Oh, Emperor!

Acknowledging a warm and ravenous desire for me?

But what to name it?

A fortuitous liking.

Or

A calamitous craving?

One most shunned and scorned.

The shame I call it.

As Desire outset from 'D'

And so the Death did.

• • •

God's morning star had begun stretching out with golden arms, warming up nature, igniting a jocund gleam, abolishing darkness throughout.

The exception was she.

Riddhima's legs ached. Her heart was scorched from continuous walking in the unfamiliar region with no direction known. Throat and eyes dried from shouting and crying and whining, and a nauseous feeling had unraveled in the trench of her abdomen like a quiet cadaver, refusing to budge, dismissing the efforts she had put on. For the first time in her life, she was caged inside an unfamiliar enclosure of grief, pacing back and forth, fighting to get out.

To say she was going crazy would be the underestimate of the century.

Minutes ticked by. A full hour passed. It was then she found herself on the border of what should be called a metropolis. Curiosity ran through her capillaries, urging her to explore the huge developed city as she acknowledged having an invisible force that was alluring to an extent she couldn't refuse. She walked in. What bad would it do to her anyway? The worse that could be done was done already, and nothing could be more damageable than that.

People gaped at her with weird looks, probably wondering why her skin looked pale and crimson like a northern cardinal, and why on the earth her body was shaking, impacting the effect equivalent to electric shock. Darn it! What they think was the least concern she had.

Please don't bother me, because the only thing I want to do right now is conceal myself under the earth.

As she had no clue if meeting them would be pleasurable for them or as she was expecting. Painful. If not regain composure she would avoid them at any cost to not screw things up more than already it was.

Mother of pearls!

All the steps she took to use to stay away from what was demotivating for a long time, she didn't make it through. What wrong she had done to suffer this never-ending heartbreak?!

Amongst all the handsome men around, she had to feel attraction towards a fucking cheater who leave no chance to betray her, humiliate and bully her. At the innocent age of seventeen, she lost her virginity to a guy who destroyed her through and through. It was a blessing that she had Kabir and mom and dad all the time who wouldn't leave her side for once even if she told them to execute the opposite. She was so lucky to have them. The effect of heartbreaking was still that she ended up hating male strangers, not all but most of them, and even their unintentional touch as a feeling nuisance when came in some contact that led to one choice: relinquishing useless relationship stuff even though those men were innocently different from that bitchy bastard.

A heartbreak by someone you love most either splits you apart into priceless pieces which costs zilch, or it shakes you awake and helps to see you are worth so much more than you're settling for. His cheating turned out bad for her relationship status. Not that she was complaining after all she wasn't distracted by blind love until she met him. Vansh.

But again, the person she fell for didn't give a damn about her even though his eyes describe umpteenth times his feelings and his actions-the foremost heart-warming gesture that could fail her heart anytime soon-spoken a lot. He was a silent cold-hearted arrogant bitch when it came to reciprocating feelings. Yet no blame to him as a conscious part of him acknowledged that she was dangerous. A monster. She pushed them all back. Killed Igor. That cocky bastard Sam was almost dead, too.

-She had hurt him once unknowingly. In the study room.

God! How could she?

"How dare you touch this book?

"I believe reading a novel does not come under a conspiracy. So why won't I?" Her harsh rash remark agitated him, putting the book aside, he again shot her a glance. "Instead of forcing, learn to speak the truth, Vansh."

"Oh wow forcing? You haven't even seen how forceful I can be."

"You don't even have fucking guts to show."

"Riddhima."

"Just shut up okay, you can't rule me. And for the fuck sake stop lying to me. I don't like when people hide something from me. Just tell me the truth dammit what you have been hiding from me."

"Nothing." Angrily replied Vansh.

"You fucking liar."

Not he, nor even Riddhima, when her eyes switched blood-red tint and raged Riddhima pushed him back taking an expert move. His tight grip on her instantly loosened. Her act moved so fast, active, startling, sudden, that Vansh was incapable of concluding what had been happening to him until his back got hit by the hardened material of the floor, compelling him to make a painful whimper. Painful groan.

"Ahhh! Riddhima!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks as unmistakable images of that incident reeled in her mind. His painful scream and tearful face. Clear and Vivid. Photographic memory: Perks of being an Angel. Riddhima could forget nothing.

He must hate her for what she has done. So he probably did that she was a catastrophic monster.

Shut up, Princess. We're not what you think, we're precious, and Vansh does not hate you. So quit overthinking. Quit. I don't wanna hear nonsense about us. A soft voice whispered inside her head.

Grimacing at the soothing words, Riddhima pushed it back inside her head, shaking every thought away. She stepped ahead alone in the streets. But she wouldn't stop doing what she wasn't meant to do.

Overthinking.

Grand coronation was to be held with lots of hustle and bustle just after two days and she'd been roaming here and there with the hope to achieve stillness that was far from nowhere.

Speaking of which, she was sure as hell they would either consider it to be postponed or select another angel-Her cousin Hardin, son of Prince Alexander Aurelien Salvatore-that must be a better option if they'd been seeking for someone worth ruling them. Protect them. Cherish them. Not the other way around which she possibly could do.

Hardin was a better option, she thought as memories of yesterday's morning filled in and She could not refrain from smiling with pride and singhanians. For an extended period it helped remove every ounce of anguish she was enduring alone.

Rubbing his face, Andrew shook it with a weird, cursing sound leaving his mouth. He normally would never do this sort of thing but she thinks maybe...definitely, her stubbornness had allowed him to get close enough to him to actually consider letting out his frustration verbally. For the last seven days, he'd been up to teaching transfiguration which includes reading someone's (angel and mortal) mind and catching lies, healing the body, mimicking the voice of mortals, moving beings and objects with the mind, forming an indestructible shield and all.

The success she reaped was nothing compared to what he was expecting-up to this point after that huge amount of time and energy her dear mentor Andrew had put in, she had memorized moving objects and some basic transfiguration-furnished the best technique of the country. Her mind barely seemed to have been able to build the repose of magic, he declared. From here on out, simply impossible.

Only she knew why she was doing charms that wrong.

"No. That's not what we want. For Christ's sake stop being nervous and remember what you have been told."

His tone was deprived of tenderness. And more so to his disappointment, Riddhima didn't seem to have a concern about sadness crept over him except she felt guilty for playing with him.

She gasped audibly, faking it all when iris of him turned into deep amber emerald, "I-I am trying. I just can't keep up with it. I sincerely am sorry but I can't do this."

"It tells me you're intimidating to learn and that you might have not been equipped for the burden you'll be given after three days." He pointed out angrily. It was easy to tell from his red face he had never lost his temper to this extent. "This is unacceptable from Emperor Draco's heir. I have taught and raised monarchs of this clan but have never thought of experiencing acquaintance with someone so useless."

Andrew waited patiently, waited to hear something reassuring from her side but she never did. It led him to further add, "Over. You should get going now. I can't stand putting effort and time into someone with no intelligent and sterile capabilities. Maybe one would help you in the near future but that's not me. I'm done-"

"Be mindful of your tongue, Andrew, unless you want this day to be the last." Hearing him whisper-yelling, she looked up to meet his angry brown eyes that were not in their natural brownish colour, but dark carbonocal.

"Keep your voice up against me, Mr. Raisinghania. I have every right to yell at my pupil." Andrew answered in a similar tone.

Fire against fire.

"You have," Vansh reminded, "but you don't have to be so hard on her. Might I tell you She can put the record straight in mind but I'm afraid she's not using her full strength." His lips moved in thin sync as he checked out her, glaring in its way, sending draggers capable to end her life in seconds.

To say she has nightmare all along would perfectly explain how she'd been through throughout the situation.

Andrew had his face set in a constant frown as he started slow. "No, Vansh. Sadly, Princess isn't learning magic as her mind seems to be dismissive of whatever learning she volunteered at. There's not much we can do about it but I'm sure she could use some refreshments to have all the charms memorized in mind."

Riddhima blinked a few times in awe, trying to capture his words. All of a sudden, she felt more culpable and more so of it, she hadn't given it much thought that Andrew would explain the situation so calmly, contrary to what happened in the past.

A half chuckle escaped through his mouth as Vansh walked in the direction she had been fidgeting fingers nervously. "Sure."

She knew he knew she lied plain and simple, and he might consider letting him know but he seems to have a different plan to change the game in accordance with his liking.

"What?!" Riddhima finally exclaimed when Vansh stared at her forever when she caught Andrew leaving the room and at the moment she didn't like him leaving her with this Mr. I know everything alone to cope with her accusations and unwanted questions. His smile instantly stretched but he didn't avert his eyes.

"Nothing." He simply replied.

"That's not what I want to hear. Tell me why you are staring?"

"You won't like what I have running in my mind, sweetheart." Hell, she could sense the irony in his tone. What the hell was going on in his calculative mind?

It took her one minute to come up with a reply as she gave him a thoughtful stare. "Do you know something about me you shouldn't know?"

His jaw firming as he sat up on the couch. "I'm pretty sure you know I know something about you I shouldn't know," he retorted, slowly licking his lips. Devil.

Fuck. Don't. Are you planning to kill me? was all she thought, checking him out...with anger and...Nope. No. Not now. Concentrate on his face, Riddhima. Non on his...Shut up.

In these 25 seconds-with her IQ close to 170, calculating the time within just mind wasn't any near tough for her and breathing an angel by birth into the heavenly earth helped a lot-she felt some feelings extremely, utterly, deeply dangerous in her opinion. The same eyes she could dive all along forever. His lips which she tasted two days ago. His pacs were firm and arms so powerful that she could hold on to him if her last strength expired and seeing him bite his lips innocently or rather playfully, whatever intention, was the most breathtaking act she had watched so far. It was a huge turn on.

Holy shit!

In spite of the huge tsunami creating havoc inside, she scowled at him. It was just supposed to show her anger towards him. It was meant to be anything deeper than just an intimidation, more darkest yet he wore a pleasing look on his face.

"Crap. Don't play with fire, Vansh."

Vansh breathed a dramatic sigh, still munching on his lower lip. Little did he know his little actions were turning her upside down. "Oh my heaven. How come I will? Fire is not my thing you say I'm a cold man."

Her look softened. "You can be rude, but you're not a cold person. You don't let your emotions hide and seek with you. Maybe that's considered a weakness to not act on them." Riddhima said, leaning on the wall of the chamber. She blew out a breath between her lips. "To show contrary to what you feel is the kind of skill I desperately try to master."

He closed his mouth when he realized he had opened it ever so slightly. Not out of shock or surprise but simply out of speechlessness. Riddhima had no idea what was going on with him but his wide smile did the honor of enlightening the enthusiasm he had.

Widening his legs a little for relaxation, he leaned against the couch more and shook his head, staring directly into her eyes. "You never fail to amaze me, little Princess."

She pouted, "I'm not little I'm 25."

He pressed his lips together not to smile."You act like one. Anyone can tell I have a little girl standing against mine of age not more than five in the facade of twenty-five. Great, it rhymes."

Haww, This was so wrong. He couldn't just insult her like that. "And this not so grown up woman or might I say little child can easily shove your face into the gutter so wipe that amusing look off your face."

It made him chuckle. "Awww is that little angel mad?"

"Haww, I hate you."

Vansh laughed, eyes twinkling. "I bet, you actually after this, little girl."

Right soon enough, stubborn determination coursed beneath sort of resentment in Riddhima and in no time her lips break into a smug grin-additionally calamitous than evil fetishes-silencing the distance unhurriedly to his near, numerous lethal plans popping up in the head to bring a hard time for him.

Even when he was good, one day before night in controlling his oh-so-horny hormones that directed through a door, unfortunately, of his win over the little game; It was never coming again. One plus point was she hadn't embarked as much as she should to turn him on and the fact that he was adept at masking his emotions has been a lot of help. In case failure was designed to happen, the pleasure, nonetheless, would belong to her only.

One sided though.

Enough with the bullshit.

Victory was awaiting to embrace that it had evidently evidenced by the uncomfortable face when she slipped right hand on his cheek, squeezing it slightly. His breath hitched. He swallowed the undesirable lump as though running out of oxygen.

Too pleased with her strategy, Riddhima sat onto his lap and murmured huskily. "You look so damn drop-dreadly gorgeously sexy Greek god while laughing. Man!! It's quite stimulating."

The action swept away the little remanet of the smile he had.

To declare that astonishment caught through him was a quiet underestimation of the electrification impact."Drop-dreadly and gorgeously are not words," He had a mild cough, keeping his wits about. He made a move to display his apathy, gently repelling when she almost got their upper half in sexual contact. She refused to budge.

"Who cares."

His eyes turned dark, she couldn't differentiate because of which; Irritation or lust or resentment. Shaking his head, she saw his lips twitch as he warned, "Riddhima, move."

"Ride you?" She smirked. She swore she heard him swearing under his breadth as the words flew smoothly through her lips.

"Shu-"

"Shh! I have your words so I won't have to ask for permission which means this LITTLE girl will be playing with her toy. If you know what I mean."

Vansh opened his mouth to probably outcry but shut shortly as if realizing it wouldn't work against her. Now that she was in a mischievous mood, it almost clarified the fact that she would do what pleased her. Almost.

Nothing to fight over anymore.

"Hm, nothing to say?"

"As if you would listen," He reminded as she kissed his cheek.

"I have no problem agreeing on that."

Riddhima felt extremely proud when he scowled back. Picking on a woman was like playing with a thirsty lioness ready to leap. If you were a scumbag enough to make this cascade of danger real, you ought to be knowledgeable that you carved your own shrine.

"Your touch won't affect me so nothing gets out of hand." He fought back, he had a ghost of smiles.

"Ahh! Speaking of you, darling?" She shook her head. She bet he's stupid to felt an impression the artificial disinterest he bore would turn her down. Not in eternal times.

Mr. Billionaire genuinely had an uncomfortable face on, raspy attitude noticeable. "Angel, for the love of god cut me loose. Anyone can show up here anytime soon. They won't appreciate it when you take advantage of this drop-dreadly gorgeously sexy Greek god."

Ok-ay but not she was afraid to give them a show of the unconditional un-ending-able love she has for him. Was she? "Did I ever give an impression of giving up so soon? Na-uh! The maid won't allow anybody without my say-so. Cool the brain down and kiss me now. P.L.E.A.S.E!! " She commanded...actually that came as a request.

"Not unless you promise to behave and quit fucking with me." came his reply, fueling the amusement of hers.

Oh so now he thinks after lots of rejection and rejection and again rejection, he would be the one dominating. Holy mother of clowns!

Much to his irritation, he had a series of sweet tortures coming in his way. "Um...Let me have a good time to contemplate." Fake thoughtful look.

A tired sigh escaped his mouth as Riddhima stopped touching him once in a while and actually made him believe that she was listening to him regardless it was broken apart when she shook her head.

She kissed his jawline and noticed his body tensed, and heard him adding, "Wanna explore your birthplace? I got some breathtaking spots to show-anything short of paradise and considering that you're madly fond of traveling, I consider that a yes."

Dark eyes lit up not because of the idea of discovering new adventurous places but because it would grant a chance to spend more time with the love of her life. "It's gotten me intrigued, lover boy," She paused enjoying his serenity and then continued in enthusiasm."Now get me a kiss and let's delve into goddamn country. Yayy!!"

He nodded.

As in nodded.

As in moving the head in damn positive.

Oh, Fuck.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

The thrill of excitement bubbled inside her angelic heart right when he leaned reluctantly to brush his mouth on hers. And the moment he did. Oh sweet goodness. She had no control over the craziness coursing throughout the soul which almost felt pretty much like she was-Holy mother of crap. The kiss lasted less than five seconds at all. A little peckish, that's all. A little brush off of the lips.

Not fair.

"You freaking swindler, it wasn't a kiss!" Cheater and bastard was little least underrating profanity.

Vansh pouted innocently, meanwhile a groaning sound she let out. "Oh Riddhima, It was surely a kiss," Continued Vansh. "Lip to lip. A longest ever kiss that must be listed in the Guinness World Record."

There was no way she would meet someone's cheater equivalent or more than him as if he was the antique piece in the world and he surely knew it, too. Fraud donkey.

Riddhima pinched the bridge of her nose, quickly moving away from the cheater, whining as a five year little girl. "Longest lip to lip? What a treacherous thing you are! A micro version sounds good to describe your fraud kiss."

"Come on, what's done is done now." He spoke lazily, amusement written all over. She could feel his invisible smirk around as he got up. "Get ready I'm picking you up in 30 minutes."

••••••••••

Riddhima made it out of the bathroom wet and glistening from the shower, with just a towel around her body, covering up the beauty underneath. And there he was - crouching down in bed and thoroughly busy on his cell phone. He was taken aback in just a towel as was she. Unbelievable, considering it was the first time when she hadn't dressed up in the bathroom alone. His diluted eyes wandered across her toned skin; It made her feel naked.

Riddhima smirked while the impact calmed down making room for a devil's exaltation. "Like what you see?"

Vansh rolled his eyes. "Oh, Riddhima. There've been more beautiful bodies around me, naked-" She looked up at him, tilting her head consciously as she tried to process his words. If anything she was sure his death was surely near as he smirked coming up with more, "-all set to spre-"

"And you're the first man who hadn't appreciated this body I slept with them. But I can't pin it on you yet. One night will do me good enough to wipe unwanted chicks from your head."

His smirk began to fade as anger rose to him. It did work. His face was awfully funny when his eyes enlarged, and his lips played close and shut, close and shut, close and shut game, unsure whether to speak anything or not.

You, mister, deserve this.

"How many blokes have you slept with?" Jealousy softly rolled out from his words. Good. Playing games was a good thing but at least think of it, dear gentleman with whom you dared to play.

"Why should I tell you?"

He turned his face, focusing on the wall now. "Riddhima I-"

And then she burst out laughing.

"Jealous prick."

"Whatever. Hurry up with your clothes."

"Get out."

Face snapped towards her. "Excuse me?"

Without dropping her eyes from him she stepped near him until their faces were inches apart. With one move then they would be kissing. It came as stupefaction when he didn't object nor did he back away. Confidence bubbled in. As her cold hand slid along the length of his arms, the man shuddered, keeping their eyes locked. His face, nonetheless, showed no emotions at all, leaning into an undecipherable mold. Neither any question, too. When she huskily whispered the next words, nipping his earlobe she knew he knew his death was near because his eyes said all that his mouth probably would do. "I won't allow you to see me while am dressing up. Not unless you suddenly want to find myself with your dick rolled into my mouth whilst I fuck you hard and rough."

"Language, little sis."

Goodness, gracious. The voice was nowhere his. Turning face to face him, she found herself in the most embarrassing situation, right next to the door was her cousin, Prince Hardin Alexander Salvatore. Her uncle's one and only son.

She blinked again, just to make sure that this was real, this was not just a weird figment of her imagination that he happened to come in the room, darn, shouldn't he at least knock on the door?

Shouldn't you at least lock the door? A sarcastic voice rasped, making Riddhima want to slap her face into the wall only if she could. Shut the fuck up bitch.

Truthfully it was Hardin's and Vansh's mistake. Wasn't it?

"Ha-Hardin. Uh..when did you?"

Hardin was silent for a moment and continued to gaze at both. Drop-dread shocked. Then he smirked, shaking his head. And that was when, ladies and gentlemen, she wished to bury herself deep inside the earth.

"I-I..uh was just teasing him."

"I didn't ask for your explanation." He was flashing that signature grin, the one that caused his eyes to twinkle in their angelic glory, making his hazel eyes look more appealing than it was, "One can easily tell from the way you two look at each other that something's up with you two."

"Not at all. There's nothing-" Vansh started, not shreds of lies in his features, having Hardin's eyes all over their utterly sensitive relationship, but was cut off by.

"Relax, Vansh, not that I care as long as she's happy." The smile reached up to his hazel eyes, exactly opposite to what she assumed he and any member of her family conceivably have. "You two look cute with each other."

"What about Damon anyway?"

Riddhima acknowledged hearing his question while still embarking to process what he confessed. She crossed her arms and let out a breath. Nothing was with Damon. Everything was clear and crystal. "About him what? I don't care about that monkey-ass fucker even if he's the last man in the world I'm surely gonna kick his dumbass into the gutter."

"Oh, Christ! You undoubtedly need a filter in that unholy mouth of yours. I heard it every now and then that you're a spoiled brat, but lord!"

Riddhima made a face. "I'm so innocent I can't be called that."

A soothing laugh erupted from his frame. "Anyone can tell otherwise."

Riddhima glared at him, the one that compelled one poor soul to plead its demise when torturous anguish reaches beyond resistance. Soon after, clearing his throat, Vansh excused himself, not willing to waste one more second on (weirdo) them after he reminded Riddhima to get ready for the engaging journey ahead.

It wasn't before a day she was teasing him, enjoying herself in his arms. Life has wrapped her up in the ridiculous game, one that life was positive she would despise. You know what? Fuck it, she was perfect, clean until before their path collided. His was perfect, too. Everything was perfect. Simple. Even before knowing his pretty good appealing sides, she couldn't complain less about who he was. Other than the fact that he was a creepy, pervert, stalker, arrogant, cold-hearted man, he was a genuine lover, a perfect fellow to fall for, unknowingly, of course.

The swooning sound coming from the pocket shifted Riddhima's attention from nowhere to mobile and watched as the messages appeared on the front lock of the screen. She clicked in and scanned through with a frown coming on mouth ever so slightly that deepened in no time.

Mr. I don't love you:

Hello, Princess.

How are you?

Don't think of them.

They are just judgmental

pumpkins who wouldn't

stop shitting up around.

Riddhima:

Hii.

Not bad not good

though-just lost. Phew!!

What they think is not

what concerns me.

I'm all aware of the

damn things.

Just after a minute dots began to show up at the end of his chat, reflecting he hadn't put his phone aside. His response brought her an unconscious smile to lips.

Mr. I don't love you:

I never saw your

response coming

anytime soon:)

In all honesty, she would've ignored his message for feeling numb if she wasn't ashamed of creating shitloads of chaos already. Over and above what she concluded with his messages Vansh was panicking right now. Riddhima left him behind and there was nothing he could do about it.

Riddhima:

I have caused MILLIONS

of chaos already.

Creating a few more

do seem exceeding!!

Riddhima could picture him shaking his head once he scrutinized this sent text. He'd be disappointed (more) for the way she tended to handle the whole situation. For escaping with cowardice. For failing to believe his words. And how could she? It wasn't just two hours before she came across it.

Mr. I don't love you:

Little one, with what

your mind is consumed

is temporary. Perhaps

now is not the time but

it'll be gone for good; maybe

not now, maybe not

tomorrow.

No, Mr. CEO, that's bullshit. Rolling her eyes, she cursed him up in her head. All the geniuses used to lecture the same fucking nonsense. All the time. As if it was that easy. Pain may be temporary but so happiness was.

Did we know someone so sad deep inside who desired pain lined up? Negative. We wanted the good thoughts on one side-pleasing our ego, the bad on the other. It's never been the case, did it? Never that straightforward.

Then how could you declare that pain would be gone for good? How in the realm?!

Good for him that she wasn't in a battling mood or else he would've lectured about the whole entire thing for one hour or two. Riddhima shook her head and licked her lips dry. She clicked on the send button before mind-changing.

Riddhima:

Words are easy

but accomplishments

are not.

His texts arrived so quickly, the dots taking minimal time to vanish, indicating her losing interest in conservation scared him.

Mr. I don't love you:

It's hard because you give

their nonsense talks

a chance to ruin you.

You're so much more

pure than you think

you are.

She snorted but chuckled bitterly. He was bursting empty appreciation for her, reminding the whole bucket of chastity she had. Ironic. The same pureness happened to be the reason why most of the creatures were dead terrified of her. Or was it the magic, she might add? Until magic had its ghostly grasp, it wasn't letting her sanity go free anyhow anytime soon.

Riddhima:

Hold on, mister.

It's you who have

confirmed I've committed

murder.

Mr. I don't love you:

Killing someone to

serve your rage comes

under sin and what

you have done

was far from a crime.

No, it was. Riddhima argued in mind. It was forbidden to kill; sin unless murderers have a valid explanation for it and to the sound of trumpets.

No denying that there were two reasons you did kill people; one because to save someone's (victim) life. Two, because to fill in your hunger, greed, desire and so on which was extremely, purely, utterly erroneous. So the former was. How could one save lives by taking lives? Just for the sake of protection, we couldn't go around killing people. It must always be the last option not the other way around like she had.

Plus, Igor hadn't touched her in the way for her to surely kill him as much as she recalled. Killing someone who abuses you was not wrong technically if you did it for self-defense but the problem with Riddhima was she never remembers what exactly happened in the garden. If not for the magic she wouldn't have killed him unless he committed something unforgettable.

Riddhima sighed heavily and rubbed her face after being done typing slowly on the phone.

Riddhima:

I should've given him

at least one warning

but I...

Oh god! It just

doesn't feel right.

Mr. I don't love you:

Have a long breath and

think of all the positives,

and breathe out all

the bad. You always

have me even if

the whole world

stands against you.

It was hard to convey what made her feel relieved 'breathing in and out process or his promise of never leaving her, being near all the time, to illuminate the obscured ways coming.

"Oh Vansh," She found herself whispering, shaking her head with a little grin. His words should be illegal. "You have no idea nor do I have."

All she needed was his fingers interwoven with hers and lips in the skin when sleep engulfs, right beneath him where her home is, arms wrapped around up. His undivided attention even for just a while but every day. To shower her with love and slow dances in the shower. To gently kiss her fears with so much conviction and fall into her flaws. To heal the heaviness of her heart-bead over heels in love. An indubitable, unequaled, and sensual connection.

And why not?

Vansh Raisinghania was her only escape from reality, from haters, from traitors, from magic, from parents (newly founded), from the death of Jatin, from the world, from depressive feelings, that whatever she did, refuge to budge on.

Not embracing him was a heaviness that she can't ever escape. It crushed down on her, making even the smallest things like breathing in and out seem as hard as stopping time. One question was ravishing her alive though, making it hard to contemplate other important business.

Did she deserve him?

'Yeah, we're too awesome.' A soft husky voice whispered, somewhere from the inside mind.

Riddhima grimaced and somehow could picture her subconscious raising head with conviction and waving hand in the air like a queen. A frown erupted on her face as she watched his texts coming again and again. Nonstop.

What the hell! Oh god no.

Mr. I don't love you.

Hey, you there?

You have lost

interest in chatting. Huh?

If that's what you want

then who am I to object?

At least reply, Angel.

Any problem? Fuck,

babe, are you safe?

Of course, until she had him, trouble stood earth-moon distance apart. He was her strength. Her power.

Mr. I don't love you.

Now, this is enough.

You are online,

watching my massages

but aren't bothering

to reply at once.

FUCK THE PROMISE!

I AM COMING TO

YOU RN!

Riddhima:

Hold on, Mr. CEO.

I am safe. I was just lost

in thoughts for awhile

and I'm warning you.

Stay stuck where you

are. I need some time.

ALONE!

Clicking onto send option instantly, she stared as the dots appeared on his end. She typed for a short moment but deleted it. As his message finally arrived, she couldn't help but vividly imagine a frown on his attractive feature and with that, she rolled her eyes.

Mr. I don't love you.

Damn woman! you

scared the hell out of me.

How long?

Riddhima:

I don't know.

This question was adamantly mysterious and confusing as of now. Maybe after some time, she would find it out. A woman could only dream.

Mr. I don't love you:

Okay. Come back

soon. I miss you

so damn much.

Riddhima:

What?

Riddhima shouldn't have felt that impatient-importantly, childish. Wasn't it clear from the text he was missing her? But she honestly didn't care. She wanted him to say (write) that again and again...umpteenth times until she believed that it wasn't any sort of illusion or another game to make her come near him.

Mr. I don't love you:

What 'what'? It's not

like you haven't heard

me. Just read the msg

again if that's so

tough for you to

understand in the

first place.

Her mouth hung open ever so slightly and eyes rolled in with annoyance. A man of 28year age and on the top, CEO of India's second-best successful company considered mature, civil, and intelligent. Shouldn't the man act like one?

Riddhima:

For the love of god

stop pushing my

buttons.

I don't love you.

Salvatore, why do I

have a feeling you're

on period?

Stap it, Vansh Raisinghania, or you will be the one bleeding from your oh-no part, and mind I tell you it hurts like bitch, She thought grumpily. For some specific reason-blame the angelic part-she dropped the idea of throwing the words right on his face via mobile. His response had teasing vibes, so should be her response.

Riddhima:

Brute, I hate you.

Can't you just say

(write) that again?

Meri feelings ki

ITTU si bhi kadr

nhi tumhe?

By reading that word aloud, Riddhima couldn't keep the sheepish half-playful grin from manifesting itself on one corner of her lips.

Mr. I don't love you.

The feeling is mutual,

sweetheart ;)

Aww!! Okay. Come

soon, dear Princess.

All of us are dying

to meet you again.

It took more than one second or two for the naughty glint to promptly disappear. Not fair. Glaring at the text silently, she leaned back against the mortar wall, tightening her phone around her cold palm. Handful lessons might teach him to not mess up around.

Riddhima:

Son of bitch.

Mr. I don't love you:

You're calling my dad

a 'bitch'. Aww, that's not

the nicest way to

call your father-in-law.

Her lip lifted in 'o' shape. It was unbelievable, actually. Not expected from a man of excessive vigilance when it comes to words and impressive IQ to die for. This message must have been sent mistakenly, but nothing to complain about. She smirked slowly and looked down at the screen to send him a reply but-

This message was deleted.

-her mouth fell open. Did he just...?

Son, scratch that, dickwad dumbass bastard!

Riddhima:

You know what just

go fuck yourself.

Goodbye.

Mr. I don't love you:

Fuck me?

Naah!

Masturbation is not

what I love to do.

His response had her lips grinning. She typed her response on chat and deleted it. She was so close to sending something that would piss him off.

Oh wait, she should do it anyway. This brute is worth deserving.

Riddhima:

Want helping hands?

Honestly speaking, she hadn't imagined his text arriving anytime soon. And when it did, her intellect was close to exploding on. Woah! what a progression. She never saw it coming, at least not yet.

Mr. I don't love you:

Yes, please.

Mr. I don't love you:

If it'll make

you come near me,

then do whatever

pleases you.

Her smirking smile slipped away and she let out a grunt. She didn't want to return to the Palace to meet them not yet. How difficult was this simple sentence to understand? Although she knew that escape was impossible, difficult to flee like a butterfly to explore a sky filled with independence. A land of Choice.

Riddhima:

Congratulations!

Just got spoiled

my mood. No

complaints, it's

what you always do.

Mr. I don't love you:

Fucking shit! I am

really, really sorry.

I'll watch my step

next time but don't

get upset again.

PLEASE!!!

Like, bump into someone, causing that person inconvenience or irritation with your unintentional bump, and then mutter a freaking sorry. This apology was enough to erase its inconvenience. Right?Never. A sorry wasn't capable of removing someone's inconvenience, pain, suffering, depression, wrath, or outrage be it, intentionally or unintentionally. Considering, however, the present thrown out mood she found it pointless to debate.

Riddhima:

Anyway, don't you

have any business

to attend? You have

a conference at 12:30

PM if your PA is

yet to remind you.

Speaking of PA, his PA wasn't an attention seeking bitch, completely opposite of what they show in movies and romance books.

Mr. I don't love you:

I know. Take care.

Any time you need

me I'm just one

call away. Okay?

Shaking her head a little, Riddhima texted him back with a small smile contorted on face, then locked the phone after switching it to silent mode.

• • •

"Hey princess!"

Riddhima jumped, taken aback by the sudden greeting and tough touch of someone not so familiar. Her head snapped around. Upright in the glory of the Greek god was Chris Evans with a snide grin.

Riddhima frowned.

To meet him again was the last thing she wished to happen in the world, As a matter of fact, if she had the option, she would always choose not to encounter him. At least not in the most vulnerable condition. As the idea of seeing someone as coquet as Chris Evans disgruntled Riddhima. Nonetheless, shaking it off, she turned to him, A million-dollar, graceful smile appeared on the lips to avoid being rude.

"Hi!"

Rude or not, she regardless would mouth her thoughts. At this time, he'd be hurt or not barely existed in the dictionary. It was he who interrupted her, not the other way around. "During the daylight, Vampires are meant to hide amid the piercing loneliness of darkness as there come chances of getting allergenic or killed by anything that screams of purity. Then how in heaven the great vampire king is standing right in front of me in his all-dominating glory? How have you been untouched and even... alive?!"

Chris looked through her eyes, chuckling rather awkwardly to ignore the stress that accumulates in the atmosphere. "Must be some sort of joke I assume."

As if I'd joke with you!

Shaking her head, Riddhima gazed at him innocently. "No, please. Blame my curiosity and sleepless nights I spent watching and reading countless supernatural series,"

"I'm a special vampire. Sunlight has no effect on me."

Riddhima did not say many words afterward in fact she rushed in the direction opposite to him until his deep intense voice filled in the air.

"Look, Princess, I sincerely apologize for the manner in which they acted. Those pieces of shit have no idea how precious and pure you are."

Now, what was that for?

Did she ask for his shallow explanations?

Goodness no.

Princess turned to him, crossing her hands across her chest as she inquired, narrowing her eyes. "Can you tell me who I am?"

The vampire king was lost somewhere in the silence wondering the purpose of this sudden question when they have known each other quite better.

"Daughter of Emperor Draco and Queen Scarlett-A lethal combination of Fire and ice." She paused when he let out a small chuckle and traveled the distance separating them until he was almost one step ahead. Almost. "And so I suggest you not screw things up with me spewing meaningless compliments. Your motives are no longer concealed from me. Go away from me, I want to have some time alone."

"With me sounds more delicious to me. Wanna try out this dessert?"

Riddhima sucked in a breath and looked up and over his shoulder in an attempt to hide the annoyance his presence caused. She would never get used to his husky voice, the constant flirtatiousness, or deep intense eyes. No doubt his voice was drilling into her composure which may have forced her to do something she would regret in the future. "I don't appreciate desserts, Mr. Evans."

Chris smirked, the ultramarine shade of eyes turning dark. "This comes to my benefit though as

I taste sour and a little sweet."

Furious, Riddhima pointed her fore middle finger at him as inner rage screamed to be out in the form of his death. "Careful with what you say, Emperor as magic and anger in me is incompetent enough to differentiate who the fuck you are and what excellent position you're in. In that case, I'm afraid I will be the death of you."

"You are."

"What do you want from a monster?"

"A date night."

The man was mad or something?

Have some shame you bad fucker! How dare you even think of this shit?!

In a pretty calm tone-fighting with the urge to see him dead-she replied. "You have a wife." and for god sake she was her cousin dammit. How could this bastard do this to her cousin. His lust for Riddhima might be the reason for his death. Not that she care.

His expression changed to resentment in no time. Anyone could tell he didn't appreciate the idea of putting in her name with him. "Who the fuck said Mia is my w-ife?! We do not intend to see each other after the birth of my baby. For god sake, she's not even my girlfriend at all."

"She's pregnant."

"Means if she was-"

"Assuming anything on one's own is poisonous for health."

Chris snapped his fingers and winked. "Oh, princess! Not asking for marriage, just a date...friendly."

"Negative!"

"Ouch!" Chris exclaimed dramatically, placing the hand over his chest. He pouted, feigning hurt, his large, blue eyes twinkling with mischief. Riddhima rolled her own, immune to their endearing charm. "Here you go, ladies and gentlemen, Ginelle Salvatore broke my dead heart without fucking weapon."

Hey, Narayan! Is duffer ko raja kisne bna diya, Riddhima thought, rolling her eyes at his weirdness and inhaling a deep breath as she said icily. "If I were you I'd have never hung out with a bad influence like me any longer."

His eyes softened when in a flash his lips stretched up in a thin, soft smile. And when their eyes locked up again, he saw an optimistic gleam in her eyes but it shone with a vulnerable essence. "About three things I am absolutely positive about. First, Ginelle Salvatore is the purest thing in the world. Not a fucking monster like that bastards proclaimed to. Second, creatures who have their breathing on-in spite of how potent, and callous that creature might be-are capable of love including vampires, too. And third, I am unconditionally and inexorably falling for you. This vampire's heart is beating hard for you, Crown Princess."

Fuck no! No wonder at all!

Riddhima had seen his fake confession coming but then why could she not calm her soul down?! Why did she have a great urge to break down Akshara's arm? How she wished for the words to come out of Vansh's mouth not this fucker.

An aflame grimace appeared upon her complexion as she began with, "There are basically three points I'm certain about, too. One, how a person can fall in love with his food? What? You are not Edward Cullen that I expect you to drink blood from animals or blood bags like Damon Salvatore. Also, someone can't fall for one at first sight. If the person claims it is love then no it's just an instant attraction-a strong physical attraction caused by chemicals, Endorphins. The more you look at that person for the first time, the more you will be interested in the same one. The feeling you claim as unconditional love is a mere attraction that doesn't last long."

Biting back the smirk as his annoyance came to attention, she continued. "Two, whether you love me or not is my least concern. And third, leave me the hell alone. If you love me then you won't have a problem giving me some peaceful time."

"I'm not leaving you alone like Vansh anytime soon, love, whether you choose to or not."

"Because he loves me a way more than anyone could do. For him my mental peace is important, not my prese-" , breaking off as his hard arm closed about her shoulders, jerking her backward against a warm, solid body.

"Shh! Love, I shouldn't but I am feeling jealous."

"Cut the crap you haven't but I do have my boyfriend waiting in our bedroom." Riddhima rasped in as she manged to wriggle out of his grasp.

Amused, Chris asked, "Of whom you speak; Vansh or Damon?"

Before she could reply, he added, shaking his head. "Oh, hot stuff! I wouldn't care if you were married to that little fucker. I wouldn't give it a second thought to put you in bed with me and fuck you hard until you're no longer able to walk in those beautiful, toned legs in his face."

It came as no surprise when she found her hands fisting in curls, desperate to land up on his rock-like body. Whereas the brown color of the two eyes matched that bright sun hue. "Chris, I don't mind cutting your dick into pieces that no one could ever count."

"This attitude of yours is the main reason I am head over heels for you."

Riddhima gave him a murderous glare. If he thinks she was not clean about his dirty intentions then there would be shit loads of things coming up soon in his way.

"No! The reason is that you want a powerful heir for your lineage and that can only be possible when two powerful energies come together when you impregnate me."

"With this 170 IQ of yours, it should come as no surprise to me-" What the hell! How does this ignoramus know about her IQ level?! The secret hidden from everyone except Kabir, even himself he wasn't thoroughly conscious of what she could do with her photographic memory. And he wouldn't tell anyone whatever it takes. Then how? "-that you know what I am looking forward to. Although I hope my intentions are not making you feel that I want to take your advantage as believe me or not I have real feelings for you."

Riddhima was so confused right now and his words were not helping but putting fuel to her wrath.

"I need you to leave right now."

Her voice shrieked, so loud that Chris had to physically step away from her for a moment- the disadvantage of having senses that exceed humans and werewolves in human form.

"In case you change your mind, feel free to meet me whenever you want, anywhere." Chris offered with a wink, turning back. In the blink of an eye, he had vanished, leaving behind no trace of his visit.

With certainty of his departure, she sighed, closing eyes ever so tightly as she broke down into the tears she's been busted for so long.

Look at the irony!

After chatting with Vansh she was kind of cheerful and now all she wanted to do was weep over and over again until the pain ceased to disturb her.

As she wiped them, Riddhima gazed upon the sky and shouted with the knowledge that no one understood the language. "Mere pe daya nhi ati na apko? Sare namune mere hi life me bhejna hota hai apko. Matlab had hai! I swear Madhav agli bar ye Chris mere samne aya na to zinda jala ke rakh dungi."

• • •

On her way forward, she didn't figure out which place it was except that its air did so much to soothe and keep her composure in check. As she peeked down at her wrist, she frowned. It was 7:37 PM already. Vansh, Akshara and Kabir would surely phone continuously like after every half an hour, she presumed even though her phone was still switched off. They would go on and on doing this unless she answered, but she wouldn't.

"Hello, miss?"

Bewilder with that sudden voice, She turned to look upon the person whose voice appeared so familiar and realized it was of Vansh. Indeed! How could she not have realised that?

His charming face was right about three strides away. Not wasting a second longer, She ran toward him and sprang in his arms but he stood there awkwardly as firm as stone but not before whispering.

"Mate!"

What the hell?!

• • •

Believe me, you know the person!

Your time to let me know what I'm supposed to do with his character.

• A genius but a cold-hearted-rude human who you may hate in the story.

• A sweet, cute caring alpha-a werewolf who is a mate of our dear Riddhima but maybe not end up with her coz I'm Riansh fan and surely not interested in throuple. A little painful story.

His character is important and I can't keep him out of this story because of that child track.

Or one last option (I'm sure as hell no one would like) Chris with Riddhima coz bache ka bap kisi na kisi ko to banna padega na. And yes Riddhima will never cheat on Vansh at least in her consciousness.

To be continued...