A Miscreant Kissed an Angel

The audition process was very tense for her, she had never been so inspected physically, so critically judged for her hair length, her waist size, and her height.

She knew Veer would help in 'selection' well he owned this place, Mr. Venkat Puri. head of the selection still made it a very 'merit' selection.

"You have a pretty good figure, we still need to recommend a few changes." Mansi, a tall, straw-haired woman told her after her whole selection process, "Some hairstyle changing, some grooming before we run a few test shoots."

She smiled at the woman, "I am down but – do I need to afford the whole makeover recommended by myself?"

"No way, the wardrobe, and makeover are on the company, it's pretty crazy – the privileges have been given to you, it even has living and transport."

"L-living?" she rose a brow at Mansi, she nodded, "The residence will be allotted in a few days if you can wait."

"Yes, I am not sure about that." She gritted her teeth a little, it felt wrong, she couldn't take this much, "I mean- I do have a place I share with my friend."

"We know but it's in the package, you're in an open contract, and you are going to be in big deals Pratha, living there isn't going to look good." The woman scrunched her nose at the end of her sentence, "Mr. Venkat made that very clear, we are going to introduce you to your Pr and team soon, why don't you relax while we arrange the makeover."

"Right." Pratha said hesitantly, the gym routines and diet they had recommended were nowhere near 'relaxing' but she had to be somewhat honest, even if her life right now was the farthest thing from it. She felt excited that she was selected as one of the models, and she was excited to tell him about it although she felt her selection might be 'favored', in her eyes she was not 'worthy' of being on magazine covers.

The whole week was exhausting with her going from place to place, expensive clothing trail, and a new haircut- chopping her hair from her hip to chest length was one of the most difficult experiences- she had officially given the biggest sacrifice for this thing, but soon she realized, this thing was more than that, intense waxing, steam rooms, massages, facials she had never heard of- by Saturday she couldn't recognize herself, Anmol was excited too- well surprised at first, then excited about it. Veer was way too busy for keeping up with her, but she knew that once he sees her, he would like what he sees.

"The pictures are amazing." Mr. Venkat had personally congratulated her, he showed Pratha pictures from the test shoot and Pratha had to admit, she did look pretty 'exquisite'

"These are very nice." She smiled at the man as he went on to explain whatever he had planned, the creative genius that he was, he had a million concepts in his head, and he was getting her deals out o the company as well. "We've got you a talent manager." He announced amused with himself, "Rishabh, can you say hello to Miss Gujral."

Pratha frowned when she saw the tan, green-eyed man, his brown hair pushed back, "Oh-" he said upon seeing her. She bit her lip recognizing her ex, "Um you guys know each other?" Venkat asked narrowing his eyes, Jhanvi shook his head, "We are from the same town, nothing else." He smiled as he shook Pratha's hand, "It's a small world."

"Yes, it is." She shrugs it off, smiling back.

Did she feel too uncomfortable right now, Shubham, her fricking ex-boyfriend was her manager? She inwardly growled at life, she wasn't that much in control of things to demand a different manager. When they were left alone she instantly said, "You have to do something."

"Do what?" he wriggled his brows at her, "I think it's time for a talk."

"Uh no way, you can't expect me to do anything to fix anything." She took a step back, "Pratha, that's not the way to end things, over the phone, shouting at me without listening to what I had to say and listening to my side of the story."

She laughed bitterly, "Your side of the story, wait how does that go? My PTSD made you cheat story."

"That's not it Pratha, I got weak okay, but I swear it has always been you for me." he held her hands in his, and Pratha clenched her teeth, "Are you freaking serious? This is not how you realize the things you want Jhanvi, you hurt me- and you made absolutely zero effort to fix it, just because we met today-"

"That means something Pratha, you didn't let me fix it, but I won't let you go now I swear." He pulled her to him, she squealed, "No Rish- "

The sliding door interrupted them and he pulled away from her, Pratha took a deep breath seeing Mahek on the door, "Mr. Oberoi wanted to see you- but um if you're busy-"

"No, I am fine." She tucked her hair away from her face, glaring at Rishabh, he mouthed a please to which she didn't give any response following Mahek out of the room, when they went up the elevator to the office area, they were stopped by Sudha, "Sorry Miss Brar, Mrs Oberoi is in there."

Pratha clenched her fists un-noticed to both the women as Mahek gasped, "Oh right, tonight is the anniversary function, how did I forget, Miss Gujral you might just go back, Mr. Oberoi would be leaving for getting ready now."

"Okay." She put out a smile, the next moment Kavya was walking out of the cabin and stopped seeing her, narrowing her eyes on Pratha, "I've seen you somewhere."

"She's Pratha Gujral, she's one of the models." Mahek re-introduced them, Kavya rose her brows at her, looking at her makeover head to toe, "Oh the girl who was fired from assisting me because of insubordination- I recognize you now, what is she doing here, modeling? Doesn't Veer know of my rotten experience with her?"

Sudha shrugged, "She's was fired from assisting here too."

"I wasn't fired." Pratha finally said with a tough voice, "I left it and then I re-joined as a model when I was offered."

"You were offered?" Kavya chuckled, "The next thing I know my kitchen staff is walking on ramps."

Pratha was about to answer her but she flipped her hair going towards the elevator followed by Sudha.

"Please don't go tonight." Pratha begged Anmol as she was curling her hair, standing in front of the glorious vanity of Pratha's new apartment, "We can have a girl's night, I feel alone."

Anmol rolled her eyes, "Really baby girl? Look I don't have a sudden all glam perfect life okay? This girl needs to go out, look at me and Ru are going to the club, you can come if you want."

"I don't want to go to the club." She said stubbornly, "Pratha Gujral, now that the glam is here, it's time for some bam." She winked at Pratha, "You need a man, girl."

"No Anu I don't, especially not today." She sat back on the bed, "Guess who's my manager, Rishabh."

"What?" Anmol turned around and left the iron on the table walking to her, she sat on the bed, near Pratha, "Rishabh as in"

"My ex." Pratha huffed confirming, "He wants to get back together."

"No Pratha eww, how can you even think about it." She held Pratha's hand, "He's just playing you again."

"I know, I said no, I can't have him removed, it's weird."

"It is."

"But Anu." She sighed. Anmol shook her head, "There's that 'but'." Pratha pursed her lips, "There's this voice at the back of my head that I can't do better."

"You're kidding, right? Just because that washed-out bitch said you're not model material shouldn't re-define everything for you, including your ex-relationship, you're being insecure again." Anmol seethed at the thought of Kavya ruining Pratha's self-confidence. "But she's right care, she's not washed out or anything, she has everything."

Anmol groaned with frustration, "Argh Pratha, she's yesterday's news, she's jealous that you don't need any laxatives to look bomb."

Pratha chuckled, "Yes, right."

"That's the truth, Pratha, don't let that bitch ruin this for you enough to take the cheat back at least, you want to stay home and sulk? Fine, but you've got tonight to do that, tomorrow you get up and be the best you can be."

Pratha smiled softly resting back on her pillow, "Okay I'll watch some movies and chill."

"And I'll go before Rudra drinks himself to death." She got up patting Pratha's cheek, "Don't you dare make bad decisions."

"Umm can't help it." She laughed.

Soon Anmol left her on her own in her new apartment, she got up and fixed the mess Anmol had made getting ready, this apartment was very important to her, and she had to keep it as clean and well-maintained as possible, the apartment had everything she needed and more, three bedrooms, a big lounge, a very beautiful kitchen, a terrace with cozy chairs. She felt guilty living here, she hadn't earned it, that was sure. Her old clothes were delivered to the shelter, as her stylist disapproved of it strongly giving her wardrobe a complete change. The only dress that was allowed from her old dresses was the one gifted to her some days back by her 'friend' as she liked to say.

She took a quick shower and changed into the first-night suit she saw, a violet silk robe set, she towel dried her hair and sat back in bed switching different channels, she stopped on a channel that was reporting of the 'huge' party to which half the film industry was invited, the biggest industrialists had showed up, the man she loved with the woman she despised were the 'happy' hosts of this event. The news ran less than three minutes but the pictures from the event ruined her whole mood for the night.

She shut the tv, lying back in bed thinking of something other than what she saw.

Veer was unbuttoning his shirt in his walk-in wardrobe when he heard the door click, he turned back to see Kavya standing behind him a few feet away, he raised his brow at her as if asking what she wanted, "Why are you here?"

"What does that mean, it's my room." He shrugged continuing to unbutton his shirt.

"Yes, I know, it's our seventh year together, surely that means it's an occasion to call it a truce." She smirked walking towards him and holding his hands. He narrowed his eyes, "I don't know what you're talking about."

She sniggered, "Something is different this year Veer, you're not begging to be with me."

"I gave up." He sighed, "Why don't you get a good night's rest darling, you surely have things to attend to tomorrow?"

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" she looked at him impressed with his ability to refuse her, "I mean you know how I like a chase, is that your game, playing hard to get." She bit her lower lip.

"Kavu I don't have time for this, I have work tomorrow, spare us both time and go to your room." He pulled away from her tight hold, "Besides I know as soon as I give in, you'll leave for a world tour with your friends when the first ray of sun hits you tomorrow morning, feeling good about screwing me over-literally."

She cocked her head to a side, "Someone's needy."

"It's not me." he grinned, "Is it bothering you Kavu? You look pathetic"

"I would lie if I said it's not." Her expression softened, "I don't know how I screwed this up, Veer."

"You know exactly." He said taking his shirt off, "You can leave whenever you want Kavya, you don't need to take this to the eighth year."

"I'll like to see you try and live without me." she huffed, "You can't ever Veer, no matter how much you resist me, you love me."

His face scrunched up, "Kavu, please leave me alone."

"Okay like you suggested, I'll plan a vacation with my friends." She snapped at him, he saw a slight crossing of pain on her face and it did gnaw at his heart for some reason, he held her wrist turning her around to him, "Why are you doing this Kavu? Why are you insisting on something you shut down years ago? How do I trust you."

"I don't know how to make you trust me Veer, but the way you drift away from me each day scares me, Veer I don't want to-" Before she'd say more, his lips were on her, pulling her closer to himself as he bit down on her lower lip, she opened her mouth for him which he devoured instantly pushing her to the cupboard behind them, she pushed him, parting him from herself, "Now wasn't that easy."

"Kavu-"

"Now you look pathetic, it takes you one look from me Veer, to break your resolve." She ran her finger along his jaw, "Divorce me and you don't have to lose every day this way."

"I am not divorcing you." He seethed pushing off her hand, "You can ride all the dicks you get on tropical vacation spots after you give me all those shares back."

"Well there's no truce tonight I guess." She shrugged turning around to leave, swaying her hips as she went out the door, the second she left Veer picked up the nearest vase on the shelf crashing it against the floor, angry at himself for losing his composure, he shouldn't have lost it, it wasn't supposed to happen. He rubbed his forehead, trying to calm himself down, he didn't want to be in this room, be in this house, not right now.

The doorbell rung in her ears loudly waking Pratha up, she rubbed her eyes and sat up, it was about one in the night, she got up running a hand through her hair as she walked to the door, she looked in the peephole and gasped, she opened the door, "What are you doing here? That too at this hour?"

Rishabh grinned, "I didn't get to talk to you earlier and I just wanted to-"

"No Rishabh, whatever happens, I am not going to be with you again. It's better if you stay professional." She snapped at him. He pursed his lips, "Pratha I am sorry, giving you up was the biggest mistake I made and I regret it, I should have helped you with what you were going through but I – I screwed up Pratha and I want to fix this."

"You can't fix it." She shook her head.

"Pratha, I need you back in my life, us meeting this way, it's the universe working." He cupped her face, "It's giving us another chance."

"Maybe it's a coincidence." She frowned, "If you love me so much, you'd at least admit in front of Venkat that you knew me."

"Look Pratha I didn't want to make you uncomfortable." He said tenderly. She huffed, "You're still the manipulative asshole I broke up with."

"I am not lying Pratha."

She was about to say something when she saw a familiar person coming from across the corridor towards her apartment, she gulped, "You need to leave Rishabh."

"Pratha-"

"Leave Rishabh, okay we'll talk about this tomorrow, please just go right now."

Veer stopped in his place seeing someone standing in front of the open door to Pratha's apartment, he couldn't see anything but the man's back to him and the long slender legs of Pratha.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow, but you promise to talk about this right?"

"Yes, I promise, just go." She noticed Veer had taken a temporary hiding as she couldn't see him, as soon as Rishabh got into the elevator she sighed with relief, Veer reappeared walking out from behind a curved wall towards her now, "Get inside." His voice was firm, and she nodded going into the apartment followed by him, as soon as he closed the door behind him, he felt two soft arms go around his waist, her head resting between the blades of his back, "Veer." Her voice was soft and dripping with longing, he turned towards her, holding her by her shoulders, "Who was that?"

"Just my manager." She didn't want to go into details. He cupped her face, looking at her from head to toe, then back to her face, "He was visiting you after midnight, with you in this?" he looked at her silk robe.

"I don't know, he was just talking about work." She shook her head, "I thought you were busy tonight." She bit her lip, he huffed looking at her changed look again, "Why did they do to you, you look different."

She smiled, "Do you like it?" she twirled in her spot till he caught her in his arms again. "Yes, but you didn't need it, you were already so beautiful, you should have not allowed this much change,"

"It means you don't like it." She sighed disappointedly, he shook his head picking her off the ground, she squealed as he took her to the bedroom, crashing her on the bed before hovering above her, "I missed you my sunshine."

She chuckled as he nuzzled her neck, peppering kisses all over her collarbone to her jawline, soon she was panting running her hands up and down his back, enjoying the muscles contracting under his shirt, "Veer." She moaned parting his face from her neck to look at him, "You're okay right?"

"What? Why wouldn't I be?" he smirked. She shook her head cupping his face, "You look hurt."

He narrowed his eyes on her, seeing how she could see whatever he was hiding.

"Why would you be here then, I can see it." She said softly sitting up a little, "It's Kavya, isn't it?"

He noticed how her eyes turned a little hard at mentioning her name, "Well now we have something in common."

"What do you mean." He said caressing her cheek, she rested her head in his lap, lying down on the bed, "We ran into each other today, she was humored by the idea of me being a model, and now that she broke your heart in the same day, it's a little ironic how both of us are depressed because of her." She chuckled at the end. He looked down at her, "She came to me after the party, saying that she wanted to work things out, I believed her again and she pushed me again, laughing at how easy it was to get into my head."

Pratha bit her lip, "I am sorry."

"Why are you being sorry?" he sat back against the headboard, running his fingers in her hair, as he looked up at the ceiling, "I should be sorry for hoping things work out because I'd never be here with you if it did."

She sat up, cupping his face, making her look at him, "I am sorry because I am glad they didn't work out."

"Pratha." he sighed. She straddled him slowly molding her lips with his, she moaned into his mouth as he peeled the silk robe off from her shoulders, she parted his lips pressing soft kisses on his jawline, "I love you so much baby, don't let her hurt you anymore, just stay with me." she whispered as he sunk her back into the mattress lifting her robe shirt, removing it from her body. He got out of his clothes as soon as he could, parting her thighs to slip into her heavenly body, "Why do you love me? You shouldn't Pratha." he thrust himself into her and she moaned loudly from the pleasure she felt from being one with him, there was something so addictive about this woman, the way she held on to him, they way she panted his name, the way her muscles squeezed him, the rhythm they shared, or just the way she looked at him while he did his best to ruin her life, break her heart over and over. Her eyes were so soft and full of love, so much care that it was sickening, so much sadness in those eyes. He felt like a monster for not being able to make her happy, he did his best to satisfy her with his body though, making up for his honesty earlier, they got off the edge together this time, enjoying every last bit of it before the hurt started to set in again. He closed his eyes, hoping she'd just sleep and skip any more talking. she wrapped his arms around her, surrendering to sleep, she didn't want to think she was a distraction in the middle of the night, she didn't want to think she made a bad decision.

It had been hours and hours of them wrapped around each other in peaceful silence, he couldn't shut his eyes tonight, he didn't need any drugs today to feel calm tonight. All his anxiety and insecurities were gone the second she took him in her arms, in her safety, he felt worth something. The way she was soundly asleep against his chest, breathing softly as the moonlight glowed on her face, suddenly, he felt like he was ten years younger like he was liberated of everything, he wasn't tied in a loveless marriage, he was lying aside the most beautiful girl in the world, who loved him only. He was her man. His finger unknowingly started brushing against the side of her face, then his hand stroking her hair away slightly, everything was so much better this way, some guilt enveloped him, he shouldn't have told her about Kavya's advance on him earlier, he remembered how cold her eyes became at the mention of the name, but then again, Pratha was his escape and he wanted to tell her everything, she was the one person he didn't want to lie to.

'It hurts her.'

His mind screamed at him, it wasn't always going to be about him. The conflict went on and on in his head, one side of his head convinced he hurt Pratha beyond the limits, it was just in her eyes, the broken look in them when he told her he wouldn't be here if Kavya hadn't pushed him away, she must have felt worthless. It was a whole chain reaction, Kavya made him feel worthless but then he made Pratha feel worthless, except he didn't feel about it, she didn't deserve it. Why was he caring about what she thought and not, didn't he already tell her that she shouldn't expect anything other than the moments they had? But Pratha didn't deserve this- his mind screamed at him. He caressed the side of her face and leaned in pressing a soft kiss to her parted lips, when he pulled away slightly, he felt like he wanted to freeze the moment right there, she was sleeping so peacefully against his bicep, she looked so innocent, like a harmless kitten. Right there and then he knew, he didn't deserve her. He didn't deserve the past six months of calm in her warm embrace.

He slowly ran his hand through her hair whispering something in a low voice, till it became a slow-low tune he had started singing against her temple

"It's that old devil moon that you stole from the skies

It's that old devil moon in your eyes."

She fluttered her thick lashes and a sweet smile spread across her lips from his soothing voice

"Stars in the night, blazing their light, can't hold a candle

To your razzle-dazzle."

She chuckled opening her doe eyes, looking at him with admiration, "You're so sweet." She brushed her lips against him lightly, then pulled away slightly, "I didn't know you sing that good."

"I use to, I don't anymore." He bit his lip, brushing his thumb against her chin, looking into her mesmerizing eyes, "If I ask you to continue that, can you?" she said cupping his face, he shook his head, "I don't want to do anything but look at you till whatever time we have."

She sighed holding his hand that was cupping the side of her face and pressed a kiss to his palm, "You okay now?"

"Absolutely." He said in a calm voice, "I am okay because I am here."

"That makes me happy." She said sitting up a bit, "That I can make you happy."

"Only you can love." He held her in his arms, letting her back rest against his chest, "Only you can bring me so much peace, so much contentment, I love this feeling." He kissed her bare shoulder making her get goosebumps from his inviting touch, she threw her head back giving him access as she moaned, "Mmm I am here for whatever you need me for."

"Oh Pratha I need all of you, nothing else, I need you to make me feel this way over and over." He nibbled on the skin of her shoulder, his hands running up and down her sides, softly massaging the insides of her thighs, "Veer." She whispered turning her head to him, "Mmm." He pressed a kiss against her collarbone, loving the way she squirmed in his arms, moaning to get his attention, he rested his chin on her shoulder, "Hmm?"

"I have to go early, it's 5.30, let's take a bath together?" she requested softly. He looked up at her, "Um okay, but get this" he smiled, "I am taking you out tonight, so take an early day off."

She bit her lip, "okay."

Soon they were lying in a warm water bathtub together, she was enjoying his hands massaging her temples, his wet lips would occasionally kiss up and down her neck to her jaw, making her giggle. "Baby stop." He complained when she splashed his face with foam, he wiped it off, "Did it get your eye?" she turned her head back, and he shook his head, "No." she smiled and leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek, he held her wrist, "I saw your test pictures yesterday."

"Did you like them?" she asked with a raised brow. He lied back, playing with her fingers, "I did call you in my office, I wanted to give you a very poetic orgasm but alas-" he chuckled.

"But alas his Highness was late for his anniversary." She said with a pinch of bitterness. He scrunched his face, "Thank you for spoiling my mood."

"Tsk-tsk I have to make up for it." She said seeing how he started frowning. He bit the inside of his cheek, looking into her eyes as his darkened, "What kind of 'making up' do you have in mind?"

"I can make you breakfast." She said with a grin, he rolled his eyes, "I mean we're naked, in this perfumed tub, together- and you come up with breakfast as 'making up'. "

She giggled getting up, "That's all you're getting sir, I am already late and we can continue this argument during breakfast."

"Prathaaa." He whined seeing her wrap a towel around herself, "I want to have a whole thirty minutes of conversation with you, dressed up and with your hands to yourself."

"You're mean." He gasped dramatically letting his head back, "Now shoosh and give me five minutes of non-sexual relaxation so I can eat eggs and bacon with you for the next twenty-five minutes."

She huffed closing the door behind herself.

Soon he was leaning against the kitchen counter eyeing her up to down in a white button-up he had given her back during their trip to Mussoorie. When she saw him eyeing her bare legs, she rolled her and sighed loudly to which he shrugged, "You want me to act decent, don't be all sexy then."

"I am not being all sexy." She half turned to him from the stove, "You're being unnecessary-" she stopped when he made his fake 'sad face' "attached."

"Pftt women." He joked, "They want attention, but they don't want attention, but then they want it suddenly, give me a calendar girl, so I know what days you want it and what days you don't."

She shook her head, he moved forward and wrapped his hands around her waist, "Veer!" she squealed, "Ouch!" he hissed at the oil drop splash against his palm, "Shit I am so sorry." She turned around holding his hand, looking at him apologetically, she kissed his palm, sucking the slightly red wound, a moment later she parted his hand from her lips, "Okay?"

"No actually, the oil kinda splashed here." He touched his lips, She narrowed her eyes, turning off the stove, and he hissed, "Come on, it does hurt."

She turned around to him, rising on her toes, and slowly brushed her lips against his with a smile, she parted and pressed a kiss to his nose, "Mm okay?" He bit his lip, "Now that you ask, I think it did splash-" he looked down towards his belt, "Veer!" she moved away from him, and he laughed, "I was kidding baby."

She made two plates of breakfast and made their juice, pointing towards the table, "Sit."

"Okay, Ma'am." He walked straight to the chair around the table, "I gotta give it to you baby, this place looks amazing."

"I couldn't have done it alone, Anmol helped me so much. She has been here with me throughout the week, thank god she had to go last night or I'd have to delay our meeting." She sat on a chair, dragging it near to his, he frowned, "So if she's staying, I can't come?"

"That's what we're working with." Pratha shrugged sipping her juice. "And she stays all the time?" he asked with a raised brow.

"Ahuh, she's my best friend, I am not going to kick her out, she's all I have," Pratha said in a convincing tone. He looked down at his plate, "Really, she's that necessary, now I am jealous." He pursed his lips, looking up at her confused face, "Does she have a boyfriend?"

"Veer, if you're asking if she's lesbian, no she isn't, we're friends and besides that, you do know that I feel lonely and you're not available all the time."

He shook his head slowly as if disappointed, "Pratha if you don't tell me what you feel I won't know."

"I don't want to tell you how I feel Veer, I don't want to be more 'attached' than I am. Let's not forget what happened the last time we were talking about feelings, you didn't have any." She said in a low but angry voice.

"I didn't say anything like that, I want to be sure. What do I deny you of anyway? Stop being so moody." He wiped his mouth with a napkin getting up, "You'd understand if you'd be in my place."

She looked up at him and held his hand, "So let me decide what I feel then if I trust you enough to let you know more about me and my life, or even my feelings."

"Baby you know you can trust me right?" he leaned over her holding her chin, she pursed her lips, "I don't know."

He frowned, lifting her face to look in her eyes, "I am getting late, we'll work on this later." She nodded as he claimed her lips with his, she kissed him back and let her tongue dance with his for a few moments before he parted pecking her lips, "How about you make us dinner someday, you're pretty good at it."

"I'll think about it."

"I'll chop the vegetables." He stroked the side of her face, she bit her lip and kissed his cheek, "Okay. We'll do it together."

"I gotta go." He huffed, she smiled sweetly and pecked him once more, "I love you."

He stroked the top of her head, "See you."

Her smile faded as he turned around and left in a flash. She sat back in her seat reaching for the juice and drinking it.

Mahek placed the files on his table, "Mr. Parihar isn't contacting us again, he's dealing with the Shah, Baljeet said you could use the news."

Veer nodded looking through the files, "Did Baljeet give you any envelope by chance Miss Brar?"

She nodded, "Yes, it's in my cabin, should I deliver it to you?"

"Yes please." He said, then sat back in his seat, "Miss Brar, if Jhanvi is not responding, just contact Rakesh Parihar, he'll be interested in what we have to offer."

"There's been a lot of income checks in their company, maybe they have something to hide? I read about it in a tabloid."

Veer rolled his eyes and grinned, "Miss Brar do not reference tabloids in front of me, besides, whatever happens, there is their business, not ours. We meet, we deal, end of the story."

"But Sir I have been hearing things, about some kind of racket-"

"I don't need more stress right now please Miss Brar." he requested, signing the papers whilst reading, "You should be satisfied with our uncorrupted morality, is that not enough?"

"Yes." She pursed her lips, "Good." He looked up briefly at her and smiled, "That's how we survive, you'll never eat at a restaurant or even a five-star if you see what happens in their kitchen now would you?"

"I suppose." She grinned.

"That's how this works." He shrugged, She collected the files from him, "Our company still holds that no colleague's personal involvement policy right?"

He looked up at the brown-skinned woman, she slightly leaned, and he raised a brow to which she said in a low voice, "Pratha Gujral, the new model, was cozying up to her hired manager Rishabh Sharma." He didn't know how to feel, how to react. "When?" it's like he spoke on his own.

"Yesterday when you were asking her to meet you here, I went into the vanity room, he was all over her. We even did an open contract, Sir, she doesn't deserve this many privileges. She's hardly professional, hiring her as an ambassador would cause us a lot."

"I'll deal with it Miss Brar, thank you for the information." He smiled politely after composing himself on the inside, "Please get me a coffee."

"Sure." She nodded and turned around with a smirk leaving the room.

Veer sat back after the woman left, he had seen the same man at Pratha's doorstep in the middle of the night. Who the fuck was he and why was she 'cozying' up to him. The idea of another woman using him for money and fame made him outrageous. How could he allow this to happen again? But then Pratha always acted like she didn't care about the money. She could be a good actress. He thought. The feeling of screwing up again killed him, to think he was falling for her, her pretty doe eyes, her soft voice, her alluring tone, her confessions of love. He felt disgusted. She put Kavya to shame, at least his wife wasn't a fucking liar! She confessed a million times that she married him because he was from a rich background, she didn't do all this 'being in love' thing. He and Kavya started with lust and lust only, he did fall in love with her, but it soon vanished when she became way too clear about why she married him, she didn't care about him and she said it with pride.

She wasn't a lying slut like Pratha. he thought. He always found an excuse for Kavya. He would always find a way to call her better, he thought. But then recently he had started to go against it because of Pratha because she was heaven in a person for him, she accepted whatever he was, she didn't judge him, and she understood his fucked up ways. For god sake, he broke her heart a million times and she still didn't leave his side, that's how madly she loved him, and he loved that she did, but now with this news, he wasn't so sure, maybe she didn't leave him because she didn't care either, she knew he'd spoil her with his money one day or another."

The thought boiled his blood. He was going to end this 'Pratha' chapter in a way that would show her to never 'mess' with him again.

It had been a whole day, she had gotten ready last night and Veer, as expected hadn't shown up, he was ignoring her calls and her messages. She gave up soon, he was probably doing 'other' things. She thought she should give him space, with the thought, she kept her phone away and decided to keep herself busy.

Her hairstylist was blow drying her hair for her campaign for the company, Rishabh was waiting for the hairstylist to leave so he could talk to her, she prayed hard that the woman won't let them alone in this makeup room. A knock on the door caught everyone's attention and everyone sat straight once Veer entered, he coughed to clear his throat.

Pratha couldn't conceal her smile, "Good evening Mr. Oberoi."

"Good evening, Pooja can I have a moment with Miss Gujral if you're not short of time?"

"Of course sir." The girl was probably happy that the boss knew her name, she blushed packed her stuff, and left, Rishabh too was standing in a weird mood, Veer cocked his head to a side, "Mr. Sharma, you're from Musoorie I heard, Miss Gujral is from Musoorie." He had his research done, who was this man, his education, his hobbies, and his birthday.

"You both might know each other."

"No- umm not very closely." The guy said with a nervous laugh.

Veer nodded, "You're loss I guess, can you please wait outside while I talk to Miss Gujral?"

"Sure." The guy nodded leaving the room, as soon as he did, Pratha got up and turned to him, "Strapless yellow dress, I waited two hours."

"It's a good thing I hate yellow." He almost seethed stepping towards her, she frowned, "I didn't know that."

"And do you know what I hate more than the color Yellow, I hate lying worthless sluts like you." He held the back of her hair, "What did you think was gonna happen huh? You and your little boyfriend were going to rob me of my money? You were going to screw these broke losers in my house? Nice plan by the way but been there so..."

"Ouch, Veer." She yelped, trying to hold his hand so he could leave her hair from his tight grip. "You're hurting me."

"Yes, I am and I will, Do you think you can fuck with me and get away with it? You little bitch, I will ruin you." He spoke angrily, she swallowed thickly, "It's not what it looks like I swear Veer, I know I didn't tell you that he's my ex-boyfriend but there's nothing else I hid."

"You sure? Because I heard he was all over you the other day and how to forget his late-night appearance at my house-"

"Veer he did want to get together, but I love you I swear- I know what you're thinking, I am not what you think Veer." She cried. He let her hair go and she instantly touched her head at the spot, tears running down her beautiful face, "You want to take the house back it's all yours, this job- everything, just don't call me what you just did."

He narrowed his eyes, "I am not going to trust you."

"Fine. Just call him and ask, if he ever got what he wanted Veer." She wiped her face roughly.

"Don't tell me what to do." He held her arm pulling her forward, "How was I not enough for you? What's the fucking problem, Pratha? I did whatever you wanted." She shook her head, "So that's what I am saying, it's a lie!"

"Okay. Will it hurt if I kill him? Veer asked abruptly, her eyes widened, "Veer what are you-"

"Tell me, Pratha!"

"Veer he's nothing to me but he's a human being you can't-"

"Of course, I can, just tell me if it'll hurt you?"

"Don't be so radical- listen to me!"

He held both her hands, "Shh! It's time he listens." Pratha cried loudly as he pushed her against the wall, with his body against her, kissing her furiously, she tried to push him but he kept her put, biting down on her lips, she opened her mouth for him and he instantly pushed his tongue into her mouth, her tongue battled with his, his hands running up and down her soft skin, he lifted her a little, letting her legs wrapped around his middle, she didn't resist anymore, she was too lost for a fight. She gave in when he tore off her clothes and unzipped himself, thrusting inside her, she bit on her lip from shouting as he picked up the pace not going slow and soft with her. His forehead crashed against her sweaty forehead as he kept thrusting into her, loving the little cries of pain from her closed mouth, "Come on baby -uh- just let him know who you belong to." Her eyes rolled back when he hit her g-spot, his thumb rubbing circles against her slick button, she moaned, "Please."

"What's that?" he asked in a teasing way, slowing down his pace a bit, "Stop?"

"No-no don't." she moaned, "Oh Veer please love." She pleaded moving her hips against his to get him to move. She said in a shaky breath, "I won't ever be able to look him in the eye."

"I don't want you to." He said in a low dangerous voice, "You won't ever see him."

"Shit-just move baby." She threw her head back feeling him thrust into her, "Ahhh oh god – that's it-oohh I am t-there, yes, there." She screamed, "Ah, yes. Veer, ahh! Ah!." She gripped his hair tightly as her orgasm ripped through her and she felt him spill a thrust after, her head fell against his shoulder, she felt numb as she spoke almost soundlessly, "Don't leave me."

He pulled out of her and she stumbled to the couch, falling against it. Looking at him dress up, her eyes filled in tears, "I am sorry."

"That I caught you?" he asked bitterly. She shook her head slowly, "I am sorry that I love you, you're cruel, you're a monster." She sat up pushing her hair back, "To hell with you and every heartbreak of the last seven months, to all the useless tears I shed over you."

He bit the inside of his cheek, looking at the broken girl, she weakly reached for her jeans and put them on, then slowly got up and walked to the tagged and hung shirts, she tore a tag from a simple blue checkered shirt and wore it mumbling, "Get out of my life."

"Pratha." he said slowly seeing her break into sobs, she held her hand up to stop him, "I mean nothing to you, my words, my respect, my love means nothing to you. I let you use me over and over in the most -because I thought you're misjudged, you need love, but you don't, you don't need love, you need a soundless, feelingless sex slave and I refuse to feed your animalistic thirst till you want, I am walking out of this right now."

He pursed his lips, "Don't act like I was the one-"

"Just because Kavya Oberoi is a whore doesn't mean every other woman is, oh wait I am sleeping with the whore's husband, I am a bigger whore. You know what I am done explaining myself. You wanna assume I cheated on you? Be my fucking guest! You know damn well I didn't do it." She reached for her jacket and wore it, "But you're used to being the victim, you love it so much because it allows you to be this way- this twisted man who doesn't give a flying fuck about how someone else feels, you never wanted to deal with my feelings- well okay!"

He watched her pick up her bag, his heart started racing, she was leaving him, the only person in love with him was leaving him- for his stupid mistake, she shook her head, "I wish I never met you." Tears started running down her face as she kept his keys on the table, "Goodbye." She shut the door behind her and immediately palmed his forehead, he followed her outside and ran into the brown-haired, man, "You." He said in a low voice, "You and-"

"Stay the fuck away from her." Veer grabbed him by the collar, "She's mine and anyone who thinks they can take her away from me will suffer."

"What will you do? Aren't you even a tad bit afraid that I'll call the media on you? Tell everyone that a happily married, rich bastard is blackmailing girls into sleeping with him."

"Oh there is no blackmailing and as for you-" he hit the man with a punch across the face, with a cracked voice he hit the ground, Veer dusted his hands, taking out his phone and dialing a number, "Baljeet I am dropping off this guy at the storage- you know what to do right?"

PRESENT

Ritwik was the first thing she saw when she woke up, he was sitting aside her looking at her with a smirk, "Hey love."

She rolled her eyes and spoke in a groggy voice, "What's going on, I am sure you've alerted everyone by now?"

"Everyone, my girlfriend was attacked, an attempt to murder by a past lover." He said leaning forward, "You should have seen my brother."

"Something tells me I will pretty soon." "Oh, Pratha cheer up." He chuckled to which she sat straight, "He'll kill me, it's not like he's never done that before."

"You should have thought before falling for a psychopath." He added with a yawn.

"I never thought he'd try to kill me." she said in a slow robotic tone, "Not after he made me feel like he loved me."

"He's a good actor." Ritwik joked, she kept on mumbling, "If it weren't for your baby we'd still be together."

Ritwik scrunched up his face, "You still think about being with that man?"

She shook her head, "No I was just sharing the emotions, sooner or later he'll kill me, just tell him I was desperate." He laughed and she too grinned lying back, "How does this look for a headline, Veer Oberoi sabotages ex-girlfriend's car to avoid any hurdles in his marriage."

"It's too big." Ritwik shook his head.

"And not true."

The third voice made them both turn their heads, Ritwik got up from his chair surprised, "Veer Bhaiya."