Khamoshiyan aawaz hain

Tum sunne toh aao kabhi

Chu kar tumhe, khill jayengi

Ghar inko bulaoo kabhi

Bekaraar hain, baat kehne ko

Kehne toh inko zaraaa..

Khamoshiyan...teri meri khamoshiyan

Four days before Pooja's birthday

Aditya's POV

My hands tightened around her waist as I pulled her closer to me, her back pressed flush against my chest and her hand on my elbow as she slept peacefully.

I had just half woken from a deep slumber. My senses are a little bit buzzy as sleep is still clinged to my system. I nuzzled my face into her neck, trying to slip into sleep again.

The sleep which only comes when she's around me. I still remember I had never slept more than two hours since I was 12. But when she came into my life everyone changed.

I'm changed. I can't tell how much, but I have changed a lot-I feel it. Every day, every moment and every second she's near me.

I never cared to come home early, and indulged myself in work because home wasn't home back then. It was just four walls that hid you from the world. But now the same four walls feel like a home-because my moon is there, waiting for me.

She was my peace, I knew it for a long time.

But now, she's my home. And slowly she's becoming my everything.

Despite the fact that I'm trying to stay away from her.

But I still want to hate her. Because I can't lo-

My mind blurred with thoughts and soon I slipped into slumber again. I was peacefully sleeping, her arms were around me and my face tugged into her neck.

It felt like a few minutes had passed or maybe many hours, I can't tell exactly. I felt her stirring in my arms before she suddenly sat up straight.

"Moon?", she remained silent, I tried pulling her back to lay but she resisted.

"Aditya", she called softly. My eyes fluttered slightly as I sat up beside her. Her hair was covering her face completely and messily. I moved my hand to move them aside, but-

She suddenly looked up towards the wall behind me, her face still covered with her hair. I slowly turned to face the wall and just then

A sharp pain hits my ass and suddenly I'm being thrown on the floor. A groan left my lips as I fell on my backside and the pain is just so bad.

Did she just kick me on my ass from the bed?

Yes she did.

I turned still sitting down to face her, "Moon-

But before I could even see her, I felt my hair getting grabbed into a tight first and head jerked with a force that made me groan in pain.

"Don't touch me. Only my husband can touch me". She barked on my face and silently went back to the bed. And all the while the hair was infront of her face like a veil.

I gulped slowly standing and walking closer to her. "Moon, are -", I extended my hand to touch her shoulder but she again kicked me on my stomach making me stumble back on the floor.

Arggh !

Kis chakki ka atta khaati hai yeh.

(Which brand of wheat does she eats)

Holding my stomach, I again walked towards the bed but she crawled to the end of bed and slapped me hardly across the face and kicked my thighs.

I fell to my knees and quickly crawled back until my back met the wall.

Holding my cheek, i winced as my body throbbed with pain. Never in my life before, I had wanted to cry this badly.

I looked up silently praying to God.

Can I please forget everything and cry like a baby?.

She really hit me hard.

I didn't dare to glance up at her, I pouted looking down. Nahi mai nahi dekhunga.

I rubbed my hand on my ass to lessen the pain.

Koi itna maarta hai apne pati ko?.

(Does anyone beat their husband so much?)

"Adityaaa", she softly cooed but I didn't dare to see her. What if she beats me again?. And this time , Mai sach me roo dunga.

I screamed when she was just in front of me with her hair all over her face and her hands cupping my face, "Mere Aditya".

"Door kyun baithe hai aap?".

(Why are you sitting away)

She titled her head side by side, and I started crying dramatically. Is she possessed?. Koi bhoot voot hai kya iske andar?

(Is there any ghost inside her)

I closed my eyes and a few minutes later, there were no sounds. When I opened my eyes, she was again sleeping peacefully on the bed and murmuring softly, "Adi. Come here".

I slowly stood up, slowly walking towards her bed. Yes her bed, because there's no way I'-I'm sleeping beside her. Not at least tonight.

Quickly taking my side pillow I went to the side couch and laid on it. My eyes fell on the clock, and it was exactly 3 am.

Closing my eyes quickly I tried drifting to sleep and soon I fell asleep again. Maybe because of the pain. And the irony that the pain given by her is healing too.

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.

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"Adi", a soft voice whispered into my ears stirring me awake from my sleep.

I groaned turning to the other side, so the voice was behind me. But it came again and my eyes opened to see my wife standing in front of me.

I flinched when she moved her hand towards me, her eyes widened before she settled on my lap as there wasn't much space in the couch.

"What happened?", she asked with concern.

I closed my eyes exhaling, calming my heartbeat before seeing her again.

She pouted and laid on top of me before curling on my side. She draped the blanket on us she probably got with her.

"Why didn't you sleep in bed?", she whispered on my chest sleepily. I chuckled at my mixed emotions, I was really scared of her last night.

But damn my woman has some skills.

Pecking her forehead, I just hugged her while she drifted to sleep again.

"Moon, I have to go to work", I half heartily said though my hands tightened around her, settling her steadily. "Just a few minutes please".

"Hmm", I pecked over her hair and didn't know when I slept again.

Author's POV

Italy.

7: 30 am.

"Where are you going?", Pooja sat on the couch, her eyes moving with every moment of Aditya.

He was setting his hair and then spraying the scent on his clothes. Pooja's lips formed a pout as she squinted her eyes on her husband thinking, "Mere samne toh itna taiyaar nahi hote yeh. Ab dekho hero ki tarah ready ho rahe hain".

"I have a lot of meetings today, maybe it'll be late at night when I'll be back", Aditya said throwing a glance at her and again focusing on his dressing.

"Will there be a lot of girls?", Pooja stood and walked to him standing between him and the mirror.

He looked at her confused, "No , only men mostly".

"Then why are you getting ready ?", she interrogated with her hands on her waist. He chuckled taking a step back and taking his blazer from the bed, "Moon. What do you mean by that?".

"If there will be just men, what's the point of getting ready?".

He took a few steps to her while she stepped back until her back hit the mirror. Aditya placed his hand beside her head leaning, "So you mean I should get ready if there'll be girls in meetings?".

She glared at him, her nails digging in her own skin with the urge to scratch his handsome face, "Don't you dare".

"I'll never dare. Trust me", he chuckled taking a step back, a soft smile on his face as he stared at his reflection behind her in the mirror while doing his tie.

She stepped in front, taking the time from his hand and tying it around his neck. She deliberately leans forward more than needed, while her fingers brush against his skin of neck teasingly.

Aditya clicks his tongue against his cheek, tipping his head back giving her more space. She smiled shyly leaning and pressing a kiss against his nape just above the collar of the shirt.

Her lipstick mark was left on his skin. She then innocently smiled stepping away as if she didn't leave a mark of hers on him. She thought he didn't notice it. Meanwhile he chuckled because he could see it from the mirror.

"Moon, can you bring a glass of water for me?", He suddenly requested making her look at him confused. She nodded before walking out of the room.

He quickly moved closer to the dresser and his fingers searched through her things for one of her lipsticks. Taking one he slid it into his pocket before moving away.

"Here", she handed him, he took the glass but instead of drinking it, he brought it close to her lips. She stared at him being confused, but however took a small sip.

Aditya brought the glass to his lips and drank from the same side from hers. Keeping the glass aside, he cupped her face and kissed her forehead.

"We'll have to attend a party Tomorrow ", He informed and Pooja's face drained of colour. She knew he had a party to attend but thought he wouldn't take her along.

She lightly nodded, her mind already spiralling from thoughts. He pecked her forehead for the last time before leaving the room.

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.

.

"Agastya, you here?", Aditya asked as he opened the passenger seat before sliding inside.

"Vyom had some work, so instead of him I'll assist you boss", He started the car driving it towards the company.

"Boss mai hoon ya tum log. Jab chahe aate jate rehte ho", Aditya muttered under his breath, frustrated. But then he felt the lipstick in his pocket he stole from his wife. He smiled taking it out, and opened the front mirror of the passenger seat.

"What are you doing, boss?", Agastya asked confused , failing to keep concentration on the road because of Aditya.

"Just drive, Agastya".

"Ok boss".

He opened the lipstick and carefully applied it on the mark of her lips. He made the stain mark dark, and when he was satisfied he kept the lipstick in his front pocket near his chest.

Aditya smiled seeing his art or his wife's art leaning in the seat and admiring it on the mirror.

Agastya's face twisted with cringe as he looked ahead afraid of the man beside him. He knew better than to comment on his acts. Sighing heavily he muttered under his breath

"Ekta Kapoor ki naagin ne itne roop nahi badle honge jitne hamare boss ek din me badalte hain".

(Ekta Kapoor's Naagin would not have changed as many forms as our boss change moods in a day.")

He silently looked up in the sky as if praying, "Agar pyar aisa hai, toh mujhe kabhi pyar mat Dene".

(If love is like this, then don't ever give me love)

"Kuch bola tumne", Aditya turned towards him.

(Did you say somethin

"No, boss. You are looking handsome", Aditya glared at him and he looked down at his phone, but then again he turned to the mirror, this time admiring his face.

He caressed his jaw looking at him properly, "Handsome toh me bachpan se hi tha".

( I was handsome from childhood)

"Kuch kaha boss aapne?".

(Did you say something)

"No. You are looking handsome too". He quickly said whatever came to his mind.

"Bas kabhi guroor nahi kiya boss", he replied only to get a death glare from Aditya, "Focus on driving".

(I never felt proud, boss)

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Marseille, France.

"Sir, this is your schedule of the day", Aakriti presented the documents on Arjun's table. She had joined the company the previous day after their deal.

She had been thinking, she won. But only if she knew that she had dug her own grave.

Arjun who was lost in his thoughts, finally looked up when she entered the room. A smile crept on his lips instinctively as he focused on her while she explained the schedule. A few minutes passed, and she closed the file with a sigh after being completed explaining to him.

"Can you tell me once more, miss Aakriti?", He said in a soft voice making her shocked at him. She never thought he could talk about this normally, and especially to her.

She nodded and started again. His focus was still on her, he couldn't hear a single word she was saying but just stared at her, wondering how beautiful a person can be?.

"Sir?"

"Hmm?"

"Is there anything you want sir?".

"Hmm", he just looked at her while keeping his head in his hands lost in thoughts.

"What?".

"You". He blurted out mindlessly.

"Huh?", He choked on air when he realised what he was doing and quickly straightened his shirt before sitting upright.

"I mean, you -you have to attend a party with me. Tommorow".

"Me?", She pointed at herself questioning.

"Do you see anyone here in Aakriti?" He taunted making her eyes squint but she bit her lip control herself to not burst on him.

He could talk a little gently with her, but no he's a bastard. She thought.

"It's in Italy, we have to leave tonight. You can rest all morning tomorrow and the party will be in the evening?", He explained everything while trying to indulge himself in work and trying not to stare at her longer than needed.

"I have to stay overnight with you?", Her eyes widened as she said. She kept her hand on her mouth, as if even considering it is a sin.

Arjun's eyes widened as he stared at her blankly. He moved his chair back, trying to study her properly.

"Why ? Is it a problem for you?", he asked suddenly, concerned that he was troubling his precious. She dropped the papers on the desk, and sat on the chair and moved in front of him.

"Sir, we", she moved her fingers between them, "you mean just you and me?".

He squinted his eyes in confusion, "Yes ".

"We will be alone? Like all night?".

"Yes".

Arjun closed his eyes and exhaled before standing up, "it's okay. I'll ask someone else to come with me. You don't have to worry-

"What the hell?", she stood up quickly.

"I will come with you. Did you forget our contract. And what did you think, that you can go with other women. No chance. I did mention this clause in the contract, that you can't cheat on me-".

"Miss aakriti", Arjun yelled making her stop in mid-rant.

"I'm sorry", he apologized for raising his voice on her. "But I meant that if you have any trust problems with me, you don't have to take risks. That's it-"

She walked towards him standing just a foot away, "kya baat kar rahe hain aap, sir?. Trust issue ? mujhe? Aur aapse?".

"Really?", she burst into laughter at his words. Her eyes watered due to the laughter bubbling inside her.

"Trust issue to aapko hona chahiye. Because-", she stepped closer. Their chest just inches away as she slowly whispered in his ear leaning closer, "nazar toh meri gandi hai aap par".

(My eyes are dirty on you)

Aakriti winked at him, grabbing her papers and she walked out of his cabin but not before blowing him a flying kiss.

His mouth hung open as he kept staring at her fading figure. She always finds a way to surprise him.

He held his head, rubbing it. Just then the door opened, "By the way. When do we have to leave?".

She asked with an innocent smile, he couldn't help but look at her and answer softly, "Evening ".

"Done ". She waved closing the door behind her.

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Jaipur,

Suryavanshi palace.

The palace was decorated, Fully dressed as a bride. Abhishek wasn't in the palace from last night. He had been out of the house from the time he warned his grandmother about marrying Mishti.

Taking his absence as an advantage, his grandmother was planning something. Something to keep Abhishek away from Mishti.

So she was setting up his marriage with the neighbouring kingdom princess. The one he was supposed to marry for the alliance between the states and business. She knew Abhishek wouldn't listen to her or anyone, but he can't do anything if the media and people are in front of him.

He would have no choice but to bend to her will.

But only she really realised the depth of his Obsession. But soon she'll witness it.

Mishti's POV

"This dress and jewellery is for you. Badi Rani-sa had personally sent them for you", The attendant said placing the plates containing heavy royal dresses and jewellery.

"Why?", The word slipped out of my mouth even before I could stop it. Though I knew the reason for the decorations and celebrations going in this palace and yet I wanted to hear it from her mouth to confirm it.

"Today is Rana-sa's engagement with Ajmer's princess", She happily confessed and walked out of the room like she hadn't dropped the most shocking sentence of my life.

No, Mishti. You shouldn't think this. You should be happy that finally he'll move on from you.

Yes. I'm happy for him.

I sat on my bed, my eyes tracing the heavy blue green lehenge his grandmother sent me. It's so beautiful.

If I had been old Mishti, I would have jumped with happiness getting this dress. Wear it and feel like a princess from heaven . Even take pictures and send them to pooja .

But currently I don't feel anything. I should have felt happy.

But then why do my heart ache?

With the thought that I have to stand there all dressed and see him getting engaged to someone else.

This is what I wanted to happen. Just not with me here. But even if I'm here, I had wanted this.

And when it's finally happening, why am I not happy?.

Why do I feel this type of pain in my chest?.

Like I'm losing something.

Closing my eyes, I stood up and walked to my closet. The same closet that doesn't even belong to me, and yet it was filled with my clothes.

Not the clothes I bought for myself, the clothes he bought for me. And I don't know why I accepted them as if it's second nature.

Maybe because he gave them silently, without a word. Without a glance.

Just silence.

He didn't give them himself. No, he didn't even make others give them. He just kept them here before I was here.

Like he knew I'll come here, like it'll belong to me.

He gave me everything with silence.

And that silence always speaks to me louder than the words ever could.

From my childhood, I never saw him talking much. Not even to me. He was always silent, conserved and composed in himself.

Though I had meant him just twice during my childhood, he was just scary, yet intriguing for me.

And after that we never met. No family meets, no dinners nothing.

I was just four, the last time I saw him. And after that I saw him four years later.

On my eighth birthday. With a gift that shook the life out of my soul.

From that day, I'm trapped in his Obsession. It's like I feel him even when he's not near me. And somewhere I know my feelings are not wrong.

My hands moved through the clothes, finding my clothes which I actually own and bought here. Taking them out, I started packing my suitcase.

Because soon he'll come and announce anytime that I should go from here.

And I should really go from here. It's the best for us.

Packing my bags, I went to the bathroom to take a warm bath. After completing it, I came out wearing a soft floral chudidaar. Standing in front of the mirror, my hands moved through my hairs to dry them.

But my eyes widened, when I met a pair of eyes in the mirror.

Turning around quickly, I grabbed my duppata pulling it over my head, "Aap ?".

It was his grandmother.

"Aapne apne saman band liya?", she looked at the suitcase I kept near my bed. I gulped when she looked at me and walked in front of me.

"Accha kiya. Aapko aapki jagah bohot jaldi hi Jana hoga", She said, her eyes fixed on me like an invigilator has his eyes on the student.

I respect this woman, but I'm so afraid of her. Maybe Even more than him.

She looked around my room, taking in everything before she walked and sat on the couch. "Yahan aaiye".

She commanded, but my feet froze in terror before I forced them to move. My legs shook as I walked to her. "Bathiye".

I stared at my fingers fumbling with my dress, where was i supposed to sit?

Beside her, no. She's older and she's queen.

Then down? Maybe yes. Because she doesn't even like me.

I moved to sit down near her couch, careful not to touch her and anything else. But before I could bend down, her voice cut through the air, sharply this time.

"Upar bathiye".

I flinched a little before sitting on the adjacent seat like a scared kitten.

"I want you to leave right after this engagement ends. Is that clear?", I nodded before she finished her sentence. My eyes fixed on my lap.

"I'll arrange the driver. And don't worry this time he will not stop you", she stood up and turned away to leave.

I should have felt relief when she said he wouldn't stop me, but instead my heart clenched.

Maybe this was the end. His obsession ends here.

________

To be continued