As Ansh entered Kanika's cabin, he found it completely dark.

"I am sorry, jaan," Ansh whispered as he stepped in and closed the door behind him. He flicked on the light to discover Kanika fast asleep, a book and pencil still in her grasp.

It had indeed been a long and exhausting day for her. Ansh approached and gently brushed the strands of hair from her face to see her more clearly. He carefully extracted the book and pencil from her hold, closed the book, and set it aside.

He drew up a chair and sat next to her, pulling out his phone to capture a sweet photo of her. He continued to gaze at his wife, losing track of time. It was now 12:30 am. Ansh softly called out to Kanika,

"Jaan, wake up," he murmured, caressing her hair.

" Thodi der" she mumbled in response.

"Kanika, your back will hurt; at least sleep on the couch," he said, and Kanika slowly opened her eyes. She looked around, remembering she had fallen asleep in the office while waiting for Ansh.

Kanika glanced at Ansh, who was simply watching her. She turned her face away, recalling her anger towards him.

"What's wrong, meri jaan?" he asked, pulling up a chair.

"Nothing," she replied, moving back.

"Kanika," he called, but she didn't respond.

"Baby,"

" Jaan , please talk to me,"

"Fireball,"

he continued, but she kept moving away. Now, Kanika's chair hit the wall, and Ansh loomed over her.

" Abh kaha jayegi aap" he asked resting his hand on side of chair. 

Knots formed in her stomach as Ansh addressed her formally. She bit her inner cheek to prevent blushing. Ansh lifted her in the air, bridal style.

"What are you doing?" Kanika asked him, but Ansh paid no attention and proceeded to his car. He gently placed her in the passenger seat and then took the driver's seat.

He moved closer to Kanika, their lips mere inches apart, causing Kanika's heart to race from their proximity. Ansh pulled the seat belt across her and planted a kiss just beside her lips. Kanika was stunned by his sudden move, sitting motionless, her eyes wide as saucers, her face flushed with a deep blush.

Ansh smirked, started the engine, and roared off to their destination. Kanika gazed at Ansh as he laid his hand on her.

" Nasha kar ke aaye ho aap? " she asked innocently. Her use of the respectful 'aap' made him feel like an entire zoo, encompassing all animals, both living and extinct.

He abruptly stopped the car.

"Repeat, what did you say?" Ansh asked her.

"Nasha—" Before she could finish, Ansh interrupted her,

"Repeat what you addressed me as," Ansh demanded, and Kanika recalled what she had said.

The shift was shocking to both of them; they were accustomed to playful bickering like children and shared a strong bond as friends. Addressing each other formally as 'aap' brought a different sentiment to their interaction.

Kanika experienced a novel sensation within her, an unfamiliar feeling. It was the sensation of love, something new and stirring in her heart. For her, trusting these emotions proved to be the greater challenge.

Kanika's heart fluttered. The word held weight, a promise of something more. She repeated, "Aap."

"Repeat," Ansh challenged, his voice softer now.

"Aap," Kanika whispered, feeling the unfamiliar sensation of vulnerability. Trusting these emotions was the greater challenge for her—a leap into uncharted territory.

Ansh leaned back in his seat , closing his eyes. 

"Baas aap ka mujhe aap bulana kahi meri maut ka karan na banjaye." His hand rested on his chest, as if protecting his heart.

Kanika's eyes widened. Was he flirting? No, it was more profound than that.

" Kya aap mujhse flirt kar re ho" she asked innocently.

 "Flirt nahi, meri jaan," Ansh corrected, his voice barely audible. "Ishq bolo ese. Ishq."

The word lingered, laden with unspoken emotions. Kanika turned aside, her mind in turmoil. Past betrayals had left deep scars, yet Ansh stood before her, his heart exposed. She pondered whether she could lower her guard.

Ansh's gaze met hers, his face etched with disappointment and sorrow. He sensed his love was unreciprocated, while Kanika, battling her trust issues, agonized over fleeing from the one who truly cared for, loved, and trusted her—her husband.

Trust had become a delicate strand, worn thin by past hurts. Kanika dreaded forming bonds, fearing that those she held dear were fated to elude her grasp. Ansh's affection offered both sanctuary and danger. Was she willing to take the leap of faith, aware that love might dissipate as quickly as the morning fog?

In the stillness, surrounded by the echoes of the past, Kanika grappled with her emotions. The soft murmur of Ansh's "ishq" resonated, and she contemplated whether love could repair the rifts wrought by loss. Maybe, just maybe, she could discover comfort in exposing her vulnerabilities—a tenuous path bridging the gap of her trust issues.

Ansh drove the car while Kanika rested her head, watching the dark night as the lyrics played.

Tu meri raah ka sitara.

Tere bina hoon main awara.

Jab bhi tanhai ne sataya.

Tujhko besaakhta pukara.

Chaahat hai meri la fanaa.

Par meri jaan dil, main hoon rakhta haan.

Haal e dil tujhko sunata.

Dil agar yeh bol pata.

Bakhuda tujhko hai jata jaan.

Ansh asked for Kanika's hand, and after a moment of thinking , pushing aside her doubts and trusting him, she consented. Ansh smiled, yet a certain unease lingered in his heart; he knew this might be one-sided, but the lingering question was: Is it really true?

They arrived at the ice cream parlor, and Ansh stepped out to open the passenger door for his queen.

"Why have we come here?" Kanika asked as they walked to the counter.

" Meri biwi  naraz acchi nahi lagti" he replied, kissing her temple gently.

Kanika recognized that she may have overreacted and that it wasn't healthy to suppress her emotions. The sincere concern he showed only intensified her inner turmoil over revealing her true self. Overcoming all her hesitations, she resolved that it was time to declare her love for him, her husband.

After taking their order, they stepped out, leaving the remaining instructions with the bodyguard. Ansh and Kanika strolled down to the small shed garden near the parlor. The pre-rain weather and the silence between them were somewhat painful.

Ansh strolled with his hands in his pants pockets while Kanika enjoyed her ice cream. She offered him some, but he simply nodded. A loud thunderstorm drew her closer to him, and he pulled her near.

To lighten the mood, and fortunately for Kanika, it began to rain. She glanced at Ansh.

"No! You're not doing it," Ansh warned, anticipating her next move, and gently pulled her more close by her waist, holding her in his embrace.

"Please!" Kanika implored with wide, innocent eyes, but to no avail. She reached out her hand, gathered some raindrops, and playfully sprinkled them on Ansh while he was engrossed in admiring his wife, firmly holding her waist to prevent her from leaving.

"Fireball, you'll catch a cold," Ansh implored, and Kanika's smile faded. She scooped up more water and splashed him again. Seizing the moment, she dashed out into the rain.

"Kanika!" Ansh called out, walking behind her. As she moved further away, glancing back at him, Ansh suddenly quickened his pace upon noticing a car speeding towards her, of which she was unaware.

In a swift motion, Ansh pulled her into an embrace, shielding her from harm. He then turned to his bodyguards, who understood immediately what they needed to do.

I pulled her near me before that bastrad car driver would hit her,

"Kanika, pagal hogayi ho kya? Tumhe kuch hojata toh? " I said, gripping her arms and pushing her against the car door.

Her breathing was rapid.

"Calm down, you're safe," I assured her, pulling her into a hug. Her head rested on my chest, and her breathing steadied just as the rain began to pour heavily.

"Get in the car, Kanika," I urged, breaking the embrace, but she clung to me tightly.

"Just five more minutes, please," she pleaded, and I wrapped my arms around her again. She stood there, her head against my chest. After a prolonged silence, she spoke.

"Ansh..." I responded with a hum.

"Why are we humans? Why not vampires?" she pondered aloud, tilting her head to look at me.

"Just imagine how easy it would be to switch off our emotions and live without a care, liberated from the memories that torment us like nightmares."

I cradled her face and offered a smile to her guileless eyes,

"Humans experience a wide range of emotions, both positive and negative. Our memories,emotions, and experience shape who we are . While vampires may seem carefree, they face their own challenges. They need to feed on humans for survival creates moral dilemmas."

She gazed into my eyes, our clothes hugging our skin . I went on,

"Our sentiments, memories, and bonds carve out our human essence. Erasing distressing memories could seem tempting, but they also fortify our resilience and compassion. Through our life's tapestry, we evolve, mature, and discover meaning. Memories may haunt us, yet they also forge our fortitude and character."

She nooded and I kissed her forehead,

"Get in now," I said. She sat in the car and I walked towards the driver's seat. While driving, I glanced at her; she didn't say anything, but clearly, something was on her mind.

I held her hand, but she still didn't look at me. I stopped the car on the side and pulled her close.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Shh... Sleep," I replied, making her head rest on my chest. I caressed her wet hair, and she fell asleep.

We drove back to the mansion, and I carried her to my room.

"Have we arrived?" she asked as I opened the door.

"Hmm, change your clothes," I said.

After a while, she emerged in her night suit. I had already changed in another room. I called her to lie beside me and opened my arms for her, and she lay down next to me.

"Kanika," I called her.

"Hmm," she hummed, tilting her head to look at me.

"Tomorrow, I am leaving for Bangalore for a meeting."

"Okay, but won't you be there for the party?" she inquired.

"I will try, as I have a flight to Bangkok the day after tomorrow; I might leave from there itself."

"Okay," she said and started playing with me hands. She checked her palm size which was was too small, sharing about her day she fell asleep.I looked at sleeping figure and picked up my phone to call Akash. 

" Sir he is a sleepercell" Akash said me .

" You know what to do" 

" Yes sir".

After the call, I gazed at her, cherishing my life, my soul - my Kanika. I kissed her forehead gently,

"Whether you love me or not, I will always protect you. 𝐈, 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐡 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐡 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 , promise to her and to myself that I am her protector, her shield, no matter who stands before me," I promised myself. 

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Dadu and Dadi, and we've planned a celebration for the wonderful couple. After finalizing all the arrangements, I returned to my room. With Ansh in Bangalore, it fell to me, as the elder daughter-in-law, to oversee everything.

I plugged my phone in to charge and went to take a bath.

Once I was fully dressed, I stepped out of the wardrobe clad in a black saree, complemented by minimal jewelry, black heels, and light makeup. Just as I took my phone in hand, the power went out unexpectedly.

I sensed someone walking and snapped my head around, but it was too dark to see. Before I could turn on the flashlight, I felt a touch, a brush against my waist. In the blink of an eye, I spun and aimed a punch at the figure, but my hand was caught mid-air and twisted behind my back.

"Oh, my fireball thinks she can punch me?" a voice teased.

"Akkudu!" I yelled, and the lights flickered on. We were standing in front of a mirror. Our eyes met in the reflection, and he wore a playful smirk. I found myself lost in his gaze, noting that he wore a black suit that matched mine. I closed my eyes as he planted a gentle kiss on my shoulder.

"Ansh," I called out, halting him even though I wished not to; he then rested his chin on my shoulder and embraced me from behind.

"Jaan lene ka irada hai kya? Meri jaan." Ansh inquired, gazing at me through the mirror.

My face turned as red as a beet. I literally wanted to bury myself at his next words,

"You look even more beautiful with that blush, my sweet little mess," he said bitting my ear, his lips making its way down to my neck. His soft wet kisses was arousing me , his hand moving under my saree. 

His lips slowing made his way down to my collarbone, he bit my skin and I hissed " Ahh"this will definitely leave blue spot on my neck. Which would be clearly scene from my deep v neck blouse and he is completely taking advantage of this.

He suck on my weak point as my head rested on his shoulder giving him full view. 

"Open your eyes," he whispered. I did, only to find his usual smirk. He turned me around to face him.

"Gorgeous," he said, leaning in close to me.

I cupped his face and rested other hand on his shoulder and said,

" Ansh.." I took a long breathe and gathering all courage I continued,

"Ansh, hume aapse mohabbat hoagayi hai. Despite my insecurities and trust issues, I've reached a point where I, Kanika Ansh Rathore, is deeply in love with my husband and want to spend the rest of my life with him. Forever." 

I pecked his lips and moved back instantly.After a while of slience he cupped my face and asked. 

" Are you sure fireball?" I nodded with shine of  happiness in her eyes. 

" May I?" He asked looking at my lips , I nodded . He kissed my forehead , cupping my face he leaned more close, I closed my eyes and he pecked my nose.

" Ansh, seriously" I said opening my eyes he just chuckled.

" I guess we are a step ahead in your dreams." He said closing the rest over gap between us.

" Stop.." I said placing my palms on his chest , turning my face to other side, it so embrassing .

He turned my face and was about to put his lips on mine when we heard a knock and he stopped. Closing his eyes supressing his anger for interupting us, 

" Come in " he said  without leaving me. I glared at him trying to leave his hold. 

" Close your eyes, if you don't want them to buried under foot."

He said in a cold authorative tone. Which send shiver doen on my spin. While Ansh was looking at me. 

" Woh.. Bhai , aap dono ka wait kar re hai sab." Ayan said and left the room immediately.

" Chalo abh " I said pushing him.

" Ruko idr " He turned me around and lifted me making me sit on desk.

He covered his marks, while I was looking at him, does he regrets showing around thw world that I am his? 

" I don't care showing the world whom you belongs to , because I can rise a war for you rather than hiding you away from world ." He said and peck my lips . 

Was I too loud ? 

" Lets go " he put me down and held my by my waist. We made over way towards ground floor. As we walked down the all family blessed me. Maa warded evil eye and gave money to servants asking them to donate in NGO. 

All the guest has arrived, my parents were busy with my in laws while I made my way to my girls. Prisha couldn't make it as she wa stuck in Switzerland. Tanshika was in london . 

Dev had to leave for Switzerland early in the morning as he said his delgated wanted him there. Mayank , Manav , Ayan and Siddarth were with Ansh. 

Rajvanshis and Sharams are rivals in politics , cherry on top there were in the same party. After the cake cutting it was time for dance . Ayan asked me for the dance,

" Bhabhi lets dance." I looked at Ansh, he was busy talking with Dhruv so I moved along with Ayan. I was looking at Ansh, he looked at me, feeling his insecurity I noted to talk to him about matter. Our eyes maintain the contact when it was broke by Ayan,

" Bhabhi aapke pyaare dever ki help kardo" He said making puppy eyes.

" Boliye dever ji " I said ruffling his hair.

" Woh.. Jiya ko kya pasand hai ?" He asked looking everywhere but not me. I chuckled and whispered in his ear the idea.

Ayan left and I walked towards Ansh,

" Ansh , I was just.." before I complete , he pulled me close by my waist while other hand hold the glass of whiskey. 

" Shh...your mine thats all it matters." he said but his voice mixed with annoyness. I guess he is jealous.

" Okay chalo lets go " I said him while others where dancing on music beats. 

" Go with Ayan " he said , annoyingly.

" Are you by chance jealous Mr. Akkudu?"  I asked pulling his cheek playfully , he pulled me more close leaving the glass aside and cup my face.

" Trust me jaan, I am even jealous of air people breath along with you . " he said and rested his face in crook of neck. 

" Ansh , chalo" I said stopping him . 

" Kanika we are in public" he said pulling me closer by my waist. He and his dirty mind . I hit on his shoulder,

" Exactly, we are in public now leave me " I said and took him on dance floor. He was just looking at me while I was dancing with everyone. 

As I watched her dance, her allure was captivating; I found myself unable to look away. I took a bundle of notes and waved them through the air, intending to ward off the evil eye. She gestured for me to stop, but I persisted, entranced by her smile, until someone spoke up.

"Itta kya paisa udare ho waste hojayega, hai wo toh paraye ghar ki na"

"Sab se keemati kanika hai mere liye paise nahi aur Hogayi wo aap ke liye paaraye ghar ki, meri biwi hai wo, izzat se phesh aayi ye aap, warna mein bhul jaunga aap merese baade ho"

I yelled at high note making everyone look at me ,

" Deklo sab, dekho Pavitra tumhara beta joru ka gulam ban gaya hai " She laughed

" Low down your tone, don't forget where are you standing " I yelled.

" Ansh stop, badi hai wo humse "Kanika spoke in a hushed tone, stepping forward to place her palm on my chest.

My eyes, blazing with fury, met a pair of gentle ones, and the storm within me began to subside, prompting me to leave the area."

I went towards my study and broke the glass of window with my hand, my anger has crossed it's level and the door opened as she entered.

" Stop it Ansh " She yelled,

" Stop it, calm down and sit here, " She made me sit on  my chair and handed me a glass of water.

"How could she say that to you? How dare she?" I exclaimed angrily.

"But she was right; I come from a different household, and your contract wife. You shouldn't concern yourself too much with me." she replied calmly.

Contract again she said , I hate that contract . I pulled her harshily near making her sit on my lap, my hand secured around her waist.

"You are my wife, and money holds no value compared to you; you are more important to me," I said in a low, dangerous voice.

" And about the contract, I dare you bring that term referring you on your tongue again I will fuck this mouth of yours unless you are dried under my mercy to leave you." I said pulling her close even more. I was cupping her face when she noticed my hand bleeding,

" Have you lost it? " She said getting up from my lap and walked towards the desk to get first aid box .

" Its nothing " I said and she shot me a death glare.

" Stop being insane, gussa shant karo ." She said banding my wound while I was just looking at her. Her hair fluttered in the cold breeze coming from outside.

" Sunre ho aap" She said and I looked at her and nodded. I wasnt listening to her, I was just lost in her eyes, her face, her lips which I almost attempted to kiss but was interrupted by my dumbfuc lillte brother..

She did bandage and kept the box back when ,

She walked near me and I made her sit on my lap. 

" Press that red button " I said her and she pressed the red button and the locker was open.

" Can get the a box from there as my hand is hurt right " I said with pleading eyes as I wanted her to check the box by herself. She nodded and got up. 

" Passcode?" 

" Your birthday " I said and she looked at me. 

Typing the passcode the locker opens with a box .

" Ansh.." she was lost of her words and I moved near her and held her by waist from behind.

" Loved it ?" I asked her as she took the book in her hand.

" Yee.. kyu?" she asked turning around. 

" This is for my beautiful wife" I said and made her wear the pendant with orange diamond. 

" You must be thinking why orange diamond? " I asked her putting the hook as she nodded.

The Orange Diamond, also known as the "fire diamond," symbolizes rarity, uniqueness, and timeless beauty. Its fiery hue represents passion, energy, and intensity, and this diamond signifies you fireball. Meri kohinoor si biwi keliye chota sa heera " I said kissing her forehead. She took out her phone from my pocket. 

Indeed, she slipped her phone into my pocket as she danced. It seemed as though she was searching on Google while nestled in my arms. Her playful antics brought a chuckle from me.

"But Ansh, it's worth 39.5 million dollars!" she exclaimed.

" Nothing matter infront of you." I said and she hugged me tight.I covered her in my embrace . Holding my face she kissed everywhere and stopped at my lips. Smirk played on my lips and I looked at her. 

She slowly move closer and closer, I just want pull her kiss but I let her dominate. I closed my eyes feeling her more close. She bit my jaw and moved back.

" WTF" I yelled in annoyness. 

" Ansh chalo lets go out , its raining" she said pulling me out of my study . We sneaked out from back door as all the guest where at front side.

" Where shall we go jaan?" I asked her as she lay her head on headrest.

" Lets go to my penthouse." I said driving towards my penthouse.

" Ansh stop the car" I stopped the car immediately nowhere.

" Are you fine? Kuch hua?" I asked being worried and she just looked at me.

" Umm.. nothing bass mujhe barish mein jaana tha." She said and left car before I call her out.

I walked near her , it was raining heavy and there she stood with open hands feeling every drop on her. Her saree completely soaked in water hugging her body as second layer, flaunting her curves .

I pulled her near me , she looked at me ,

" Kiss me Kanika" I said her ,  and her eyes widen.

She stepped back saying , " Mein hoti hi kon hu? " I moved a step near, I know what was coming.

" Bass a contract wife" She said and done! I pulled her near me and smashed my lips on her .

I taste her no I devour what's mine. She stood numb on my action and later gave in, she tried to match my pace but couldn't. I cupped her face pulling it more closer , she kept her hand on my neck . I pulled her more closer by waist . I pinched her waist and shoved my tongue  in her mouth and ate her wole essence. 

She tastes mine! All fucking mine!! My fireball , my fucking oxygen. 

She patted my chest to break the kiss but I too busy in devouring her. She patted again and I broke the kiss, she was having heavy breathing her chest going up and down. I joined our foreheads ,

" YOUR MY WIFE , GET THIS INTO YOUR TINNY BRAIN. YOUR MY PRESENT, MY FUTURE , MY WHOLE FUCKING EXISTENCE"

I said and walked towards the car and brought the contract papers and tore it infront of her.

She smiled and I pulled her pinning on car and kissed her again. After a long passionate kiss we broke it as she bite my lip making me stop. She cleaned the blood with her thumb and sucked it.

" Stop being bad girl baby." I said and she smirked. 

We sat in the car and drove towards my penthouse, she laid her head on my shoulder the whole ride with songs playing in background. I stopped my car infront of penthouse and got out making my way towards her. I opened the door and scopped her in my arms. 

We walked towards my room, I laid her on bed and she pulled me near. I was upon her , she pulled me into kiss and I let her dominate. I love this side of her. 

She pushed me down and hover over me and kissed me roughly, I removed our footwears and throw in some corner of the room. I placed my hand on her waist pulling her more close . In lost of oxygen she broke the kiss and looked at me. 

" Now its my turn " I said and changed our position. I was above her now , she started opening my shirt buttons, I held her wrist. 

" Once I start I don't stop Kanika" I said in cold voice and she continued .

I undo her safety pin and removed her pallu , I started kissing her jaw , moving down to her neck and then collarbone. It was all filled with my marks, which would turn purple by tomorrow morning. 

I moved down to her clevage and she held my hair pushing my face more into her . Her sweet moans are turning me on. She herself turns me on, her voice, her laugh, her smile, her eyes, her everymove , her every mood turns me on.She is my goddess, and though I am an atheist, I will worship her for my entire existence; because she is my whole fucking existences.

I was about to open the hook of her blouse when my phone rang for fifth time. I stopped my self and took the phone and cut it.

" Ahh Ansh " She moaned holding my hair I kissed her shoulder  and now Kanika's phone rung. She instantly pulled away and picked up the phone.

"Hello haa maa "  She said while I was moving down to her stomach kissing it and sucking her leaving marks.

" Okay maa! I will say Ansh " Kanika disconnected the call and pulled me.

" Ansh listen" she said but I kissed her wrist  , listening to her. 

" Maa informed you to call Dad it's urgent something related to Ahuja's " she said and shut my eye suppressing my anger. I got up and lifted her in my arm before covering her again in saree and moved towards closet . 

" Change your self and sleep I will be back "

I moved out and spoke to dad after while I enter in my room and looked her sleeping soundly wearing my shirt and her shorts. I changed myself and laid beside her pulling her near me. 

Kanika slept in my embrace as I watched over her. She looked so beautiful in my arms, my baby. I kissed her forehead and then walked out of the room.

I called Mayank.

"Is the room ready?" I asked.

" Yes she is waiting for you ."
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