VEDH'S POV:

Finally, finally I was a married man- again.

Finally my wife was back, my Heer, my pearl, the one I had loved with all my heart was back to me and that too by her own will

I know she would have been here even if it wasn't her will, but it was her will somehow

I know she doesn't love me back, I know she doesn't even remember me and I don't blame her for that, before even I didn't remember her until the letter

But she was still mine.

I do remember the day she was born, it was always clear that she took birth for me and see where the destiny brought us

I know I was wrong when I left her on our wedding night, I should have been there for her in every situation

I took vows with her.

I regret leaving her like that but I just wanted to keep myself away from another attachment because the every person I love, always leaves

My parents, my grandfather, my younger aunt and her family everyone.

I was getting attached to Heer so I left to clear my mind, to know that it was just attraction and nothing else

But I was wrong.

I knew it the moment doctor Ricci said that somethings don't need reason, I knew I wasn't just attracted to her, I loved her

And even if I had not found Ms. Rachael, and she had not given me that letter, even if Aashrit hadn't called me

I would've came back, for my wife, for the one I loved.

Even if Heer wasn't Pearl, I would've came back.

I stood in front of our room where she would probably be sitting, scared, nervous and as I stared at the mansion now, it felt toxic free

There was no Sumitra Khurrana, no evilness, just the positive vibes of Heer's presence.

With a soft sigh, I opened the door and slipped in only to see the beautifully decorated room, a bed covered with flowers and in the middle of it, my wife

Her eyes were lowered, like always. I know she is scared of me but I don't want her to, so we will carry the things forward slowly

I knew she felt my presence, I saw her shifting a bit under my gaze

I walked forward, slowly, very slowly and then sat on the edge of the bed just in front of her, she shifted back while I chuckled

I didn't do anything else, I didn't touch her, I didn't even move closer because for me her consent, her comfort matters more than anything

"Heer......"

I whispered her name, like testing how it feels on my tongue. I saw her gulp, her lowered lashes blinking fast as her palms clenched in the fabric of her lehenga

"Relax, we are not moving forward until you are completely ready"

Her movements stilled for a moment, her blinking lashes froze just as they were, her fingers loosened as she processed what I said

Oh god she is too innocent!!

I knew that was the reassurance she needed.

"You should complete your dreams if you want, I will support you"

Another reassurance.

I knew she had dreams, not completely but I knew, Reva had told, indirectly.

She sighed softly before her head ducked in a soft nod, I exhaled a breath before I said

"You sleep on the bed, I will take the couch"

She didn't say anything, she couldn't, she was too afraid to say anything, also she wasn't ready to share a bed with me yet

I, then stood up and without wanting to, looking away from her small figure dressed as my little bride, I left to change

As I came back from the wardrobe, Heer was standing near the bed probably waiting for me to come so she could change

She didn't look at me, not even a glance before she disappeared into the wardrobe, her stuff was already here, brought by the servants

A sigh left my lips, a mix of tiredness and relief, relief because I finally had my Heer and this time I wasn't letting go of her even if god asked me to and tired because the day was really chaotic

Finally after the long day I walked to the couch and sat down, from the physical tiredness of last two week my body was feeling weak now

I closed my eyes and inhaled deep breaths but even with closed eyes I could only see her, Heer, just as last six months

Now I know why I had felt a familiarity when I saw her eyes for the first time, it was always in front of me, I just couldn't remember

Then Heer stepped out of the wardrobe and honestly, I swear to god she looks divine in every form, even if she is wearing something simple

Just like now.

She emerged out wearing a soft pastel pink kurti with white plazo, a comfortable fit meant for sleeping but if she walked out of the house wearing just this then also she would make any sane man fall for her

For a moment I couldn't look away from her face, now ridden of the heavy makeup and still it glows like a star

Shining at peak, seems too close but is actually too far.

She took soft steps towards the bed and sat down still hesitating, I looked away from her and walking into the wardrobe I came back with a duvet and extra pillow, moving to sleep on the couch

Maybe she would get comfortable if she realized that I was no more watching that I was finally asleep, but all I want is to get her comfortable

So I did what I felt was right.

Covering myself with the duvet I laid down on the couch, though it was a bit uncomfortable but for her I can do anything

I turned my back to her, not to ignore her but to make her feel a bit less seen. I couldn't sleep for minutes but finally the sleep engulfed me

~Mr. & Mrs. Vedh Singh Oberoi~

As Vedh turned his back to Heer, she released a sigh in relief that finally her husband's eyes weren't following her movements anymore

She then stared at Vedh's back for several moments, thinking, overthinking. She saw the small effort Vedh just made to make her comfortable

Heer smiled, softly but filled with pain remembering how she was treated when he wasn't here and now how he was treating her

There was the difference of sky and land between both the treatments, where she was treated like a servant by his bua and now he was treating her like a queen meant to be protected

Heer silently got up and with a little hesitation she finally laid down on the bed, as she was also tired

They both slept comfortably, with no worry, with peace and the relief that the next morning they will get to see each other's face

Next Morning

Heer was the first one to stir awake, as her morning routine and the first thing she saw was Vedh's face, peaceful, innocent and undisturbed by any chaos

A smile stretched across her lips as she took in his sleeping face, admiring silently from a distance then she saw a ray of sunlight trying to reach Vedh, to wake him up

So Heer stood up from the bed and deciding not to wake him up this early, she closed the curtain completely before slipping into the bathroom with her clothes

Minutes after Heer was gone to freshen up, Vedh's sleep broke and he woke up, scrunching his eyes adjusting to the morning shine

Vedh sat up straight on the couch, his eyes still heavy from sleep widen as he looked at the room

He saw the bed the empty, he couldn't believe his eyes and the first thought that came to his mind was

Was it all a dream?

Has she never came with him?

Was she married to someone else?

He couldn't do anything?

Was he imagining all of it?

Was last night all a lie?

The flood of questions was instant and Vedh felt like a mental patient, who imagined something he wanted and felt that it was real

Vedh's mind was racing, and his breaths were turning heavy with each question, panic rushing through his veins but just then

Click.

And everything in Vedh, every thought, every question froze, and they vanished like they never even existed because the sight in front of him was not something he was prepared for

He wasn't prepared for the person standing in front of him.

It was Heer, wearing red suit, a traditional one, the type of suit brides wear on the next day of their wedding

She was already ethereal and now she was standing there wearing a red suit, wet hair tied in a towel, looking fresh, innocent and beautiful as ever

Heer didn't look up from the floor, she didn't even glance at the man who stood frozen, forgotten to breath looking at her

Heer straight walked to the dressing and wiping her hair softly she kept the towel aside before she took the box of vermilion

Vedh's breath caught in his throat as he looked at her, filling the bright red powder in her hair parting with great dedication

Like it meant everything.

It was a sign of her being Vedh's wife, showing whom she belonged to and she did it without any hesitation

Her chooda clinked as she then moved to wear her earrings, the Kashmiri ones which made loud sound jingling with the invisible force

It wasn't like Heer didn't feel Vedh's gaze following her movements or she didn't know that his eyes were following her, she was just avoiding meeting his eyes

Like always.

After getting ready completely, Heer started to move towards the door, to leave, her anklets making sound like a soft giggle in the silent room but just as her hand reached out to twist the door knob, a warm palm wrapped around her cold wrist stop...

After getting ready completely, Heer started to move towards the door, to leave, her anklets making sound like a soft giggle in the silent room but just as her hand reached out to twist the door knob, a warm palm wrapped around her cold wrist stopping her

Vedh was now standing close to Heer, very close actually that his front was touching her back, Heer stiffened for a moment as she felt Vedh's warm breath near the shell of her ear

Her body tensed the moment Vedh whispered, his husky morning voice making it hard for her to keep standing and she clenched her eyes shut

"Kahan jaa rahin hain aap?"

("Where are you going?")

Heer could barely form words but with great difficulty caused by their sudden proximity, she whispered back in the charged air between them

"D..downstairs"

Vedh's palm traveled up from Heer's wrist to her shoulder then her neck where her mangalsutra rested lazily with every right to be there

"Mujhe chhod kar mat jaiye"

("Don't leave me")

Vedh whispered, tangling his index finger on the thread of her nuptial chain, his voice came out a bit childish but still intense

Heer's eyes snapped opened as she heard those words, confusion crashed over her and her eyebrows drew closer in a soft frown

She couldn't believe this was the same man who was doing everything to make her comfortable, now loosing control over her leaving him alone in his own room

"Huh?"

Vedh didn't step back rather he decided to tease Heer, his lips now touching Heer's earrings which responded to his touch in the most gentlest way

"I mean we are newly married and if we don't go out together then what will our family think ke maine aapke saath aisa kya kiya jo aap bina mere hi kamre se bhaag aayi woh bhi itni subah?"

("I mean we are newly married and if we don't go out together then what will our family think that what did I do with you that you ran out without me that too so early in the morning")

His words, his tone, his expressions everything was meant to tease her and hearing his indirect words, the already flustered Heer turned the darkest shade of red

She blinked realizing that he was right somewhere, what their family will think if she went out alone on the next morning of her marriage

Typical innocent Heer.

"I...I will wa...wait for you"

Heer stumbled but said to which Vedh replied softly, finally stepping back from the almost back hug

"Okay, I will come in just five minutes"

Saying this Vedh distanced himself from Heer and quickly went to take a shower while Heer sighed in relief before going back to the bed

As she was free until Vedh came back, so she arranged the bed and sat on the edge waiting because that was the only thing she could do

Vedh had asked to softly so she had to wait for him, also somewhere she felt that his reason the correct

Heer was lost in her thoughts when the bathroom door clicked opened, she knew it was Vedh but she didn't turn around

Meanwhile Vedh immediately without wasting a single second went to the wardrobe and got ready in less than ten minutes because he had not expected her to actually wait

Coming out of the wardrobe Vedh stared at Heer who sat with her back to him and walking to her, he said

"Let's go, pearl"

Heer's breath hitched.

This was the first time she had acknowledged the name properly, in silence, with peace and she couldn't help but stare at Vedh with shock

She was still in the confusion that did he actually call her that or was she imagining things now. Looking at Heer staring at him, Vedh smiled softly knowing exactly what his little wife was thinking

"Let's go"

Vedh's voice came out a bit louder this time as he spoke with a small chuckle breaking Heer's trance, making her look down again

Then Vedh forwarded his palm, a soft silent gesture, quietly asking Heer to accept or reject the palm he was offering

Heer saw it, she felt a warmth spread through her at the small gesture. She hesitated at first but then finally kept her hand on his

Her soft palm fit perfectly into Vedh's large one like it was meant to be there, since always, like god created it with perfect measurements

Vedh smiled softly at the way Heer's cheeks tinted just at the small contact of their palms, then softly, very softly like Heer was made of glass he led her out of the room

The couple descended the stairs with hand in hand only to see the whole family standing there with an 'Aw' in there expressions

Heer's heart raced as Vedh didn't let go of her palm even when they had stepped their foot in the living room

Though the feeling was warm in her but the awkwardness of holding her husband's hand like this in front of the whole family was making her flustered

Sudha ji was the first one to step forward out of the all the people present there, and almost the whole family was there except Saket as he likes to sleep till late and Shakti ji who had left for office in early in the morning

Sudha ji looked at the couple's joined hands with a warm smile before she cupped Heer's face softly making her look at her with those soft brown eyes

"You look really beautiful my child"

Heer blinked but gave her a soft, genuine smile that came by it's own filled with warmth and gratefulness

"Thank you chachi ji"

Then Sudha ji looked at both of them together and her smile widened as she complimented

"You both look great together"

Heer blinked, her eyes wandered everywhere but not meeting anyone's as she stood there flustered at the compliment while Vedh just smiled

Then Reva stepped forward, smiling like feeling Heer's happiness in her own bones, also she was way too much happy after last night

Behind her Aashrit's smile also knew no bound after last night, first the one he loved, loved him back and second, his friend was happy now

Reva hugged Heer with the smile without a single glance at Vedh because no matter what her anger towards Vedh hadn't vanished, not yet

Then softly she moved Heer away from the Vedh who finally left her hand, then Reva made her sit on the sofa and around them sat Chhavi and Smita full of excitement

Vedh sat on the other sofa with Aashrit who was probably speaking something, telling him something maybe about the company, the life or something

But Vedh was too lost to hear anything, lost in the beauty of his wife who sat across from him like a walking, talking dream, too hard to believe that she was real

He couldn't take his eyes off Heer who was chattering with his sisters, his aunt and Reva smiling, giggling softly and replying in low tone

"Sundar hai na"

("She is beautiful, isn't it")

Then a soft teasing voice fell in his ears and without knowing his actions, and without meaning to Vedh smiled like a love freak teenager and nodded still looking at Heer's serene face

Then he realised something was wrong, the voice, it was Aashrit's and the moment Vedh realised he knew he had fucked up and now Aashrit was going to tease him endlessly

Vedh closed his eyes and sighed before he slowly, very slowly turned towards Aashrit and there it was, the teasing grin

"Nahi nahi ghur le, dost kuch bata raha hai woh toh sunna nahi hai"

("No no keep staring, friend is saying is something but why would you listen to that")

Vedh's eyes narrowed before he replied, bluntly, sarcastically

"Toh saale tu biwi hai meri?"

("So what are you my wife?")

Aashrit's grin widened and Vedh knew what was coming, he started to move his head in a nod while Vedh started to shake his head in denial

"Bhabhi....."

Aashrit exaggerated the term with extra sweetness but before he could continue Vedh clamped his mouth with his palm and looking at Heer who had already looked up he said

"It's nothing, he is just messing"

As soon as Vedh finished, Aashrit got out of his hold and laughing loudly he said to Heer, voice loud and clear meant to tease

"Bhabhi he was staring no your husband was literally ogling at you"

His breath was heavy as till now he had started to run away from Vedh who was running behind him throwing pillow to stop but he didn't stop

The ladies giggled including Heer, even when she already knew that Vedh was staring at her but she couldn't keep herself from laughing seeing the two best friends running around the house laughing and fighting with each other like children

Minutes later they both landed on the sofas with heavy breaths from running, sweat on foreheads and hair a mess

Then after catching his breath a little Aashrit again smiled and keeping a hand on Vedh's shoulder and teased again

"Don't worry Vedh, bhabhi still believes me"

Saying this he laughed when Vedh threw a cushion at him before his gaze landed on Reva who was laughing and he said, indicating towards her indirectly

"I wish I could say the same"

There was a little disappointment in his tone and with that the whole room fell silent, Reva gave a side eye to Vedh while Heer glanced at her friend with hopeful eyes

Sudha ji, Smita and Chhavi also stared at Reva like she was the queen and was to make some important decisions and she actually sat like a queen

"Please Forgive me Queen Reva Thakur"

With that Vedh made a small pout and childlike face, everyone glanced between the two waiting for what was coming while Reva tried very hard to ignore Vedh despite the small stubborn smile lingering on her lips

"Fine but remember the next time you hurt Heer I will slit your throat"

Finally Reva gave up on her anger but not before threatening Vedh one last time, while Heer's eyes widen at the way Reva said that so casually and even Vedh nodded without hesitation

Sudha ji sighed in relief that finally everything was falling into place again, her family was happy together with no grief

Just as the warm silence fell over the living room,Saket sir entered, descending the stairs with a lazy audible yawn and just as his eyes fell on Heer, he stopped

Then staring at Heer with wide eyes, he rubbed his eyes like he was seeing something wrong, like he was making sure this wasn't a dream

"Arre wah subah subah priye bhabhi ke darshan, main toh dhanya ho gaya"

("So nice, auspicious sight of my dearly bhabhi early in the morning, I got so blessed")

A wide genuine smile spread across Saket's face as he spoke while walking towards Heer and then he laid down in Heer's feet

"Pranam bhabhi"

He greeted Heer like worshiping god while Heer immediately stood, stepping back a little but a smile lingered on her face

Sudha ji chuckled at her son's antics before she said softly to Heer, a gentle reminder of the left over rituals waiting to be completed

"Heer beta let's go, it's your pehli rasoi then you have to leave for Pagphera as well"

Heer nodded softly as she stood up with a subtle smile and as she passed by Vedh's side, he stood up with determination and walked behind Heer

Sudha ji noticed and with mock stern expressions she asked, stopping Vedh in his tracks, teasing glint clearly visible in her eyes

"Where are you going Vedh, it's her ritual let her do it"

Vedh raised one brow at Sudha ji but then looking at a mischievous smile spreading on Sudha ji's face so he gave her the words she wanted

"I am not leaving my wife even for a second, we both are married so I will help her make the breakfast"

Sudha ji chuckled warmly before she stepped aside, exaggerating the gesture as she asked him to go

Meanwhile Heer who was not much far, when she heard Vedh talk so openly about helping her without any shame or hesitation she turned red, heat rose to her neck and cheeks like always

HEER'S POV:

I was already overwhelmed with all what happened between me and Singh Saab since yesterday that I could barely walk properly in front of him

And now he was coming to help me in the kitchen, how was I supposed to maintain my demeanor around him when he carried such an aura with him

I was difficult, nearly impossible.

This was the first time Singh Saab was going to see me cooking something and I don't even know if I could make it out of the kitchen properly

What if I messed up?

No, no. I don't want to be embarrassed in front of him but I also did not have the courage to ask him to not help

Hello, I could barely meet his eyes, I could barely glance his way when he is awake and walking around so how can I even think about asking him to stay out

Heer, there is only one way to make it out safely and without getting embarrassed, it is do everything properly, don't rush things and follow Singh Saab's lead

Yes, yes, I will do this only.

I hope this works.

I bit my lower lip hard thinking about how will I do everything and just then Singh Saab stepped in the kitchen

I immediately looked down, it was not like he glared at me or something but I could not gather the courage to meet his eyes because

Because they are deeply distracting, I get lost into them like drowning and getting embarrassed in front of Singh Saab because of my stupidity is not at all in my wishlist

I straightened as Singh Saab walked in the kitchen and stood in front of me, his tall figure towering over me

"So what are we cooking today Pearl?"

His tone was soft, gentle but the way he called me pearl, like he really meant it, like I was really that precious to him

'Pearl'

That one word from his mouth always made my breath hitch in a way even I can't acknowledge, my heart races at a newfound pace and I forget to breath

"Pearl?"

His confused voice fell in my ears as he frowned still smiling softly and heat rushed over my face as I realized that I was staring at him, at my husband more than intended

I cleared my throat and gulped to make my throat wet before I spoke, low and barely heard but he heard

"Whatever you like"

That's it, just those three words and I was playing with the hem of my dupatta already feeling nervous

Singh Saab heard and he chuckled before he leaned to my level and whispered, his voice deep and husky making me swallow

"Okay then tell me what do you like in food"

His question was simple, yet something in me stirred because he was prioritizing my choice over his own

Even I never did that.

I always asked everyone before buying something even for myself, I never prioritized myself over others and it's not like I never tried to, it's just I couldn't even after trying a lot of time

But he did that.

A single tear prickled at the corner of my eye as I couldn't answer, no words, no voice left my throat as I tried not to cry

"Tell me pearl"

He asked again, with that same gentleness and patience like he had all the time in the world and this time I spoke

"Dal Makhni"

My voice was low, hesitant as I never looked up at Vedh ji but I knew he was listening, I knew he was looking at me

"Okay then I will cook dal makhni and you make some dessert"

My eyes widen as I looked up at Singh Saab, forgetting my fear for a second as the words left my mouth without realizing

"But it's my pehli rasoi then why would you cook"

Realizing what I had said, my lashes lowered and embarrassment clawed at me, I knew I was red till now and more to my misery I heard Singh Saab chuckle

The sound rich and deep rumbled from his chest before he pinched my cheeks like a small child making me look at him with wide eyes before he commented

"You are so cute Pearl"

He sounded genuine but I lowered my eyes overwhelmed by the embarrassment and blinked rapidly, processing what he just said

"We both are married pearl that means you are not alone in anything now"

Singh Saab clarified and trust me, my heartbeat was at the peak right now it was like I would just faint in the next moment

But I nodded softly and I knew Singh Saab was smiling but I could only stare at the floor.

POV ends.

~Author~

After the small interaction between Vedh and Heer, they started cooking food together. Vedh was making Dal Makhni while Heer cooked the dessert as instructed by Vedh

The breakfast went well with everyone enjoying the meal blessing the couple and laughing giggling smiling together like this was their forever

Meanwhile somewhere on the outskirts of the Italy

The same old two story house, stood with the same scary aura. Even after standing between the jungle there was not a single noise in the premises of the house

It was like even the noises were afraid to enter the house in the presence of him, Mortis.

Inside Mortis stood near a large window staring at the sky without moon, just the bare sky and nothing else, no light fell on his face

He stood with his hands in pockets of his pants staring at the empty sky like silently blaming universe for something

Even when he stood calmly without any weapon, without saying anything, there was something dangerous in the air around him

It looked like around him even the air held it's breath, scared to bother him even by mistake.

The silence in the house was thick, heavy and it was suddenly sliced by the sharp ringtone of his phone

A small sigh that sounded more like a threat, he answered the phone call

"Boss, you were right. Vedh never divorced madam and now they are together again-"

The man on the other side spoke, his voice ringing with amusement as he spoke but was suddenly cut off by Mortis

"It's Vedh sir"

His voice was heavy and dark as he ordered with no expressions on his face like all he focused was on the man calling Vedh by name and not the main information

The man on the other side gulped audibly, scared just by a single sentence and he apologized immediately

"So..sorry boss, Vedh sir and madam are together again"

This time a chilling smile spread across Mortis' face as he closed his eyes, he had known that Vedh would never let Heer go that easily

"Are the arrangements done for my departure to India on 23rd July?"

Mortis asked, more like ordered, threatened the man to say 'no' but everyone who worked for Mortis knew that he doesn't hear 'no'

"Yes..yes boss everything is done"

The smile on his face slowly disappeared as he asked

"And what about that Aman?"

"Boss, he is missing. Vedh sir has abducted him"

That's all what Mortis wanted to hear, his smile returned knowing he was going to win again, then he ordered

"I want pictures of Vedh killing Aman and send me the current picture of Heer, exactly at midnight on 24th July"

There was silence on the other side of the line, as if the other person was trying to process the order

"Okay, okay boss it will be done, anything else"

Mortis didn't even bother to say no, he just hang up the call and keeping back the phone on a nearby table, his eyes again went to the empty sky and this time his face was not expressionless

He was smiling, slightly.

His eyes held a happiness that was barely seen by anyone, the darkness was still there but it seemed that someone was taking the place of darkness in him

And that someone was Heer.

Heer was the brightness that was removing the darkness from the dangerous man's eyes that too when he hasn't even seen her yet

What will happen when he will see her?

"Lightling......"

Mortis whispered, very carefully like even the name was fragile and it would break if he spoke it out loud

He let the name linger in the air around him, it was like an antiseptic to his wounds, the sound of that one name made him close his eyes

Like it was peace.

"Lightling, even your name gives me peace then how much peace I will get when you will speak to me"

He wasn't saying, he was wondering to himself, the dangerous grown up man whom everyone scared with every bit of their strength was now standing here testing a girl's name on his tongue

"If even the thought of seeing you makes me this excited then Lightling what will happen when I will actually see you"

The smile never left his face as he spoke like a small child wondering about the taste of his favorite candy, the one he was longing for

His large palm went to the left side of his chest and keeping it right on his heart, he whispered again

"This...This stone beats for you, and it might just stop beating once it sees you"

His eyes now held determination, a strange kind of madness which couldn't be expressed in words

"Lightling...."

Once again he said out the name, smoothly like he chants this everyday, every hour, every minute and every second of the day

And maybe he does.