Crossway- II #Riansh (OS Book)

Crossway-I

This shot is the continuation of “Crossway- I”.

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Vansh looked at her as he saw her roaming around him while searching for network in her phone. He closed the bonnet and looked at her. 

Vansh: Come, get in the car.

Turning back she saw him standing in front of the car’s door. Rushing to him she sat inside. Soon he again started driving the car.

Vansh’s POV starts:

Looking at her, I can definitely understand she is a simple girl. I mean not that simple but yeah. And me a businessman with so many enemies. And if she recognized me anyhow and did anything wrong then I can’t take the risk of her life. So it’s better to lie for her safety.

I looked as she was scrolling through her phone and wasn’t even giving me a single glance. Literally I was feeling like I’m her driver. Of course it was hurting my male ego, she didn’t give a damn to my presence since she is sitting beside her.

Vansh’s POV ends:

Riddhima looked at him as she felt his gaze on her. 

Riddhima: What?

She said breaking his trance, he looked back in the front.

Vansh: Nothing, I was just looking if someone is around or not.

He said and looked out of the car while holding the steering in a tight grip.

Riddhima: If you are tired than I can drive.

She said and kept the phone back in her pocket.

Vansh: No, I’m not. 

He said and increased the speed of the car making her take back her seat.

Riddhima: Btw, who are you?

She asked looking at his face.

Vansh: What?

She heard him and sat in the position in which she can look at him.

Riddhima: Offo…profession?

Riddhima asked him and saw as he took a glance of her.

Vansh: I..?

He asked as if to confirm.

Riddhima: Who else? Is there some else too with us?

She asked and looked at him.

Vansh: No, I mean. Why you want to know?

He asked passing her a questioning look.

Riddhima: Just out of curiosity, if you don’t want then don’t tell.

She said and again sat straight. He looked at her and then again got busy in driving. Looking out she felt wind caressing her face, it was too cold outside. Unfolding her folded sleeves of top, she kept her hand on the window and her head on that. Looking out she saw the look.

After a while, Vansh eyes again fell on her. How she was holding her bag close to herself! A single strand of her brownish hair was kept on her face due to wind. Not even knowing what he is doing, he brought his hand towards her face and removed it.

.

Feeling a sudden jerk on her body, she opened her eyes and looked straight. Looking around, she saw herself sitting in the car and the decorated route in front of her. Turning to her right, she saw him sitting and untying the seat belt. 

Vansh: Take your things and move in.

Saying so he moved out. She looked and picked up her things from back seat and then picked up her phone. Looking at the screen she smiled to see that network was there.

Moving in she saw the decorated path with cherry blossom flowers. Attractive scent around the area filled her nostrils. Just when she saw Ishani standing near the staircase while scrolling through her phone and tensed lines formed on her forehead. Rushing towards her she stood close to her as her back was facing Riddhima. 

Riddhima screamed as soon as Ishani turned back, successfully making her scare. Ishani kept her hand on her chest to stop her heavy breathing. But as soon as she Riddhima there, she got relaxed. 

Ishani: You scared me. 

Riddhima passed her a toothy smile.

Ishani: When did you came? I was tensed about you only.

Ishani said and held her hand.

Riddhima: Just now. But I want to have something and then will rest for sometime.

Riddhima said and saw her nodding with a smile. Vansh looked at her talking with Ishani.

——————-

Riddhima: So, what’s the name of the groom?

She asked as she saw Ishani getting ready for the pre-wedding rituals.

Ishani: Aryan…

She said casually shocking Riddhima.

Riddhima: Really?

She asked and sat straight.

Ishani: Why would I lie? Anyways…Leave that. Go and get ready and let me also. 

She said and before Riddhima could ask any other question, she pushed her out of the room.

Walking through the corridors filled with decorators and few family members who were directing them, Riddhima was lost in her thoughts.

“That means I was talking rudely with my ‘jiju’ last night. Not fair, I’ll have to apologize from him but in my way.”

She said to herself and bit her lower lip in excitement. Just when she saw him walking through the corridor while talking on his phone. Slowly taking small strides, she reached him and stood behind him. 

Vansh: I don’t know how you will do. I just want the work to be done.

She heard him and mumbled something to herself. Just when he turned back and saw her tiny form standing in front of him. She raised her head and looked up. 

On seeing their proximity, she moved back and just when her heel got entangled to the rug making her disbalance. She was about to fall down when he held her wrist and pulled her to him, snaking his hand on her waist. Keeping her hand on his shoulder, she balanced herself and looked at him.

Vansh: What are you doing here?

He asked and looked into her eyes.

Riddhima: Woah, Aryan…I came to apologize.

She said and saw as he raised his eyebrows, leaving her from his hold. Moving back she looked at him.

Vansh: For what?

He asked keeping his phone in his pocket.

Riddhima: I’m sorry I shouldn’t have talked rudely with you last night.

She said looking down but before he could say she continued.

Riddhima: But it’s ok. I know you will forgive after all Ishani told me you are just scary but not bad and I understand that. 

He opened his mouth to say something but only if she would let him.

Riddhima: No need to say anything. Btw, you are not ready yet why? It’s such an important eve for you. You should get ready.

He nodded and was again about to say.

Riddhima: Oh yeah…I should leave bye and congratulations.

She said and again before he could say she left from there.

Vansh: She speaks a lot than necessary.

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Vansh looked around the area and saw Ishani and Aryan sitting on the chair, all ready for their engagement. Sipping his drink, he again got busy in talking to someone. Ishani looked at Aryan and heard her mom. She picked up the ring from the box and then again looked at Aryan, smiling she made him wear it. Sounds of clapping echoed in her ears.

Riddhima rushed in the hall and saw everyone busy in their own work.

Riddhima: I knew it, I’m late.

Riddhima said to herself and moved to Ishani who was talking with Vansh and Aryan. Her lips curled into a beautiful smile, seeing them happy. Moving to him she called her gaining their attention. Vansh looked at her. 

Dressed in pink gown with golden off shoulder, and Tiara headband was making her look like a princess. Vansh smiled looking at her.

Ishani: You are again late.

She said and saw her smiling.

Riddhima: Sorry but see I came that’s important.

Riddhima said and saw her rolling her eyes.

Ishani: Come, I’ll introduce you to Aryan.

She said and turned to look only to see no one around.

Ishani: Where they are?

She said to herself and looked back at Riddhima.

Riddhima: It’s ok, I know him even I had talked to him too.

Riddhima said with a smile.

Ishani: Really? Then tell me where is he?

Riddhima roamed her eyes around the hall and her eyes fell on Aryan (Vansh) who was talking to Aryan (Aryan only).

Riddhima: There..

She said pointing at him. Ishani looked at him and smiled.

Riddhima: See, I know him. Btw, who is he?

She said gazing at Aryan while Ishani though it to be Vansh.

Ishani: Who? Ohh…He is Vansh. Hey, how do you don’t know him?

Ishani asked confusing Riddhima but before she could ask Ishani heard her mom calling her. Riddhima saw her leaving and stood there alone.

.

Riddhima turned back hearing an ‘excuse me’. She looked at the unknown face.

Riddhima: Hi? Do I know you?

She asked moving a bit back.

Person: Of course not. Btw, Daksh here. What’s your name pretty lady?

He asked in a husky voice moving too close to her.

Riddhima: Umm…I think it’s too early for name and all?

She said glaring at him. He smirked hearing her voice.

Daksh: I don’t think so. Anyway, here take this drink.

She heard him and saw as he forwarded the drink to her. She looked back at him to see him smirking.

Daksh: Take it. I saw you were not having anything since long.

He said again but she ignoring him stopped the passing waiter and picked up another glass. Gulping the whole glass down, she kept on the table.

Riddhima: Is this ok? Now, excuse me.

She said moving in the crowd.

..

Talking to herself while sitting on the chair, she was just getting bored. 

Riddhima: I don’t know anyone here. Should I go back and rest?

She again asked herself. If anyone would keep a focus on her then definitely till now he would have assumed her to be mad as she was talking to herself while sipping her apple juice. But it was better sitting alone then talking with person like Daksh, who felt weird to her.

Getting up, she made her move towards her room. Walking through the corridors, she saw herself all alone with only silence prevailed across the area. Of course everyone was supposed to be in the party. Hearing of someone’s nearing footsteps, she turned back to see. But no one was there.

Taking a deep breath, she was about to open the door when she heard flow of water. With slow steps, she moved towards the area and saw swimming pool with flower petals kept in the water. Moving close, she sat there only. 

Lifting her gown to her knees she dipped her legs in the water with a smile spread on her lips. Looking up she saw moon, her eyes got wet again remembering how she lost her everything in the same moonlight. News of the plane crash was again flashing in front of her eyes, she closed her eyes as tears escaped through them. 

She felt a pat on her shoulder and turned to look but before she could see, she was pushed in the water filled pool. Spreading the water and flower petals around the area, she felt herself drowning. Although, the water wasn’t too much even she knew swimming but not too much and the heavy dress was not helping her in holding her own weight.

Feeling a hand on her wrist, her eyes went wide and she was about to jerk away the hand when the grip became tight. Suddenly, she was pulled out of the water. Taking heavy breaths, she looked at the person and calmed down on seeing Aryan (Vansh) in front of her. Holding his shoulder for support, she wiped the water from her face.

Riddhima: Thanks…

She said and looked at his face. Her head started spinning and she kept her head on his shoulder. 

Vansh: Are you okay?

He asked and she nodded with deep breaths. Gently holding her hand he pulled her to the edge of the pool. She came out of the pool with his help and sat there. 

He came out and looked at her drenched in water, holding her head and the dress attached to her fragile body giving her a tired look. Her head was spinning and she was only able to see black dots forming in front of her.

Bending to her level, he held her face in his and looked at her.

Vansh: What happened? Are you okay?

He asked but she didn’t said anything and was busy trying to focus. She looked at his blur face with utter focus moving closer to him.

Not knowing what to do, he just picked her up and started moving towards his room.

…

Putting her gently down on the bed. He picked up the towel from the couch and passed to her.

Vansh: Here take this. 

He saw as she took it. Holding it she looked at him again with wide eyes as if trying to resemble something. 

Vansh: What are you thinking? Do it or you’ll catch cold. I’m calling Ishani.

He said and turned to leave. Moving to the door, he turned back and saw her looking at the towel with focus and drawing her fingers on the flower design made on it. He scrunched his eyebrows not getting her point of view.

While she was busy in drawing patterns on it. A sudden warm air hits her face making her shiver. She looked up and saw him standing in front of her with a hair dryer. Her eyes was fixed on his form, wet hair, wet beard and droplets of water on his body was making him look hot.

Seeing her not reacting even to the warm air. He moved closer to her and ruffling his hand through her hairs started drying them.

Vansh: What you had in the party?

He asked and ruffled her hairs drying each strand. On not getting any response he looked down, to see her looking at him without blinking her eyes. May be he guessed it right, someone spiked her drink.

As he was done with it. He sat in front of her and again gave her the towel.

Vansh: Here take it and change into something comfortable, I’ll send Ishani to help you and don’t move out.

He said in a serious tone but she looked at him and started laughing suddenly.

Riddhima: Aryan, y…you are looking funny.

She said confusing him and he raised his eyebrows. Without his knowledge, she picked up the dryer and kept in front of his face. He turned his face due to sudden. She started laughing loudly seeing him trying to remove her hand.

His well gelled up hair was now all messy making him look even more hot. He removed the plug and she saw it getting closed. With a pout on her lips, she turned the nozzle towards her face and then sadly looked at him.

Riddhima: Air?

She asked sadly and blinked her eyes. He looked at her and then took the dryer from her.

Vansh: Don’t move out. Ishani will be coming.

He said and got up. Moving to the door, he opened it and coming out was about to close it when he looked at himself in the mirror. He definitely can’t go in the party in this state.

Getting in again, he moved where his bag was kept and took out another shirt. He was about to enter when he again turned back.

Vansh: Don’t go anywhere.

He said gaining her attention and she looked at him with those intoxicating doe shaped eyes and a small ‘O’ formed on her lips maybe testing HIS patience.

Of course he isn’t going to expect any reply from her inebriated form even her calling him ‘Aryan’ wasn’t helping him to calm his mind. Getting inside the washroom, he closed the door harshly.

Riddhima looked around and moved down from the bed. She looked at the different perfume bottles in front of her. Picking up one, she sprayed on the mirror with a smile on her lips. On seeing water droplets formed, she moved closer to it and with her index finger made a line on it. 

She looked at it and then wrote her name. Looking at it, she blinked her eyes satisfied with it. 

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