LOVE ME IF YOU DARE

6- Married to the beast

                                                                                        Lechu's pov

My heart is racing like it's on final marathon, yes today is my marriage. Finally that day has come and I am nervous never like before. I never thought that my marriage will be like this. Whenever I dreamt of that beautiful day only very excited Lakshmi's face filled inside me. Appa will be ordering to wedding planners about every details, my sister beside me commenting about my looks. Designers and stylists all around me, my friends and I having lots of fun, house filled with so many peoples. Now all these remained as my dream itself.

I looked at my wedding dress which was spread on bed. It's beautiful...... How it can't be beautiful? Because my appa selected it. He never interfered in selecting my outfits then why he selected this alone ?

Sitting in front of the mirror to put my makeup all these thoughts were running inside me. Marriage will be taking place in my house itself without much crowd. Dev's family wanted it like that due to several reasons. I think they are right.... When it comes to Rathore family security is an issue. Also as a royal family now they're into minimalism to become an example for others. Avoiding extravagant wedding and unwanted expenses.

I never talked with Dev like I wanted. We have to get know each other very well before marriage but it didn't happened. He is always busy. Sometimes I feel like he is actually not interested in this marriage but then I will think from his side. He is a business man so he has his own busy schedules. But he never forget to sent me flowers every day. He is trying to show his love but not the way I want. But I have to adjust..... Then only this marriage will work. He need someone who can understand him not the one who criticize him with each and everything. I decided I will be his adjusting wife and he will appreciate me one day.

According to their custom bride should leave with groom to his house after marriage. So I packed my necessary things in two trolley bags. If I take my whole things then appa had to call some moving company. Only new things are enough because rest I can buy once I reach his home. I don't know how should I dress up as per their tradition and what are their rules. So it's better not to buy anything now later I can go for shopping with Dev.

I was moving like a machine whatever the stylist asked me to do because inside my mind all these thoughts were running. Once I got ready completely she asked me to take a look in front of my long dressing mirror. Am I really looking good ? I don't understand. 

I couldn't smile because of some weird reasons. I feel like crying right now.

I am really getting married today with an unknown person. That reality suddenly hits my mind. What I am going to do,  is it a right choice for me ? No way to back off now. Appa, my sister, our problems, outside it's Vikram. Right now he is in jail. All thanks to Jhanvi di or else he would have definitely come here to destroy this marriage. But what I am doing ? Should I run ?

" My Lechu looks so beautiful..... " I was shooked from these thoughts when I heard appa's sound from my back. I saw him smiling at me through the mirror. He looks so happy but his eyes were sad. They were not smiling like before. When I was small and used to dress up with my mom's saree as a bride. He will be laughing at me and sometime put more ornaments on me and makes me beautiful. Then he will say..... my Lechu should look like the Queen of this world when I am getting married. Where is that smile now ?

" Appa..... I loved this dress very much. Indeed you are the best " I went to hug him and said keeping my head on his chest. But he didn't say anything.

" I am sorry for ...... I wanted to give the best for you but .... I am really sorry. " When appa said those words my heart wrecked and I don't know what to say. If it was old me then I would have already made a bee stung face for selecting this outfit  but  can't  be like that now.

" This is the best appa ..... " I said in a feverish tone.

" This the best appa could give you for now. But don't worry....... I will come to see you soon with lots of gifts.  "  I was trying my best not to cry. If he say anything more I won't be able to control myself.

" Lechu...... " Like god heard my wish, Jhanvi di came there to see me.

" Jhanvi ..... When you came my child ? " Appa asked to her very happily.

" Just now.... Actually I came first. Rather than attending my brother's wedding I am excited to watch my Lechu's wedding. I am telling you uncle Jhanvi is from brides side not from groom's side " said Jhanvi. Thank god she lifts up our mood. Appa left from my room leaving Jhanvi di and me for our talks.

" How do I look ? " I swirl around and to show my look to Jhanvi di.

" You are my beauty Queen baby. Who designed this ? " While looking at my outfit she asked casually and I was mum. It wasn't any designer outfit but brought it from a random shop.

" This is....... Whoever it is ....I look good right ? That's enough. " I tried to change that topic. She agreed with me and I became serious for some time.

" Di.... About Dev..... I know only very little about him and I don't know anything about his family. How are they ? I feel like his relationship with Parvati mam is not good. Why it's like that " I made her sit on my bed and kept my current worries in front of Jhanvi di.

" Parvati mam ? Do you know her ? " Jhanvi di frowned her face and asked. That was expected because there is no secrets between us. She is knows almost everything about me but not everything about me.

" Yes...I know her. Actually I have worked with her before for few stage shows. She was always my inspiration to become a renowned dancer but I made a huge mistake and literally ran from there ditching a stage show. I was hurry to move abroad was because of this issue. I thought she will come and find me. Fortunately she didn't came. But when I saw her during party I was scared to death. I thought she will recognise me but she didn't.  That's why I am asking..... Why Dev is not close to his mother ? If he is not close then how I am going to make her love me ? " I was walking here and there inside my room without getting any clue.

" What happened  ? If it was happened when you joined college then it's going to be more than three years right ? " Jhanvi di asked to me.

" Yes.... " I replied worriedly.

" She is actually an arrogant lady... Full of herself. But of course she is a world famous classical dancer though. Dev and his mom's issue is not simple. I don't know if I could say this but for your own good I will you a piece of advice. Stop trying to get a place in her good book because Dev's favorite is his aunt, Varada not his mom. If you want to survive there then she is the right choice. Rest of the family story you will get to know slowly. Uncle is also same...he is in his own world. Not bothered about his wife. Dev might seems like he don't like his dad but after dadi if Dev is scared of someone then that's uncle. So you should be in these three peoples good books, Dev's dad, aunt and dadi. "  I was listening to her advice like preparing for some exam.

" But Lechu.... What happened actually ? Now thinking about it.... Parvati aunty stopped doing stage shows for  more than three years. I think she even stopped going to her dance school and I never saw her practicing in our garden after that. Before it was a scene to watch her practicing early morning at the middle of our garden. There is a dance floor for her which was designed by herself. Does your issue has anything to do with this ? " Jhanvi di kept on asking me about the matter.How should I answer for this ? Even if I say I don't know Jhanvi di will catch me with my lie. But I don't want to talk about it.

" di... Come down they are here " Aadhya came running to my room and said that groom's family came. Now again my heart started racing. I went down along with my sister and Jhanvi di.

From the moment I sat beside Dev for marriage I am getting a weird feeling. He is not even looking at my face or seem to be happy for his own marriage. What's happening ? Or he is like this in front of others ? Attitude King !

Oh my god.... I am getting married now.....  When I nod my head to let him put the mangalsutra I felt like he is putting a leash around me. That feeling and my mind which was already tamed to become a dutiful wife everything made me mad and felt like I am becoming his slave.

What I am doing is wrong..... That's it. That inner thought was making me thinking all these shits. No Lechu you are not anyone's slave it's just you need him for your happiness. 

My family and their life is now inside his hands. Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore is my only life line now.

Finally my marriage is over. Right now I am officially Mrs Adrushta Lakshmi Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore. Do I really need this tail ? For now yes but not for long.

Bidding farewell from my appa and Aadhya was the most hurtful moments for me. I am leaving my house, I am not that pampered princess anymore. If I stay beside my dad for even more than an second I might decide not to go with Dev. I quickly turned back and get into the car. Dev was already sitting inside. He didn't even talked to my appa anything. Not even a single word. Why ? Didn't he liked the way this marriage was arranged ? Or anything else ? Why my mind is thinking about all these rubbish ? I am worrying about each and everything unnecessarily. Why I am fearing like this ? You decided to do this Lechu now there is no way to back off so move forward.

..............

On the way to his house also Dev was busy with his phone. He didn't even asked me whether I am comfortable ?  whether I need something ? Nothing. He already threw his garland and pagri ( headgear ) to front seat and sat there comfortably. He kept his leg on my lehanga which I didn't like. I tried to pull it off by disturbing him but nothing affected him.

Our car passed that huge iron gate of Rathore villa. I could only see the top of their house from the gate side because there is a long way to reach the real Rathore villa. It was ten times bigger than my house. I was mesmerized by their side garden which was maintained very well. Even at night if I can see them clearly then it's obvious how much beautiful the garden lights will be arranged. I leaned forward to see the water fountain at the middle of pitch. Is this really their villa ? Or their palace ?

No wonder why people are always gathered outside to see a glimpse of this mansion. No outsiders are allowed due to security reasons. House interior or exterior also never published in any magazines or social media due to the same reason. Why not ? They are the one of the powerful and existing royal family in this country.  They still has hold in government matters and political parties.

I stepped out from car when it stopped in front of that mansion. What I expected nothing was there. A royal wedding is definitely not like this. I have attended few. Looking at their mansion and others face I felt like what happened is not my marriage but someone's funeral.

Parvati mam walked inside first like her job is finished. When I approached her for blessing she just forward her hand like it's only a formality. Dev's dad was approached by a middle-aged man with a phone and he also went inside attending the call. Left was Dev and his aunt.

I can't even find Jhanvi di. Even though I hate that Yuvi but at this moment I wish atleast he could have come and stand at any corner to ease up my mind.

" Your dadi..... " I nudged Dev gently and asked about his dadi because I couldn't find her anywhere. Even at marriage.

" She went to our ancestral home  today morning. There are some rituals to be conducted in our family temple. " He replied in a monotone.

" What are you waiting for ? Come inside ..... " Said his aunt. No aarti or anything ? No grahpravesh ceremony ? Can I just enter like this ? All these doubts were at tip of my tongue but didn't came out.

Even I don't believe in this superstitions. Happiness is husband and wife entering together by holding hand in hand. That shows they are entering into their new life together supporting each other.

I kept my right leg into Rathore villa and forward my hand to get Dev's hand but I got nothing.

" Dev.... " I turned back calling him. My smile on face vanished to thin air when I saw his car leaving. What the hell ? What's happening ? Now I can't even enter or step out.

" Lakshmi ..... Come inside " I heard his aunt calling me who already entered and without thinking much i just moved forward.

Oh my god....... It was not just a mansion. All those huge palaces and bungalows in Disney princess stories now became a reality for me. That much huge and beautiful was his mansion.

" Roopa will show your room. Follow her " aunty ordered to me.

" Dev .... " I suddenly stopped aunty to enquire about Dev because no address about him.

" Dev went take care about something important. You can go to his room and get freshen up.  Your luggages will be bring by them"  she said snapping at two other male servents who stood there to take any orders.

" And one more thing " before leaving she stopped to say something else.

" Better you won't disturb Dev's things inside his room. He won't like it ....so wait for him to return " saying this she went inside. Most probably towards her room.

I followed the maid just like she said and on the way I checked the interiors of that mansion. Each and every corner is an art. Now I am excited to see his room.... From now on its our room. Oh my god I already started blushing. Maid went back once she showed the room and behind her other manservant came and kept my luggages inside. I couldn't even get a second gap to ask them something. Anyways I was much excited to see the room than anything else.

My face became dark just like his room. Full black , not even a single colourful piece at which I can smile. I take a look at the entire room expecting something will be there as per my taste.  His room was huge like another meaning of luxury but no one can be happy by entering here. Now I miss my room, my princess room. I like my room to be colorful and bright. This looks like a cave or the castle of dracula. There is not even proper lighting. Small yellow lights at roof corners and table lamp. His study area got some good lighting and fortunately his walk-in closet also got good lighting. Best place is balcony which has view to their garden. I could see other two houses from standing there. That might be belongs to Yuvi and Jhanvi di. I will visit Jhanvi di tomorrow.

I dragged my heavy lehenga with me and sat on couch waiting for Dev. Should I change and get freshen up ? He might won't prefer to be in this heavy outfit. Before that I need to talk to him. I am scared how he will accept it. Asking for some time to start a new life is not a sin but it's definitely not a good idea. I hope he will understand my side . I was not at all prepared for this marriage and that's to a complete stranger. I thought within one week I will get to know about him but that also didn't happened. So I need time.... Or else I will spoil everything getting nervous.

Whether he will be happy to hear that I am vrigin or he will be surprised ? If I say that I am virgin from starting itself he might think I am not good on bed. Oh god what I am even thinking ? I am only little nervous and that's because he is a stranger for me. I am only asking for some time to know about him. Hope he will give that time.

I don't know whether that Yuvi filled his ears with something bad and Dev got any prejudice about my character. If something like that happened then I will kill that jerk. Accusing me for  which I don't even have any idea. If Yuvi wanted to breakup with me he should have just said it. Why he has to make up stories that I was cheating on him and even slept with others ? i***t ....... I am still a virgin. I stomped my foot my floor to let out my anger think about that shitty argument and breakup with Yuvi.

I started to hear growling sound from my stomach suddenly.  I am hungry like hell. Time is already past eleven and I haven't eaten anything from evening. I wanted to ask to get some food from that maid but they left before that. What should I do now ? If it was my room there will be many things to eat since I have a sweet tooth. Chocolates, cookies, pastries like many but here I don't think so. Not even a candy. I bend down on my stomach when I couldn't control my hunger. On the top of that this dress... It's so tight and the skirt is tied around my belly like a rope.

I should change or else my tummy will burst. I opened my outfit luggage and got one night dress which Jhanvi di got it for me. Dev might come at any time so first impression is the best impression. My eyes fell on a packet inside my bag which was definitely not kept by me. I wondered what is it ?

I opened it and put my hands to check inside. Tears already filled my eyes when I understood what is inside. Few chocolate bars and one cookie packet. Appa kept it for me. I knelt down on floor crying looking at it. Only he knows his daughter will get hungry at any time. I started to miss him already. Usually I will be watching TV with him this time. Aadhya is always into her studies so she will be inside her room. I am worried for him now. What will be he doing now ? Should I call him ? No.... Then he will ask where is Dev. If I say he went to work then appa will feel bad.

I ate those tears soaked cookies one by one and it finished faster than I expected.  I was that much hungry. 

Swiping my tears I dragged my two luggages to his closet and went to bathroom. After a warm bath I came back to room and again started waiting for Dev. Time is going to one o clock. I think I should call him now.

I grabbed my phone and dialled his number but it was switched off. Will there be meeting at night time ? May be ..... Since it's an international company.

First I was going through some random stuffs in phone. I am only active in one social media that's my chatroom. Rest of the things I already quit as it was time eating apps. I can't even Post my wedding pics without his permission. I don't even have one photo to post. That's the reality.

First I was sitting on his bed, then rested on headboard closing my eyes but I fell asleep  laying back to the bed completely. I was startled from sleep when my phone started to ring. I quickly wake up from my bed expecting it might be Dev but to my surprise it was my friend Zara. I thought she might be calling to tease me for first night and I didn't attend it.  But she called me again and even messaged me to take the call with so many angry emojis.

" Zaara... What... "

" Are you with Dev right now ? " Before I could talk to Zara or say hello she cut me off and asked in a panting voice.

" Huh ? Dev ? " I was surprised at first but when she asked me about Dev from nowhere I stammered. What should I say ? If I say he went to work leaving me alone then she will mock me. 

" What are you asking girl ? Dev is just beside.... "

" Don't lie.... I saw Dev at hotel Pacific with a girl. I am talking from hotel Pacific right now Laks. " I was sitting there like someone hit me on my head with a hammer. What is she saying ? Dev with a girl in hotel ?

" You might have mistaken.... "

" Idiot....you didn't understand what I am saying. Take a look at the pics I am sending now. I was in their club with  my friends and I saw him taking a drunken girl from here. I followed him and took those pictures. He took her to a vip suite. I checked about it very clearly. That vip suite belongs to Dev and it's reserved for all year long. Do you get what I said ? " I cut her call and quickly opened my chat box to see the images she sent.

Dev, Dev, Dev, Dev with a girl, she is drunk, drunk like he has to support her till that room. My phone fell down from my hands when next image was they both kissing and he opening the suite room. My hands were shivering to grab my phone from floor. I don't want to see it and I wished it was just a dream. What is happening ? What the hell I just saw now ? Again Zara called me and somehow I attended it.

" If you come to hotel Pacific right now then you can catch him red handed. How he can do this to you  and that at this night ? " Zara shouted and became silent.

" Why are you silent girl ? Get your things and go back to your house. He don't deserve you. Tell uncle about that Jerk's real face. He will take care that bastard. He needs to be get beaten like black and blue " I silently heard what Zara was saying. She was angry like how I should be angry after knowing about this but I was dead inside. Instead of anger I was scared.

My marriage which happened few hours before is going to break. My hopes are going to break. Promise I gave to my appa is going to break, my life is going to end if I go back to my house now. I can't even think selfishly here because even if I go ...... my sister and appa will suffer for my mistake. Then what should I do ?

" Laks ? What are thinking girl ? " Zara asked from other side.

" Zara..... I will talk to him tomorrow. He might have helped that girl " I cut the call before Zara could lash at me. I switched off my phone not want to talk to anyone. I know what I am doing. Right now this is the best I could do. Putting a blind on Dev for my gains. May be my life is supposed to be like this. I was very happy in my entire life, happy like not any girl in this world would have got that much happiness. So now it's pay back time for all those happiness I got.

I only put some logic here. If I go back now then three lives are going to destroy. But if I stay here enduring a bit for some time I can atleast save two lives. Saving two lives weighs more than destroying three lives.

Lakshmi from here your real  sleepless nights are starting. I taught that to my mind like that. I should learn that.