~Mr.& Mrs. Vedh Singh Oberoi~

The breakfast went more than well, everyone enjoyed the food cooked by the dearly couple and after the breakfast Vedh and Heer left for Pagphera

Along with them Reva and Aashrit also followed and now both the couples were in the separate cars going to Mehta house for the left over ritual

Vedh was driving while Heer sat beside him fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta, too scared to start a conversation

But Vedh wasn't about to stay quiet, he wanted to hear Heer, he wanted to keep listening to her voice so he started the conversation

"So Pearl what are you studying recently?"

The question was genuine but it made Heer's heart clench as she remembered her incomplete studies, the dreams she has lost hope of

"I was studying Literature Honors"

Her voice was low, barely out of her mouth but she put more pressure on 'was' trying to make it clear that she is no more studying

Her words made a pang ring in Vedh's heart as he processed her words, he knew that her study wasn't completed when they were married and after all of this she couldn't study

So Vedh did one thing he could do at that moment, he made a promise, a real one.

"Heer collect all your documents from your house today then we will get you the admission in a nice college for your further studies"

His deep voice echoed in the silence of the car but as Heer processed his words, at first she blinked making sure this wasn't a dream then she looked up at Vedh

Her gaze didn't waver, there was gratefulness in her eyes and a few tears as she stared at him whose focus was on the road

Feeling Heer's gaze Vedh looked at her only for her to snap out of her world and look down again, Vedh focused on the road again

"What else do you like pearl?"

Heer glanced up at Vedh once, amused by his interest in her like that but she eventually answered after thinking a bit

"I like getting dressed up"

There was a faint smile on Heer's face as she spoke about what she likes and Vedh smiled too but his heart clenched as the image of Heer doing the dishes looking like a maid flashed before his eyes

"And?"

Vedh asked again and Heer looked out of the window as she replied, her smile widening

"I love books, I love reading and writing them"

Heer was not stumbling while talking this time and about it Vedh felt amused as well as happy that Heer was finally talking to him about something

"And?"

Vedh again whispered glancing towards Heer with admiration and love flashing in his eyes without a bit of hesitation

Heer did not notice the shift in Vedh's voice, she was too busy staring out of the window, drowning in her own world, replying without caring

"And I like white lilies"

Vedh's gaze once again fell on Heer as he kept making the mental note on everything his wife likes so he never let her lack anything in the future

Heer noticing a shift in the car's air, turned away from the window, sinking back into her seat without looking at Vedh realizing how openly she had been talking to him just now

The silence washed over the car once again, not an awkward silence but still heavy with the unspoken words but Vedh wanted to talk to Heer, to hear her speaking

"Pearl do you know my birthday?"

Vedh knew if it were upto Heer then she might ask it after his birthday left, he knew she was nervous and shy around him and to keep the conversation going he himself asked her

Heer swallowed softly before she softly shook her head with a low 'no', Vedh chuckled softly and told her

"It's on 11th of January"

Heer nodded, she understood what Vedh was trying to do, seeing him make the efforts just so he could talk to her a little more

She gathered her courage and asked in low voice, hesitating if she should even ask him or not but then she spoke

"Do you know my birthday?"

Her eyes were wide looking at Vedh silently praying that he doesn't get offended like all men get offended over small things

"Yeah it's on 24th July"

Heer's eyes widen at Vedh's casual reply like how on earth does he know her birthday and that too this accurately

After that Heer didn't ask anything and even Vedh fell quiet knowing very well what Heer might be thinking, he knew she was wondering how he knows her birthday so accurately and he had no answer to that question

Minutes later the car rolled to stop in front of Mehta house, as the engine died and Heer started to unbuckle her seat belt, Vedh stepped out and walking to her side he opened the door offering her his hand

Heer once again hesitated but kept her palm in his, Vedh held her softly like afraid of hurting her even by mistake

Then they both walked towards the main door of Mehta house, behind them Aashrit and Reva following with soft smiles

Raj, Saanchi and Meena ji were waiting at the door for the couple to arrive and as soon as they saw Heer, Meena ji smiled and stepping forward she took in a warm motherly hug

Heer's eyes filled with tears upon getting hugged by her mother after so many days, but she didn't let them fall and walked in the house with the soft smile with Vedh walking behind her with soft smile

~Mr. & Mrs. Aashrit Thakur~

Aashrit and Reva had been smiling since morning after last night, they both had been so happy that their smiles were barely hidden at any moment

Even Heer noticed those smiles and the way they both passed shy glances towards each other were unmistakable

As Aashrit and Reva walked towards the Mehta house, they saw Raj standing at the main door, he saw them and lowered his eyes

Meanwhile Reva who was blushing till now on something Aashrit said, her smile vanished immediately while Aashrit's eyes darkened and his jaw clenched as he took Reva's palm in his

As Heer and Vedh passed by the threshold, Raj remained standing, the guilt was visible on his face and Reva knew he was there to apologize

Aashrit and Reva walked forward to pass by when Raj immediately said, stopping the couple in their tracks

"Re..Reva I..I am sorry"

His voice was heavy with pain and his head was still lowered while Aashrit couldn't take it anymore, fury filled his eyes as he grabbed Raj by collar

Reva stepped forward to stop Aashrit and avoid creating a scene here at this moment, Aashrit glared intensely at Raj but stepped back as Reva asked him to

Then Reva turned to Raj and whispered, not wanting anyone else to know

"It's fine Raj just leave"

Raj didn't wait for anything else, he just turned around and left while Aashrit closed his eyes and let out a deep breath

To calm him down, Reva kept her palm flat on his chest over the fabric of his expensive suit. Aashrit looked down at her trying to calm his anger and then cupping her cheek he whispered

"I can't bear any gaze over you that isn't mine"

Reva's lips curved into a shy smile as she lowered her eyes listening to the way Aashrit talked about her so possessively

Aashrit remained standing looking at his wife who was shy from his words before they both quietly walked to where everyone else were sitting

~Author~

As Raj walked inside after apologizing to Reva, he took Heer in a warm hug without sparing a single glance towards Vedh who didn't care

Heer smiled in the hug and sat back after backing out of the hug, just as she sat Reva immediately said to Saanchi and Heer

"Heer, Saanchi let's go upstairs"

Meena ji smiled softly while shaking her head at Reva's antics, before the girls left the scene. Raj also stood up with a sigh and left without saying anything

Meena ji watched him leave and now it was just Vedh, Aashrit and Meena ji in the living room talking and discussing about some random things here and there

Meanwhile upstairs as the girls entered Heer's room and the door closed behind them, Heer softly plopped on the bed with a suspicious smile and asked with narrowed eyes

"What is it Reva?"

She was giving a side eye to Reva who seemed caught of guard by the sudden question and turned her face to side muttering

"Wh..what?"

Saanchi looked at Heer and silently asked what she was talking about, Heer gestured towards Reva who was smiling shyly to herself

Saanchi's brows relaxed as a teasing smile made its way to her lips looking at Reva smiling like that

"The reason which is making you smile shyly Reva di"

Saanchi stated giving mischievous side eye to Reva who gasped softly before lowering her eyes shyly again

"That..that..."

Reva stuttered shyly, fidgeting with her fingers while the small smile never left her lips

"I had my first kiss"

Reva said in one breath, shyly hiding her face behind her palms as her cheeks covered in a soft pink hue

Meanwhile Heer and Saanchi took a moment to process before their eyes widen and they shouted in unison

"WHAT?"

Reva could only nod from behind her palms when Heer removed her palms and hugged her tightly

This was their bond, sad when the other person is sad, happy when the other person is happy. More than their own pain they feel each other's pain

"You confessed"

Heer didn't ask, she stated, she knew Reva was in love with Aashrit she had felt it in her eyes and now after everything Reva was happy

Reva nodded with a wide smile as she tightened the hug, a single tear slipping down her eye like she didn't know where to keep this much happiness

She was overwhelmed.

Moreover after her parents' death this was the first happiness in her life so she didn't know how to handle this much

Few minutes later the girls backed out of the hug and looked at Saanchi who was looking at them with affection in her eyes

The three girls giggled together, laughing, talking until it was time to leave, Meena ji called for Reva and Heer

~Mr. & Mrs. Vedh Singh Oberoi~

Heer was too much happy, she kept smiling all the time and when they came downstairs, Vedh noticed Heer smiling

He had seen Heer always, he knew she doesn't smile this much and if she is smiling continuously that means there is something special

A small smile appeared on Vedh's face as he saw the happy smile on Heer's face, even when she was leaving the house, she was smiling

Her smile never fell, though she wasn't looking at Vedh but she was smiling without caring about his presence

It was like how she always controlled when he was around, her smile couldn't stop even by his presence

Few minutes later when they were in the car, on the way to their house, Heer's smile still wasn't stopping

Vedh glanced at her way every now and then, a small smile lingering on his own lips as he suddenly broke the comfortable silence

"Why is my wife smiling so much today, hmm?"

The gentle words snapped Heer out of her world and she blinked before lowering herself in her seat, her smile easing

Not disappearing, just easing.

Vedh noticed.

"Re...Reva, she is very happy with Aashrit bhaiya"

Heer finally gathered the courage and spoke, her smile never leaving her face as she looked at the road stretching towards their house

In that moment when Vedh heard Heer talking about Reva's happiness with so much happiness in her own voice, he knew that their bond was beyond just friendship

The way they cried for each other, smiled for each other without hesitation and even sacrificed themselves for the other person

They were practically soul sisters.

Vedh could only smile seeing his wife, his pearl talking about her best friend's happiness like it was her own

Vedh made a mental note to make Reva say the same thing about Heer with the same happiness in future

Heer kept looking out of the window her happiness was over the ninth sky thinking about her only best friend

After almost an hour later, Vedh stepped out of the car and opened the door for Heer, offering his palm to her like always

Heer kept her palm in his, this time with no hesitation. Vedh took her hand, a bit amused by the progress since this morning

They both entered the mansion together with Aashrit and Reva following behind, the air was light with subtle conversation and a few lingering smiles

The mansion was silent as it was just the evening so everyone must have been in there rooms, as the couples entered they shared a soft eye contact

Reva and Aashrit left for their room while Vedh and Heer kept standing, Vedh looked at the disappearing figures of Aashrit and Reva before he also moved to go to their room

Vedh walked still holding Heer's hand but Heer had frozen at her place, staring at the floor with wide eyes and body stiffened

Vedh frowned seeing such an expression on Heer's face, meanwhile Heer was fearing the fact that now they had to be in a room for don't know how much time

"Pearl?"

Vedh whispered confusingly looking at Heer with a frown who just snapped out of her world and again glancing up once, her gaze lowered to the floor

They started walking towards their room and with each step Heer's heart beat was running fast, she remembered the following morning's incident

How much close Vedh had been to her.

Heer was already flustered thinking about more such possible events between them in the room, she was afraid that she wouldn't be able to control her body if Vedh came this close to her again

She was fearing Vedh less and herself more.

Soon they entered their bedroom and Vedh looked at Heer who quietly walked in still looking at the floor like it was fascinating her

Vedh smiled softly before he turned around and closed the door behind them making Heer's heart race at the speed of sound

Without looking back Heer quickly walked into the washroom to escape any moment that could have happened between them leaving behind a confused, frowning Vedh

Then realizing what just happened and why Heer quickly made her way to the washroom he chuckled softly, the deep rich sound echoing through the silent room

Shaking his head, Vedh remained standing out of the washroom door as his wife gathers courage to face him without blushing

Vedh knew she was just shy before him and even she feared him a little bit, he was doing everything in his power to make that fear vanish from her mind

A few minutes later

Heer steps out of the bathroom, her eyes instantly dropping to the floor. She can see the tips of his polished shoes a few feet away. She tries to sidestep him to get to the wardrobe, but Vedh moves—not a lot, just enough to block her path.

He doesn't touch her. He knows his presence alone is enough to make her pulse erratic.

His eyes darkened with something mixed with mischief knowing very well that even just one movement of his affects Heer in every way

Then he steps closer, so close that the warmth radiating from his chest reaches her face. Heer freezes, her gaze locked onto the second button of his shirt

She can see the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, but she's too terrified to see the expression on his face like always

Vedh leans down. He doesn't ask her to look at him. Instead, he invades her space slowly, his shadow completely swallowing hers. He tilts his head, his lips hovering just an inch from the shell of her ear

Heer stiffened feeling his warm breath falling on her neck as he exhaled softly, her body tensed in a way that neither spoke her discomfort nor the comfort

It was clear that she didn't feel unsafe in Vedh's presence but it was not easy to guess even for herself that what she was feeling

"The floor isn't going to tell you how to be my wife, Pearl"

Vedh breathed out softly, gently yet there was a command lingering in his voice something that made a shiver run down Heer's spine as she closed her eyes clutching onto the sides of her suit

Her eyes were not closed softly, they were clenched as she tried to control her racing heart, she softly swallowed in an attempt to wet her dry throat from the sudden closeness

This was the thing she was fearing.

Then Vedh leaned back, just a little but still inside her personal space and he spoke, a question that made Heer get goosebumps all over her body

"Are you frightened because you are in this room.....or because you are in it with me?"

The question was straight, it made Heer let out a soft gasp

She didn't have an answer to that question because she herself didn't know what was this strange feeling that didn't leave her when Vedh was around

But the truth was she was not frightened because of Vedh, she was frightened because of this closeness between them

It was everything she had once desired but after those six months, it was hard for her to accept that this was happening

Oblivious to Heer's inner turmoil, Vedh leans back a little more to look at the serene face of his wife and oh god

She looked cute.

He lingers there for a second longer than necessary, letting the tension coil between them until it's thick enough to touch. He still hasn't touched her, yet she feels completely captured

Then with a swift motion Vedh tugged at the edge of her suit making her eyes snap open as he pulled her a little closer

She didn't look up to face him instead she gulped again, audibly this time making Vedh's lips curve just a bit at the corners

Then with that subtle curve of his lips, he held Heer's shoulder making her blink before he turned her around making her walk towards the mirror

He leads her toward the dressing table. He doesn't make her sit, but he stands behind her, forcing her to see herself—and him—in the mirror.

Because he is behind her, she is forced to see his eyes in the reflection even if she can't look at him directly

And that's what he wanted.

Heer's gaze was still darting towards the perfume bottles kept on the table, anywhere but the mirror, her eyes refusing to meet his even indirectly

Vedh slowly slid his palms to the side her shoulders, his large palms settling firmly but gently there. The weight of his palm grounding.

"Look at us Pearl......even if just for a moment"

The words that came from him were gentle, not a command but a soft request. The tone was something he used only with her

Heer, already flustered by how close they had been just now blinked at how casually he called out to her with that nickname

But then there was his request, more unsettling.

When she finally risks a glance at the mirror, she sees the contrast: her pale, nervous face against his dark, composed features. He looks down at her neck, at the nuptial chain he tied not even twenty-four hours ago

The moment Heer looked up, she saw the ocean blue orbs completely lost in her honey brown ones drowning in like he couldn't help it

She couldn't look away, his gaze kept the hold of her eyes before he whispered, unaware yet knowing it was the truth

"Everything that belongs to me, now belongs to you too"

Heer didn't blink like she couldn't hear what he was telling her, she was lost in his beautiful eyes just as much as he was lost in hers

"Even the man standing behind you"

Then with a final blow, he whispered snapping her out of the daze as she realized what he had just said

Her cheeks turned a dusky shade of pink as she slowly processed the sudden ownership over him, she didn't ask for it and yet.....he gave it to her

Vedh also snapped out of the silent moment between them now filled with a heavy silence as Heer again looked down at the floor

He smiled softly,looking down at her not knowing if she was shy or scared of him. He knew he had lost the right to ask her to look at him but he wanted a chance

With a painful expression, Vedh stepped back and walking backwards towards the door he left Heer alone in the room

~Mrs. Heer Vedh Singh Oberoi~

Heer remained standing in front of the mirror glancing at Vedh's disappearing figure, as the door closed behind him Heer flinched at the sound

Her eyes clenching as she bit her lips in guilt, what had she done. Without even realizing she had pushed Vedh away and she didn't even know how far

But then she also knew that doesn't matter how much far Vedh went, he would never let it end. She trusted him when he said he loves her

It was just her.

She couldn't accept properly that someone could love her to that extent and even if they could, she can't fall just like that

It's the human nature.

Heer turned around, looking quietly at the closed door, she felt guilty that Vedh was making so much efforts and all she could give him back was her nervousness

But she just couldn't help it.

She walked to the bed and sat down with a sigh, biting her lips thinking for a way to make everything better between them

Something by which she doesn't get nervous around Vedh but no matter how much she thought about, she couldn't get an idea

Heer fell back on the mattress staring at the ceiling for don't know how much time but all she could think about was Vedh and the way he left without saying anything

Hours later, the sky had darkened as the night fell over. It was dinner time and Heer had just entered the kitchen

Sudha ji stood there directing the cook about something when her eyes fell on Heer who stood a bit tensed

She frowned and walked towards her before keeping a warm hand on her shoulder, Heer as if came out of an unknown world looked at Sudha ji who smiled at her

"What are you doing here?"

Heer smiled back softly before she replied, her low and soft voice still the same

"I came to check if there is something I can help with"

Hearing that Sudha ji's smile twisted painfully and examining Heer's face with a motherly concern, she whispered

"You have helped me a lot in last six months, you don't have to do more Heer. Go wait at the dining table"

Heer's smile disappeared slowly as she looked into Sudha ji's eyes, filled with a motherly warmth she barely saw in her own mother's eyes

She then looked around wiping the traces of tears lingering at the corners of her eyes and nodded softly leaving the kitchen

Sitting at the dining table, Heer wondered what she did to be blessed by such in laws, if she doesn't dwell on those six months

It was just the situation.

Leaning on the table, Heer's chin rested on her palm as she got lost in the thoughts when Reva appeared in the dining hall

Seeing Heer lost in thoughts, Reva walked towards her and took the seat beside her quietly without breaking her trance

Heer looked peaceful and her peace gave peace to Reva as well, no matter how much Reva was happy but she could never feel the happiness if Heer is in agony

They both were connected by their souls.

"Good evening bhabhis"

Suddenly Saket's voice broke their trance, his playful demeanor lingering in his tone as he took his seat on a chair

Heer snapped out of her trance and looked at Reva who was smiling softly at her and then smiling back at both Reva and Saket she replied

"Good evening"

Saket's smile widen before she looked around like looking for someone making Reva and Heer frown

"Bhabhis where are bhaiyas?"

He asked like it was obvious if they were here then Vedh and Aashrit would also be around, Heer's frown eased as she realized that she doesn't even know where Vedh was

Looking at Heer, Reva knew what Heer was thinking. She knew Heer to well to not understand what Heer felt around Vedh

"They must be somewhere around"

Without waiting for Heer's reply, Reva said looking at Saket casually whose eyes widen before he held his head

"HOW?"

Reva frowned, "What do you mean how?"

Saket looked shocked as he stated

"My brothers who walk behind you both like lost puppies are nowhere to be seen, I am sure they have been kidnapped"

Heer let out a soft giggle as Reva groaned

"Shut up Saket"

Just then the duo, Chhavi and Smita entered the hall talking about something before their eyes fell on Heer, Reva and Saket sitting there

Plopping onto their seats the girls looked at Reva and Heer before asking

"Where are Bhaiyas?"

Their tone matched the Saket's from a few minutes, Reva rolled her eyes while Heer sniffled a giggle as Saket replied in disappointment

"They don't know"

For a moment, silence was all that lingered in the room before

"WHAT?"

Both the girls yelled in shock like they heard something they shouldn't had, Heer covered her ears giggling loudly now meanwhile Reva's eyes narrowed

She had clearly expected the reaction from them, now all three of them looked at Heer and Reva like seeing a bald ghost with bones and nine eyes

Reva sighed "What do you all think, do we roam around with your brothers tied to our dupatta?"

She asked in disbelief making everyone in the room laugh loudly, while Heer giggled a bit loudly this time, not able to control herself

Reva looked at all of them and smiled, shaking her making them laugh more

~Mr. & Mrs. Vedh Singh Oberoi~

The air of dining room was filled with laughter, light and full of chatter even Heer was laughing openly because she knew neither of them would judge her

Just as she was laughing with her full heart, Vedh along with Aashrit entered the dining hall, they had been discussing something important when suddenly Vedh's gaze fell on her, Heer

And everything else, just blurred.

The moment he saw Heer laughing with her full heart, her eyes narrowed as her smile widened and the way she slightly trembled at the intensity of the laugh

Vedh's world narrowed to her smile, he froze taking in this form of his Pearl, laughing so openly and now all he could see was her

Everything, everyone around them blurred for him in that moment.

Suddenly as if feeling a gaze Heer looked up only to see Vedh and she became conscious lowering her gaze to the floor

Vedh snapped out of his thoughts and sighed looking at Heer who was again looking at the floor, in that moment he felt a ting of jealousy course through him as he thought

'She talks to everyone except me and why does she have to laugh at people who are not me?'

He was jealous but of whom? His own cousins?

That was something unexpected. Vedh Singh Oberoi, the ruthlessly honest businessman jealous of his own cousins and why? because his wife laughed with them

Vedh so wanted to let them see what he was feeling but then he just twitched his lips in disappointment and took the seat just beside Heer

Not the head chair, but the seat beside hers.

For a moment everything in the room stilled like holding its breath but the reactions were not silenced

Smita's eyes widen like a hawk who was looking at an ostrich flying.

Chhavi's mouth remained opened as she took in the scene like dumbfound at the sudden movement.

Heer's eyes widen feeling the warmth radiating from Vedh as he sat closely.

Saket's stood up from his chair, the water spilling from the glass he held.

Aashrit coughed on the air like seen a dolphin with six feet.

Reva looked at all of them with utter confusion.

Meanwhile Vedh, when looked up and saw everyone, he just sighed closing his eyes in frustration as now everyone except Heer were staring at him like he just grew three horns over his forehead

"But Vedh your seat is the head chair"

Aashrit finally spoke trying to digest what just happened

"Is there a problem if I sit here?"

Vedh asked bluntly, looking lazily at Aashrit who opened his mouth then closed it and just shook his head

"But bhaiya-"

Saket began only to be cut off by Vedh's sharp voice, filled with frustration as he pointed his index finger at Saket

"Chup chap baith ja"

("Sit down quietly")

Closing his mouth, Saket sat back on his seat while Smita and Chhavi giggled silently only to get glared at by Saket

Heer glanced up at Vedh only to see him trying to calm down, she knew why he was so frustrated, she believed it was because he made so many efforts yet she barely reacted to any

She thought he was disappointed because she doesn't look at him, which was right.

Glancing at his face, Heer eyes fell on Vedh's hand resting on his thigh and a thought crossed her mind, almost bold

She shook the thought aside but her eyes kept going back to his hand resting on his thigh, she knew she had to do something to make Vedh believe that she was trying too

Then with her heart racing at the highest, Heer slowly, casually kept her hand on Vedh's who froze the moment he felt the touch

Heer was going all red in embarrassment, what would he think about her, what if someone saw it, all those thoughts were ringing in her mind but she wanted to make Vedh believe that she was trying

That she was seeing his efforts.

Heer's hand rested on Vedh's but she didn't dare look at him meanwhile heat rushed to Vedh's neck and ears as he felt her touch

His shy wife was holding his hand under the table and all he could do was look at her as she avoided his gaze

He got the message.

He understood what Heer was trying to convey but he made no movement to tell her that because he liked the way her palm rested on his

And he wanted the moment to stretch longer.

But just as the warmth came, it left soon the moment Sudha ji entered the room with a bowl in her hand

"Arre wah, everyone is here before the time" She exclaimed smiling at all the members present in the hall

Heer as soon as heard the voice, retreated her palm back quickly while Vedh almost pouted at the loss of warmth

Heer was nervous as hell after the bold stunt she just pulled, going all red and yet trying to maintain her demeanor like nothing happened

The food was soon served to all of them and as they dig in the meal, Sudha ji cleared her throat trying to get the attention

"Umm Vedh"

Everyone looked up at her as she hesitated before speaking, Vedh who was lost in the thoughts of their small moment looked up at his aunt with a questioning gaze

Sudha ji swallowed before she smiled and spoke

"Maji is calling you to the village for kuldevi puja, she said that ignoring the goddess will bring difficulties to your married life"

Vedh was about to deny but the moment he heard the phrase 'difficulty in their married life', he didn't think twice and agreed

"Okay, we will leave the day after tomorrow and Aashrit, Reva you are coming along"

Vedh wasn't asking, he was commanding and no one defied him.