of beautiful red & ivory chooda. Her beautiful Heena covered toes were looking so cute and adorable with silver toe-rings on them. And her anklets were making a beautiful chiming sound. Her make up was perfect and she was looking breathtakingly awesome and alluring in her bridal look, a pure Rajasthani bride.

Pratibha got emotional when she saw how much heavenly and beguiling her daughter-in-law was looking today. She came here to call her, as the Shubh Muhurat (Auspicious time) had finally come. She wiped her tears off and applied a black dot behind Ayushi's ear to save her from evil eyes as she knew all the eyes will be on her today.

Ayushi smiled at her sweetly and along with her mother-in-law and her sister, Ankita she moved towards the Mandap which was under the open sky, for all the Gods to bless this beautiful couple.

Guests and relatives gasped in surprise, when they saw the bride who was looking so heavenly and enchanting. They have never seen such an angelic beauty, seriously. She was literally the epitome of beauty, looking so alluring in her lehenga.

Dhruv was sitting there in the Mandap, dressed in a light golden, silk Sherwani with a little embroidery on it, looking as handsome & striking as some model straight outta a fashion magazine. He had a maroon turban on his head with a beautiful brooch on it and a Tilak was applied on his forehead giving him a Royal look. And a golden sheathed sword was kept beside him which was the symbol of pride and legacy of his ancient Rajput family. He was looking like a King which of course he was.

When he saw Ayushi in her bridal lehenga, one word involuntarily left his mouth, beautiful. His feelings were resurfacing again which he had replaced with loath and resentment after what he had found about her. He was mesmerized at how beautiful and bewitching she was looking today but before he could stare at her more, she was already near him so as to sit beside him for the marriage ceremony to proceed. She slightly smiled at him and that brought him out of his trance. He knew that behind this innocent face, there was a manipulative and cunning bitch who could do anything for money. He was seething in anger, gritting his teeth. But for the sake of people around him, he too was compelled to smile at her as he didn't want anyone to doubt on their relationship.

No media person was allowed in this wedding as they create too much chaos, as many politicians, as well as famous personalities, were assembled here today for the grand wedding of the business tycoon, Dhruv Singh Rajput.

The priest started chanting the holy Mantras & Shlokas. He asked the bride and groom to chant the Mantras after him. And like that it continued to many more Mantras and rituals, and now it was time for Kanyadaan, which was performed by Anil giving the hand of Ayushi in Dhruv's hand. After the seven rounds of seven different vows around the holy fire, Dhruv applied the Vermilion on Ayushi's middle partition and Ayushi just closed her eyes, relishing the feeling of content & euphoria within her. He tied the Mangalsutra around her neck and she shivered at his touch, looking at him with pride and love. He too was unknowingly staring at her while tying it which didn't go unnoticed by Chandani. She was seething in anger, seeing them both together who were looking like they were so much in love. She stomped her foot & went away towards the secluded corner of Udaipur Palace and started smoking a cigarette.

Finally, Dhruv and Ayushi were married with all the Hindu rituals and after taking the blessings of their elders, they were seated on the beautiful wedding dais where the photo session was soon going to start.

Guests started coming on the dais to wish the beautiful couple a happy married life ahead and after giving them the blessings and gifts, they started posing for the camera with the newly-wed couple. Ayushi and Dhruv were tired after smiling so much at these many guests, but again they had to do it for the sake of their families. So, they were again smiling at the different cameras as many professional photographers were assigned to click the best of pictures of this lovely couple.

Their family, friends, and relatives too came on the dais, wished them, teased them, and clicked many pictures with them and then went away towards the lakeside of the Palace where the mouthwatering delicacies were being served.

Pratibha and Payal were just left behind to instruct Dhruv and Ayushi for the photo session, as it was time for the bride and groom to come closer and pose for the camera. Only one photographer was asked to stay and all others went towards the lake for savoring the delicious food. And like every cameramen's favorite dialogue, this cameraman's had also this dialogue as his favorite one.

"Please come a little more closer, Sir, please mam," he was, again and again, begging Dhruv to come closer to Ayushi as he was busy in glaring at the poor cameraman while Ayushi was just too nervous now.

"Don't act too innocent. You must have been with so many men, so why are you feeling shy with your own husband," Dhruv whispered harshly in her ears and she looked at him in shock. Why was he bringing it all again on this beautiful day? Can't she be happy even for once?

"What are...." before she could complete her sentence, Dhruv shushed her and brought her closer to him with his hand on her waist. She shivered at his touch because her bare waist was in contact with his rough hands which was holding her too tightly, which was going to leave a mark on her waist. But for the photos, she smiled outwardly, but only she knew how much wounded and mutilated she was after hearing Dhruv's disgusting remark about her character. The photographer clicked their candid moments as well as when they posed romantically.

Ayushi took a deep breath and started posing. A fake smile was there on her lips, but a feared and the foul feeling was erupting within her. She knew true to his words, Dhruv was not going to leave her. She had thought that he might have forgotten about all those, but no, his hatred had grown more for her. She just wanted to get away from his hold and cry so much but she was not allowed to. She felt lost, agonized, and pained.

"Beta take the photos from that end, it'll come good," Pratibha ordered the poor cameraman and he had to shift his position as it was his highness' order.

"Bhai, hold Bhabhi with some possessiveness, no. You're looking like you're forced. Hold her with some possessiveness and love," Payal cheered for them.

"Sure Baccha," Dhruv cheered back and took Ayushi in front of him, holding her from the backside. He put his chin on her left shoulder and put all his force on her shoulder with his chin. She hissed in pain but Dhruv cared less.

And like that, they both posed for millions of photos together & individually too in front of many beautiful backgrounds of Udaipur palace with each time a new pain inflicted by Dhruv on Ayushi. But all the time she was maintaining a smile on her face, controlling her tears which just wanted to flow out and never stop. She was traumatized. She wanted to release from all her agony. This was all noticed by Chandani who was burning in jealousy and revenge. She could only see how possessively Dhruv was holding that girl like he truly loved her. She lit another cigarette and started sipping that, forgetting that the place where she was standing had a board on which it was clearly written to not to smoke.

After having dinner and some gracious dance performances by relatives and friends of the bride & groom and some professional dancers, arranged by Dhiraj, it was finally the time for Vidai, farewell.

Ayushi hugged her father for the very first time in her life and cried out loudly, venting out all her emotions of pain and sorrow which Dhruv inflicted on her today with his actions as well as his insulting words. Her cries were too pained, all the guests thought that it was because she was leaving her family but they didn't know that she was crying for the hell that was awaiting her in the form of her husband, Dhruv. She hugged everyone and cried very much. She wanted to back out now, but she knew she couldn't now.

The guests too got emotional. And finally Ayushi went away with Dhruv after he had to literally pull her towards the car as she was crying uncontrollably. The guests too left and now only the family of Bride were left behind as they'd leave after attending the reception ceremony which was to be held tomorrow night.

In the car, Dhruv just sat silently. He let her cry, without even looking at her for once. He was busy reading the headlines, but she was crying continuously. Her hell awaited her.

****

After their Bentley reached its destination, Ayushi was helped by Pratibha and Payal who were waiting for their arrival. She was welcomed warmly in the Rajput's ancestral mansion which was so exquisite and magnificent in its architecture as well as location, as it was surrounded by forest all around the sides and a beautiful lake was there too.

All the Rajputani rituals were followed by Ayushi wholeheartedly, and finally after many customs and some fun games, she was now resting inside her new room, away from Dhruv as their wedding night was supposed to be tomorrow, after their reception.

Payal was there with her all the time, giving her some support as well as cracking jokes so as to make her feel at ease. Ayushi was trying not to cry in front of Payal. She was trying to laugh at Payal's joke but every time she wanted to laugh, few treacherous tears used to flow out her beautiful eyes.

"Its okay Bhabhi. Finally, you are away from your family. Welcome home," Payal cheered happily and hugged Ayushi. Ayushi just closed her eyes and hugged Payal lovingly. She was literally like her small sister.

"You want to have some ice cream?" Payal asked her gleefully at which Ayushi nodded.

"Lemme bring that to you," Payal spoke cheerfully and rushed out to bring ice creams for her beloved Bhabhi.

Ayushi sighed and went away towards the washroom as she was feeling very suffocated in her lehenga. She opened the shower and got under it.

Her wrist was bleeding because Dhruv had pierced his nails inside her wrist while he was holding her. Her waist had marks of his hands around her. Her toe's nail was crushed badly as he with his foot had intentionally crushed her mercilessly, her toe ring had made her condition worse. Her whole body was paining a lot. Never had she ever felt this kind of pain, which she felt today. Her tears were not stopping and her heart was painful as it'll just explode now because of the ruptures she felt in it.

She was in pain, immense pain. Water falling on her body was feeling like fireballs were being thrown at her. She tried to stop her cries but again and again, her tears were falling.

Why Dhruv was this much harsh on her! She didn't know.

After returning, she met with the smiling Payal who was busy in her mobile, smiling goofily looking at it.

"Bhabhi see, how cute you both are looking with each other. Bhai is so tall and you reach till his chest. It's so adorable," Payal spoke out dreamily and Ayushi just smiled at her comment. Even she saw the pic, which was taken by Payal when Ayushi and Dhruv were looking at each other with so much intensity. She smiled looking at the picture, only she knew how much pained she was at that time because that time only he had spoken those hurtful words to her.

"Let's grab our ice cream now," they cheered together and after having their ice creams, chatted till late night until they fell asleep.

Ayushi was dreaming something very beautiful when she felt an immense pain on her body suddenly.

Dhruv had stabbed her on her back, in her dreams.

Even in her dreams, he didn't leave her.

~**•**~

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