LOVE ME IF YOU DARE

1-Bride of the king

                                                                                    Writer's pov

" Bhagirathi ji, like I told you before there can't be any change. This curse has been passed on each generation for around more than hundred years. Your son would have been the last one with whom this curse must be ended but he went against it. Now it's passed on his son Dev. With Dev only we can end this curse over this Rathore family forever or the aftermath will be severe than before "

When pandit ji was saying about the curse on Rathore family which they were bearing for over hundred of years everyone was  holding their breath worriedly.

Rathore family is one of the richest and existing royal family in India. Descendants of Mewar Dynasty. 

Rani Bhagirathi Pratap Singh Rathore, the oldest member and current head of Rathore family is worried about her grandson Devadatta Pratap Singh Rathore, aka Dev who bears the curse on family now.  According to her he is the most suitable one to be take over the position of next king and look after their family businesses.

" Pandit ji, I will try to convince Dev somehow. He won't put my words down. But tell me what I should do ? "

Bhagirathi ji, or Dev's daadi was all worried for her grandson and ready to do anything to save her grandson and their bloodline.

" The Rathore family has supposedly been under a curse for that the first bride of the eldest son will always die if she is not from a royal family or bears royal blood. If he goes against this and marry any other girl and she dies before giving birth to next heir or heiress then that blood line will be stopped there. In case she is able to give birth then the curse will be passed on next generation. So only solution is let Dev to marry a girl from other royal family. " Pandit ji said

" I understood that.... Please tell me whether there is any family we should look for ? Parvathi, my daughter in law is from Gaekwad, Vadodara. Years back when we looked, it was showed we should seek alliance from that family . Like that in Dev's case is there any .... " Dadi asked to pandit ji

" In Maratha regime there is a royal family called Jadhav family. Their family is showing some relatedness with this family. Do you remember something ? " Pandit ji asked to dadi.

" Rani Devika was married from that family. We have an old relations with them like that " everyones attention fell on the lady who was striding down the stairs giving reply for what Panditji asked. 

Rani Parvathi Devi Pratap Singh Rathore. Dev's mother and daughter in law of that house.

" She is right, I remember...... Pandit ji do you know them ? How is the family ? " Dadi took some interest on Jadhav family and asked further details about them.

" They got three sons and two daughters and all of them have atleast one daughter. In that five are right age for marriage. If you want then I will talk to them " Panditji said

" You should......you should talk to them. If five are matching for my grandson then Dev should choose one according to his like. I don't want Dev to bring anyone to this family other than one among those five girls. I just want to end this curse over my family forever. Enough is enough I already endured a lot " dadi sighed in relaxation as finally something good gonna happen to the family.

Once pandit ji left dadi went to her room to take some rest but before that dadi enquired about Dev.

" Where is he ? "  Dadi looked at Parvati as well as Dev's aunt, 

Varada Maheswari who stood there.

" Oh it's better I don't ask about Dev to you right ? " Dadi said in a sarcastic tone looking at Parvathi and then looked at Varada to get a reply

" He is in his office maa ji. Tonight he might go to Singapore for some business deal. " Varada replied in her feverish voice. Her eyes won't even meet with dadi out of fear.

" Ask him to come back soon after all his work. This matter can't be kept for so long. I am not at all liking the way he leading his life currently. Do you think that I am not getting to know about his doings ? " dadi said more like a warning to Varada.

" Maa ji..... You know him. If we stop Dev to do something then he will do that only and in a very bad way. So it's better to let him do it. But don't worry maa ji I am taking care of everything well. " Varada replied

" Including media " Parvati mumbled and scoffed silently.

" His name and reputation is very important for this family Parvati. There shouldn't be any black mark on him. You know I favor him a little more than others and I want him to see on throne. I am running behind all these even at age to see him lead this family. "

" As his mother you are nothing for him and as his aunt she can only clean up everything behind him. He don't listen to anyone including his father. Then left is me " dadi sighed heavily thinking about her grandson who went out of control from everyones grip.

" Dev became like this it's not just his fault but this whole family is responsible it and he is not gonna forget that. I don't think so he will agree for this marriage. " Paravati spatted at dadi. Even though she don't have any interest to talk about Dev or about his matters,  sometimes she can't shut her mouth.

" You don't have to worry about that. I will make him understand and he will agree. He might won't listen to his so called mother but he will listen to me, his aunt.  I raised him like my own child after all. " Varada stared at Parvati and passed a dirty smirk when she said Dev was raised by her.

" Parvathi..... What she said is true. She did something which you failed to do. So no further arguments over this topic " dadi put her final word and end that conversation there. One maid took daadi towards her room and that huge living room was left with Parvati and Varada.

" You called dadi from nowhere reminding about his curse right ? " Clenching her jaw Varada asked to Parvathi.

" Yes I did..... Why ? You have any issues ? I didn't say anything wrong though " Parvati scoffed at her and spatted arrogantly.

" Your attitude and arrogance over people like us is really something Parvathi. . Thinking yourself almighty and royal...... Those are nothing but nonsense. " Varada said

" I just did a small help for Dev. You only show him the easiest way to success. But remember such easiest ways can pull him to huge dungeons. " Parvathi replied back without loosing that attitude on her face and head back to her room.

" Let's see that .... " Varada also left from there challenging Parvati all annoyed.

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

A five star restaurant in Mumbai

A Small lunch party by Lavanya Mishra on her birthday to her best friends. Her most close friends were present for the lunch.

Lavanya Mishra, only daughter of a famous politician of current ruling party Mr Anand Mishra and Mrs Shobha Anand Mishra. He also has lots of buisness ventures and million worth shares in other fields. About Lavanya she is right now working under Dev to gain some experience. Did her schooling along with Dev and took MBA from abroad. In short a girl born with silver spoon and her daddy's little princess.

" Lavanya this is not fair girl..... It's your birthday and you are only celebrating it just with your friends ? Not even a simple home party ? " one of her friend whined at Lavanya for treating them just with a lunch.

" Girls leave all that to a side. We want to know something interesting than this lunch.  Is it true that you rejected Dev's proposal ? " Another friend of Lavanya who almost laid on table to know something interesting which is whether Lavanya rejected Dev's proposal or not ?

" News spread so fast " Lavanya mumbled and sipped some juice.

" Tell me girl is it true ? " He friends were desperate to know what happened between Dev and Lavanya.

" Yes it is...... I rejected him " everyone was shocked to hear that.

" You are saying you rejected Devadatta Pratap Singh Rathore's proposal ? Seriously ? "

" Rima you don't have to over react for that and it's nothing special. Why ?  Is there any rule that I shouldn't reject his proposal ? " Lavanya scoffed at her friends like it's not a big deal.

" Oh my god.... You are saying it like so simple. If he would have proposed me then I will say yes at that instant itself. Who won't dream to become his partner girl ? Not just his partner but his family ...... I think you are mad " one of her friend almost yelled at Lavanya.

" And it's like Dev will propose you .... Stop it i***t. He don't even know your existence. He proposed Lavanya because they're childhood friends. She is his best friend and no wonder even if she rejects him. Only she has the guts to do that " Rima mocked the other girl and supported Lavanya.

" But tell us .... Why you rejected him ? " All others looked at Lavanya very curiosly to know her reason.

" Just for fun...... You know I don't like things which I get so easily. Dev is my bestie and may be that's why I got him easily. That Dev who is a dreamboy for other girls and most elegant bachelor in this city should chase me. It's not like I have to chase him. Right now Dev is restless and madly thinking about how he should deal with me. Which means I disturbed him and his sleep. Now this face..... This Lavanya is important for him than any girl who approach him. Let's see what he is gonna do to get me.... "

Lavanya smirked at her friends telling them about her plan.

" You are right....... Your rejection indeed made me restless and that's why I am here leaving an important meeting in middle " all girls eyes popped out when they saw Dev in front of them. They wanted to scream but since it was a restaurant they controlled themselves.

" wow....  He is so handsome " a girl mumbled in excitement. Lavanya was the only one who didn't mind him and just concentrated on her food. She didn't even offer a seat for him

" You are not offering me a seat ? " Dev asked to Lavanya in his deep husky voice

" You are my uninvited guest here. Why should I offer you a seat ? " crossing her leg across another Lavanya asked to Dev.

" Never mind... I can sit anywhere here. " He scoffed at her and snap his finger at a waiter to bring a chair for him. That's when Lavanya also noticed other than her friends there wasn't anyone in that restaurant. She understood what happened.

" You don't have to think much. I booked this restaurant completely to have a lunch with birthday girl. " Dev said

" Oh my god..... "

" He really did that for her ?  "

Lavanya could hear her friends talking to each other all excited. In a way she was enjoying that attention. Like they all said before it's Dev..... Getting attention from Devadatta Pratap Singh Rathore is not a small thing.

" Okay may be a lunch together can be done next time. But I can give a present for my childhood friend Lavanya right ? . " He stood from his place and suddenly a man in black suit came there with a jwellery box in his hands. 

Zahir...... He is Dev's personal bodyguard and his driver. One among his most trusted persons. Dev took a simple necklace with a red beryl pendant and stood behind where Lavanya was sitting.

" Many many happy returns of the day my Lavus.... " He put that necklace on her wishing her birthday with that same nick name in which he used to call her during school time. Lavanya was jolted for a second when  Dev gave her a kiss on nape of neck. 

Her friends sat there covering their mouth in shock to watch that scene.

Even though Lavanya kept a long face for all these time with that one kiss her heart melted. A small beautiful smile appeared on her face suddenly.

" Before leaving to Singapore I wanted to give this present for you. I think I am already late to reach airport. Still nothing is important than my best friend. " He said holding on her hand and turned to leave.

" Dev....... " Lavanya called him back and he stopped there. She walked towards him straight and grabbed him towards her for a kiss. At first Dev didn't react but later he snaked his one hand around her waist and another on her neck. Like he was holding something so precious and delicate Dev kissed her so passionately leaving others speechless.

Zahir's reaction was blank like it's nothing new for him and stood there straight like a professional waiting for his boss.

" Come fast ..... I will be waiting for you " Lavanya cupped his face and said before letting him go. He agreed and left from there with Zahir.

" Oh my god , oh my god..... Lavanya.... " Her friends covered her happily and looked at the gift Dev gave her.

" Man ..... This is red beryl..... God..... Do you know how much it costs ? " Rima asked in a wondering voice.

" Nothing precious than him Rima. " Lavanya replied and touched the pendant with so much love.

" See this..... " Another friend showed her the pictures she took when Dev gave her the present and also their kiss.

" Sent it to me..... I need them" Lavanya ordered and she felt so happy like she got the best gift on her birthday.

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

Zahir took Dev to airport and he was accompanied by his manager Mohit and his legal advisor Gaurav. Like Zahir is one of Dev's most trusted person Mohit and Gaurav are also same for him. Dev has trust issues with everyone since he was born and brought up in a family where anyone can backstab him anytime. Every kids are raised up with power hunger and Dev is also nothing different. So in that lifestyle getting Mohit, Gaurav and Zahir was like a real blessing for him. Zahir leads him where as Mohit and Gaurav are his left and right hands.

" Are you sure about Lavanya ? " Mohit asked to Dev who was busy checking something on tab  screen which Gaurav gave him.

" You know I won't do anything I am uncertain about. " Dev replied in a serious tone

" You were never into any serious relationship other than one. I mean we never saw you with any other girls for more than a day. Lavanya is your childhood friend and she is exceptional. But what with this proposal and all ? " Mohit asked again in detail.

" I need her..... Anyways I have to settle down. If it's Lavanya then it's going to be easy for me. I mean atleast to show in front of others no one is better than Lavanya. She knows me very well, she knows me with all my imperfections, so this is better. " Dev replied still concentrated his eyes on tab.

" Marriage is not just a legal agreement Dev. There should be some love, some friendship. Everyday you are watching your own dad and mom in that house. They are the perfect example of being trapped in a loveless marriage. Do you want to become like that ? Shiva Pratap Singh Rathore and Parvati Devi Pratap Singh Rathore both are eligible couples in front of other's and media but the real picture is something horrible. You also want something like that ? " This time it was Gaurav who opened his advice box.

" I don't know about them and I don't have any interest to know about them. In my case even though there is no love between us atleast a good friendship is there. Something better than nothing " Dev replied back and passed the tab to Gaurav like he will read it later.

" Your wish..... We can only say what we felt.  " Mohit said and sighed like he gave up. Once Dev made his mind then it's final. So no use of saying anything.

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

Jadhav family

" Pallavi ....... Are you still sitting there without getting ready ? Girl don't do this to us. Please get ready fast we should reach at party venue on time "

Pallavi Jadhav, first girl among five girls of Jadhav family who is getting prepared to meet Dev.

" Mom aren't you going overboard with all these ? I mean we are living in this 21 century and what the hell is happening? I should decide whom I will marry. Right now I feel like I am some kind of product which is kept in super market. Customer will select me only if he likes. " Pallavi yelled at her mother and threw the comb which she was holding.

" This is a good proposal girl. Don't forget that. An alliance from Rathore family itself is a big thing. Also this is your dadaji's order. From years back our family is indebted to them and if they are showing some interest for an alliance then feel yourself as lucky. Now stop sulking and get ready fast. My precious daughter should look beautiful than other four " her mother  caressed Pallavi with so much love and somehow convinced her to get ready.

" Why it's taking so long ? " Her dad also came there to check on his daughter as time was going

" You go ... She is getting ready " Pallavi's mother took him from there before creating an argument and let Pallavi to get ready.

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

" Mom, dad tell me how do I look ? " 

Bhoomi Jadhav second girl among five.

" My daughter is a princess " her dad hugged her happily and complimented Bhoomi

" That I know..... Tell me Dev will fell for me right ? Oh my god I can't still believe that such a big twist going to happen in my life " Bhoomi jumped from floor with excitement thinking about she is going to meet Dev and that's as an alliance from Rathore family.

" Whenever I have photoshoots with their brand he personally come to  greet me mom. He never fails to melt my heart with gesture and behaviour towards a girl. He treats models like queen. " Bhoomi sit back on vanity chair to finish her makeup and continued her ranting.

" Dad you won't believe I always have crush on him but never able to tell him. I mean how could I ? Who is he ? Where I am ? But this is..... Thank you so much dad " Bhoomi hugged her dad and mom so emotionally for giving her a chance like this.

" Sissy... We should leave before party ends.... If you are going to like this he will go .... " Her brother came there and asked her to come fast before it's late.

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

" I think a statement piece is enough. That gives a classy look "

Aditi Jadhav, third one among five.

" Aditi I think nude lipstick will go better with your dress than red shade  " Her mom suggested while she was getting ready and took red lipstick.

" Is it ? But I think red is bold. I shouldn't be the weak one mommy. " She replied and went with  red.

" Aditi listen to mommy... " Her mother sat there to have a talk with Aditi before leaving for the party.

" What is it ? " She asked

" I know my daughter is smart and you will do a better job. But your short temper is always a problem dear. Atleast for this one day you shouldn't overreact. Rathore family is a huge reputed royal family. If one mistake from your side it can affect this whole family and your other cousins. "

" When your dad left us other than his his family business and immense debt he didn't gave us anything. Family helped us a lot only because he is their son but still there is a limit for everything right ? If Dev liked you then all our issues are solved. You should also think about your younger ones before overreacting." Aditi's mom tried her best to make her daughter understand how to behave in front of them atleast for this one night.

" Why shouldn't they like me mom ? If Dev is smart enough to see my talent then it's his gain. He is not only getting a life partner but also someone who can help him with his business " Aditi said with all confidence and looked at mirror to cross check that everything is perfect.

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

" Oh god you are really doing this ? Are you gone mad girl ? Lakshmi I am talking to you "

Lakshmi Varman , fourth one among five. Also she is the daughter of Jadhav family's one heiress.

" Don't shout I know what I am doing . You both go out and wait for me. Let me finish my makeup " Laksmi shouted at her sister and father for disturbing her while she is doing her makeup.

" Seriously di.... Saree is a bad choice. Others are wearing top notch designer wears and you are with this.... I don't understand what you are going to do  " her little sister was screaming at Lakshmi for choosing a saree for party.

" Are you going there to attract him or not even want him to look at you ? " Her dad also started from other side complaining about her saree selection.

" Stop it.....if I am doing something then there will be a reason behind that. Also who is your sister ? Fashion Diva...... Upcoming supermodel. To that girl you both don't have to teach me what I should wear. " Lakshmi twirl around to check her overall look in front of the mirror.

" Dev or Rahul or whoever it is..... Even if he forgets other four he won't forget this saree girl. I have seen lots of men like him. They go out with all those modern beauties and deep inside always like this Indian epitome beauty. Your daughter will get this young highness by hook or crook man.... "  she looked at her father and said like it's challenge for her.

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

" Maa, paa why you both are silent ? "

Maya Mehra, fifth and the last one. Daughter of second heiress of Jadhav family.

" Don't you feel awkward to meet Dev ? After all he is your boss and you work in his company's legal department. " Maya's dad asked to her.

" Awkward ? Yes of course I feel paa. But what to do ? I should face him somehow. This is our dadaji's order. " Maya replied with a worried face

" Does your boss know that you are from this family and tonight you will be there with other four girls ? " Her mom asked with concern

" I don't know..... Till now no one called me. I mean our department head and Dev's personal lawyer Gaurav sir should have called me if there was any issues. I think it's not an issue for them. " Maya replied in a soft tone.

" Shall we leave paa ? " She stood from chair and get ready to leave.

" Maya...... " Before leaving her dad stopped Maya for a second to ask something.

" There is no pressure on you my child. If he likes you and you don't want this marriage to happen then it's fine you can say it to us. We won't force you with anything you don't like " her dad said.

" Paa..... I know that. If I don't like to be there then I wouldn't have even dressed up for this party. " Maya replied.

" What does that mean ? Maya you like him ? " Her mother was actually surprised to see her daughter blushing when she asked that question.

" Is it true Maya ? " Her dad also asked

" Who won't like Dev sir ? He is good, smart, handsome, rich.... I am seeing him all day and how he treats his employees and run his business itself shows how eligible he is. Before I could only watch him from a distance and fantasize. Devadatta Pratap Singh Rathore aka  my boss DD was always my dream boy but now I am close to that dream turn to reality. If he likes me then I promise paa... Your daughter will be the most happiest girl in this world " Maya hugged her parents happily. They were also happy for their daughter because her happiness was their happiness.

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

Everyone reached at the party venue where Rathore family was hosting an inaugural party of their new franchise of their heritage hotel chain. Third one in Lonavala and 27th one in South Asia. But more than an inaugural party it was daadi's idea to let Dev meet all those five girls and he should select one among them.

Since it's dadi's order Dev was there at venue on time and he met all family one by one. He talked with everyone even though as a formality and get to know something about them.

Lavanya was also invited for the party and she was watching all these from a side but she was cool about it. Dev knows that, Lavanya understand his situation and she will handle it in a mature way.

Finally towards the end of party Dev decided who is going to become his life partner. Either he will choose one among five or he will give his dadi a surprise by taking Lavanya's name.

" Daadi..... " Dev went to his daadi's side along with his aunt to let her know his decision.