As usual Aarav was on time to pick Pooja from her college. It's almost the end of her college year now. After a month of casual dating, their bond is a little more strong. Initially it was a shock for Pooja when Aarav spoke out his interest in her. She ignored him for first few days, but when he stopped courting her completely, her resolve died down and she called him asking for a date. He was over the moon. He never thought the stupid idea given by his friends will work. But it did and directly earned him a date with her. Neither of them has made anyone of their family aware of this secret dating. She wanted to keep it hidden and he found himself obliging with her demand. He always finds himself doing that.

Aarav was enamored by her to say the least. The feelings came, and came like an untamable storm. He couldn't fight them. He was attracted, and he realized it almost immediately. He wanted her, and he started courting her without wasting a single minute. She snatched a spot in his heart and right now owns the most of it. But, silly her is still unaware of the fact that she has one of the Raichand dancing on her pinky finger.

She's not simple like her sister. Pooja is more outgoing, extrovert, more ambitious and definitely more career oriented. She didn't took the Masters degree for fun. Her only aim is to live life to it's fullest. And that includes money. A lot. But she believes to earn and waste. She doesn't need a man to pay for her, and she definitely has made Aarav familiar with her this fierce trait.

To it's contrast, Aarav is more keeping to himself type guy. He doesn't entertain crowd, he hates clubs, and is affected with the smallest of things. Although he won't ever show this.

"Where are we going?", Pooja asked when he took a different route than usual.

"You'll see.", Aarav answered shortly. Just like his brother, he was a man of few but strongly imposing words.

The car eventually halted before a jewelry shop. In the car park, he opened door for her like he usually do, and guided her inside the extravagant shop. Pooja, as always, stood still for a moment to scan the luxury around her.

"Why are we here?", She asked in a whisper, although she was quite pleased with the interiors that shone like newly polished diamond.

"Come. I'll tell you.", He said placing his palm on the small of her back and both of them approached the awaiting sales girl behind the glass counter.

"Namaste! My name is Asha and I'll be assisting you today. How may I help you?", The sales girl, cladded in a beautiful cotton brown saree said with a smile on her face. It looked genuine and not forced. She seems to be enjoying her job, Pooja thought.

"We would like to see some rings.", Aarav said, she assessed Pooja for a moment before nodding and turning around towards the glass shelf.

"Rings? What for?", Pooja turned slightly on her spot to face him.

"I just need it for someone. Choose one of it for me.", He said as he brushed her hair behind her shoulder. Her neckline is one of her body part that he likes and admires, it is slender and gently accentuated like a swan.

"You want to gift it to someone?", She asked pursuing her lips. His eyes zeroed on her tempting juicy lips and he nodded, slightly distracted.

"These are some beautiful options for you, Ma'am.", Asha said sliding a tray embedded with different rings.

"Uhm, no. It's not for me.", Pooja chuckled. "Who is it for?", She asked eyeing him.

"Just someone I want to give it.", He mumbled.

"Are you cheating on me? Don't tell me you brought your current girlfriend to choose ring for your future girlfriend.", She placed her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes at him in a playful manner.

His thumb stroked her cheek, thus relaxing her from her strict posture. "You're the one for me.", He softly murmured.

Asha awed at the sight.

"Fine. I believe you.", She spoke, as if giving him a benefit of doubt. "Show me.", She said with an excitement laced smile as she pulled the rings to herself.

May be he wants to buy it for his mother? Or Ahana?

"Does she like expensive things or normal stuff?", She questioned without looking at him.

Aarav stood leaning his body against the glass counter, propping his elbow at the edge of it and resting slightly inclined. His feet crossing each other.

"Expensive.", He answered as his eyes stayed rooted on her.

"Hmm. Delicate or extravagant?"

"Extravagant."

"She seems like me. You're definitely buying it for Ahana! Aren't you?", She pointed her finger at him suspiciously.

He just smiled. He does it often. Even the glance at her brings smile on his face. He's that whipped.

"I knew it!", She cheered and went back to choosing the perfect ring for Ahana, as she concluded it is for.

"This one.", He looked at the ring she chose and smiled. It was like her. Bold and beautiful. A diamond studded antler and turquoise ring.

"You like it?", He asked and she nodded eagerly.

"I love it! I'll buy something like this after I get my fist salary!", She spoke out of enthusiasm. "How much is it?"

"Only 75 Lakhs, Ma'am.", The sales girl smiled.

Pooja's eyes widened to the size of tennis ball before she cleared her throat. "May be after my ten thousandth salary.", She shrugged looking at Aarav.

He chuckled at her pout.

"We'll take this.", He said to the sales girl and stood straight.

"Rich people. They buy things that we can't even touch.", She snorted and strolled towards the billing section.

"She'll be surely happy.", Asha smiled at him gesturing towards Pooja and left to deliver the ring at billing counter.

He then took her to the penthouse which was formerly in use by Kabir. But now that he's not here, it always remains shut. Gliding the key into key hole, he twisted it and unlocked the door.

"Are we doing something here?", She wiggled her brows as she strutted inside. Like said before, she's bold and outspoken.

After keeping the small bag of ring on table, he pulled her in for a fierce kiss. She gasped at first, shocked at the sudden invasion on her mouth. But the pair of lips that dived in to loot her peace, were soft and warm to ignore. His hold around her waist tightened, possessivity hinting in each of the action he showed. Her toes curled as he lifted her a little. His fingers danced along the length of her neck, treasuring the softness of her skin. She tapped on his shoulder after feeling the need of oxygen. He pulled out unwillingly. His eyes devoured her state, her swelled lips that exhaled puffs of exhausted breathe. They looked shiny after the sweet assault and he wanted to taste them again. In fact, he wanted to taste everything that she has to give.

"Let's get married.", That brought her out of the state she was pulled into. Her eyes flew opened and she looked at him in disbelief.

"What!?", She stepped back almost immediately, as if the close proximity burnt her.

"Let's get married.", He said, ignoring the slight disheartening feeling he experienced when she moved out of his embrace.

"Are you kidding me!?", She snapped.

"I'm not! I want to marry you, Pooja. We're dating for a month now! What's wrong with that?"

"What's wrong you're asking? Well let me tell you what's wrong Mr. Aarav Raichand. First of all, I'm not ready to get married at this point. I'll complete my masters in few months, and you want me to marry you and be an obedient wife?", She spat out.

"Obedient wife? Where does that come from? You don't see Bhabhi staying in house. She's going to work even when she's pregnant! Then why will I stop you from doing the same!? And frankly, you don't even need my permission! Do whatever you want to do! I just want you to be my wife! That's it.", He explained as he stepped closer to her. But her rushing back to get away, pained him.

"Getting married is not a joke! It comes with lots of responsibilities, Aarav! And I'm not up for them right now. I want to enjoy life. I want to go party, drink, travel, have fun and not be a working woman! I want to explore relationships!", She blurted out and regretted the moment his face hardened and his body grew stiff.

"Am I not enough for you!?", He growled and she flinched but stood her ground.

"I can't decide when I haven't had my fair chances in dating. I can't just get married to the first I date!", She stated crossing her arms. "And why are we even talking about this right now? It's been what? A month that we're together!", She scoffed.

"A month is enough for me."

"Of course you'll say so. It's a perfect age for you to settle down and produce kids, right? You just need a reliable manufacturer now!", Aarav was disgusted with the way she interpreted his pure feelings.

"That's what you think of me?"

"Did you Raichand brothers do anything different for me to think any highly of you!?", She grimaced.

"Don't pull Bhai into this!", He warned.

"Well I'm sorry then. You know what, I'm not the one for you. So let's just end this? That'll be much better. We're done!", She declared throwing her hands up in the air and walking out, slamming the door shut on her way.

It was more easier for her it seems. She didn't even hesitate to break the things off.

But it was impossible for him. He was involved too much, emotionally and physically. He had invested every buried feeling of his in this new and unexplored relationship and he wasn't giving up so soon.

Fishing out his phone, he dialled the one person's number who he knows will help him in every way.

"Hey, buddy! How ya'doing bro?"

"Bhai, I want to marry Pooja."

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"What!?", Kabir choked on his own spit.

"I'm serious if that's what you're doubting. I fucking want her, Bhai. Do something before I lose my mind!", He heard his brother say. Kabir couldn't think straight for a minute. How the hell did his brother decide something so out of the blue!?

"Wait a minute!", He said in a hushed voice before closing the door shut and locking it from inside. He then moved to one corner before pulling the conversation ahead. "How? Why so suddenly!?"

"We dated each other for one whole month! And when it came to marriage, she said we're done!", Aarav's voice sounded strained and heavy, as if he was holding himself back.

"A month!? When did this happen?"

"I was invited to their college for a guest lecture. And honestly, after coming back from Dehradun she was invading my thoughts more often. I don't know why but the college function was last stroke and I knew I want her. I asked her out multiple times but she kept denying. And when I stopped, she called me asking for a date.

"I- I don't know what to say.", Kabir whispered to himself.

"Bhai, I can't wait any longer. She said she wants to experience life. Well then do so! In fact I'll be there with you. But she says she wants to explore relationships! Can you believe it!? How dare she!? I mean, I can't even imagine myself with someone else. And she wants to date other men to explore!? What bullshit is this!?", He rambled on and Kabir sighed tiredly.

One problem ends and the other comes knocking on his door.

"Do you want me to talk with Rivaah?", He asked gently.

"Yes, please. Do everything but make her agree. Else if I take this in my hand, she won't like my ways!", He hissed before hanging up.

Kabir rubbed his temples in frustration. No wonder his brother has temper problems. He's a Raichand after all. It runs in the family. But unlike Kabir, he's much patient and knows how to control his anger. And he can't let Pooja tamper with that admirable trait of his.

After dinner, he went to study room. Most probably to dig in more about the recent position of cosmetic companies in foreign trade market and think about this new arised problem.

Reyansh was already asleep but Rivaah was wide awake. She continued to tap her feet impatiently against the wooden floor, waiting for a knock on her bedroom door or text message from her husband.

Didn't he say he'll make me pay tonight? Well, I'm waiting for it!

She thought with a scoff.

When her body grew more restless, she left her room and knocked on his door. After receiving no response, she peeked inside and didn't find him. Deciding to check inside study, she closed the door and headed downstairs. Rounding the staircase, she entered the room that is situated just beside his gym.

At the sudden intrusion, Kabir looked up and his eyes landed on Rivaah. She smiled softly making his heart skip a beat. It was snowing outside and the way she stood right in front of window made it look as if she has descended right from the sky to bless his existence. He ushered her close and she shook her head. Angry that he forgot about her and was working here.

Her curves drunk with mischiefs appeared like a maze to him, waiting to be explored.

"Come here.", He commanded.

"No.", She said stubbornly, crossing her arms across her chest and narrowing her eyes challengingly at him.

"You'll pay for this stubbornness."

"You're all talks!", She snorted.

"May be it's time to show you some action then?", He asked as he rose up from his seat. She stood alarmed like a deer caught by its predator, ready to escape.

"I'm waiting.", She whispered backing away as he continued further.

The night was indeed going to be a long one for them....

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