Chapter Five

Time seems paused to me. Whenever I glanced at the clock it was showing the same time and sometimes with slight moving ahead. There was no window. The darkest part of time was coming next, The Night, when eminently crimes happen. I peered again. Clock was showing, seven o'clock on my phone in the evening. I got a knock on the door. It jolted me, making my heart pounding at speed. It was getting dark, I felt goosebumps on my neck as I was watching a horror movie. It was a worse feeling than watching a horror movie, specially when you didn't feel safe. I didn't answer it. Second time, knocking grew louder. They couldn't break the door, could they? Hesitantly, I stepped on the floor and timidly took treads. I opened it timorously. Tann wasn't alone this time, best makeup artist Himanshu Chopra was standing beside him.
" I thought I had to break the door. " Tann said. He looked at me to reply to him. When I didn't, " Anyways, Himanshu is here to help you for today's party." he said.
" Party?" I asked him with astound.
" Your reception party," he replied, inclining his head to one side.
Monster's party flashed before me. My eyes widened, " No." I sighed. He was officially declaring our marriage. It wasn't a good idea. He was taking it to the next level. I didn't want this. Next levels would create problems for me. I didn't want anything from it nor even this wedding is important to me. What was he trying to do after all?
" Don't worry, you'll look like a princess. " Himanshu said with his adorable smile which I have seen whenever he comes on the television screen and covers magazines.
" She should look like a queen. " Tann said strictly. Tann seems to me like his brother, both have an attitude, authority. Duante has more extra qualities in him. When he spoke, the front man felt his power over him as I have felt whenever he comes near to me. Duante is something special and more of it. Whenever he isn't around. Tann is in charge.
" Sure, darling. " he said, putting his hand on Tann's shoulder.
" Why? " I plaintively asked him. As I was feeling safe in this locked room in my solitude. I can't go out. There was security at every step. Why does he need this huge security? He wasn't innocent as I have seen his man killing the goons. Fortunately, my family wasn't at its point. But I couldn't escape.
" Don't be nervous. You should cheer. You're Bride. " Himanshu told me with his smile.
" You have two hours. You know the rules. " Tann said to him. Before leaving he pinned Himanshu with his piercing glare.
" She'll be safe with me, darling. " he smirked. He took his warning in a flirt. This man knows how to handle the rough situation.
" No abrasion, otherwise you'll be in your grave darling. " Tann smirked.
It vanished Himanshu's smirk, " Sure sure. " He got horrified and turned to me, " Lemme show you your dress. Your husband selected it for you. " He said with his usual smile, a mixer of fear. People came in and put the stuff on the table. Two men with guns were outside of my door. They were ordered by Tann to shoot if something unpleasant would happen.
It was the prettiest silver lehenga with heavy work of rubies, topaz and silver and golden threads. It weighed thirty kilograms and a diamond necklace with platinum, hand bracelet. Now it was giving me the feeling of Indian queen. Why was he doing this? This marriage wasn't important for me. I could see, he was damn serious about this marriage. I was getting fidgety. My eyes filled with water. It trailed down my cheeks. Marriage wasn't my choice. But this room and this, the clothes and jewelry was all as I dreamt it to be.
" Did I hurt you? Your husband will kill me, Please No tears baby. " he started to get nervous. He wiped my tears with a cotton ball, afraid to touch me. He offered me a glass of water. I took it and drank it. Himanshu is a kind hearted guy. He is strong. I've read his book. He's gay and how his parents always stand with him. I want the same courage for me and parents too.
" You okay, baby? " I could see fear on his face. I didn't mean to scare him.
" Yes, just got emotional. " I smiled at him.
" Oh! Thank God. " He was looking relieved and brought his smile back.
I stared at the mirror on my reflection. It was perfect what I desired for my wedding, indeed more than that, silver blouse and red lehenga. My hair was in a loose bun and loose strands. I didn't imagine this royalty. I heard a knock, " I'll attend this. " He said.
" Mr. Rego. I'm so lucky to have met you. " Himanshu said in a loud voice with a smile.
I looked at him in the mirror. He was in black suit. He nodded at him. His presence made me uneasy and happy. Yes! I was shocked. He sauntered at me and held out his hand for me. I hesitantly put my hand in his strong hand. He helped me to stand. I must say my dress was so heavy.
There was glint in his eyes, " You like it. " he asked, running his eyes on my dress and me.
Himanshu was looking dread, waiting for my answer. I couldn't put him in danger. Indeed, I was in love with my look. My makeup was perfect, the dress was perfect and the jewelry, it was amazing. I can see diamonds glinting around my neck.
" I love it. " I replied with a smile. It was as I dreamt for it at my wedding. My friends must have helped him.
" Thank God. " I heard from Himanshu and clapped of his hands.
" Her family and guests are waiting for us. " Tann said, " Wow, look at you girl! you're looking adorable. " Tann gawked at me with a huge smile.
He passed Tann his cold stare. He gestured to them to leave. I was alone with him behind closed doors. I was feeling goosebumps. He could do anything. My hand was shaking in his hand. He rubbed his thumb on the back of my fingers. I couldn't dare to pull it back, " Why are you doing this? " I asked him.
" You'll behave yourself, " He paused. I know his eyes were on me, " Like a happy bride. " he ordered.
Why did he want this? It wasn't with my desire. He kidnapped my cousins. That was the reason I was here with him. " If I didn't. " I retorted.
" Your family is present here. Ground is full of my gunmen. Do I need to explain more? " he demanded in a bossy voice.
I comprehend what he could do. I don't expect flowers from him. He was dangerous and brave. Otherwise, why would a dapper like him jump from the fourth floor with a girl, " No. " I whispered. My eyes were stinging as it filled with salty water. My makeup was waterproof. Still I did not want to show myself weak. A tear slipped from my eyes.
He set up his hand to my cheek. I immediately backed away from him. He chuckled and took one long stride toward me. He ran his thumb on my cheek," Happy bride." he whispered, ordering again.
I didn't hoist my lashes. His face was innocent, handsome, his eyes were soft but stormy amber. I nodded at him in Yes. He offered me his hand. There was only one option: ' Take his hand.'
He gripped it around his iron hand. He tugged me with him. I was finding it difficult to walk in this dress. I was in high pointed heels. I like them but this was extra high. I do not have to angle my head to glance at him, " Dress is heavy. " I whispered.
He stopped walking and turned to face me, " I can change. " he asked me.
Party would run for a few hours. I did not want to waste Himanshu's hard work, " No. My makeup is according to my dress. I don't wanna spend another hour doing makeup and hairstyle. '' I said.
" Sure, " he smirked and began his walk again, " Watch your steps. " he whispered.
Tann joined us in our way. White walls were everywhere and gave it the look of a maze. He was tugging me with him. His pace was slow this time. Perhaps matching it with mine Or preparing himself to pretend in front of people that we are a happy couple. We went through the elevator. There was his helicopter waiting for us. Tan slipped in first. I didn't want to fall. I lifted my right foot first. Before I could step it. Duante scooped me up, " No, I'm heavy. " I said loudly.
" You are just forty seven kilograms. " He smiled.
How does he know my weight? My eyes were on his face. Wow! He has a killer smile. He could make girls his slaves with just his smile.
" You forget to add lehenge's weight. " I whispered.
He placed me cautiously and immediately gestured at the pilot. Situation has changed in less than twenty four hours. I came here against my will. I was going into that party pretending to be a happy bride of his.
Helicopter landed in a farmhouse. I could see from the top, it was a huge party on gargantuan grassland. I darted my eyes around. It was decorated like a fairyland. I could see fresh flower's decorations and lightning. He was right. Ground was full of his men.
He stepped out first and I was behind him. He grasped his both hands on my waist and easily scooped me up and landed on the grass. I looked back at him. Camera flashes were hitting us. I was numb and staring around.
" You're killing it. " High pitched voice came.
I swiveled to see, " Mini. " I smiled. I was still frozen on my ground. She scurried at me and gave me a tight hug.
" Hi beautiful. " I greeted her.
She pulled back and stared at me with widened eyes. She pecked on my cheek, " You look damn pretty. "
" Pretty! Thank You gol gappe. " I pinched her cheeks between my fingers and thumb lightly, " You are looking too cute. "
" Thanks, luckily I did not get fed up with the same comment. Your husband gifted us this dress. " She whispered in my ear.
Okay! It was shocking news for me. He was being nice to my cousins.
" I'm jealous. " Rose smirked and gave me a tight hug.
Both were in beautiful pink lehengas. I hugged her back, " Looking adorable, Rose. " I smiled.
" Thanks. " she muttered.
I glanced back at them to find others. I wanted to see them. I was hoping this party would clear all the misunderstandings as I love them, especially my dad.
" They are sitting in the first row. " Mini said, " Your husband is a genius. Our families refused to come. He used other ways. " she murmured.
" Did he blackmail them? " I blurted.
" No, he invited the entire troop. The Commissioner himself asked our fathers to join the party and you know they can't say no to him. " Mini tried to speak slowly, but failed.
Someone cleared his throat. Our eyes turned at my back. Duante was still standing there. His men were around him.
" Hi, jiju. " Mini waved at him.
He nodded in a response which I was not expecting.
" He's dapper. " Rose whispered.
" Yeah, The most handsome one. " Mini replied to her.
" Everyone is waiting. " Tann came and said.
My husband advanced his hand at me. I took it instantly. I don't want him to hurt my family. I maintained a fake smile on my face. He was moving toward the altar. It was decorated with red roses. There was a huge broad wall of red roses with green leaves. This was outstanding.
People were coming and congratulating us. My family didn't come to meet me. I could see them from the stage. I found my mother staring at me. She smiled at me. But dad immediately stopped her. It was heartbreaking to see them but I couldn't talk to them. Finally, My family stood up from their seats to come on stage and meet me. My dad and uncles did handshakes with Duante and congratulated him to showing their seniors they were happy with this marriage. My father and uncles were giving him a hatred look when they got an opportunity. My father came in front of me.
" You've been dead for us. You'll never see us again." he whispered, while hugging me.
My Heart was sinking down. It was hurting me to hear bitter words from him. I was biting my lips to control my tears. My mother and aunts did not look at me. I knew they couldn't go against their husband's desire as I couldn't go against my husband right now. They went back to their seats. My father did not allow my mother and aunts to meet me. My dad hugged me to announce his decision.
Rose and Mini were standing beside me the whole time. I spun. " You both shouldn't be with me. I don't want them to punish you. " I whispered to Mini and Rose, who were clicking pictures and smiling their best. Duante was standing beside me, I don't want him to hear me.
" No chance. " Rose said.
" We don't give a fu**. " Mini said, showing her mid finger.
We trio laughed at once, attracting everyone's attention.
I felt his stare at me. He was smiling, perhaps beholding me smile. I'm guessing wrong things.

It was a perfect wedding reception. I would be genuinely glad if circumstances were different. My friends were happy for me. But they don't know the inside story. They believed what he told my family. It's a love marriage.
" We've got to go. Our families are leaving. '' Rose said with a sad face.
I did not want them to go. But I wasn't the boss. I hugged them both. This time I couldn't stop my tears. Rose wiped them away. I gave my assuring smile.
Mini hugged me tighter and pulled back, " See you in the class. " Mini winked at me, moving away from me.
I smiled and gave her a flying kiss.
I watched them going, until they disappeared from my sight. I was fighting with my tears to not show up. My dress was a little less kilograms than my weight. Reluctantly, I moved closer to him. He was holding a glass, " Can't I change the dress? " I asked him, whispering in his ear.
He agreed quickly. It was shocking, he beckoned at his men.
Tann held out his hand. I looked at him. He nodded and I took his hand. He led me to a room. Himanshu was already waiting for me in the room. He showed me a beautiful turquoise backless gown.
" Wow, it's so pretty. " I said. I couldn't remove my eyes from it.
" I knew you'd like it. Your husband asked me to pick something in this color and light dress for you. " Himanshu smirked, " Change in it, darling. " He said.
His men three times checked the washroom and scanned every corner closely before leaving me in alone. I removed the jewelry. I let my tears slip from the brink of my eyes.
I washed my face and put on the gown. It was a lovely dress, beautifully made by the best designer. I removed extra kajal with the help of a cotton ball. When I donned my dress. I let them come in.
" Please, No makeup. " I asked him.
" Yeah sure, baby. Whatever you like. But I wanna put a light pink shade on your lips, " he beamed.
" Sure, " I smiled and allowed him.
When he was done. I saw myself in the mirror, light pink lips and my natural look. My skin was glowing without makeup.
" I really love this. " I said with a real smile, " Thank you. " I smiled.
He smiled bigger, " No, baby. Thank you darling. You saved me from death. '' he chuckled.
Door creaked open. Himanshu smiled and left the room. He was standing, hand in his pocket. He paced inside the room. He stood facing me.
" Sexy and hot, the same as the first time I saw you. " he whispered slowly. I felt goosebumps on my arms and back. What did that mean?
" Come. " Duante smiled a bit. He took me back to the party.
Dance floor was full of people. Couples were moving with the tune of music. He held my hand and walked with me on the dance floor. Resting his hand on my waist, pulling me closer to him, he began to move with rhythm. I heard a loud applause from the crowd. I suppressed my nervousness with my smile. His fingers were brushing on my bare back.
" You're blushing. " he said slowly.
" No, I'm not." I shook my head. He snorted, " Your fingers are brushing on my skin. It's tingling me. " I whispered.
He tugged me nearer and fully smiled. He spread his hand on my exposed back. I sucked on my breath and looked at him with wider eyes. I kept my eyes on his chest or on the floor. We danced to three songs. I didn't feel awkward for a while. He was pampering me.
I couldn't eat much as my brian was still filled with my family thoughts. He didn't force me. After dinner, he toasted with his guests and men. He swigged down his drink. He was drunk, so I wanted to stay away from him. Tann was also busy with his glass. I was dead tired and wanted to hit my back with bed.
I glanced at him and found him gazing at me, " I wanna go home. " I mumbled.
He gave me a narrowed eyes look and glared at me.
" I mean your home. I'm tired. " I corrected.
He beckoned at his second man, the same man around his mid thirty, he wasn't drunk. I was doubting, was Duante actually drunk or not, or he was pretending.
We walked back in the same room. They again scanned the room properly," You may go in. " he said.
I was back in the room. I hit the bed and hugged the pillow. I closed my eyes. I instantly fell asleep.

.
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Duante's POV
" Ricky is smuggling cocaine in Hyderabad at midnight. " Tann informed me.
I couldn't let him poison the city. I glanced at my watch. It was eleven o'clock. I darted my gaze around. People were enjoying the party. It went as I planned. Thomas was drunk.
" Rohit! Attend the guest. " I ordered him.
" Yes, Sir." he said.
" Ask my wife to come. We're leaving. " I said Tann.
" She has slept. " Tann replied.
I excused myself from my allies and sauntered toward the restroom. My men bowed who were appointed out of the door. I nodded. I turned the knob. I stepped in the room. She was peacefully sleeping. I stared down at her. She was a fragile beautiful doll. I picked her up from the bed. She didn't stir a bit. She had an unbreakable sleep. Helicopter's sound might wake her. So I preferred the roadway.
I went in the elevator. She didn't move. I walked in her room. I laid her down on the mattress. I removed her heels. She was sound asleep. I covered her with a blanket and walked out of her room, closing the door behind me.
" Thomas is tight sleeping after drinking. " Tann said.
" I want you to check his drink." I said as I couldn't trust anyone.
" Yes, sir. " He nodded at once.
" You'll stay in the house. Thomas is not in his conscious. " I said.
" Akash and I can do this job. You may need here. " he suggested.
" I thought about it, mostly men are drunk. I can't take the chance to lose my man power. Stay here and keep my family safe. " I said.
He bowed his head in yes.
.
.
I had hidden myself under dark with my five men. It was two Nova, and ten men, guarding the drug. Their guns were resting in the car.
" Ricky is not coming with his men. He is sending his best twenty men. " Aakash whispered.
" We've to finish it before they arrive. One bullet, one man, No mess. Knock them out if you can. " I ordered them.
They nodded at once. We were running out of time. I had to wrap this before his men landed on the spot.
Six men were drinking in a troop in front of the one car and four were watching from behind. It made it easy for us. I gestured to Arsh and two men to handle four men behind the car. We had silencers on our guns. It should be easy. Aakash and one more man were watching my back. I glanced at the men standing behind. Before they hit the ground with a thud my men caught them and hauled them in the roadside wood.
Six men were in a circle. My hand was empty. My gun was resting in a holster. I hit one of the men behind his knee and punched him on the delicate part of his neck. He staggered on his feet and fell on the ground. I threw a punch on my left at the man and a second punch on my right. I exhaled sharply with every punch. The Other three came in action, dropping their glasses on the road. One of them tried to throw his punch on me. I dodged it moving side. Arsh and Aakash were behind them holding their guns pointed at them. They shot them dead.
It worked as I planned. I asked Arsh to drive the cars in the warehouse. I ordered them to destroy the whole poison and report me back.
When I was done here, I drove back to the building. Tann was still awake.
" Is everything fine? " I asked.
He stood from his chair and answered, " Yes. Both are resting in their room. "
I nodded and checked on Thomas. He was sleeping on his belly. I stepped back to my room. But my gaze rested on her room. I paced at her door and turned the knob. She was sleeping soundly. I was astounded at her, where did she get it from? No tension marked on her face. Peace was introducing itself on her beautiful face. I bent down and placed a kiss on her forehead. I locked the room's door behind me. It was impossible to run away from my place. If she dared to look in my eyes, she could dared to run from here too. I couldn't allow her to be my weakness. But I was falling for her since the day I had seen her.