✿HAPPY READING ✿

Author's Pov

Night

The reception ended, and slowly the crowd began to disperse.

The Ranawat family left together.

But Dev stayed back to take Nia and Veeranshu home.

Rashi had arranged a room for him to stay the night. Nia and Veeranshu went to their room, leaving the house quieter than before.

Inside his room

Dev stood alone, Still and Silent.

His eyes were red. But not from alcohol this time.

From something else. Something heavier.

The only thing replaying in his mind,was her, Her eyes and The hurt in them. And it irritated him.

Why?

Why did she look at him like that? As if she was the one who was wronged. As if she was the one who was betrayed.

How could she still pretend to be innocent?

And worst of all, Why did her eyes still affect him?

His jaw clenched. Frustration surged.

He pulled off his blazer harshly and threw it aside.

Then, his gaze fell on his hands.

The same hands, that had held her too tightly. That had left marks on her skin.

Something snapped. Without thinking, He slammed his fist into the mirror. The glass cracked instantly.

But he didn’t stop. He pulled his hand back and hit it again.

This time harder, glass shattered.

Sharp edges tore into his skin. Blood began to drip. But it didn’t matter.

He raised his hand again, ready to strike, when suddenly, A soft gasp echoed behind him.

He froze. Slowly, his eyes lifted to the mirror.

In the broken reflection, He saw himself and behind him, her. Janisha stood there, a tray in her hands, eyes wide in shock.

For a moment, Neither of them moved.

He stared at her through the shattered glass as if seeing their shattered pieces.

Then he slowly turned. She stood stiffly near the door, Dressed in a soft cotton frock, a shawl wrapped around her shoulders. Her eyes locked on his bleeding hands.

She closed her eyes briefly, taking a steady breath, as if calming herself. Then she walked forward and placed the tray on the table. She went to the drawer, took out a first-aid box and Set it on the bed. And turned to leave.

“You pretend really well… caring like this.” His voice broke the silence, cold, Sharp and Cruel.

Her steps halted. Her throat tightened.

But she didn’t turn immediately.

Dev walked to the bed and lay down,one hand over his eyes, the other injured hand hanging low, not even bothering about the blood still dripping from his hands.

For a moment, She stood there, torn. A part of her wanted to walk away, But another part, The one that still cared, Didn’t let her.

She took a deep breath and turned back and walked toward him. She sat at the edge of the bed and gently took his hands. He opened his eyes. Their gazes met. He tried to pull his hands back, But her grip tightened.

She shot him a sharp glare and he stopped. Without another word, he sat still. She began cleaning his wounds, gently. Blowing softly over the cuts before applying medicine. Her touch was soft, Too soft.

And he? He didn’t look away.

Not even once. A strand of her hair fell across her face.

An unconscious urge rose within him, to tuck it behind her ear.

But he clenched his other hand into a fist. Stopping himself.

As she continued, her shawl slipped slightly.

Revealing the faint marks on her whitish arms. His marks. Something twisted inside him. Guilt, Faint and Unfamiliar.

His hand lifted instinctively, To touch. But before he could, She stood up.

“It’s done,” she said flatly, stepping away.

She placed the first-aid box aside and turned toward him.

Her eyes met his, cold and clear.

“I don’t pretend,” she said quietly. “But yes… I fail to recognize people who do.”

A pause.

“People see others the way they themselves are.” Her words landed Sharp and Unavoidable.

And without waiting, She turned and walked away. Leaving him there, With bandaged hands.

Outside the Room,

As Janisha stepped out, still carrying the weight of everything that had just happened, She found Abhishek.

He was standing there. Watching her. Eyes narrowed and suspicious.

“What?” she snapped, already irritated.

“Nothing,” he said slowly. “Just observing you… how comfortably you keep roaming around him.”

Her frustration spiked instantly.

“Shut up. I’m not doing anything like that,” she said, brushing past him.

He followed her.

“Tell me honestly, Janisha,” he continued, tone suddenly serious, “are you secretly trying to kill him?”

Her steps halted.

She turned to him like he had completely lost his mind.

“What?”

“I mean, you can’t love him, right? So may be this is some slow murder plan?” he said thoughtfully.

“You’re just dumb,” she muttered and started walking again.

Abhishek frowned slightly, thinking.

“Why? can’t he just die?” he said, half to himself.

Janisha stopped again. This time slower.

“No… he can’t,” she said instinctively. “If he dies, then I’ll also…”

She froze, her words trailed. Her own words hit her.

Abhishek’s expression changed.

“Stop saying nonsense,” he said firmly. “You can live without him.”

She exhaled deeply, looking away.

“I don’t know, Abhi…”

“Abhi tak zinda ho na? Mari toh nahi uske bina!” he said bluntly.

(“Are you alive right now?You didn’t die without him, did you?”)

She turned fully toward him, expecting sarcasm. But he wasn’t joking. He was serious. She shook her head in frustration. “You’re really impossible. Now I understand why you’re with me.”

“Why?” he asked, genuinely curious, following her again.

“To fry my brain!” she snapped, walking faster.

He grinned. “No. Because you’ve got the same single brain cell as me. You’re just as dumb.”

She stopped and Slowly turned. And started looking around.

Abhishek blinked. “What are you doing?”

She picked up a decorative vase.

His eyes widened instantly.

“Hey hey! I was joking! I didn’t mean it. You’re very intelligent, okay?”

“Get out of my sight,” she said dangerously calm, “or I’ll crack open that tiny skull of yours.”

“Understood!” He didn’t wait a second.

He turned and ran towards save his life.

Janisha stood there for a moment, still holding the vase.

Then exhaled deeply and placed it back.

Muttering under her breath, mostly curses.

.

.

.

Next Day

Everything was finally arranged. It was time for Nia and Veeranshu to leave for the Ranawat mansion.

The cars were ready. Luggage and gifts had been loaded. The atmosphere carried that familiar mix of excitement and quiet emotion.

Dev walked toward his car, keys already in his hand.

“Bhai, I’ll go with Varun!” Nia said cheerfully, moving toward Veeranshu’s car. Dev gave a small nod. But his attention shifted, Janisha was walking toward the car.

A blue shirt, jeans, sneakers, hair tied in a high ponytail.

No heavy makeup. No elaborate styling.

Yet, His eyes lingered. As if simplicity suited her more.

Janisha reached the car and paused. It was full. Packed with gifts. She looked back at Nia, unsure.

Rashi immediately understood. “It’s okay, Janu. You go with Dev.”

Janisha’s head turned toward her mother. Then slowly, Toward Dev.

He was already looking at her.

Nia thought for a second, then said, “No, it’s fine. I’ll go with Dev Bhai. You go with Veeranshu.”

But Janisha shook her head gently.

“No, bhabhi. You go with Veer bhai. I’m fine. I’ll come in the other car,” she said with a small smile.

“Are you sure?” Nia asked softly.

Janisha nodded. “Enjoy your ride butterfly,” janisha winked at Nia and she smiled.

And just like that, Dev and Janisha ended up in the same car.

Veeranshu walked over a moment later. “Where’s Janisha?”

“She left with Dev Bhai,” Nia replied casually. For a second, Veeranshu’s jaw tightened. His expression shifted.

Subtle, But noticeable.

Nia caught it immediately, guilt flickering across her face.

“It’s okay, they just left. We can switch cars ahead,” she said quickly, trying to reassure him.

Veeranshu noticed her mood instantly. And softened.

He smiled, taking her hand gently.

“You don’t have to feel guilty, butterfly,” he said, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. Her face lit up instantly.

“Varun… you should let her make her own decisions,” Nia added gently. “She’s an adult. She knows what she’s doing. She’s capable of handling everything.”

Veeranshu gave a small nod, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“It’s okay, butterfly. We’ll talk about it later,” he said, his tone easing. “For now… it’s our time.”

He winked at her and opened the car door.

She settled inside, smiling softly.

He took the driver’s seat. And without saying anything, He placed one hand over hers while steering with the other.

His thumb moved gently over her knuckles.

A silent reassurance. A quiet claim.

Nia looked at him And smiled.

In the Other Car

Silence. Heavy and Unavoidable.

Dev kept his eyes fixed on the road, his hands steady on the steering wheel.

Janisha sat beside him, turned toward the window, watching the passing scenery though she wasn’t really seeing anything. Both of them aware still pretending.

After a while, unable to bear the silence any longer, Dev reached forward and turned on the music.

The radio crackled to life. An RJ’s voice filled the car,

“And now, this one is for those hearts… who loved, got broken… and still loving them with the same broken pieces.”

The words hung in the air, too real.

And then, The music began.

“Milne hai mujhse aayi…

Phir Jane kyu tanhai,

Kis mod pe hai layi...

Aashqui...”

The song flowed through the car, soft yet piercing. Like it knew, it understood.

Every word felt like it was peeling back layers they had both tried so hard to bury.

"Khud se hai ya khuda se

Is pal meri ladaai,

Kis mod pe hai layi...

Aashiqui"

Dev’s throat tightened slightly. He swallowed. His grip on the steering wheel shifted just a little.

Beside him, Janisha remained still. Still looking outside. Still pretending.

But her fingers curled slightly in her lap.

A silent reaction she didn’t realize she showed.

"Aashiqui baazi hai tash ki,

Tut te bante vishwaas ki...."

For a brief second, Dev’s hand moved, Almost reaching to turn the music off. But then a thought stopped him.

What if she thinks it still affects him? What if she realizes… it still hurts?

His hand dropped back. He leaned into the silence instead.

Letting the song play. both of them sat there, Listening, pretending they weren’t affected. While the music played like an ache to their hearts.

Sometimes music doesn’t heal, it scratches the wounds that were buried long ago.

Janisha's Pov

I was sitting quietly, looking out of the window, not wanting to disturb him.

But of course, when he’s around, how can anything be peaceful?

Gana toh aisa lagaya hai jaise inhe hi sari duniya ki ladkiyon ne dhoke diye hain. Bade aaye Aashiqui ke saste Devdas.

(And the song he played… seriously. It sounded like every girl in the world had betrayed him. Acting like some cheap Devdas.)

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. Same expression. Completely unfazed. And on top of that, his dark glasses. Who even wears glasses inside a car during the day?

Oh right. Probably thinks he’s Tom Cruise or something. Suryagarh’s cheap version of Tom Cruise, I mocked in my head.

“Okay fine… whether you admit it or not, Janisha… he does look hot,” my subconscious whispered.

“Gaddari karbe,” I gasped internally at my subconscious mind.

(Traitor!)

I clenched my teeth, annoyed at my own thoughts. And just then,

His voice broke through my very sasta imagination.

“So who’s that boy?” he said suddenly, his tone laced with mockery. “A lover? Boyfriend? Or just a new time pass?”

My jaw tightened instantly.

“Better than all that and it’s called friendship,” I replied, my voice sharp.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

“That’s called your cover-up. The same one you used with me… remember?”

His words hit harder than they should have. But I swallowed it.Swallowed everything.

“That was something I did out of love for you,” I said, my voice steady but edged with bitterness. “But of course… you wouldn’t understand.”

“Love?” he scoffed lightly. “Wow. You really know how to act innocent after everything, don’t you? I mean, I know every face of yours… and you’re still pretending like this? Come on, Miss Traitor, upgrade yourself from that ‘bechari’ version. Because that’s not who you are.”

My fists clenched.

“I’m not pretending. And I never did anything wrong,” I said, anger rising in my chest. “The only mistake I made was loving YOU. And if you think everything I say is fake, then don’t start a conversation.”

He let out a sharp breath. “Talking to you is useless.”

“Then why can’t you stay without talking to me?” I shot back instantly. “I never asked you to speak to me.”

His jaw tightened.

“Stop behaving like this. I’m only tolerating you because of my sister.”

“Likewise,” I replied coldly. “I’m tolerating you because of Nia bhabhi. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have even looked at your face again.”

Silence fell, Heavy. This time, different.

I noticed the way his hands tightened around the steering wheel.

But I didn’t look at him again. I turned my face toward the window.

Because talking to him was never just a conversation.

It's a war. A war of unsaid feelings.

Of misunderstandings that neither of us was willing to fix.

And I didn’t want closure. I didn’t want answers.He had already ended everything years ago.

So what was even left to say?

Suddenly my phone pinged with a message. It’s from unknown number. I frowned but opened it.

“Hello Babygirl, You don’t know me

But I? The moment I saw you, only you’re on my mind! Your thoughts are making me insane. Will meet you soon!”

Someone cheap had done this.

I blocked the number and kept my phone in my pocket.

I took a deep breath. And closed my eyes.

Author's Pov

Janisha woke with a jolt when a loud honk pierced the silence. Her heart started pounding.

She turned sharply and saw Dev gripping the steering wheel, pressing the horn again and again, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

Her irritation flared instantly.

“Are you mad or what?” she snapped.

Dev stopped honking.

Without saying a word, he opened the car door and stepped out.

Janisha blinked in confusion, her mouth parting to say something. But before she could speak, he walked around the car and opened her door.

Only then did she realize, they had reached the Ranawat mansion.

Still annoyed, she shot him a glare and stepped out of the car.

At the entrance, Shankar was already standing there. The moment he saw her, his face lit up with warmth.

“Hi, princess! No trouble on the way, right?” he asked kindly, opening his arms.

Janisha’s irritation melted instantly.

She smiled and stepped forward to hug him.

He had always been this gentle with her, like a father.

“No, uncle. I’m completely fine,” she replied with a small smile.

He nodded fondly and led her inside.

Behind them, Dev stood there for a moment. Silent. Watching.

Then he let out a quiet sigh, and followed them inside.

.

.

.

.

In the living room.

After dinner, Nia was animatedly telling stories from her new home, and everyone listened with smiles, occasionally teasing her.

The atmosphere was warm and lively. Just then, Shivraj entered.

He walked straight toward Preet and sat beside her. Without a word, his arm moved behind her, resting around her waist. Preet’s face turned red instantly.

A few family members exchanged teasing glances, but Shivraj’s expression remained completely calm as if nothing unusual had happened.

After a moment, Preet cleared her throat softly.

“We want to share something with all of you,” she said.

Everyone immediately grew quiet, their attention shifting to her. She glanced at Shivraj, and he gave her a small encouraging nod. Her smile widened.

“We are going to be parents.”

For a second, Everyone froze.

The room fell silent. Preet’s smile wavered slightly as she waited for a reaction.

Then suddenly, Maya and Nia looked at each other.

And screamed.

Preet and Janisha immediately shut their eyes, already anticipating what was coming.

Both girls rushed forward, about to throw themselves on Preet in an excited hug, But just then they noticed Shivraj’s glare. They froze mid-step.

Slowly, awkwardly, they straightened up. Then with forced politeness, they shook Preet’s hand instead.

“Preetu! I can’t believe I’m going to be a maasi! Oh my Radha ji, this is so exciting!” Maya squealed, practically jumping in place.

Daksh quickly grabbed her arm.

“Stop! You’re pregnant too!” he warned.

Maya instantly turned and glared at him.

Daksh sighed and then turned toward Preet, his expression softening. He kissed the top of her head gently.

“Congratulations, Pihu. I can’t believe my little one will have little ones of her own now,” he said, cupping her face affectionately. Preet nodded, her eyes turning slightly glassy.

Janisha stepped forward next and hugged her tightly.

“I’m so happy for you, bhabhi,” she said warmly. Shankar, Roop, and Vishakha came one by one, blessing her and kissing her forehead.

Finally, Preet’s eyes moved toward Dev. He was standing slightly apart, smiling at her.

“You won’t say anything?” she asked softly. That was enough.

Dev walked forward and pulled her into a hug.

“I’m so, so happy, bhabhi,” he said sincerely. Then suddenly, .He stepped back. And bent down in front of her. Preet froze. Everyone’s eyes widened. But instead of anything dramatic, Dev touched her feet.

“Thank you for this precious gift,” he said quietly. Preet let out a teary laugh.

Shivraj stepped closer to her side.

Dev stood up and hugged his brother tightly.

“I’m really happy for you,” he said with a chuckle. “And I can’t wait to hold the little version of you.”

Everyone around them smiled at the moment. Because Dev and Preet’s bond had always been special.

And so had Dev and Shivraj’s.

The conversation slowly drifted, and soon the topic turned to Shivraj’s birth.

Vishakha laughed softly as she began reminiscing.

“You know, when Roohi was pregnant, Shankar almost drove the doctors insane. In his happiness he nearly crushed the doctor’s feet!”

Everyone burst into laughter.

(A/n : Roohi is Shankar's first wife and Shivraj's mother. Nia and Dev are Shivraj's half siblings. And this is already cleared in their book 'Preet ki mala.' So this is for new readers.)

“And Roohi’s mood swings?” she continued, still laughing. “Those were the hardest thing to handle!”

She went on narrating a few incidents, making everyone laugh even more.

“And when we were planning Roohi’s baby shower,” Vishakha said, raising her eyebrows, “she demanded a petal shower. And do you know what Shankar did?”

Everyone leaned forward eagerly while Shankar simply smiled.

“He arranged the shower… with a helicopter!”

All eyes turned toward Shankar.

“Aww, uncle! That’s so romantic!” Janisha said dreamily.

“Seriously, yaar!” Maya added with equally dreamy eyes.

Daksh sighed dramatically at their reactions.

Shankar smiled faintly.

“Shivraj came as light and happiness into our lives,” he said, though a trace of pain lingered in his smile.

Then his voice turned playful.

“And do you know what he called me the first time?”

Everyone looked at him curiously.

“Not papa… not dad.” He paused. “He called me Shanku.”

The room erupted into laughter.

Shivraj leaned toward Preet. “Don’t stay around them during pregnancy. They’ll definitely corrupt your mind and my child’s too.”

“Excuse me?” Shankar said, pretending to be offended.

“Excused,” Shivraj replied calmly.

Shankar’s mouth fell open in mock shock, triggering another round of laughter. Dev sat quietly, smiling faintly.

Then Nia asked eagerly, “Dad, what about Dev bhai?”

Dev answered before anyone else could.

“I was a mistake.”His voice was flat. The laughter died instantly. The room fell silent. Roop lowered her head. Shankar stiffened. Dev stood up slowly.

“Uh… excuse me, I have to attend a call,” he said and began walking away.

Janisha watched him go, her heart tightening painfully. She had always been the most cherished child in her family. She could not imagine how it must feel to believe you were unwanted.

“He was a ray.” Shivraj’s voice broke the silence. Dev’s steps halted.

But he didn’t turn.

“He came as a ray of light into my life,” Shivraj continued calmly. “I was still a child myself. I knew nothing about parenting… nothing about being a guardian. But when Dev came, he changed my life.”

The room remained completely quiet.

“The little moments of happiness I experienced… were with him.”

Dev’s fists clenched. His throat tightened.

Shivraj slowly walked toward him.

“He was so little when he came into my life,” he continued softly. “And I’ve always known… he was my first child.”

Dev blinked rapidly. “The first time I held him was when he was about to fall,” Shivraj said, taking another step closer.

Then he turned toward the family.

“Do you know what his first word was?”

Before he could say it,

“Bhai.”.Dev’s voice came out low and unsteady. Shivraj smiled gently.

“Yes,” he said. “That was his first word.”

Dev turned suddenly and pulled him into a tight hug.

“You always hold me… when I’m about to fall,” Dev whispered.

Shivraj held him firmly, running his hand over Dev’s hair like he used to when Dev was younger.

“Never ever say that you’re a mistake,” Shivraj said quietly. Dev pulled back slightly and nodded.

The family exhaled a breath of relief. They always admired the way Shivraj took care of his siblings.

.

.

.

It was almost late at night.

Dev walked slowly through the garden of the mansion, his hands in his pockets. The night air was cool, but his mind was anything but calm. Everything felt tangled inside his head. He wanted to smoke. The urge was strong.

But he didn’t want anyone to see him like that, so he had been avoiding it. Still, the headache pounding behind his temples kept getting worse.

Just then, one of the guards approached him.

“Sir… someone gave this,” the guard said, handing him a bouquet of red roses.

Dev frowned slightly as he took it.

There was a small card tucked between the flowers.

“Who gave it?” Dev asked sharply. “And for whom?”

“Sir, that man didn’t tell his name. He was just delivering it,” the guard replied. “And it’s for Janisha ma’am.”

Dev’s grip tightened around the bouquet.

He dismissed the guard.The guard left quietly. Dev looked down at the card again. This time, he read it.

And something inside him snapped.

"Hello baby girl!!

Miss me? Because I’m definitely missing you.

Will meet you soon, but for now a small gift for you.'

His jaw clenched.

Blood rushed hot through his veins.

Without another thought, he turned and strode toward Janisha’s room.

Inside the room, Janisha was sitting casually on her bed, scrolling through her phone.

Suddenly, The door burst open.

She looked up in shock.

Before she could even speak, Dev threw the bouquet onto the floor in front of her.

The roses scattered across the floor.

“What..” But before she could finish, he grabbed her arm and dragged her off the bed, forcing her to stand.

His eyes were blazing.

For a moment, a shiver ran down her spine.

“How many men are you dating, huh?” he snapped bitterly. “Look at this. Another lover sending you gifts.”

His voice dripped with contempt.

Then suddenly, he released her arms.

She stumbled slightly.

“You know what?” he said coldly. “Now I feel disgusted. DON'T SHOW ME YOUR FACE EVER.”

And without another word, he turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

The sound echoed in the silent room.

Janisha stood there for a few seconds.

Frozen. Then slowly, her knees gave way and she sank to the floor.

Her eyes blurred with tears. The scattered roses lay around her, petals crushed and spread across the floor.

Then her gaze fell on the card.

She picked it up. Her eyes widened when she read the word 'baby girl'.

A cold unease crawled through her chest.

Just then, Her phone rang.

An unknown number flashed on the screen. Her fingers trembled slightly as she answered.

“Hello?”

A man’s voice came from the other side.

“Hello, baby girl. Why did you block my number?”

Her blood ran cold.

“W-who are you?” she asked, her voice unsteady.

“Your well-wisher,” he replied smoothly. “Someone who admires you… a lot. Aapka Deewana”

Her fear instantly turned into anger.

“Shut up,” she snapped. “And don’t you dare call me again. Otherwise you’ll spend the rest of your life in jail.”

She cut the call immediately.

Then blocked the number. Again.

Her mind felt heavy. Too many things had happened. Too many words.

She picked up the bouquet and threw it into the dustbin.

Then, exhausted, she collapsed onto the bed. Her eyes closed. But the tears kept falling silently.

Because the worst thing in the world,

Is hearing hateful words from the same person you once loved.