So I completed 20k views today. Thank you to all the reader silent or otherwise for showing their love to this fanfiction. It really means a lot.❤️❤️

The golden white rays of mid-day sun crept through the window and made Vikram stir in his sleep. Not wanting to wake up on a Sunday morning after a tiring week, he pulled the duvet over his head and drifted off to sleep again but was disturbed by the buzzing on his phone.

Not again....

He groaned in irritation.

Half- conscious, he wriggled his arm free and slapped at the bedside table searching for his phone as its relentless ring burrowed into his brain.

As his hands touched something cold and familiar, he picked it up and brought it to his ears.

Hello...

He answered in his sleep but as soon as the person on the other side spoke up.....he woke up with a jolt and sat straight on his bed.

Vikram:- Where the hell on Earth are you?

He asked shocked hearing the person on the other side of the phone.

As the voice answered, he got more baffled and tried to ask but was interrupted in the middle.

Vikram:- But you...

The conversation continued and all his doubts were addressed one by one making him beam with happiness.

Vikram:- I will see you tomorrow.

Saying this, he ended the call and went into the hall looking for Rittika.

Vikram:- Ritu....

He called out entering the hall and found Rittika curled up on the couch with a book.

Vikram:- Ritu....

He called again and she sat up hearing his voice.

Rittika:- Why did you wake up?

She asked walking upto him.

Vikram:- What do you mean?.....It's eleven already....you should have woken me up long ago...

He said looking at the clock.

Rittika:- I thought you might be tired...after the week you had...

She smiled folding her hands across her chest.

Vikram:- I was...but...

He stopped and moved a little bit closer to her.

Rittika:- But?

She raised her eyebrows in question.

He pulled her by her arms into his and whispered...

Vikram:- But I am not anymore...

He remarked in a suggestive tone and she turned red in face realising what he is upto.

It has been a week since they haven't had a proper conversation with each other. Vikram hadn't come home for two to three nights in a row or had come late after Rittika was asleep. Anupama's case had kept him occupied the entire week and Rittika tried to be understanding and didn't bother him much knowing well that he isn't gonna rest until he proves his friend's innocence.

After a tiring week, they were getting some time off with each other and she wanted to make the most of it.

Looping her arms around his neck, she asked.....

Rittika:- What got you in such a good mood?

Vikram:- My beautiful wife....

He replied with a smirk pulling her closer by her waist so there is no gap left between them.

Rittika:- Really?

She asked planting a kiss on his cheeks.

Vikram:- Really.

He replied burrying his face in her neck as he inhaled her scent finally feeling at home and she tightened her grip embracing him into a hug.

He might not have expressed it but he had missed her too. Working for the entire week in a stretch and not being able to see her made him anxious and stressed but he had kept it together for his friends who needed him more at the time. It was a tough week for him and he wanted her to be by his side and she was in her own way.

A few years ago, Rittika might not have been this supportive of him slaving at work for his friends but over the years, she has come to terms with the fact that this is who Vikram is and he will always be there for his friends no matter what.

So she had tried to be more accepting of his nature and his friends and in the process had built relations of her own.

Although she has her moments and break downs but she does try to understand Vikram's point of view and for this he was proud of her.

A few moments later, she slowly pulled out a little from the hug and bringing her lips close to his ears, she asked in a husky whisper.....

Rittika:- So what do you have in mind for today....dear Hubby?

Feeling her hot breath against his skin made him aware of her intentions.

He pulled back from the hug and turned her around to pull her closer making her back crash into his chest.

Vikram:- You really wanna know?

He asked in a hoarse tone and she took a gulp as his warm breath caressed her ears.

Rittika:- Hmm...

She breathed.

Vikram:- Are you sure...

He said nuzzling into the crook of her neck and the tingling sensation melted her into a puddle.

Vikram:- I..

He breathed pressing his lips against her skin and she let out a sigh of pleasure.

Looking at her all flushed, a mischievous smile appeared on his face on having accomplished what he wanted to.

Vikram:- I am going shopping with Anuj and Devika.

He stated in an instant pulling back from the hug while Rittika still stood dazed at her place.

Rittika:- WHAT ?

She groaned in irritation as the words registered in her brain.

Rittika:- What did you just say?

She questioned turning around to face him.

Vikram:- I...I...

He stuttered as she glared at him making him realise that teasing her was perhaps not such a good idea as it seemed a few minutes ago.

Vikram:- Are mai tumhe batana hi bhool gaya....Anuj ka call aaya tha....he is not going back anymore...good na?

He broke out the news trying to lighten her mood but she was still vexed at him.

Rittika:- Do you really think I care about Anuj right now?

She said as she strode ahead towards him and he took a few steps back looking at the displeasure on her face.

Vikram:- Ritu....wo mai bas mazak kar rha tha yrr....

He gulped as she came closer while Rittika looked at him in annoyance and moved past him to go into the kitchen.

Are yrr....tu kyu karta hai aisii stupid harkate....aab naraz ho gayi na wo...

He reprimanded himself and sighed looking at her retreating figure.

Chalo lag jaoo kaam pe...ho gaya Sunday ka kaam tamam....

He thought to himself and followed her into the kitchen.

Vikram:- Yrr Ritu....listen na baby...

He said as he walked into the kitchen.

Rittika:- Mujhe kuch nhi sunna....just go away....

She stated trying to avoid him.

Vikram:- Mai mazak kar rha tha....tum naraz kyu ho rhi ho yrr....

He explained trying to engulf her in a hug but she escaped to the bedroom and he followed her.

Rittika:- Mai kyu naraz houngi?...yeh to bahut normal si baat hai na ki....tumne ek hafte se mujhe apni shakal tak nhi dikhayi hai na mujhse dhang se baat ki hai.....what's the big deal?....right.

She stated in a sarcastic tone as she opened the cupboard to take out some clothes.

Vikram:- Baby meri baat to suno...

He tried to pacify her but she snapped at him.

Rittika:- Are tum mujhe explain kyu kar rhe ho....I completely understand Vicky....ki mujhse zada important tumahre liye apne dosto ke saath shopping jana hai right?

She sneered throwing the clothes on the bed.

Rittika:- Mai kaun hoo?....who am I?...ek hafte intezaar kiya hai tumhe dhang se dekhne ke liye....ek saal aur intezaar kar lungi tumse baat karne ke liye....u don't worry....tum apne dosto ke saath shopping jaoo.... okay?

She added in exasperation and was about to leave the room when Vikram pulled and hugged her from the back.

Rittika:- Vikram....chodo mujhe...

She said trying to get out of his grip.

Vikram:- Nhi chodunga...

She turned her around to face him still holding her close by her waist.

Rittika:- Kya hai?

She vexed at him while he grinned seeing her try her best to remain angry.

Vikram:- Ritu...look at me...

He turned her face towards him and apologised.

Vikram:- I am sorry...mai bas mazak kar rha tha yrr....mai khi nhi jaa rha hoo...infact Anuj aur Devika ne call kiya tha but maine mana kar diya...

Rittika:- Kyu?

She asked still not looking at him.

Vikram:- Because I wanna spend my day with you stupid...

Saying this, he tucked a few strands of hair falling on her face behind her ear.

Rittika:- You know....calling me stupid is really not making your case....

She complained with her face scrunched up in annoyance.

Vikram:- Accha fine baba...but trust me I was not going anywhere...if you don't believe me....mai Anuj ko call krta hoo...you can ask him....

He was about to go and get his phone but Rittika held his hand and nodded in a no.

Taking the cue, he moved towards her and held her hand in his and said...

Vikram:- I am sorry....I shouldn't have teased you....

Rittika :- Sorry I snapped at you...

Both apologized to each other and Vikram pulled her into a hug.

Rittika:- I just hadn't seen you for a week... and...

She tried to justify her behaviour but Vikram sushed her.

Vikram:- You don't have to explain....I know I haven't been around lately....and I am sorry for that...you know I needed to be there for....

He tried to explain the situation at the office but Rittika cut him off saying...

Rittika:- I know....

Vikram:- Thank you.....thank you for being so patient all these days...

He tightened the hug as she snuggled into him more.

Rittika:- Sirf thank you se kaam nhi chalega....you will have to do something to compensate for the missed time...

She added pulling back from the hug and Vikram grinned at her statement.

Vikram:- Okay mam....tell me....what do you want me to do and I will do that.

He said bowing in her service.

Rittika:- Why don't we start with some lunch?

She suggested and Vikram agreed.

Vikram:- Sure....I will fresh n up...then saath me banate hai....

He said and turned to go into the washroom when Rittika called out to him.

Rittika:- hey....

Vikram:- Yeah....

He looked at her in anticipation.

Rittika:- In the hall....did you just say Anuj isn't going back anymore?

She asked recalling his words.

Vikram:- Haan....uska bas abhi phone aaya tha....he is not going back....infact GK will also be here by midnight.

He replied explaining the phone call he got earlier and Rittika was surprised.

Rittika:- How did this happen?....the day before yesterday he was not even ready to listen to me and now all of a sudden....he changed his mind..

She asked perplexed and he replied with a smirk.

Vikram:- I don't know....maybe he didn't want to go back....after last night.

Rittika:- Last night....aisa kya ho gaya?

She wondered and Vikram told her all about the events of the party.

Vikram:- Anuj met Anupama....and I guess that changed his mind.

He added.

Rittika:- Really?

Vikram:- I believe so...

He shrugged his shoulders and Rittika wondered if it was not Anupama but Vanraj who changed Anuj's mind.

Rittika:- Vikram...

She let out a sigh before continuing....

Rittika:- Since Anuj yha ruk rha hai...I need to give you a heads up.

Vikram:- About what?

He asked confused and Rittika let it out at once.

Rittika:- He knows about Vanraj and me and he is a bit upset.

Vikram:- How?

Rittika:- I kinda told him...

She replied with hesitation.

Vikram:- Rittika but kyu kiya tumne yeh....

He knew Anuj is very sensitive when it comes to Anupama and thought telling him this might turn out to be a mistake.

Rittika:- Because I don't trust Vanraj....mujhe laga after this fiasco.....he will try to bother Anupama and Anuj needs to be here if something goes wrong...

She explained trying to defend her action and Vikram smiled realising that his wife did this for a person she has not been very fond of in the past few years.

Vikram:- So you do care about Anupama?

He looked at her with a grin on his face and she was annoyed.

Rittika:- I don't.....I just don't like Vanraj getting his way all the time.

She tried to mask her intentions behind the gesture with her hatred for Vanraj.

Vikram:- Don't worry....I will talk to Anuj...he will come around soon.

Saying this he wrapped Rittika in a hug and both stayed there for a while.

It was around 8 at night in Ahemdabad and the Shah House was in complete silence. Toshu was out with Kinjal while Pakhi was in her room. Baa and Bapuji too retired early for the night.

The only person still awake was Kavya who was sitting on Baa's swing waiting for Vanraj and thinking about what Baa said earlier.

Aaj V se baat karni hi padegi...chahe kuch bhi ho jaye...mai aur intezaar nhi kar sakti...

She thought to herself with her eyes fixed at the door.

Kavya :- Kha the tum?

She asked as soon as Vanraj entered the house.

Vanraj:- Tum se matalab?

He rebuffed her question and went towards his room.

Kavya:- Mujhe nhi matlab hoga to aur kise hoga V...

She said as she followed him into the room.

Vanraj:- Kavya...mai abhi abhi aaya hoo... already stressed hoo....mera aur dimag mat khao please....

He told her to stop bothering him but she didn't listen.

Kavya:- Mai tumahra dimag kha rhi hoo.... seriously?

She sighed in irritation and continued...

Kavya:- Aur yha jo tumne mujhe kal raat se stress deke rakkha hai...wo nhi dikh rha tumhe....

Vanraj:- Just Shut Up Kavya...

He yelled and went to the cupboard to take out his night clothes.

Kavya:- I won't......ek to tumne kal raat restaurant me itna bada tamasha khada kar diya....

She reminded him of the drama he created last night but before she could finish...Vanraj interrupted.

Vanraj:- Maine koi tamasha khada nhi kiya......tamasha us Anupama aur Anuj Kapadia ne khada kiya tha...

He stated in vexation.

Kavya:- Oh come on V....kab tak apni galtiyo ke liye dusro ko blame karoge.....sab tumahri galti hai.....tumahri wajah se humari job chali gayi....humari itni insult hui sabke samne....wha kami reh gayi thi thodi jo tumne kal party me puri kar di.....tumahri wajah se V.....tumahri wajah se hume wha se bhi dhakke mar kar nikal diya gaya....aur now just because of you...our lawyer has refused to take our case.

She reprimanded him for his behaviour these days and blamed him for all that is happening to them.

Vanraj was furious hearing Kavya blame him as if she had nothing to do with it and it reminded him of all those times he had done the same with Anupama. The reminder infuriated him more than he already was and he turned towards Kavya to give her a piece of his mind.

Vanraj:- How dare you?....tumahri himmat kaise hui mujhe blame karne ki...

He stated in a cold voice that used to petrify Anupama but Kavya seemed to be least bothered by it.

Kavya:- Tum mujhe aadhi raat ko raaste me akela chodne ki himmat kar sakte ho.....aur mai tumhe blame bhi nhi kar sakti...like really......Vanraj.

She chided him for leaving her alone at night and this made Vanraj loose his temper.

Vanraj:- KAVYA...

He screamed at the top of his voice to show his dominance but was met by the same intensity from her.

Kavya:- VANRAJ....

Both looked at each other in agitation as if they would kill one another right there when Kavya remembered Baa's words.

She realised getting Vanraj all worked up is no way to rectify the situation. She needs to deal with him with patience and care otherwise things might go completely wrong.

She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and spoke...

Kavya:- V....dekho....yeh gussa hone ka wakt nhi hai....we are in a mess and to come out of it...we need to work together....please apna yeh gussa side me rakh ke.....ek baar meri baat sun lo...

Her words got to him and he was reminded of the problem they are in. Finding some sense in her words, Vanraj burried down his anger.

Vanraj:- Theek hai bolo...

He stated in a calm voice.

Kavya:- Dekho V....let's be realistic....court case ki date bahut nazdeek aa rhi hai aur itni jaldi kisi acche lawyer ka milna impossible hai...

She stated her concern and Vanraj tried to address it.

Vanraj:- I know Kavya...but mai kosis kar rha hoo na...hume koi lawyer jald hi mil jayega....

Kavya:- Khi tab tak der na ho jaye V....mujhe lagta hai....filhal humare pass best option yhi hai ki Anuj Kapadia apna decision change kar de....

She stated casually as if Anuj was their friend.

Vanraj:- To tum kya chahti ho Kavya....mai....Vanraj Shah....uske samne jaake maafi mangu....

He said getting the cue Kavya was hinting at.

Kavya:- Maine aisa kab kha V....aur agar tum maang bhi loge tab bhi wo tumhe kabhi maaf nhi karega kal ke tamashe ke baad....

She reminded him of the party again and Vanraj was irked this time.

Vanraj:- Tum kal ki baat karna band karogi....aur jo bhi bolna hai seedhe seedhe bolo....yeh ghuma fira ke baatein mat karo....

He said with an annoyed look on his face.

Kavya:- Fine....mera matlab tha ki....hum Anuj Kapadia ka decision nhi change kar sakte to kya hua....Anupama to kar sakti hai....

She stated plainly without mincing her words.

Vanraj:- Anupama kaise uska decision change karegi?

He asked perplexed.

Kavya:- Are kyu nhi kar payegi....tumne hi to kal kaha tha ki Anupama aur Anuj ke beech me college me kuch tha....

He reiterated Vanraj's words from the party.

Vanraj:- Aisa kuch bhi nhi hai Kavya....wo maine bas gusse me keh diya tha....wo sirf Anupama ka classmate tha aur kuch nhi...

He clarified clearing Kavya's doubt but she rebuffed his statement.

Kavya:- Really V....agar tumhe aisa lagta hai....to tumse bada bewakoof koi ho hi nhi sakta....

Vanraj:- Maine kha na....un dono ke beech kuch nhi hai....aur na kuch ho sakta hai...

He stated again in a stern voice trying to convince Kavya that there is nothing going on between Anuj and Anupama but it looked more like he was trying to convince himself.

Kavya :- Fine....theek hai....jo bhi hai...lekin wo dono abhi dost to hai na....aur agar itna bada aadmi Anupama ka dost hai to kya Anupama apni family ki help karne ke liye usse request nhi kar sakti...

She moved on getting to the point but her statement annoyed Vanraj even more.