LOVE ME IF YOU DARE

5- My bff

                                                                                Writer's pov

Dev made Lakshmi meet his friends of friend circle. She already know them but never able to meet personally. Moreover she was happy and overwhelmed by how Dev was treating her. From taking care of her drink to checking whether she is comfortable around him when he gets involved into business talks. Lakshmi could see how her friends from other circle were watching her enviously and signing at her to come and talk with them.

" Excuse me .... Dev ... " She gently called him while Dev was talking about some deal with his friend.

" Let me go and meet my friends. They are waiting for me " she asked

" Of course dear, go.... You don't have to ask me  " Dev said with so much love.

" One minute.... " He quickly called her back and said something while correcting her hair.

" We will have dinner together. Wait for me..... " Lakshmi was grinning widely and when he touched her hair she was blushing like a teenager.

" Sure.... " She agreed and ran to meet her friends.

" Laks...... My darling..... " Jasmine,  Lakshmi's friend from school time. She jumped on Lechu so excitedly hugging her.

" Jasmine...... I missed you honey " Lakshmi kissed on her cheeks and greeted her.

" Hey Zara where were you girl ? Long time no see " Lechu went to her other friend who was waiting to greet her.

" Laks this was really a surprise girl. How ? How you made him agree for this marriage ? Oh my god DD and you.... Am I dreaming ? " Jasmine jumped from floor so excited holding on Lechu's hands.

" Alliance came through my family.  Even I can't believe. Look at him girls.... He is so handsome. " Lechu screamed with her friends without making much sound.

"Once you are married you will be go to that circle. Then we are going to miss you. Hey ..... if possible set me up with someone there. So I can also join in that circle." Jasmine said to Lechu making a desperate face. That's when Lechu noticed Zara who was standing there silently.

" Where were you girl ? There was no information about you " Lechu went to her side and asked to Zara

" She went to France for celebrating her vacations " Jasmine replied.

" Yeah .... A boring trip. My mom liked going there but I hated it. All I see is old people because we stayed in a three star hotel. It was really boring Laks.  " Zara said rolling her eyes and showing how much she hated it.

" Omg.....  Laks look at that. It's Yuvi.... " Jas nudged Lechu when she noticed Yuvi's entry to party along with Aaliya.

" Who is she ? " Lechu frowned her face when she saw a new girl with him.

" You don't know ? She is his new girlfriend.  " Zara replied. Lechu looked at Aaliya again but she don't remember her face and  shook her head as no.

" She was with Yuvi during school days. You know those people who gets admission through the privileged quota , she came like that. I knew her from that time itself. Laks .....  she had an eye on Yuvi all the time. Your breakup with Yuvi made it easy for her now.... Look how she is sticking to him.... " Zara said with a snobbish look and three girls were staring at Yuvi and Aaliya with so much of attitude.

" I think he has gone mad. Look at her dress..... I can use it to clean things and that hair .... What a disaster ? With just one look I can say she is poor. But what are such people doing in this party ? She tagged along with him like a free loader ? Can't she use some brain to realise that she doesn't even belongs to such parties ....  " Lechu laughed at Aaliya sarcastically. She quickly stood straight diverting her gaze when Yuvi looked at Lechu.

Yuvi walked along with Aaliya towards where they stood . Aaliya held on Yuvi's hand tightly marking her boundary when Yuvi was moved towards where Lechu and her friends were standing.

Yuvi didn't say anything , just smirk at Lechu and walked away in front of three girls with his attitude face.

" She is perfect for him. I bet she can makes the kitchen shine, but such girls hair sucks and feet stinks. " Lechu made fun of Aaliya and laughed.

" Stink ? Ewww Please stop it Laks...." Two girls said in union and that's so dramatically making disgusting faces

" Yes, did you noticed her hands ? They smells almost like poor people. " Lechu added

" So does people have an odour ? " Jas asked in a teasing tone.

" Of course.... Odour like a cheap cologne, bad clothes, nasty smell of onion, they try to be all dainty and I don't like them. No one..... " Lechu shook her head and shrugged her shoulders making a yucky face.

" Laks , actually I wanted to say something to you very seriously. It's about DD. " Zara quickly gathered her two friends towards the table to share some secret. Lechu was more curious to know what she wants to say.

" Actually DD is in a relationship with that Lavanya Mishra..... You have seen her with Dev in all parties right ?  At first we thought she is going to be his partner one day. But recently only he proposed her and then we are hearing your marriage with Dev. Don't you smell something fishy here ?  " Zara looked at Lechu to see her reaction.

" They might be in a relationship but  now he is mine. We are going to get married and this marriage will happen no matter what. If we start to dig past then I also have one. One nasty past with Yuvi.  So jis relationship with Lavanya is not at all an issue for me. What is Dev right now..... only that matters for me . " Lechu replied with not so comfortable face.

" I know that but I just wanted to warn you. We know about our circles and peoples lifestyle. Outside everything will look so good and beautiful but inside it will be dirty arguments and lots of adjustments. Only for very few got luck to find their true love and lead a happy life. Rest are drama..... We are taught to be adjusted because rather than happiness only money matters. It's a sad and brutal truth girls " Zara said

Lechu became more uncomfortable hearing what her friend said.

" She is right Laks. We should protect our life. Lavanya is actually a good competition for you. If you don't keep an eye on DD then there is a good chance.... "

" Jas.... He is not like that. I know.... " Lechu stopped her friend after getting irritated

" Why you are stopping her ?  Then let me ask. He proposed that Lavanya with a red beryl necklace. What he has given to you till this time ? Did he proposed you ? No... You both are going to marry straight. Lechu don't be this much stupid when you are going to marry a man like DD..... "

" Excuse me...... Please attention everyone "

Zara stopped yelling at Lechu when they heard someone asking for attention through the microphone. Three girls leaned back and checked who is it and got surprised realising it was Dev.

" This night is going to be very special for me. I hope I can make this night special for my better half, my love, my would be wife ....... Adrushta Lakshmi. "

Lechu's jaw dropped in a shock when he took her name in front of everyone..

" I am not making it long or I don't know those cheesy lines . Just one simple question Lakshmi.... Will you be mine forever ? " Everyone began to start clapping looking at where Lechu was standing and cheered her up to say yes. She stood there fumbling and looked at her friends with a widely opened mouth. Jas and Zara  pushed Lechu gently to go and stand beside Dev.

Gulping lumps from her throat she somehow went to his side and looked at Dev with her confused and nervous eyes.

" Tell me.... " He asked her very gently and a soft smile.

" I will " She replied in a hoarse ralling voice  and bit her lips to stop smiling like an idiot

" Thank you so much..... " He pecked on her cheeks and put a ring of single stone on her finger making Lechu all wondered.

" Now you are mine..... Only mine. " Dev said placing a kiss on her hand on which he put the ring.

Then Dev leaned towards her right ear and mumbled something.

" Love me if you dare..... " Lechu frowned her eyebrows as she didn't understand why he said like that. He stood straight and winked at her with a smile which was like a puzzle for Lechu.

Anyways she was so happy and Lechu ran to show the ring to her friends. Everyone joined back to the party and  Dev noticed Yuvi was standing there watching everything. He chuckled softly and walked slowly towards Yuvi.

" Was that enough to show my interest on her ? " Dev asked to Yuvi and scoffed at him when he didn't get any reply from Yuvi.

" I am not seeing you from yesterday or today ? From the moment I was born I was taught to become like you. Not the character but your smartness and that cunning mind plans to tackle everything. Are you uncomfortable to see me in your office because of my past with Laks ? " Yuvi asked to Dev  in a sarcastic tone.

" Laks ? Huh.... Yuvi... She is going to become your baabi after a week. Your sister in law ... so keep some respect. " 

Dev warned Yuvi first and then continued.

" I don't have any issues to take you into my office. I mean I should..... After all I promised to uncle that I will teach you everything and make you a better one than me . Come to my office tomorrow on time. " Dev ordered in a authoritative tone and stood there straight like a huge pillar. Even Dev's presence was enough to show his power and authority infront of others. Yuvi knows he is not even a match upto to Dev and that made him more mad. He clenched his jaw and turned to leave but Dev stopped him for a second.

" What ? " Yuvi yelled at Dev.

" Why you broke up with her ? " Yuvi was actually surprised after hearing that question. Because as for Dev getting details and information about anything in this world is as simple as plucking a flower. That Dev don't know the reason behind Yuvi and Lechu's breakup. Thinking about it Yuvi found its obvious because not everyone knows why he and Lechu broke up.

For a second Yuvi stood there with that surprise filled face and then smirked at Dev like it's his first ever victory over Dev.

" I don't want to say..... But as my brother I will wish all the best and a happy married life with that w***e " Dev's face became pale hearing his reply. He fisted his hand to hit Yuvi but situation was not favorable for him.

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

" I have seen lots of diamonds girls that's why I am saying........ this is a cheap diamond. Also look at the size.... Bring a microscope so that I can see it. Only you will fell for this cheap ring " Zara was arguing with Lechu about the ring Dev gave to her which looked like third quality diamond.

" Fine.... Even if he is picked it up roadside I don't mind. But he gave this to me not anyone else. That matters. Also he knows that huge crafty rings I can't use it daily because I am taking care of cafe. So stop finding mistakes in everything Zara" Lechu argued back and Jas stopped both of them.

" It's her ring. She likes it ..... matter ends there and Zara I am also advising you.... Stop judging others unnecessarily and you Laks.... Don't belive anyone blindly. Your experience with Yuvi was more than enough right ? Always keep your both eyes on DD or at end only you will be there to cry. " Jasmine stopped both Zara and Lechu from getting into a fight.

" Good night then..... " They all shared a good night kiss and got ready to leave from party.

Dev was driving Lechu back to home and again weird silence inside the car. That's when Lechu noticed , Dev is okay with her when there are others around but if it's just two of them he won't talk to her. Dev sided his car suddenly when they entered into a pocket road and pulled the handbrake.

" What happened ? " Lechu asked to him why he stopped the car. Usually boys stop the cars at such during night for some talks and then kiss. Lechu started to sweat thinking about it and made her mind all set.

" I want to talk to you Adrushta Lakshmi ..... " Dev corrected his throat while unbuckling his seat belt. He stopped suddenly after taking her name.

"Your name is little long. It will look weird whenever I call you Adrushta Lakshmi. So how do you want me to call you... Adrushta Lakshmi or just Lakshmi or Lechu... "

" No..... " Lechu said no suddenly making Dev startled a little.

" Not Lechu..... Only my appa calls me with that name. I don't like anyone else to call me like that. You can address me as Lakshmi that's enough. It's my mom's name actually and I like it very much " Lechu replied in a sweet tone.

" Alright then Lakshmi is fine. What I wanted to say was..... " Dev stopped again for a second and stretched his hand to back seat to get prenuptial and divorce agreement files. He came so close to her making Lechu stopped breathing and that s****l tension she felt it from him she don't understand what to do. But Lechu couldn't control to get his cologne smell. It was so addictive and when she was trying to get it's smell coming close to his neck. Dev suddenly leaned back hitting his head on her chin.

He was also shocked and looked at her like " what she was doing at his neck ? " 

Lechu laughed it off with the most weired laugh in this world and  sat there like it's nothing and acted cool.

" Lakshmi.... This is actually..... Before that I want to say.... please don't misunderstand me. Actually this agreement is for our own good. This is a prenuptial agreement and I want you to sign on this " Dev passed the files to her to take a look at it.

" Prenuptial..... ? " Lechu was confused at first. She was expecting something else and surprise he gave was not even in her dreams. Lechu sat there in a dilemma turning the agreement papers casually without taking a look at it.

" I know this is important.... Afterall I am not going to marry any ordinary man. But let me discuss it with my appa. I am not good with legal matters. Appa knows everything " Lechu said.

" It's good.... I mean seeking for a second opinion with something about legal matters is always a good choice but if you discuss it with your dad then he might feel bad. Before marriage I am asking to sign on this he will doubt me unnecessarily. See it's just a prenuptial agreement Lakshmi. When we get married whatever is mine it's for you also but in any unfortunate situation ...... let's not become hyenas and take our own lives for money or anything. You are a sweet girl and you don't have to go through any miserables. I am used to it but you won't be able to withstand that ugly war. So..... " Dev tried to convince Lechu his best with all sweet talks and best ways. At end she was left with no other options but to sign it. Just like he said it's just a prenuptial agreement and getting into his good books without arguments was important for Lechu.

" I will sign... I mean why shouldn't I ? Even if this marriage end up in divorce I don't demand for a single penny from you. I don't need that..... Whatever it is....  my appa has everything for his daughters. " Lechu said very emotionally while signing on the papers without even reading it and those included agreement for mutual divorce. 

Her voice was shaking when she said each and every word plastering a fake smile on her face. She didn't cried or shed any tears but her heart was crying because of the weight she felt on it.

Once she signed on the agreements Dev dropped Lechu in front of her house. She sat inside the car for few seconds expecting Dev might have something to say or atleast a goodnight kiss or sent her back to house till the door and meet her appa but nothing happened.

Dev was waiting impatiently for her to get out from his car. Lechu was confused whether he is leading for a kiss or he wants her to lead. She didn't understand how Dev likes it because till now there wasn't any proper conversation between them about their life, likes and dislikes nothing.

Dev leaned over little to open her seat belt but Lechu thought that he was leaning for a kiss. She quickly came so close to his face closing her eyes. Dev startled a bit at first and  was looking at her like   " what the hell "

" What is it Lakshmi ? " Dev asked doubtfully. Lechu opened her eyes and looked at all sids then realised her stupidity.

" Nothing..... Something went into my eyes. Now it's fine... Good night then..." She quickly opened the door and  ran straight towards her house don't want to get humiliate more. On the way she was smacking on her head again and again to forget what happened before.

" Uff ... Mad girl " Dev rolled his eyes annoyingly and drive off from there as soon as she stepped out from his car.

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

Lechu's house

" Vikram don't shout..... This is my house "

Lechu was struck on her foot when she heard her appa shouting. She took few steps back in a fear when that name fell on her ears .. Vikram.

" I am asking again.... is this your final decision ? You are going to get Lakshmi marry to someone else ? " Vikram shouted louder than how Govind shouted.

" Yes.... It's my final decision. Lechu is going to marry the man that is suitable for her. You better don't create any issues or I will forget that you are my sister's son. "

" I will decide who my daughter should get married and it's definitely not you " Govind yelled back. Vikram is Govind's only elder sister's son who resides from Thanjavur. As per his sister's request Vikram is there with Govind to help somthing in business with only one motive that's Lakshmi.

" Then why everyone put her into my mind from childhood. I grew up hearing that Lakshmi is for Vikram. I am asking for my girl's hand nothing else. I promise I will keep her happy " Vikram said to Govind in a calm tone as much as he can.

" That time I didn't know that you will grow up and become a famous thug. Do you want my Lakshmi to lead her life with a criminal ? Not money, not even family I never mind all these but character should be good right ? From the moment I give my Lechu to you I have to see her tears and I don't want that. Her happiness is my happiness. " Said Govind.

" She is afraid of you Vikram. Whenever you are here she will hide under her bed then how ? Also look at yourself. The way you dress , appearance..... Do you think Lechu will ever agree for a marriage with you ? You are her cousin more like a brother. So leave these stubbornness and bless her .... " 

" You...." Vikram raged towards Govind holding on his collar and pinned him towards the wall.

" If I want Lakshmi then I will get her no matter what. I have only one girl in my life and that's Lakshmi. Remember well.. I will forget that you are my uncle and I won't even hesitate to finish you off to get my girl. You have one more daughter .... Keep that in your mind always "

" Appa......" Lechu came there running and tried to release Vikram's hand from Govind.

" Please leave him..... please... I beg you. Don't hurt my appa.... " Lechu started crying and joined her hands at Vikram to leave her appa.

" I am sorry.... I will apologize for giving you false hope... "

" Move from there..... I will kill him ... " Vikram pushed Lechu to floor and chocked Govind.

" Dad.......... " Aadya also came there running by descending the steps watching that scene.

" Vikram bhayya please..... Don't hurt dad.... " she also tried her best to make him release his hand from Govind.

Lakshmi quickly pulled her sister back and kept close to her before Vikram could push Aadhya to floor like he did it with her.

" See... How they both are crying ? If anything happens to you right now ...no one gonna ask me about it. I will take them back to Thanjavur and then not even god can find them. " Vikram warned Govind and finally released him.

" Appa.... " Lechu quickly went to his side and helped to get up from floor.

" And you.... " Vikram grabbed Lechu by her hand from floor and squeezed her cheeks making her winced in pain. Govind was trying to stand from  floor and help his daughter from that monster's hands but he couldn't. He felt difficulty in breathing a sudden pang of pain on chest.

" Appa .... " Lechu squirmed and morned calling for her appa to help. She don't know other than her appa who she will call. Always it was her appa protected both his daughters under his wings. 

" If I am alive I won't let you marry to anyone.... " He gave his last warning to Lechu and pushed her towards Govind.

" Don't provoke me to drag you to road along these two girls with nothing. She won't see the outer world other than my house then and that little one...... She won't even able to get out from any red street. " Saying this Vikram walked from their house staring at Lakshmi.  She burst into tears feeling helpless and afraid of Vikram.

" Lechu.... Why you are crying ? Don't mind him. He won't do anything......"

" Dad.... why you always leave this matter so simply. I know he is your sister's son but there is a limit for everything. If you have promised him to give di then do it. Because of her now we all have to live in fear. Better to die before he drag us to road... "

" Aadhya.... " Govind shouted at his daughter to mind her words. She swiped her tears and ran back to her room.

" Appa..... I...... I am don't want to go his house.  I am scared of him " Lechu whimpered and begged to Govind. He patted and caressed Lechu to make her mind at ease.

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

Next day

Head office of Cosmos tech park.

Lakshmi was following a girl whose appearance looked as of a secretary or personal assistant. She stopped in front of office door and asked Lakshmi to wait outside.

" Jhanvi Mam..... Lakshmi is here to see you " that girl called her boss and informed that Lakshmi is there to see her.

Jhanvi Giriraj Singh Rathore

Daughter of Giriraj Singh Rathore and Poornima Giriraj Singh Rathore. 27 years old and Dev's cousin sister only one year younger to him. She is one of the co founder of cosmos among three. She is the operational management head of cosmos.

Jhanvi is a good friend of Lakshmi from school time itself. She shares special friendship with Lakshmi because Jhanvi don't have much friends. Jhanvi was always there for Lakshmi as a helping hand whenever she is trouble. Since Jhanvi is a  single child Lakshmi was always a blessing to kill that boredom.

" Is it ? Then let her in...I told you hundred times, if it's Lechu then you can directly let her inside my cabin. No need to ask for my permission " Jhanvi said to her assistant slightly scolding her.

" But mam ... You have to leave for next meeting " assistant reminded Jhanvi.

" Gia...... Do what I said " Jhanvi took her eyes from her laptop screen and said very seriously. Gia, her assistant sighed heavily clenching her jaw and went out to let Lechu inside

" Jhanvi di....... " Soon after she entered into Jhanvi's cabin Lechu ran towards her spreading both hands to give a tight hug.

" Easy girl... Easy......" Jhanvi was laughing because she was getting ticklish of Lechu's love for her

" I missed you ..  I missed you .. I missed you a lot" Lechu pinched on Jhanvi's both cheeks and said.

" Me too ..... One month was like one year for me. How many times I called you to accompany me. It was Paris girl..... The city of fashion and your favourite place. After long boring meetings when I roam around at streets I was deadly missing you. We should have done lots of shopping together if you were with me.... " Jhanvi stood from her office chair while talking to Lechu and both sat on couch beside each other.

" I was little busy here with opening cafe and all. Actually now.  .  "

" Wait.... I have a gift for you. " Jhanvi interrupted Lechu  ran to get a gift for her friend and came back with a fancy box. Lechu happily opened it and her eyes widely opened watching the gift Jhanvi brought for her.

" Daisy ? Oh my god...  I was craving for this perfume di. I can't find it any stores and on-line as it's way too expensive. Thank you so much.... " Lechu hugged Jhanvi so happily and looked at the beauty of that perfume bottle itself. She pressed once very little to get the fragrance.

" What are you doing girl.... Put it properly. I will.... " Jhanvi took the bottle and removed the scarf which was tied around Lechu's neck. Before she can stop Jhanvi everything was over. Jhanvi saw the red marks on her  neck and then at the hand.

" What happened ? " Jhanvi enquired shockingly

" What would have happened ? Obviously.... It was Vikram. " Lechu replied with a sad face. Jhanvi asked her to explain everything and Lechu narrated what happened Vikram did last night.

" That criminal..... And you didn't give any complaint ? " Jhanvi asked getting frustrated after hearing what happened.

" How ? If we gave complaint then he will come and make another issue. " Lechu replied

" Dad is looking a way to let him stay away from here atleast the marriage is over. I think it's good " Lechu added and looked at Jhanvi.

" Don't worry ....I will help uncle as much as I can. I will talk to him. 

Oh god look at your skin..... How could he do this you ? "

" Then did you go to hospital ? " Jhanvi enquired with so much concern.

" It's just a small bruise di.....I am alright " Lechu was not at all bothered about her bruises which was actually painful

'' Wait here,  I will get some medicine and ice bag for you" Jhanvi called her assistant to get all these and within few minutes everything was in front of Jhanvi.

She carefully put medicine on Lechu and meanwhile enquired about her marriage with Dev.

" Everything happened so fast. I am getting tensed actually. " Lechu shared her concern with Jhanvi about Dev

" About Dev....... Actually he is a good business man but don't think that he is as good for a husband material. Think once again Lechu..... It's all about your happiness " Jhanvi advised Lechu with what she knows about her brother.

" Right now I have to do this marriage. It's very important than my happiness. Yesterday night what Aadhya said to dad is still banging inside my ears.  In a way she was right.... Because of me she is also suffering. That's not fair right ? To get out from those issues this marriage should happen di " Lechu leaned on Jhanvi's shoulder and said very sadly

" Don't get tensed. I will be there for you. Just come to my side if you need any kind of help. You are my sweet little kitten.... " Jhanvi kissed on her temples and caressed her more.

" Your marriage is getting near girl..... Take care of your skin. Look how dry it looks. Also you need a total makeover. Where is that old class and style of aspiring model ? " Jhanvi asked and  tried to cheer her up.

" Not in a proper situation for a spa and visit any saloon. " Lechu replied remembering her overdue credit card.

" Uff this girl..... Let's do one thing. After this meeting I will take you to my spa centre .... Then we will do some shopping. "

" But di... " Lechu tried to make some excuse but Jhanvi didn't allowed.

" It's on me girl..... Consider it as a small gift from me for your marriage. Also don't you want to go for honeymoon after marriage ? Then are you going to wear this ugly things ? Show off your curves girl and lift these up a little to make your husband fall head over heels on you. He should get horny just by thinking about you.  There should be something for him to hold within his hands " Jhanvi teased Lechu by slightly fumbling on her bust and laughed.

" chi..... Jhanvi di..... you are so.... You really don't have any shame. " Lechu crossed her arms over her chest and laid back to the couch keeping her head on Jhanvi's lap.

" Do I really need to lift it... " Lechu asked with a confused face.

" A little..... Rest you got it all natural and after marriage he will kneed it for you perfectly. Boys have a special weakness towards perfect boobies. " Jhanvi playfully tickled her and pressed hers to tease Lechu more.

" Jhanvi di...... " Lechu wriggled and laughed her heart out. Her mood will always lift when she is with Jhanvi. They have the best bff goals without any barriers or secrets. Jhanvi also feels so happy and tension free when she is with Lechu. Most importantly she will forget about the weight on her with the title Rathore. When Lechu is there both are still carefree teenagers.

" Excuse mam..... they are ready for the meeting " Gia came to office suddenly interrupting their fun  and reminded Jhanvi about the meeting. 

" Wait here I will be back.... " Jhanvi said to Lechu and went to attend the meeting along with Gia.