In the Name of Love (Ishq Mein Marjawan) – Chapter 16

For those of you who have missed the 15th chapter, here is the link 

https://www.tellyupdates.com/in-the-name-of-love-ishq-mein-marjawan-chapter-15/

Anupriya was angrily grumbling to herself when Ishani came upto her.
“So you are growing worried because of Vansh Bhai’s growing proximity to Riddhima, aren’t you?”

Anupriya looked up at her surprisingly. “That means you have noticed it too.”

Ishani said, “Of course, I had to. It is not possible for something weird to happen in this house and for me not to take notice of it.”

“Thank God that it is not only me who is observing all this. That Riddhima looks so innocent and young, but just look at her audacity! She’s trying to lure our Vansh into her sweet talks. But she doesn’t know that Vansh’s mother will always stand like a shield in front of him,” said Anupriya.

Ishani laughed. “C’mon Mom! Why are you wasting your time and energy into all this? Just sit back and relax. If that Riddhima wants to live in this misunderstanding that Vansh Bhai has started to care for her, then who are we to break this bubble of hers? Let her dwell in this short-lived happiness.”

“Short-lived happiness?”

“Of course, short lived it is. When she gets to know Bhai’s real face, then it will be the end of her. Mom, do not tell me that you don’t realise that this is all part of Vansh’s plan to get close to her,” said Ishani.

“But why would he do that? Has he told you something about it?” asked Anupriya.

“Obviously he won’t disclose anything yet! But I know him, he’s my brother. Do you think it is so easy for someone like Riddhima to trap the Vansh Raisinghania? VR doesn’t get trapped, but instead traps others. And haven’t you heard of the saying ‘Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.’ And Vansh Bhai isn’t a fool to get fooled once again. So stop worrying yourself, okay?”

Anupriya forced a smile, but deep inside, she had made up her mind. “Ishani you can stay mum, but not me. I don’t know if what Vansh feels for Riddhima is pure sympathy or something more than that. But I have to do something before things get out of my hands.”
___________________________________________

The next morning, Riddhima found an excited Sia waiting for her at.
“Riddhima! Our entire family has been invited to attend a party which is thrown by Vansh Bhai’s close business associate. You also have to attend it.”

“No Sia. Please keep me out of all this. I’m not very fond of parties, you know.”

“So who said that I loved them? I hate them too, but I cannot avoid them. If you come along, then atleast I’ll have some company around.”

Gayatri also backed up Sia. “Riddhima, you are very much a part of our family now. You must come at any cost.”

Riddhima tried to protest, but she had to finally give into their requests.
___________________________________________

Riddhima was finally ready for the party. She wore a cream coloured gown and matching studs to go with it. She kept her look as minimal as possible because she hated to overdo things. When she stepped out of her room, she found Nandu standing there.
“Nandu! Why aren’t you dressed up yet?”

“Don’t you know that Papa has made a rule that small children cannot attend parties?”

Riddhima made a face. “Rules, rules, and more rules! How many more rules has this man made?” she thought.
“So when can you attend parties from?” she asked.

“When I turn fourteen.”

“Oh that means you would have to wait for 9 more years.”

“Yes,” said Nandu sadly. “But after 14, I can party hard!”

“You’re such a cutie pie,” said Riddhima pulling Nandu’s cheeks.

Gayatri came towards them and said, “Nandu, we are leaving now. Eat your food and go to bed early. It will be quite late before I come back, so don’t feel afraid while sleeping alone. My Nandu is a brave girl, isn’t she?”

Nandu nodded but Riddhima could see the fear in her eyes.

“Riddhima, let’s go Beta. We are getting late,” said Gayatri.

“Nani just give me a minute. I’ll come in a while.”

“But make it quick,” said Gayatri leaving from there.

Riddhima now turned towards Nandu and said, “Do you feel afraid to sleep by yourself?”

Nandu hung her head down in shame.

“It’s okay Nandu. There’s nothing wrong in getting frightened at night. You know, when I was your age, I also used to get very scared while sleeping alone. I used to feel that sa random ghost would turn up any moment and pounce upon me.”

“Then what did you do?”

“Wait, let me show you,” said Riddhima bringing a silver amulet from her room. “My Papa had given this to me when I was little. He told me that it had magical powers and would protect me from all evil.” She grew nostalgic thinking about her father who was not there with her anymore. “Nandu, keep this with you. You can now sleep peacefully without worrying about any potential ghosts. It will keep you safe, just like how it did with me.”

Nandu took the amulet and inspected it. “But…but if I keep it with me, then what will protect you? Won’t you feel scared?”

“No Nandu. I don’t need it now, because I’m not afraid anymore,” Riddhima replied with tears in her eyes. She wished she could go back in time, when she used to live happily with her family.

Nandu threw her arms around her. “Thank you so much Riddhima Aunty. Since you have given me such a nice present, I also have to gift you something. Stay right here and I’ll get it within a second.”

Nandu disappeared for a minute and came back panting and puffing. She signaled Riddhima to kneel down before her, and when she did, she pulled out few white lilac flowers from her hand and pinned them up in her hair.

“Oh my God! You look so beautiful. Just like a Disney princess!” said Nandu clapping her hands happily.

“Thank you so much Nandu,” said Riddhima admiring her reflection in the mirror. The small white flowers in her loosely held black hair complimented her overall appearance.

“You know what, white lilacs are Papa’s favourite flowers,” said Nandu out of the blue.

Riddhima had no idea why Nandu was giving this piece of information to her, because it made no sense. “So?” she asked.

“So…. nothing,” said Nandu hastily. “Enjoy the party!”
___________________________________________

“Oh hello Anupriya! How are you doing? It’s been ages since I last met you.”

“Hi Priya! I’m doing fine. You know right that Maa had undergone a surgery and needed some rest. Because of that, I had to minimize my socializing. By the way, where is Akshat? I don’t see him here.”

“I literally begged him to come along, but for him his work is more important than his mother,” laughed Priya. “To be honest, I also did not want to come but the only reason I did was in the hope that I would finally be able to find a nice girl for my Akshat.”

Anupriya’s eyes suddenly lightened up. “What kind of a girl do you want for your son?” she asked.

Priya said, “She should be beautiful, smart and….”

“Ohh, then I do have a girl in my mind who exactly fits this description,” said Anupriya.

“Who is it?”

Anupriya pointed towards Sia and Riddhima, who were seated at a corner, chatting away happily. “That’s Riddhima. She is the granddaughter of Maa’s rakhi brother. After her mother passed away and her father went missing, Maa asked for her and younger brother to be brought over to our house, so that they can be taken good care of. Isn’t she beautiful?”

Priya looked at Riddhima in awe. “She is very pretty, yes. But you said her parents are no more, so who would look after the wedding?”

“Don’t worry Priya. Maa has clearly ordered us, that Riddhima would also be married off in a grand manner, just like how we would with our own daughters.”

“Sounds great,” said Priya.

Anupriya said, “Wait, let me introduce her. Sia and Riddhima, would you girls mind coming here for a minute please?”

The girls went upto the two ladies.

“Hello Priya Aunty,” said Sia.

“Hello Sia. Hope you are fine,” said Priya.

“Yes I am,” said Sia.

Turning towards Riddhima, Priya said, “Hello Riddhima!”

Riddhima was surprised that she knew her name but later realised that Anupriya must have told about her. Nevertheless, she greeted politely with a smile.

“What are you doing?” asked Priya scanning her up and down.

“Uhm…I’m studying medicine as of now.” Riddhima felt uncomfortable by her scrutinizing look.

“Which college?”

“JC Medical College.”

“Did you get the seat on merit basis or in management quota?”

“Merit.”

“Wow that’s nice. How old are you?”

“Nineteen.”

“What is your height and weight? How much did you score in your 10th and 12th? What’s your star sign?”

Anupriya nudged her friend angrily to stop her never-ending questions. Riddhima was getting both puzzled and irritated at her nonchalance. But before she could say something, Anupriya came to Priya’s rescue. “Ohh don’t mind her Riddhima. She was just trying to be funny though.”

At this, Priya tried to force a laugh while Sia and Riddhima both looked at her in confusion.

“Why did this weird aunty take my interview  like that?” Riddhima whispered to Sia.

“Get used to it dear. All the aunties at such parties love to take interviews like these,” Sia whispered back.

Priya also murmured to her friend, “I need a photo of Riddhima, so that I can show it to Akshat and my husband.”

Anupriya said, “Wait let me help you. Riddhima and Sia come on, let’s take a selfie.”

After all selfies were taken and both the girls had returned to their original places, Priya said, “I already like Riddhima. I think she would make a perfect couple with my dear Akshat. Had he come to the party, he could have easily met Riddhima himself and also could have a got a chance to get to know her.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve a superb idea in my mind. Why don’t you come to VR mansion tomorrow along with Akshat and your husband? That way, Riddhima and Akshat will be able to meet each other personally and can also have a chat together,” said Anupriya.

“Sounds perfect to me,” said Priya beaming.

Anupriya was too elated for words. She couldn’t wait for Riddhima to get married to Akshat and leave their lives, especially Vansh’s, forever.
___________________________________________

Vansh was on the dance floor, twirling a girl around him. One look at him, and Riddhima started laughing insanely

“What happened Riddhima? Why are you laughing like a crack-head?” asked Sia having no idea.

“Just…look at your brother,” said Riddhima still continuing to laugh. “Can you believe it, this is the fifth girl he’s dancing with! Normally, he roams about the house showing how strict and stern he is.” She started imitating Vansh trying out to speak in a husky voice. “My name is Vansh Raisinghania. I love rules, discipline, punctuality and discipline.” She giggled. “But look at him now. He’s dancing with five different girls in a row. What a player he is!”

Sia became mortified. “How can you even say something like this about Vansh Bhai? It is not his fault if all the single women want to dance with him. Do you know how much he hates all this, yet just agrees to them for the sake of sincerity?”

“Really? I never knew that single rich men had to go through these many hassles,” said Riddhima.

“Are you mocking my brother again?”

“No, I’m very serious this time. I agree it must be tough for him,” said Riddhima.

“Riddhima why don’t you go and dance as well?”

Now it was Riddhima’s turn to get mortified. “What? Why would I ever want to dance with Mr. Raisinghania?”

“Not with Vansh Bhai. But with anyone,” said Sia. “You know what, I really wish I could dance too. But unfortunately I cannot.” Her eyes turned moist as she stared at the swaying bodies in front of her.

Riddhima grew quiet. Of course, she could never understand Sia’s pain, but that did not mean that she wouldn’t even help her to feel better. “Wait, which idiot told you that you cannot dance? I am sure that idiot must be you yourself! I’ll show you how to dance.”

Saying this, she started pushing around Sia’s wheelchair in circles. “Whee! Here we go!” said Riddhima. “Side please! Side please!”

Sia laughed cheerfully as she was moved about here and there. For a moment, she felt like she was flying above the ground. But she also did not want to become the laughing stock of the whole party. “Please stop Riddhima. Everyone is watching us.”

“C’mon Sia! Why should we stop enjoying our lives just for the sake of these stupid people?” said Riddhima. “Look at me! Am I ever bothered about what people would say? No!” She started dancing funnily around Sia, making her laugh even more.

Gayatri and Ishani looked at Riddhima’s weird antiques. They felt happy to see Sia enjoying herself.

Vansh also on the other hand was caught in a complete stupor. He just kept on staring at Riddhima, admiring her for making his sister have so much fun, whenhis dancing partner nudged him. “Vansh, what happened?”

Vansh ignored her and left her on the dance floor all by herself.

“See, wasn’t that fun?” asked Riddhima.

“I don’t know about fun, but my head has surely started to hurt after spinning around so much,” said Sia.

“You don’t want to admit it, but I know that you definitely enjoyed it,” said Riddhima gulping in a glass of juice. So much running and jumping around had made her thirsty. “And it is alright to bear a little headache for having some fun. And Sia I am warning you, you’ll never ever say that you CANNOT dance. Whenever you feel like dancing, just give me a call, no actually, just give me a missed call. Why to even waste your money, huh?”

Sia nodded and grinned at her.

Just then a fashionably dressed woman came upto them. “H Sia!”

“Oh hi Anita,” replied Sia. “How are you doing?”

“I’m good,” said Anita. “Have you seen Vansh anywhere? I last saw him on the dance floor, but now he’s nowhere to be seen.”

“Do you have some important work with him?” asked Sia.

“Yes. I want to have a dance with him,” said Anita.

Riddhima tried to stifle a laugh. She said, “Excuse me, but why do you want to dance with him?”

“Who is she?” asked Anita looking visibly annoyed.

Before Sia could say anything, Riddhima budged in. “I am her friend. Come on, tell us. Why do you want to dance only with him?”

“I like him,” she said matter-of-factly.

“Really? But why? What is it in him that makes you to like him?” asked Riddhima. Sia tried to signal her to remain quiet, but Riddhima was in no mood to listen to her. She just wanted to have her share of fun in this boring party.

After thinking for sometime, Anita said, “I love Vansh’s attitude, his aura, his intelligence and his…..”

“And you love his money,” said Riddhima. Sia gasped at this. The girls didn’t know but Vansh was standing right behind them and sneakily listening to their entire conversation.

“What the hell do you mean by that?” asked Anita angrily.

Riddhima started backing Anita up. “It’s okay to love a man for his wealth. And Mr. Raisinghania is not just wealthy, he is very, very wealthy. Just imagine, he owns five hundred million dollars, when I can barely manage to find a five-hundred rupee note in my purse! I think every woman needs some financial security, and she shouldn’t be called a gold-digger just for admiring a rich man.”

Anita agreed. “You are right. This society is very mean to women like us for loving a man for his money, and we are easily labelled as gold-diggers.”

Sia grabbed Riddhima’s arm. “What the hell are you doing?” she whispered.

“Just watch how I bring her true colours out in front of everyone, especially Mr. Raisinghania,” whispered Riddhima cheekily.

Turning to Anita, she said, “You know what I have a fool-proof formula for impressing Mr. Raisinghania.”

“Ohh really! Please do tell me then,” said Anita excitedly. Vansh was also interested as to what Riddhima would say next.

“Red roses!” Riddhima exclaimed. “Red roses are his biggest weakness. Just give him a bouquet, and he’ll be drooling all over you.”

“Oh my God! I’ll gift him red roses right away then. Tell me what else does he love?” said Anita, not realising at all that she was being made into a big fool.

“Jokes! And not just any other jokes, sad PJs are his all time favourites!” said Riddhima. “He just looks strict from outside, but from inside he really has a thing for cheap humour.”

Sia whispered again, “I think this is getting too much….”

“Not too much at all Sia,” murmured Riddhima. “We really need to teach this gold-digger a lesson. It will be fun when Mr. Raisinghania himself shouts at her after getting irritated like hell by her.”

“Do you think this will be enough to impress Vansh and become Raisinghania family’s daughter-in-law?” asked Anita.

“Of course, of course,” said Riddhima winking at Sia, while she facepalmed.

Vansh was growing increasingly amused by all this. He cleared his throat.

“Oh my God Vansh! You are right here and I was busy looking for you literally everywhere,” said Anita.

Riddhima and Sia started panicking thinking if Vansh had heard their conversation or not. Riddhima turned towards him only to find him looking at her.

“So you want to dance?” asked Vansh continuing to look in Riddhima’s direction.

“Ohh yes, of course. I’d love to,” said Anita beaming.

Vansh forwarded his hand. Anita tried to put her hand in his, when suddenly out of the blue, Vansh instead grabbed Riddhima’s hand and pulled her to the dance floor. Sia and Anita stood there looking shocked.

Riddhima was so stunned, that for a second she didn’t even know what was happening. She finally managed to free herself from his clutches. “Excuse me! What do you think you are doing, huh? It was Anita who wanted to dance with you, not me.”

“But I want to dance with you,” said Vansh softly. “I cannot dance with gold-diggers you see.”

“I’m not your personal assistant or your bodyguard who goes around protecting you from potential gold-diggers,” said Riddhima crossing her arms across her chest.

“But isn’t that what you were trying to do before I came?” said Vansh.

“Whatever,” said Riddhima trying to turn around and walk off.

But Vansh came in front of her quickly, and forwarded his hand. “May I?” he asked.

Riddhima looked at him for a while and then finally gave her hand into his. He draped his hand around her waist while she placed hers over his shoulder. A romantic song started playing in the background.

Barf Si Tu Pighal Ja, Sardi Ki Sard Raaton Mein
Main Tujh Mein, Jee Raha Hoon, Bas Tu Hai Mere Iraadon Mein

Riddhima began to feel really uncomfortable dancing to this song that too with Vansh. She didn’t understand why this song had to played right now only, when many other neutral songs had been playing right before she had come to the dance floor. “Why is Vansh staring at me like that?” she thought to herself. “It looks like he’ll eat me up any moment. What does he think of himself, that he’ll be able to intimidate me like that? If it is like that, I can also stare back at him.” She starts looking straight into his eyes, while he does the same. To the onlookers, it looked as if both of them were lost in each other.

Haa Kar Rahi Hai, Teri Mohabbat, Zindagi Mein Meri Shirkat
Ishq Mein Apne Bhiga De, Khwahishon Ki Karde Barkat (x2)

She could not stare at him further. The awkwardness seeped in and made her to look away. But Vansh was unfazed and kept looking at her only, his eyes hardly moving anywhere else.

Sia looked at her brother surprisingly. “Bhai never looks at any girl when he dances with her, but now with Riddhima it looks like his eyes are only meant for her! What does this mean? Has he started liking her or something?” She grew happy at the thought of her brother finally being able to fall for someone.

Gayatri also looked at the couple lovingly. “They look so good together, isn’t it Anupriya?”

Anupriya kept quiet and did not say anything, but she was getting very furious seeing them together.

Vansh turned Riddhima around so that her back was turned to him, his hands still around her waist. Now that he was too close to her, he could breathe in her familar scent of lilacs. He soon observed that she wore white lilacs in her hair too.

Tu Jo Aayi Ittr Hawaaon Mein Bikhar Gaya
Zarra Zarra Rooh Mera Nikhar Gaya

He leaned in closer, his lips amost brushing against her ear, “Are white lilacs your favourite flowers?”

Riddhima could feel a sudden jolt of spark coursing through her skin when he breathed into her ear. Even though she was almost startled with this intimacy, she didn’t want to show Vansh that she was affected. She turned around, met his gaze and said, “No, red roses are.”

At the mention of red roses, Vansh’s expressions stiffened and he loosened his grip on Riddhima.

Riddhima observed this sudden change. “What happened? Are you allergic to red roses?”

“Yeah, something like that,” said Vansh.

Just then Aryan came upto them. “Bhai, if you are done, can I have a dance with Riddhima?”

Before Riddhima could say anything, Vansh pulled her towards him. “No, we are not done yet.”

Aryan scowled and left from there while Vansh continued to dance with Riddhima for sometime more.

Tu Lazmi Har Pal Mein Hain, Sun Le Meri Ilteja
Har Bharam Ab Ho Gaya, Tera Mera Falsafa
Tu Mujhe De Bhi De Jeene Ki Wajah

“Not bad. You dance well, Riddhima,” said Vansh gently dipping her.

“So do you, Mr. Raisinghania,” Riddhima blinked back at him.

Precap : Angre starts investigating the case. He finds out something important and informs about it to Vansh.

On the other hand, Riddhima refuses to meet Akshat. Anupriya scolds her while Vansh supports Riddhima’s decision.

Riddhima confides into Sia that she loves someone else. Sia informs this to the rest of the family. Vansh looks on.

That is it for today guys. Hope you liked it. If you do, do not forget to comment below, because as I said before, I love reading your comments. Also I’m really sorry but this might be the last chapter of this month I’m publishing because of my busy study schedule. Hope you guys will understand. The next chapter will only come next month.

Question for you : How do you think will Vansh react on getting to know that Riddhima already has a boyfriend?

(PS : For those of you who don’t know, “Barf Si Tu Pighal Ja” is a beautiful song sung by none other than Armaan Malik. You should definitely give it a try if you haven’t ever heard it. But DO NOT watch it, because the video is not family friendly. Even if you want to watch it, do it at your own risk , lol :P)

Peace out!