Ahana
It's been two weeks since that chaotic group shopping day... and in these two weeks, a lot has unfolded.
Firstly both of us were awkward around each other because of the disaster caused by our friends but eventually we fixed everything between us and came on good terms.
I also shifted to Aastik ji's room. Well, it took me some time to adjust with him, but in the end, it's the result that matters, right?
We've started to open up-little moments, quiet conversations. We're learning each other, piece by piece. Not completely, not yet... but perhaps a little more than yesterday, and just a little less than what tomorrow might hold.
"Sweetheart, you ready?" he called out again. Fifteen minutes had passed, and that was the fourth time he'd asked me the same question.
"Bas 5 minutes," I replied again with the same excuse.
Honestly, it's not my fault. We're going to a party, and he decided to inform me this morning. It's not like I had time to plan or prep anything.
Anyway, I'm almost done now... just the perfume.
I spritzed a little onto my neck and wrists, and smiled at my reflection-finally satisfied with how I looked.
Thank God I bought that red...no, almost wine-coloured maroon saree last time. Turned out to be the perfect choice today.
The moment I draped the saree around me, I knew I'd made the right choice.
The fabric flowed smoothly, wrapping around my body like liquid silk, rich and deep as wine. It settled gently, hugging my curves in all the right places. The deep maroon colour looked rich under the lights, and the tiny scattered stones shimmered quietly with every movement.
I carefully arranged the pleats, tucking them neatly. My waist looked eye catching and bold. The way the saree clung to me made me look beautiful, hot and confident.
The silver border of the saree added the perfect boldness. The attention-seeking part of the whole look.
The blouse was sleeveless and backless, with a soft sweetheart neckline that framed my collarbones gracefully.
And talking about makeup, I kept it a little bold - red lipstick, smokey eyes, and I let my hair flow open, soft waves falling past my shoulders, framing my face just the way I liked.
"Sweetheart, now it's too much, I'm coming inside," suddenly his voice came from outside, and the door flung open right after.
But then his voice... seemed caught in his throat the moment he saw me. His eyes darkened with each passing millisecond. From top to bottom, he was checking me out. Slowly. Intensely. Hungrily. His gaze wasn't leaving my body... or my face.
I bit my lip a little, feeling shy at his reaction, heat rising to my cheeks. But before I could say anything, he started taking slow, steady, deliberate steps towards me.
"A-Aastik ji?" I called out softly.
No response.
His eyes were stuck to my waist, completely lost, like he couldn't see anything else.
I sighed and quickly covered my waist with my pallu, and just he came back from his delulu world, blinking like he'd just snapped out of some fantasy.
In the meantime, he was already so close to me. So close, I could feel the warmth from his body.
And damn... he was looking hot.
He was dressed in all black - shirt, blazer, pants, and even his shoes too. Not a hint of colour, just pure black elegance. His hair was styled perfectly, every strand in place, making him look ridiculously handsome... dangerously tempting.
"Shouldn't we just go? You were telling me we're getting late?" I whispered.
"Hmm, but there's still a few minutes left," he murmured, his voice low and heavy.
His breath ghosted over my skin-warm, intoxicating. The air between us grew denser, electric, like it was holding its own breath. His eyes, dark and smoldering, never strayed from my mouth. Not even once. There was a hunger in his gaze that made my pulse thrum like a wild drumbeat.
And then... slowly, deliberately, he began closing the space between us.
My fingers curled into the fabric of his suit, desperate for something to hold on to as my heartbeat surged, erratic and loud in my ears.
My eyelids fluttered shut, my lips parting slightly as I leaned in, drawn by some magnetic pull I couldn't resist. Every inch of my body buzzed with anticipation.
Is this it?
Is it finally happening?
Is this the moment?
But suddenly, his phone started ringing, breaking our moment in a second.
My eyes flew open. So did his.
And the moment shattered.
I pushed him back gently with my small hands. My cheeks burned as I stepped away, putting space between us. He stayed still for a second, jaw clenched, clearly annoyed.
A low curse slipped from his lips, barely audible, before he grabbed his phone with a sharp motion.
"What?" he barked, his voice edged and impatient.
"Bro? Where are you? Everyone's waiting," Bhuvan bhaiya's voice crackled through the line.
Aastik ji exhaled slowly, eyes shut as if trying to hold back the irritation building inside him. Then, through clenched teeth, he muttered, "Okay."
Then he glanced back at me and suggested, "Shall we go now?"
I nodded and followed him, my steps shaky, my thoughts louder than ever.
What the hell was that?
My heart was still racing, my skin still tingling from how close we had been.
Why did I close my eyes like that? What was I even thinking?
A groan built in my throat as I mentally slapped my forehead.
Am I insane? Absolutely. Completely mad.
I trailed behind him, silently scolding myself, trying to make sense of the whirlwind I had just walked out of.
_______________
We entered the party hall hand in hand. The place smelled weird, too many strong perfumes mixed with alcohol, giving off those Richy-rich vibes. There was soft, humming music playing in the background.
Everyone looked so poised, draped in elegance, locked in their own curated conversations. It was my first time in a place like this.
And God, I felt out of place-awkward and stiff in my skin.
"Relax, sweetheart. I'm here... and Dhriti's around too," he said softly, leaning toward me, his voice a balm against the discomfort. "You won't feel awkward, hmm?"
I nodded, forcing a small smile, even though my heart was doing somersaults.
I can do this. I have to do this. For Aastik ji's image, his reputation. And I refused to be the reason anything went wrong.
We strode up to the host, who greeted us with genuine warmth before excusing himself to circulate among the other guests.
Then my eyes landed on Dhriti and finally.... a genuine smile spread across my face. She looked so cool in that blue saree. A literal beauty.
We made our way toward her. Avyan bhaiya was obviously there, and Bhuvan bhaiya too.
I leaned slightly toward Aastik ji and whispered, "If I were a boy, I'd have killed Avyan bhaiya for her."
He halted in his steps.
Oops.
He turned and narrowed his eyes at me, clearly unamused.
I smiled awkwardly and quickly added, "But now I'm a girl... and she's also a girl... and we got our MAN with us."
His eyes slightly widened, and he quickly turned his face to the side.
His neck was red.
Wait.
Is he... blushing?
But why?
"We got our MAN..." Oh....Acha. That's the reason. Ohh God. He's so cute.
Dhriti walked up and pulled me to her side. "Ahana, my hottie! Isn't this the saree you chose at the mall? My darling is looking so hot, huh?" she said with a wink.
I blushed at her compliment, but I could feel the heated daggers being thrown our way.
And obviously, it was none other than our dear husbands.
I know she sensed it too, but she ignored it like a pro.
"Ahana, now leave your Aastik ji for a while. They have to go and meet some of the guests. Come along with me, I'd love to introduce you to some of my friends," she said with a warm smile.
I glanced toward him. He gave me a subtle nod of agreement before turning to walk away with Bhuvan bhaiya and Avyan bhaiya.
I returned Dhriti's smile with a polite one of my own and quietly trailed behind her as she guided me toward the group of women.
We reached the place and my eyes landed on a group of ladies talking among themselves. Dhirti called them to introduce me but the moment they turned around, my smile faded slowly. My heart dropped as my eyes landed on a familiar figure. The person I least expected here.
Ishani.
"What is Ishani doing here, Dhirti?" I whispered, my eyes still fixed on her. Her gaze didn't leave mine, filled with nothing but anger.
"Sorry Ahana, I didn't know she would be here... talking to them. Let's go somewhere else," Dhirti said, sensing the sudden tension building between us.
I gave her a small nod and turned to leave, but-
"Ahana," she called out, her voice too sweet to be real. A wicked smile was plastered over her face.
I turned towards her. No Ahana, don't fall weak. Stay calm. Stay composed. You have to handle this.
I smiled at her, not bothering to reply.
"So? You came here too? It must be your first time? Tsk... Tsk..." she said, her tone dripping with mockery.
"Ishani-" Dhirti tried to interrupt, but I gently squeezed her hand and shook my head in a firm NO.
"Dhirti? You're with her too? What a bad choice, Dhirti... Well ladies, meet her," she said loudly, drawing everyone's attention, "She is Ahana... Aastik's wife."
And just like that, all eyes were on me.
Author
At the same time, frozen in shock and unsure of what to do, Dhriti's fingers trembled as she pulled out her phone and hit record.
Ahana had told her not to interfere, not to speak a word. But Dhriti knew-Aastik needed to see this. He needed to know exactly what was happening behind his back. Someone was belittling his wife, trying to tear her dignity apart right in front of everyone.
Dhriti knew exactly what kind of person Ishani was and just how far she could go. But in that moment, her worry wasn't about Ishani. It was about Ahana. How would she handle this? The storm, the stares, the silent humiliation?
Beneath Ahana's calm face, Dhriti could already sense the battle raging. And that scared her more than anything.
Everyone looked awkward, shifting their eyes uncomfortably, but Ishani cared less. Her only motive was to humiliate Ahana in front of everyone.
"Ahana? So... how does it feel to be rich now? To be Aastik's wife?" Ishani sneered, her voice laced with honeyed venom. "You know, before you, Aastik made me his partner more times than I can count. Took me to countless social events... most people assumed we were together," she added with a smug smirk, her eyes glinting with false sweetness and simmering spite.
Ahana was trying so hard to control herself. Her fists clenched, her jaw tightened and nails were digging into her palm. She took a heavy sigh and this time... she replied.
Because now she's not just Ahana.
She's Ahana Aastik Malhotra.
And this version of her will never stay quiet and let someone insult her like that.
"Well hello, Miss Ishani Roy." Her voice was steady, loud and dangerous.
Everyone's eyes fell on Ahana, but her cold, piercing eyes were fixed only on Ishani.
"Firstly, am I your friend? Your family? Your sister? Your relative? Do we share any good relations that you're calling me by my name? No right? Then remember it's MRS. MALHOTRA for you... understood?" Ahana said, taking a step closer to her.
Meanwhile, a proud smile slowly spread across Dhirti's face. What she had started recording in secret, she was now capturing openly with no hesitation. Her eyes were gleaming with pride as she filmed Ahana standing her ground, bold and unshaken. This was a moment worth keeping.
On the other hand, Ishani was taken aback by Ahana's response. She had always perceived Ahana as delicate, easy to intimidate. Clearly, she had miscalculated.
"Miss Roy, though it's my first time attending a gathering of this sort..." Ahana began, her voice cool and composed, a confident smirk tugging at her lips. Her eyes locked on Ishani before she turned slightly toward the group.
"But I do understand basic etiquette... something you seem to be severely lacking. What do you all think?"
"Absolutely," Dhriti chimed in from behind, loud and clear.
The other ladies had already started whispering among themselves, their expressions unreadable as they exchanged glances and murmured about Ishani.
"Oh, so now you're going to lecture me on manners?" Ishani snapped, her smile tight and strained, masking the agitation beneath. "What manners are you even talking about, Ahana?"
Ahana let out a soft, amused laugh. "There it is again. Ahana." She tilted her head, her tone laced with a visible challenge. "Didn't I just correct you? It's Mrs. Malhotra, Miss Roy."
"And manners? Let's start with the fact that you're shamelessly addressing my husband by his name in front of his wife. Isn't it obvious? It should be Mr. Malhotra to you."
She paused, raising a perfectly arched brow, her voice now laced with mock sympathy.
"Or... did no one ever teach you that some boundaries should never be crossed?"
"Shut up!" Ishani shouted, her voice echoed through the room.
"YOU SHUT UP!" Ahana snapped back, her voice was louder than Ishani's...and then added "And lower your voice when you're talking to me. I'm not someone who'll endure your shouting and stay silent."
She then gave a chilling smirk to Ishani and locked her eyes with her "And yeah... thank you for being my husband's social gathering partner in my absence. I'm really grateful for that," she said, sarcasm dripping from every word. "But now... his wife has arrived. So you can stop clinging to those faded memories and crying over them, Miss Roy."
She glanced around, then looked back at Ishani. "And as for all those people who thought you two were a couple, they simply misunderstood the situation. And now, it's my turn to clear that misunderstanding. To introduce myself as MRS. AHANA. AASTIK. MALHOTRA." She said taking one more step towards her.
Now, the two women stood locked in a tense face-off, eyes blazing. Ishani's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she refused to show weakness. A small, bitter laugh escaped her lips.
"Oh my... Mrs. Malhotra," she sneered. "Just look at me. I have property, wealth, and a stunning face. And you? You're just a middle-class girl-"
But Ahana cut her off without hesitation.
"Yet still, Aastik ji chose me. Not you."
Her voice was calm. Confident. And it stung.
"He loves me... not you."
Ishani found herself cornered, with no escape left. Yet she clung to defiance. "D-Do you really expect me to b-believe... he loves you?"
Ahana's smirk curled wider, as if she'd been waiting for that exact challenge. Her gaze remained locked on Ishani's, sharp and unyielding.
"Dhriti, hand me a wet tissue."
Dhriti, anticipating the moment, swiftly fetched one from the bar and offered it to Ahana.
Ahana's smirk deepened into a sly grin. With deliberate flair and exaggerated theatrics, she tossed her hair and declared, "Uff, today's so hot... and the AC's not even working properly"
She brought the tissue to her neck, gently dabbing the side.
And just like that, the concealer faded.
And a deep love bite came into view.
A chorus of gasps rippled through the room. A stifled chuckle escaped someone nearby. The room buzzed with whispers.
Right at that moment, Aastik, Bhuvan, and Avyan arrived, drawn by the sudden crowd. But they stopped in their tracks the moment they saw who was at the center of attention.
"Bro, we should stop them,"Avyan whispered urgently.
Bhuvan nodded. "Yeah, this might get ugly-"
"Wait," Aastik interrupted, his gaze fixed on Ahana.
The boys looked at him, confused.
"Look at Dhirti," Aastik said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "She's recording and smiling. That means the situation's under control...and maybe a little entertaining."
His gaze remained glued to Ahana - standing there, composed and fearless, effortlessly flaunting the very mark he had left behind. Not with shame, but with pride. With boldness.
Avyan and Bhuvan exchanged a glance, then looked back at the scene unfolding before them.
Yeah... Aastik was probably right.
"Now, Miss Roy," Ahana said, her voice was bold and confident, "shall I share our private moments with you too? And most importantly, I really don't understand! why are you so concerned about my husband's love for me?"
She paused, her eyes gleaming with sarcasm, "If I call him right now and ask him to kiss me in front of everyone... that shameless man will actually do it. Shall I prove it again?"
Even Aastik, who had been silently watching, was taken aback. Shocked but more amused than anything else.
"Now please..." Ahana continued with a venom-laced smile. "I know my husband is handsome, and yes your jealousy is practically radiating off you. But seriously, for your own dignity... move on. He's married."
She then leaned in close, just enough for only Ishani to hear.
"Or next time, I will shoot you."
No one else caught that whisper. Only Ishani. And whatever she saw in Ahana's eyes made her freeze.
Her face turned pale. She took a step back, then without another word she ran from there out of fear, out of humiliation, and out of defeat.
Ahana watched her retreating figure, then smiled to herself.
A satisfied, dangerous smile.
Then she turned back to the crowd and this time with a calm and composed voice she spoke, "I hope I didn't make anyone uncomfortable... I truly didn't mean to cause a scene. If I did, I'm genuinely sorry-"
Before she could finish, an elderly lady stepped forward. A kind smile rested on her face as she reached out and gently patted Ahana's hair. "You did nothing wrong, Mrs. Malhotra. We all know how Ishani is. You just took a stand for yourself. Don't apologize, hmm?"
Ahana's eyes lit up at her words. Her lips curved into a grateful smile.
Then she turned toward Dhirti, who was still standing there with her phone and a proud smile. "You rocked it, babe," Dhirti grinned.
"Thanks," Ahana murmured softly, her voice warm. And just like that, the tension melted into quiet laughter as the two of them started chatting casually.
The crowd slowly began to disperse, slipping back into the rhythm of the party, leaving behind the storm that had just passed.
Then suddenly, as she was speaking to Dhirti, Ahana's eyes met those familiar hazel ones, the ones that always made her heart flutter. Her Mr. Devil. Her husband. Her Aastik ji.
And just like that, all her boldness faded. Her eyes widened slightly.
He walked toward them with Bhuvan and Avyan at his side, calm yet unreadable.
Dhirti noticed them and quickly chirped, "You guys came! Wait, let me show you a video."
Without hesitation, she played the clip, the one where Ishani was insulting Ahana while she stood still, silent.
"Iss Ishani ki to-" Avyan muttered under his breath, clenching his jaw.
But then the video shifted. The moment where Ahana raised her voice. Stood up for her, Claimed her place.
All three boys fell silent watching the part with proud smiles.
Aastik's eyes never left the screen. Every second of the video, his gaze was locked on Ahana. His hands, without him even realizing, were already intertwined with hers.
And then came that line.
"He loves me... not you."
The moment it played, Aastik's head slowly turned toward her.
Ahana's eyes widened slightly, embarrassed, caught off guard by her own words.
After few minutes the video ended. Avyan and Bhuvan turned to her, with a proud brotherly smile and said
"Ahana, we're proud of you. You did exactly what needed to be done. Ishani deserved that."
Ahana smiled politely, whispering a soft thank you.
But her eyes? They were locked onto one person only. Her Aastik ji.
Aastik locked his eyes with hers, a faint smirk playing on his lips. Then he turned to the others and said casually, "Guys, we need to head out. Catch you all later."
Without giving anyone time to react, he reached for Ahana's hand and led her outside, not saying a word...
__________
Hey beautiful roses... That's all for today... Don't forget to comment down your thoughts...
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