Chapter 3

~Vedh Singh Oberoi X Heer Mehta~

"Your eyes....they...they seem familiar"

Vedh's sea green orbs bore into Heer's honey brown ones examining her soul and searching into his own for any clue of those eyes

Heer, meanwhile was in shock but as Vedh caught her hold not letting her touch the ground, her eyes fell on his face

Their faces were inches away just about to touch but they both were frozen on their places to move even an inch from the position

For the first time she saw him that too this close that his breath fanned over her lips. His calm face with stormed eyes was visible to her completely now

The world around them held no value as they got busy admiring each other, trying to find out the memory which held them together

She was lost in his beauty like he was lost in her eyes. She noticed the sharp curve of his jawline, his orbs examining her face, the sharp nose and the wide forehead- everything

Vedh was holding her waist tight but she wasn't feeling uncomfortable rather the only thought that came to her mind was,

'She knew this comforting touch, she has felt it before'

None knew how they felt so familiar by each other's presence but one thing was sure, they are connected either in this life or from the other

They both were still staring into each other's orbs when Heer realized he had said something, a whisper that fell into her eardrums but she didn't hear so her unconscious voice came out

"Huh?"

Her lips parted but before Vedh could reply, a concerned Sudha rushed towards them straight from her car when Saket told her that Heer was about to fall

"What happened Heer? My child how did you fall?"

Both Heer and Vedh startled at the loud interruption as they quickly composed standing straight though Heer was too short than Vedh

Heer tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes lowered when Saanchi and Reva came to her side looking if she is hurt

Vedh straightened his shirt standing straight and quiet as the conversation took place, his eyes occasionally stealing glances at Heer still in haze of what is familiar between them

~Heer Mehta~

Acknowledging the earlier question asked by Sudha, Heer looked up slightly and answered as usual in soft and low voice

"Nothing aunty just my dupatta got stuck in the door of car"

She said looking back at the dupatta which was still stuck in the door, Saket noticed and with a smile he opened the door of car letting her dupatta go free

"Thank You"

Heer whispered a small 'thank you' to Saket along with a smile and he took it gratefully with a wider smile

Examining Heer from top to bottom, Sudha spoke the concern still lingering in her tone and her eyes wandering all over Heer for any sign of injury

"Beta are you hurt anywhere? Just tell me"

Heer's body tensed as she thought of answering the question because she thought how can she explain his aunt that he caught her before she could fall

This was so embarrassing!!

They would tease her if she took his name and she knew it, maybe his family might not tease as much as Reva and Saanchi would do and they will definitely do

Heer turned slightly pink the unnoticeable hue covering her cheeks but before she could speak, Smita with a teasing smile spoke

"Not at all Mummy, bhabhi is not hurt as bhaiya caught her at the right time"

Heer glanced at all of the cousins of Vedh, only to see them all glancing between her and Vedh with those teasing gazes and mischievous smiles

'They saw it'

Heer thought, they had seen the entire exchange between Heer and Vedh who was standing just beside her till now and this was way more embarrassing now

Sudha cupped her right cheek and giving her a fond smile she said

"Let's go"

Heer nodded with a smile and all of them walked towards the mall including Vedh. All of them walked chatting and giggling with each other while Heer, Reva and Saanchi still stood

And now the real investigation started when Reva and Saanchi found her alone for a few moments

Reva looked at Heer with concern and twirling her around she asked as Saanchi looked from top to bottom

"Where are you hurt Heer? Tell us"

Not once but Reva twirled her twice when Heer shook her head and held Reva's shoulders glancing at both Reva and Saanchi

"Reva, Saanchi Smita said na. I am not hurt anywhere"

Heer tried to convince them both but it didn't even ease a bit of concern on both their faces when Reva argued

"No, I don't trust anyone, and you...you are lying I know you very well you lie because you don't want to stress othe-"

Reva was speaking continuously while Heer shook her head and cut her off in between again trying to make them understand

"No Reva, Vedh ji had caught me on time, he had saved me from falling"

She mentioned Vedh without even realizing what she was saying because at the moment she just wanted Reva and Saanchi's concern to ease out

Heer did not realize while speaking but when she realized that she has mentioned Vedh as 'Vedh ji' in there conversation, her eyes lowered and her fair cheeks tinted a darker shade of pink now

Meanwhile hearing Vedh's name from her mouth like that an instant smile bloomed on Saanchi's face while Reva stood confused but when she realized

Reva's eyes widen before a teasing smile appeared on her face and she slightly nudged Heer trying to look into her lowered gaze she asked mischievously

"Who, Heer?"

Heer blinked looking here and there before she huffed trying to dismiss what she just said

"Shut up and let's go it is getting late"

Heer walked towards the mall's entrance leaving both Saanchi and Reva giggling on her back before they ran to catch up with Heer

They all entered the mall and saw Saket coming towards them almost running and he asked with heavy breaths

"Where were you, bha..bhabhi? Come let's go Ma is calling you"

~Heer Mehta X Vedh Singh Oberoi~

Heer smiled softly and all three girls followed him into a luxurious clothing store. The store was sophisticated and properly cleaned, not much rush and too many expensive lights Heer and others looked around

Where other people feel happy coming in such stores Heer felt uneasiness growing in her chest, she just didn't feel satisfied even after entering such a big store

The store was almost empty with two or three customers attended by the staff members. Reva and Saanchi moved faster and joined the other people of Vedh's family while Heer was still moving slowly

Vedh looked up slightly from his phone when he heard the jingling sound of her earrings as she moved slowly, he saw the soft crease between her brows catching the hint of her unease

His own eyes narrowed as he saw Heer moving hesitantly towards them as if her legs were refusing to move forward

Heer joined the family and as soon as she joined all of them made her sit in between asking her choice as she is the bride while Vedh sat at the side observing everything as he slid his phone inside the pocket of his pants

Heer's dissatisfaction was hard to notice but Vedh saw it, her every move. The way her finger clutched her dupatta and the way she felt more uncomfortable when the shopkeeper spoke with sugar coated voice

Vedh knew she wasn't feeling great but why? he didn't know and that's what he was trying to understand

The shopkeeper showed various designs in various colors but she liked none and honestly even Vedh didn't like something for her

After few minutes, Sudha took out a yellow suit for her showing it to Heer and others with proud, but Heer didn't like it at all though it was a beautiful piece but it was nothing like she had thought

"See Heer, this is so beautiful please go try this beta"

Sudha said to Heer with a soft smile which Heer did not want to disappoint so she stood up holding the fabric in her hand she walked to the trial room

Her expressions seemed uncomfortable with something though it was barely noticeable but Vedh's sharp eyes noticed, he has always been an observer who saw everything even when the people thought he wasn't watching

Five minutes after Heer left, Vedh stood up before he moved in the same direction pretending to have an important call

Inside the trial room Heer wore her suit back taking the yellow piece in her hand and she looked at herself in the mirror, her brain in turmoil that how she will deny for this suit

Thinking all this she stepped out of the trial room, only to freeze as she saw Vedh casually leaning on the wall in front

Her eyes widen as she blinked at Vedh who was already looking at her since she walked out. Vedh sighed and moved his own heart beating loudly as he walked near her and stopped at a decent distance

Vedh looked here and there and then he spoke, a whisper so soft but still deep and heavy,

"If you are uncomfortable with anything, you can tell me.....or anyone"

He spoke with authority but a nervousness lingered in his chest as he stood in front of his to be wife who was way too small in front of him

Listening to Vedh, Heer glanced up at him for once before she again looked down and thinking what he had just said, she nodded her head before letting out a soft whisper

"Ji"

That's it, no more conversation no more words just a small word and that too spoke this softly to be barely heard

Heer feared Vedh from the very moment she saw him because he looked intimidating enough to get anyone in his authority

Vedh stepped aside giving her enough space to walk out and she walked out passing by him, leaving her scent filling his nostrils

The soft fragrance of caramel with a hint of coffee making his heart go mad in just one time, the smell was enough to make any man go whipped over this girl at once but he was Vedh Singh Oberoi,

He needed time for it (Author giving a mischievous smile)

Vedh stood frozen feeling her fragrance in the room where she had just been but now it felt empty. Coming back to the present Vedh furrowed his brows at himself before he scratched his head like a fool and said to himself

"Why the fuck I did that?"

He himself felt stuck that he was being so polite to the girl he met just a few hours ago and how does she already have this effect on a man like Vedh.

Sighing to himself at his own strange behaviour Vedh walked out with his same smug look looking cold like always

Meanwhile when Heer left Reva and Saanchi were left behind, both of them were really enjoying with Vedh's cousins

When Heer walked out Reva sighed showing a little bit of disappointment to Smita, Chhavi and Saket and all of them looked at her before Chhavi asked

"What happened Reva Di?"

Everyone was frowning when Reva kept the fabric she was holding back on the table and said, a little sadly

"I am enjoying this wedding but at the end my Heer is gotta go with you"

A small pout of sadness formed on her lips as she spoke, Saanchi looked at Reva and gave her a side encouraging hug and Saket spoke with a smile and responsibility

"Arre yaar Reva di at least trust us this much, we will take care of our bhabhi"

Smita nodded in agreement and Saanchi looked at Reva's upset face getting sad with her before a playful idea crossed her mind and she asked looking at Saket, Chhavi and Smita

"Does jiju has any elder brother or best friend?"

Her tone cheerful and mischievous at the same time as she asked. All three siblings looked confused before Saket said wondering what she is trying to convey

"Yeah I mean, Bhaiya has a best friend that too since many years, Aashrit Bhaiya but why did you ask?"

Saanchi's eyes widen playfully upon hearing that and a teasing smile came on her lips before she nudged Reva and stated

"Then we can arrange Reva di's marriage with him so she lives near Heer di, what say?"

Her eyes playful and teasing and her wide smile filled with mischief, Reva gasped and hit Saanchi on her head lightly before saying

"You say anything"

The group got engrossed in teasing Reva in every way while she just tolerated them scoffing them at every point and passing sarcastic comments

Heer joined the group her cheeks warm at the way Vedh spoke to her, for a moment she couldn't believe that Vedh was speaking to her

Her heart was still beating fast but closing her eyes for a moment she took in a deep breath before joining them and she whispered

"Aunty ji, actually I...I didn't really like the clo...clothes here, Can we...can we go to another store?"

Her voice came out hesitant at first but encouraged by Vedh she let out her thoughts

Reva and Saanchi stared at Heer as this was not their usual Heer, she never said a single word about anything but today she spoke

Impressed by her honesty, Sudha ji smiled before she took the yellow cloth from Heer's hand and said

"Of course beta ji, we can and don't call me aunty call me chachi like Vedh does"

Her voice was affectionate and Heer felt it, her body released an invisible weight on Sudha ji's words and she nodded softly

Her cheeks heating on sharing the same position as Vedh not really knowing the reason

~

They all moved from store to store without being tired but Heer was restless, after all for the first time she dared to put forward her thoughts and now she wasn't even liking anything

They walked out of another store with some bags, everything was done Smita and Chhavi's desired outfits were bought and Saket wanted to get his clothes done with Vedh

But Heer wasn't liking anything, her mind wasn't satisfied with any piece she picked and Vedh noticed it, his eyes lingering on her moving figure as she moved looking around for something

Her eyes desperate to find something that would just simple and still eye catching, she didn't want anything that can gain attention because of its shine rather she looked for something that made the simplicity behind the clothes reflect

Vedh understood in that moment that she isn't someone who asks for attention, she is the one who looked at with calmness and softness

He let out a deep breath, his own eyes wandering for something like that but nothing caught his attention like she does just by her presence

After more than two hours, Sudha turned to Heer still calm and asked with a tired smile

"Beta Heer, do you have any particular preference of what you exactly want?"

Her eyes now dull as it was already night and the dinner time was almost here and they were still here wandering in a mall where the bride didn't like a single thing

Heer looked at Sudha and blinked before she hesitated and took out her mobile, her fingers working fast as she opened her Pinterest and then the saved pins

She opened a pic of a maroon suit, a symbol of their tradition and cultural. Heer showed it to Sudha and looking at it Sudha smiled as she turned to Vedh

"Vedh, can you ask your designer to make this?"

She said forwarding the phone to Vedh, her eyes filled with hope

Vedh took the phone and stared at the picture for a moment before he nodded his head and returned back the phone silently replying that he will

Sudha's smile widened as she turned to Heer and giving her phone back she said

"Send this picture to him"

Heer didn't reply just smiled softly and nodded, not daring to glance once a Vedh while he looked at her, actually looked

The group sighed in unison as the problem of Heer's outfit got solved finally hoping to get some food as they all were hungry

"Okay so the problem is solved so now let's go have dinner I am really hungry bhaiya"

Chhavi suggested cutely making faces looking at Vedh while he just nodded and they all together walked out of the mall

They were still walking towards the parking with Vedh in front and the youngsters behind him Shakti had already left the mall hours ago as he had to be somewhere really urgently

At last left Sudha and Heer walking together when Sudha held Heer's wrist softly, stopping her in the tracks

Sudha looked at Heer's face fondly as if finding something in her face before she spoke out

"You are really beautiful Heer......"

Sudha whispered and took a pause a bitter smile forming on her face as she said

"Just like Vedh's mother"

Her voice coming out more secretive then intended. Heer let a soft almost silent gasp on the mention of Vedh's mother

She never heard anyone talking about Vedh's parents and even she was told that they were dead but listening about them like this was not something she really thought about

Sudha blinked back the tears that had formed on the corner of her eyes before she chuckled, filling the heavy tension

"Beta don't get me wrong, you can wear whatever you want during the wedding and the rituals but I want you to wear Vedh's mother's lehenga in your vidai"

Sudha cleared out, asking for Heer's will about her opinion

Sudha had a great bond with Vedh's mother and that can be seen just by the way how she talks about her

Sudha might not be Vedh's mother but she has always been a caring aunt, not letting any problem reach Vedh

Heer's eyes softened more as she slowly registered the suggestion, her lips curving in a soft smile as she looked back a Sudha and nodded her head in acknowledgement

Sudha caressed Heer's cheek affectionately before they both moved to get into the car

Both of them got into the separate cars that were already filled with 'other passengers'

Heer entered the car softly making no sound but heart had already considered Vedh's presence around without even looking up

And same with Vedh, his breath turned heavy as soon as her beautiful figure entered the car. His heart had never been this much loud then why today? he thought

~

The cars entered the main gate of a seven star restaurant and Vedh quietly pulled it to stop in the parking

The time was half an hour past nine and the building was silent with very less presence around

They all stepped out and again Saket opened the door for Heer making Vedh sigh again

The building seemed luxurious from the outer designs, the glasses of its windows screamed expenses

It's bright yellow light reached the footsteps of the main door making Heer sigh

Again the same luxury!!

Heer didn't like expensive things, they always disguised her and no the reason is not her being from a middle class family

Yes she is from a middle class family and till now she is just a student but she writes, she follows her passion on an online platform and she earns enough to nurture her family alone

When her very first income came, she and Reva went to a five star restaurant over Reva's request but they got disappointed and came back hungry

Heer always looked for simplicity in everything, her clothes, her food everything

Heer sighed but went in along with everyone but Vedh noticed

Since they have met, Vedh never missed a single gesture made by her noticing how she despised things that were common in his life

According to him, women are behind money then how come this only woman is running behind a simple life than a luxurious life like queen, this only thought made him frown

But one thing was clear that this woman might look ordinary but she is everything but. The way her gaze travels on the thing like she despises each one made him question his whole life style for a moment

Everyone entered the luxurious seven star restaurant and for a moment Heer blinked her eyes, adjusting to the bright yellow light as if it has pierced her pupil

Vedh noticed and without a second thought he moved, his body betraying the years of training he gave himself, the training of - control

And that exact thing wasn't in his hand, his control. It seemed as if with each second passing with her beside him, his control was slipping like the sand in sand clock

Vedh immediately stood in front of Heer covering her face from the bright light, Heer didn't really noticed until she looked up and her breath hitched

Her throat tightened as she blinked to adjust to the situation and in a few moments to overcame it with a deep breath

And then Vedh got away from her way leading the family to a secluded table with not much noise and presence reaching

Reva, Saanchi and Heer sat on one side while the other side was quickly captured by the Oberoi family before Vedh could sit there, mischief lingering in all the siblings

Vedh sighed and silently took the seat beside Heer, his heart again beating loudly and he closed his eyes taking in a breath before cursing under the same breath

"This fucking heart"

No one heard what he muttered and no one even dared to ask, Oberois already knew him so they wouldn't do that and Heer, she was already intimidated by his presence

They ordered the food to their choices except Heer, she just said that she will share with Reva and Saanchi and they agreed too

~

After the dinner, Sudha went home with all her children while she sent Heer, Reva and Saanchi with Vedh

Vedh sat quietly like the whole day and right now his heart was a little calm after beating like hell the whole day making him annoy

And now Vedh was focusing on driving if we ignore his unintentional glances at the woman sitting beside him on the passenger seat

The atmosphere in the car was quiet but comfortable, soft when Reva spoke in her pitched voice

"Jiju, can't we play any music?"

That one word, just that one word caught his attention and his heart again raced, his cheeks heating up at that term -jiju

His breath turned heavy before he ignored them royally and turned on the Bluetooth of the sound system gesturing Reva to connect it

His neck and ears turned red but because of the dim light of the car nobody saw it. Not only him but Heer had turned more red than him, cherry red

Her eyes blinked with gaze still at her lap and her whole body was at fire with embarrassment right now

Reva giggled at the back seat and connected her phone to sound system before she played a song, a nice one 'Pehli baar'

Listening to the different tunes Reva and Saanchi played all of them reached in front of Heer's house

They all got out and this time Vedh finally opened the door for Heer catching her off guard with the simple gesture

He then forwarded his palm for her to take she hesitated for a moment before she took it, her soft and small hands fitting perfectly in his rough and large ones as if made for them

Reva and Saanchi suppressing their smiles waved at Vedh saying a soft bye with again that word before they disappeared in the house

"Bye Jiju"

Vedh gave them a soft nod before he helped Heer out of the car shutting the door behind her, Heer took her palm back softly before she finally spoke

"Come inside"

Just the two words, Vedh sighed as he heard more than just one word from her mouth and in that moment he felt blessed to have listened to her sweet voice

Her voice was pitched but was calming like the honey melting on tongue, her voice was peaceful and after almost two decades he was listening such a voice- after his mother

"No thanks, it's late I should leave"

Vedh said, politely declining the offer and Heer didn't interject as it was really late so she just nodded softly and walked towards the door not looking up at him

After two steps she stopped making Vedh frown softly and then turning back she whispered, the voice travelling to Vedh with the soft wind blowing

"Bye"

Her eyes met his before she left not looking back again and Vedh's lips twitched upwards, almost unnoticeable and looking at her leaving shadow he whispered

"Bye"

~Heer Mehta~

Heer was now in her room, laid back on the mattress of her bed as the room was empty. She had changed into a simple night suit

Her eyes fixed on the ceiling as she played with the button of her shirt not even blinking once while her mind replayed the day's events

And the only sentence that was coming to her mind right now was the one Vedh said

'Your eyes....they...they seem familiar'

And her thoughts racing that where could he have possibly seen her eyes, but then every time she herself mocked her thoughts saying

'There are many people in the world who might have eyes like her'

She was still in the chaos that why she felt so familiar so safe with him, do they have any connection, is there any long forgotten memory of her that she don't remember anymore or is it just a coincidence

Her mind was still not calm since she had entered her room. She laid in the same position for more than twenty minutes thinking about Vedh and their first meet

After five more minutes the door of her room opened and Meena ji came in closing it behind her and she slowly sat on the edge of the bed

Her face had a small smile as she looked at her daughter, the daughter who was no more just her small girl but also was about to be daughter in law of someone's house

Heer looked at her mother softly and sat up slowly while Meena ji's smile widen

She caressed Heer's cheek affectionately and with the same smile she asked

"Did anyone say something?"

Heer smiled and remembered what Sudha ji had said to her about Vedh's mother's lehenga

Heer looked at Meena ji and nodded before she spoke like always, softly

"Yeah actually chachi ji said that she wants me to wear his mother's lehenga during my vidai"

Meena ji's smile faltered for a moment before she again smiled and asked

"So what did you reply?"

Meena ji's trust in her daughter was unwavering that Heer will never hurt such deep emotions

Heer was always so understanding that Meena ji and Shyam ji thought she didn't need them but this was just her nature not the lack of need

Heer frowned, her tiredness was visible on her face clearly and she replied

"I agreed"

Meena ji smiled brightly as she patted her shoulder with proud and started tp stand up leaving Heer to sleep

As Meena Ji turned to leave, Heer caught her wrist not letting go and Meena Ji turned again to Heer silently asking what happened

Heer sighed before she started into Meena ji's eyes and asked,

"Maa, when will bhai come?"

Heer's tone was determined on getting her answer this time meanwhile the smile that had been lingering on Meena ji's face till now, vanished immediately

Meena ji sat back on the soft mattress, her palms turned cold as she gulped down before she held Heer's hand with her both and spoke

"Beta Heer, we haven't told Raj about this till now because we don't want to burden him. You know na he is already struggling out there for us so....."

Meena Ji stopped right there, she didn't speak further, she didn't even need to because she knew

Heer will understand

Heer sighed but stayed quiet and in no time Meena ji left leaving Heer alone with her thoughts

Heer laid back on the bed and turned off the lights trying to sleep as tears started flowing out of her eyes

She was missing her brother badly right now, her only support

Shedding the silent tears Heer after sometime dozed off completely with the traces of dried tears on her face

~Vedh Singh Oberoi~

Since the moment Vedh had entered the mansion, his hiccups were at peak not stopping even when he emptied two full glasses of water

Vedh was in the misery, his anger was bubbling up slowly upon these non stop hiccups

He even tried two- three yoga positions to stable the hiccups but nothing worked

He was still struggling with these loud hiccups when his siblings entered his room like a ritual and saw him fighting the hiccups

Saket suddenly remembered something and with a teasing smile he said

"Bhaiya you know Ma says we get hiccups when someone close to us is missing us or thinking about us with whole heart"

Vedh frowned, looking at Saket with disbelief filled eyes before he again turned to stable the hiccups

Smita jumped out and threw another relative information

"Yeah Bhaiya and Ma even saya if we guess or hear their name our hiccup stops"

Vedh looked at his siblings with a 'so done' look before he rolled his eyes in annoyance and continued with the hiccups

This time Chhavi pounced up, her demeanour playful as she teased

"Let me guess, Bhabhi?"

Chhavi made a guess of Heer's name and Vedh immediately turned to them, to their utter surprise his hiccups stopped

All three of them giggled while it took a more moment for Vedh to acknowledge what had just happened

His hiccups actually stopped at the mere mention of her,

His to be wife

Vedh sighed rubbing his forehead thinking

'Did she really miss him this much?'

After that again the same conversation began

'Vedh's Marriage'

It seemed as if it was not a marriage but a mission and the chatter went on till mid night until they all felt sleepy and finally vacated Vedh's room

Vedh also dimmed the light of his room before he retarded to bed, obviously thinking about his to be wife and where he has seen those eyes before