LOVE ME IF YOU DARE

8-Double headed sword

                                                                                            Lechu's pov

God..... Dev is gonna kill me tonight. How I am gonna make him understand that I tripped over her because of that girl's leg itself. Will he believe me ? If I say what happened exactly may be he will understand.

What happened between my appa and him, I am sure it's a huge misunderstanding and it can be solved with a proper discussion. That's why I didn't push that matter much when he lashed at me. I have to hear from appa too. Dev only said his side.

Lechu you should be very careful from now on. In this house you can only relay on yourself not even a single house fly. That Yuvi is hovering around me like a time bomb. His intention is definitely not to help me but to trap me and add fuel to the fire.

What I planned and what's happening with me is not at all matching god. I can't even cry in front of him now. Please god ..... please help me withstand all these. I don't even understand what grave sin I did in my life that I caught up into all these mess. Appa already warned me he don't trust Dev and I ignored him. But I was left with no other option than marrying this man. I need him or else it's dead end for me.

Go ahead Lechu you can do this. All these bad days will pass and you will find your happiness. Don't give up even if he crumble you down under his feet. I don't know what he is gonna do with me. No, no, no... wait Lechu, first relax and think. A well established plan is what i want now. What I already made is not gonna work in front of Dev. That will make him more furious.

I should secure Aadhya first, her future is important. Then left is appa but he won't leave anywhere without me. Lechu don't cry. But what should I do if my tears are not stopping. I can't control them once it started. Just by thinking about appa and Aadhya I am getting weaker and my heart is churning. If and only if I was a competent daughter for him.

Why ? Why God you made me like this ? At least you should have gave me something to help my family. What I have and what you gave me is not at all helping me in anything. No brain, no talent nothing. I am feeling like a looser now.... A girl who is good for nothing and it's a scary realization.

Lavanya.... What should I do with her? Like Zara warned... Is she really a threat for me ?

of course, Lavanya beside Dev is definitely a threat for me in all ways. But I can't fight with Dev for this matter or complaint to dadi. What if Dev calls my appa and say everything ? I am sure he won't let me stay here for a second after knowing everything ? Only with that cafe it's impossible to support my family at this right scenario. It will lead to many other problems.

With all these thoughts and my trembling body I was heading towards our room to where he took that Lavanya. I have to check something. I need check their relationship first. It can be just friendship otherwise I need know how much Lavanya can go for to get Dev back from me.

" I am really sorry Lavanya..... Because of her carelessness you scalded your hand. " I could hear him talking to her when I entered into his room. For the first time I am thankful for this dark room. They can't see I am hiding here.

" Even though at first I felt very angry on her but now feel like I should thank her. " I frowned my face when she said that. Why thank you for burning her hands ?

" Why you said like that ? " Dev asked

" Nothing, because of her carelessness I got you like this, taking care of me. " That bitch.... Take off that hand from him you.... I should go and smack on that b***h's head. I wonder whether he loves her ? If yes then why he married me ? Just for a revenge ? Seriously ? Is she mad or he is mad more than her ?

" Dev, What you have planned for her ? " She asked to Dev.

" I don't know......... Just by watching her face I feel like to.....Damn.... It's so annoying. I don't even feel like to come back home because of her face. " I couldn't stop scoffing at him hearing his reply. Here I was in a misconception that he fell for my face but fact is exactly opposite. So that path is also closed. He never gonna fell for me even if I seduce him with a striptease or lap dance.

" Dev.... I never asked you about this but my curiosity is killing me. What exactly happened that night ? What happened to Nisha ? If you know its Mr Varman is responsible for her accident then why you didn't file any complaint? That would have more easy " Exactly ... ask him like that. I also want to know.

" There was no evidence. When I got information about Nisha has being admitted in hospital due to an accident it was already late. When I arrived at hospital everything was over. She got severe hemorrhage and already went to shock. Doctors said if she was taken to hospital on time then they could have saved her but no one was there. Not even one who hit her. " Dev says

" It was a heavy rainy night and the location where accident happened doesn't even have a cctv camera. Zahir succeeded to collect details of vehicles passed through that Highway from a nearest toll booth. Only very few vehicles passed by that road because of road construction. Three cars, few two wheeler and a container which came mistakenly. Among them one was this this Govind's car."

" How you came to conclusion that Mr Varman's car itself hit Nisha ? " Lavanya asked interrupting Dev. Exactly, how he is so sure that my dad hit her.

" At first we didn't even know that who hit her. But when I went to police station as there wasn't any follow up for the case there inspector told me case is closed because Nisha's family withdrawn their complaint. Dev became silent and stood from couch staring at a huge painting on wall.

" Why ? " Lavanya asked in a shock

" I also had this same question in my mind.... Why ? Why did they do that ? and I asked them the same. They replied that their daughter already left from this world but they have other two daughters. They were worried about those girls future. That man went to meet them with money to take back the case. He made them agree with few money which was Nisha's worth in front of his eyes,few lakhs. Does his daughter also worthy of that much ? I doubt now. I pay much more than that to those sluts who comes to warm my bed. " I was speechless..... No ... My appa won't do that. I am sure. I won't believe this animal.

" And her family agreed for that money ? " Lavanya asked

" No....they didn't but they were forced to agree. He sent some goons to threaten them and they had to agree in sake of their other two daughters. One who came to threaten them was his relative itself. He is a local thug here and he has few gangs. Vikram or something.... that's his name. If and only if Zahir wouldn't have stopped me , then that day itself I would have burnt them alive altogether. For him that criminal's daughters are important for him then how comes he don't understand for others also their daughter is important. If that b***h is his princess daughter then my Nisha was also her parent's princess. Now you tell me the grudge I am holding inside my heart for that criminal and his so called daughter is right or wrong ? " I fell down on floor getting weak after hearing what he said. Vikram ? If he was the one who helped my appa to deal with this issue then there is something in this. But appa ? How can he do this ? Why ?

It's obviously an accident then why would he run from there ? He wont do that purposefully. He won't do that. He might have won't see her that night. It was raining and... .... Lechu whom you are supporting girl ? Who is wrong here ? Can I blame Dev ? never but I can't blame my appa also. Not even a sorry can do anything now. That won't bring back his girl and his baby to him. Appa.... What I am going to do ? Tell me.

Will Dev get satisfaction if he let out his anger on me ? Will he forgive my appa if he see me crying in front of him ? But before that he will kick us to streets. I am sure about that.

I stood from floor determined about what I should do. I am not going to leave him until I get what I want. Rest I don't care. He can do whatever he want. I will hold his leg for appa, that's the only way now. If he wants to see me crying and begging okay .....let him. anyways there is nothing left to loose in my life.

" Dev.... Relax.... I don't want to see you like this. If you can become my old Dev with this revenge then I am with you. All I need is you... Your happiness. " I saw Lavanya consoling him.

Leave Lechu....... You don't belongs to here. Before I get to watch something which I regret, I turned to leave but I was numb. I got to know a harsh reality of my life, what was mine from yesterday is not mine anymore, my husband. It was never meant for me. That's the truth. I shut my eyes tightly and put down my head dont want to watch them kissing inside our room itself.

Fact is Lavanya didn't snatched him from me but I snatched him from her and he went back to where he has to be. So there is nothing to be get worried about. My life was meant to be like this. This is my fate.... I accepted it.

I left from there silently without disturbing those two. Nothing here belongs to me , this house, my so called husband , this room which I wanted to be ours... nothing. Taming my mind I strides down the stairs. Only my body was here, my soul and my sanity everything dead inside me few minutes ago. Now it's gonna more difficult to smile in front of everyone. Lechu finally you proved that you are a terrific actress. I want to cry my heart out to get some strength. If I suppress all these then I will break in front of appa when he calls me. He will catch me even if my sound shakes a bit. His daughter is the happiest girl in this world. That should be always like that.

I could hear elders laughing and talking from gathering space beside the living room which opens straight towards the garden. I was mentally preparing myself to become my character as Mrs Rathore but stopped suddenly when I saw Dev's mom standing against the wall with her closed eyes.

I moved back before she could see me and I wondered why she is standing here instead of joining them. What happened ? Is she sick ? She is not even moving from there. That's when my attention fell on the conversation of those ladies suddenly.

" Letting her sit for pooja itself was not good. She knows that and then why she was there ? Usually Parvathi avoids such occasions by herself then now what happened ? She even attended Dev's wedding " I was confused about their conversation. It's about Parvathi mam that's sure but what about her attending our marriage and sitting or Pooja ? If mother won't attend the marriage of her son then who will ? Even if they're sworn enemies the fact about their relationship can't be changed right ? I again sharpen my ears to hear rest of the conversation.

" Of course Parvathi should attend Dev's marriage along with Shiva or what people will say ? Dev is her son in front of others. " One lady says

" So ? What about our tradition and customs then ? She is bad omen for Lakshmi and Dev. Barren women are considered to be unlucky for newly wedded couples. She might bring her same fate for Lakshmi. Then what will happen ? You don't want to see Dev and Lakshmi having a child together very soon ? " What the hell ? I couldn't control but it slipped out from my tongue

Barren ? Then Dev ? Is he adopted ?

" Bhagirathi why you agreed with Shiva back then when he decided not to divorce her and sent back to her home. Even after knowing she can't give a heir or heiress to our family you both let her stay here. Let her become Dev's mother in front of society. But then what happened ? Her presence is not making any difference in Dev's life or this family. She is in her own world, dancing around for name and fame, bringing bad luck to this family. "

" Shiva was fortunate enough that he got two sons somehow even though that girl was a waitress of some hotel and died before making much issues. Family's name didn't hit rock bottom. Also Dev have grown up well achieving everything what he touches. " What is happening here ? I don't understand a thing. Dev is Mr Rathore's son but not Parvathi mam's. His real mother is no more and she was from a poor family. That means did Dev's dad cheated behind his wife ? Huh ... Now I understood from where he got this habit. It's hereditary... He got it from his dad. Then who is this Varada aunty ? She doesn't belongs to Rathore family ? Dev loves her more than Parvathi mam ... Atleast she is his foster mother. He should show that much respect to pay back for raising him up like a real prince, capable and independent.

'' Now a days who cares about all these ? Even though she can't conceive Parvathi is well renowned and successful dancer. She is a celebrity.... " Oh.... There is someone among those old hags who has brain.

" So what ? Even if she has fortune in her hands and there is no one to inherit them then what's the use ? For Shiva he has two sons but what about her ? Even if she dies who is there to do the rituals or burn her body. Dev won't even look at her. " This woman really spitting her venom on everywhere. If there is no one to do it then I will do. What's the big deal ?

"Lechu, before that you have to see whether you will be alive or not. "

My inner self gave me a warning before my blood started to boil.

I wanted to talk to Parvathi mam but don't know whether it's a good idea right now. I saw her leaving but got collided with her husband suddenly. She walked ahead without saying anything.

" Parvathi.... " And there my father in law running behind his wife.

" Leave me..... " When he stopped her by holding on hand she just pulled her hand from his grip annoyingly.

" Don't mind them..... You know it's. ..... I never blamed you. " I feel pity by looking at his face. He don't understand what he should do or how he should console her. Their marriage life doesn't seem to be a normal one to have normal talks and solve their issues.

" I don't care even you don't blame me. Who am I to you ? " She was fuming with anger which gave me chills. I know her anger... I got it once.

" Parvathi... " Dev's dad gritted his teeth and took her name angrily.

" I am not holding to you Mr Rathore but you locked me up here. In this jail. Just release me from this hell I will leave happily. I want to breathe, I just want to cry and I can't even do that until I bear this Mrs Rathore title. There is no one for me to lean on....." I was seeing myself in her. Her each words were stabbing on me realizing that whatever she said I will say that once to Dev or she also went through what I am enduring now

" Lean on me ..... If you want to let out your anger then take it on me. What can't you do that ? I was always there for you Parvathi ...... it's just you never see me or avoided me deliberately like I am invisible. What I did ..... "

" You don't have to repeat those same words. I know that...I am hearing it for all these years like a broken tape recorder. Shiva, please...... I don't have anything towards you. Nothing... Not even hate. So leave me.... " She said to Mr Rathore very emotionally.

" I hate myself that's my problem. I don't like me now and I don't even have anything to get feel happy. No passion, no family , no love, not even a son or a daughter to give some love. Before I loose myself completely I want to go Shiva. Let me find my happiness at least now. Without your permission I can't leave you know that. " What is happening ?

What are they doing ? She said she hates him but her emotions says different. He is not ready to leave her. These two idiots can't even understand that they both love each other ? Are they dumb ? Are they blind because of their own love ? Probably..... that's why Dev is like that. Emotional less and clueless.

Parvathi mam climbed the stairs swiping her tears and dad just watched her like he lost his fortune. Damn it ... He saw me. What should I do ? Run ? Smile ? Hide ? Say hai ? 

Am I supposed to hear all these ? Did I do some mistake by hearing their conversation ?

" I just came now..... I mean I didn't hear what you said. " I smacked on my head and turned around to see the way.

" You will get to see lots of such weird stuffs in this house from now on. Walk away like it's normal or else always you have to feel awkward like this " I stopped there when he talked to me. After marriage it's first time he is talking to me.

" It's really weird ..... " I mumbled. He smiled at me hearing my comment and turned to leave.

A happy family outside but inside it's all fake. I think my mom was most luckiest to get my appa. She was happy with him till her last breath. Mom, she still gives pain inside me whenever I think about her. Aadhya was so small that she don't even remember her face so she don't feel that much but appa and I....huge loss was for us. As for appa it was like he lost his wings. He was young that time, aunty insisted him to marry someone else but he didn't. Neither he wanted anyone else on her place nor wanted to do an experiment with our lives. That's my appa then how can I blame him for what Dev is accusing.

I got a message in my phone and I quickly checked it. Jas and Zara sent most of messages and I know what's it about. They want to meet me to discuss about Dev. But before taking care of those two I need to take care of something else.

First I went to Yuvi's house but he wasn't there. His mom and dad were two sweet peoples who were leading a normal life. I wonder how Yuvi became like this when his parents are so good. His mom took me to show their house and we talked a little. Since Yuvi wasn't there I decided to leave without spending much time there. I wanted to talk to him may be later..

Next house was Jhanvi Di's. Before going there I should be mentally prepared because her parents don't like me from school time itself. They are saying I am not a good friend for her according to their status. But their ranting never matters us. Only I was deprived from coming to their house so Jhanvi di usually visits my house. Dad always says he has three daughters including Jhanvi. She usually sleepover in my house and those nights it's dad's cooking. Why it's so special is because we had lots of maids back then so dad rarely cooks. But his cooking is top of this world like even thinking about it I am drooling. I got my mom's talent which is dancing and I dropped it middle. Aadhya got his talent that's brain. But his cooking talent we both didn't get. If and only if I got one percent of it I would have run that cafe very well. Right now I don't know what's cooking and how to run a business. What I was doing with my life?

I rang the calling bell and waited outside someone to open the door. As expected door was opened by Jhanvi Di's mother. If I was just Lakshmi then she would have shut the door but now she can't. After all I am also a family member now.

" Jhanvi di .... " I don't have anything to say to her so I asked for Jhanvi di directly.

She called a maid and sent me with her towards Di's room. Three of their houses are so big like mansions but still Dev's mansion was big among three. I sent back maid since I wanted to give di a surprise. When I peeked in I saw di was sitting on bed checking something. I tip toed and jumped on her tickling di from back.

" You..... Lechu what are you doing girl ? Stop it .... " We both were wriggling when she started to attack me. We both are like this, once we met then we become crazy.

" Shhh ... Shh .. , don't make sound. Mom will come " she quickly shush me up and said in a serious tone.

" Lechu how you came here ? You should have called me ..... " She was indeed surprised to see me in her house and that's in her room.

" Aunty can't stop me now since I am also a family member now. Also uncle was not here so it was much easy " I said shrugging my shoulders.

" So this is Princess Jhanvi Giriraj Singh Rathore's room. Wow..... I liked it. So spacious and beautiful than mine. " I commented running my eyes over her room

" Don't look I haven't even asked maid to clean it up today. I don't wanted to show my room to you like this. You ruined it girl " di said pouting her lips and was checking whether everything is on its place. She cares about such things.

" Oh , so this OCD issue you all got it through hereditary right ? There Dev also has this same problem. I need all my things on its right place... " I imitated Dev in front of Jhanvi di.

" You won't understand that. Even though you are a half royal blood you were raised and spoilt princess by a loving father. His little girl till now. But in our case self discipline and hygiene like stuffs were taught from childhood itself. We have special tutors from outside to teach such things. Table manners, how to eat food, with all kinds of food, teaching about the main dishes of important places, how to use itineraries like many . You may find it weird but for us it's a strict rule to follow. " Jhanvi di explained.

"Show me... girl you learnt to wear a saree alone ?" Jhanvi di stood me up and asked in surprising tone.

"Noooo..... this is full of adjustment with safety pins. I should have asked Dev to help me but I was so shy " Really Lechu ? He didn't even looked at me to see what I was wearing .

"Oh.... now you need Dev only. Not my help....... come here I will make you wear it properly. How many times I taught you i***t. " di started to scold me but in a sweet way and made me stood in front of her dressing mirror.

"Do I look fat ?" I asked to her looking at my body in front of mirror.

"I can count your skelton just by looking from here. Go and eat something and put on some weight." di said smacking on my back.

" Dev likes what kind of girls ? bulky ? petite ? moderate ? or 32 22 32..... If petite then I am perfect for him" I said crossing my fingers.

"I don't know what he likes. But if I was a at his place then you are just perfect for me baby..." she gave me pop kiss and I winked at her. Our bff styles.

"Di, is Dev an adopted child?" when asked that question from nowhere Jhanvi di looked at me all wondered. May be she is thinking that why I am asking such a question?

"Why you are asking this?" she asked. At first I regretted for asking about it. But it's better to clear that doubt or else my mind won't be at ease. I explained what I saw before.

"You found about it earlier than I thought Lechu. Since you asked I can't hide it anymore. So listen, " Jhanvi di sat in front of me to disclose that huge secret which is disturbing me

"This family has lots of secrets than you can even imagine. Each generation carry their own secrets. Some will be known to everyone or some will be hidden forever with the person when they die. Dev"s case is known secret of this whole family but not to outsiders" now I am much curious than before. I confirmed that Dev is not a royal blood. Huh.... Then how can he raise his voice at me?

"Shiva Pratap Singh Rathore, my uncle and Dev's dad , years back he went to London for his studies and came back to join our family business. Dadi made her son got married to Paravati aunty who was from another royal regime. That was purely an arranged marriage like our tradition. Things were going well between them until aunty was failing to give a heir or heiress to this family. You have to think Lechu this happened 30 years back so what will be elders' reaction if eldest son of Rathore family couldn't even able to give an heir then it considers being a bad omen for everyone. After so many pooja from dadi's side an d medical treatments from uncle's side it became a war between modern science and spirituality. Poor aunty I feel bad for her who got stuck between all these. At last doctors confirmed that P arvathi aunty can't get pregnant. If I say in soft words she is an infertile woman and in harsh words she is a barren woman. "

"What? " I was indeed shocked to hear that. I mean that's so pity.

"She was ready to give divorce so that uncle can remarry but dadi didn't allow. She secretly favours Parvthi aunty. But again baby was still a problem in the family. Then one day a lady came here and claimed that she is Pratap uncle's wife and she is carrying his child. When she came here she was already six or seven months. Everyone thought she was lying but later uncle admitted that he was in relationship with her during his days in London and even married her. I don't know whether he ditched her or its something else that he left his wife in London. Whatever it is, that lady wanted uncle to accept her and his child. Priyada Maheshwary.... That's her name."

"Her sudden visit and all claims about uncle made issues between uncle and aunty. So uncle decided only to take responsibility of his child for which that lady didn't agree. So after discussing with everyone dadi took a decision. Both mother and baby will stay in this house but not as daughter in law of Rathore family but as a baby sitter for her child but in records baby's parents will be Prathap uncle and Parvathi aunty. Dadi wanted Parvathy aunty should raise the child as her own."

"Then what happened?" I asked as I couldn't control my curiosity

"What else? Dev was born. He is considered as a lucky child because Rathore family was facing lots of issues during that time. Money wise as well as law related matters. But after Dev was born family began to win all cases one by one and then business also got flourished. But Dev's real mother Priyada, changed her mind after his birth and didn't gave Dev to parvathi aunty. She demanded Dev should grow as her son and people should know who Priyda Maheshwari is. Since dadi couldn't give up on her first grandson she agreed with her demand except for making this matter public. After one more year Dev's mom gave birth to another child who is dev's younger brother Dhruv but their mother died after delivery. Even though it was unfortunate for two kids but for our family it was happy news which didn't lasted for long. That women already transferred the legal guardianship of Dev and his brother Dhruv to her sister Varada."

"You mean Varada aunty?" I asked in a shock

"Yes, in records and in front of public both are sons of Mr and Mrs Shiva Pratap Singh Rathore but inside our family Varada aunty is everything them especially for Dev. Dhruv almost spent his childhood and school days in boarding school still he is there. He doesn't have much attachment with this family. I don't know why but Varada aunty gives more attention and care for dev. "

"Dev's anger towards his dad is reasonable because he ditched his mother and she had to die like no one for him. Varada aunty taught him like that and fed more stories into his ears against Parvathi aunty. He thinks that she is a vamp who didn't allow his dad to live with his mother. " Jhanvi di says

" Why no one corrected him. ? " I asked

"He doesn't believe anyone other than his aunt. She taught him like that; never trust anyone in this family. He was raised up not to become a human being but to become a ruler. I mean we all are raised up like that, including me. But he got intense training and dadi supported Varada aunty in it. From there Parvathi aunty doesn't had any role in Dev's life. She is living her own life with dance and other things. Uncle and aunty as husband and wife only in papers, mentally and physically they separated years back. That's why she doesn't have any emotional attachment towards Dev or Dhruv or anyone in this family. She is just doing her duty as the daughter in law of Rathore family. This is Dev's story. " I sighed heavily after hearing the story from Jhanvi di. So Dev is still a royal blood and that truth made me sad. So that path is also closed. I laid back on Jhanvi di's bed thinking about all these past.

"What are you thinking?" Jhanvi di also lay beside me and asked.

"I am sad after knowing that Dev isn't an orphan" I replied in a sad voice.

"What? But why? " Jhanvi di asked with a laugh

"I know I know .... You wanted to know his weakness right?" di asked in a teasing tone.

"Yup" I sighed and replied

"Then I am really sorry girl he don't have any weakness. He is a headstrong man, even as his family we don't have any voice in front of him once are at work place. Everyone should obey what he says. But whatever he says it will be good for our company. Dev knows what he is doing because that much sharp he is...."

"Di... di... please stop. I don't want to hear this anymore. I understood he is dangerous. But still as a human being he should have some kind weakness right? What about love ? Will he fall for it?" I asked like it's my last hope to get into his good books

"Love?" Jhanvi di frowned her eyebrows and started to think about it. Then I saw a gentle smile on her face, smile that filled with sadness. She saw that I am noticing her and just laughed at me. She has a lost love I know that. She doesn't like to think about it or share much detail about it.

"Love is everyone's weakness dear." di hugged me tightly and said in shivering tone. I think I shouldn't have asked her about it.

"most fortunate people can find their true love in life and most unfortunate people won't even get a chance to express their feelings" I felt something wet on my neck when she was talking to me. Jhanvi di is crying.

"Di......" when I called her she hugged me more tightly and sniffed.

"Once you are trapped then it's very difficult to get out from it. Despite of whomever they are. Even if they are a criminal or a monster once we love them then nothing matters. Love will make us blind. We will become fools and jump into that dungeon risking our lives. That what I know about love." she added. What Jhanvi di said it caught inside my mind. It was like an advice as well as a warning sign for me.

Love...... the weapon I am going to use against Dev. The double headed sword which can take my life if I won't use it wisely.

Hope you like the chapter....

It's bit lengthy....

Please do read and like and comment....❤️❤️❤️❤️