Kabir's POV
I wanted to give my Lily something she wasn't expecting today-a surprise that wouldn't just make her smile but remind her who she truly is... mine.
She had mentioned some "casual event" happening in her college today. Casual, huh? I dug a little deeper, made a few calls, and found out that this so-called "event" was actually an award ceremony. And not just any award ceremony-she was receiving the award for Best Academic Performance.
My studious little cat. Always so humble, downplaying her achievements.
For a moment, I let go of that ego that usually refuses to bend, and personally contacted the college. Told them I was attending-and not just attending, I wanted to present the award. To her. To one and only my Kavya.
The moment was surreal. Standing on that stage, in front of the whole auditorium, holding that plaque with her name etched on it-I felt an odd sort of pride swelling in my chest. She walked toward me in her simple yet elegant blue salwar suit, her hair tied in a loose braid, strands of it framing her soft face.
And when our fingers brushed-just slightly-as she accepted the award from me, I noticed it.
That delicate pause.
The sudden shyness in her lashes as they fluttered downward.
A soft, warm flush crept over her cheeks, tinting them the softest shade of pink. My fingers itched to touch her again.
"Congratulations," I said low enough only she could hear.
She looked down, voice barely a whisper. "Thank you..."
God. She didn't even know what she did to me in moments like this.
We descended the stairs together, the murmur of claps still echoing in the background. She was about to return to her seat in the audience, but I reached out and gently caught her wrist.
"Sit with me," I said, voice calm but leaving no room for denial.
She froze for half a second, her eyes darting to the elite front row where dignitaries, senior professors, and the principal sat. But she didn't argue. With a slight nod, she followed me, her steps soft, composed.
We sat side by side. Everyone around us nodded and exchanged pleasantries with me, but I didn't care for their presence. My world, in that moment, was just her.
She kept her eyes on the stage, trying to behave normally. Trying to ignore the fact that her once distant boss, the arrogant man she often butted heads with, was sitting beside her like he belonged there.
I shifted slightly. Then, slowly, I moved my hand to her lap, brushing my fingers lightly before curling them around hers. Her entire body went still.
She tensed.
I felt the jolt travel through her frame like a current. She didn't look at me immediately. Her breath hitched, and I didn't move an inch. I gave her time. I wanted her to feel it-that I was there, with her, in her world, proud of her.
Finally, she glanced at me from the corner of her eyes, lips parted slightly in surprise. But instead of pulling away, she let her fingers relax in my hold. She didn't say anything. Just gave me a gentle smile, subtle... and yet enough to blow my mind.
She turned her attention back to the stage, and I stared at our hands entwined.
Her soft, trembling hand wrapped in mine.
God, how did I go so long without this?
How did I ever pretend like I didn't crave her, like she wasn't meant to be mine all along?
I leaned back in the chair, a soft smirk on my lips, thumb slowly grazing her knuckles.
.
.
.
.
The event soon drew to an end. Applause faded, the stage emptied, and the buzz of students and faculty filled the hall once again.
As I stood, straightening the collar of my coat, the principal came over with a wide smile, extending his hand to me. I shook it firmly, nodding in politeness.
"You truly honored us today with your presence, Mr. Oberoi," he said, then turned slightly to glance behind me-where Kavya stood, hands folded, smile soft and respectful. "And this young lady... she's a treasure. One of the brightest minds this campus has ever seen. Sincere, dedicated, and incredibly well-mannered. You should be proud."
And I was.
God, I was.
Hearing someone else praise her like that-especially in front of me-made something in my chest clench, not with jealousy... but with the kind of pride that felt strangely paternal and possessive all at once.
I turned slightly, watching her silently. She looked so calm, so humble, yet there was a tiny flicker in her eyes. Maybe she was wondering if I would acknowledge that pride out loud.
So I did!
"I know that sir..And I'm.. proud of Her!!"
Her cheeks flushed,just because I praised her. I smiled and simply asked, "Shall we leave?"
She nodded quietly, adjusting the pallu on her shoulders. As we began to walk down the aisle, heading toward the exit, a small group of students approached from the side. Two girls and a guy-young, casually dressed, typical college vibe.
One of the girls stopped short, her eyes widening as she looked at both of us.
"Kavya... you-You're with Mr. Oberoi?" Her voice was high-pitched, surprised.
I didn't react much. Just smirked.
Kavya looked at me quickly, hesitant, unsure whether she should speak. I gave her the slightest nod, my eyes telling her it was okay.
Let the world know. Let them all know you belong to me.
She smiled then, the hesitation dissolving as she turned to them with quiet pride.
"He's my husband. Mr. Kabir Oberoi," she said gently, then looked at the couple, "And these are my friends... Kamila, and her boyfriend Danish."
I stepped forward, maintaining my usual cool smile. The girl's mouth fell open.
"God! You're married?! And you didn't tell us?" Kamila gasped dramatically.
"You don't even look married..." Danish added, chuckling, not realizing how his words grated on my nerves.
My brow twitched.
Kamila chimed in again, half-accusing, "Yes! No ring, no vermillion... you're unbelievable, Kavya!"
My wife-my wife-just lowered her head and gave them a soft, polite smile. The same one she probably gives people who say unnecessary things just to fill silence.
But inside me, something stirred.
She was right... They were right.
There was no sindoor on her forehead. No mangalsutra adorning her neck. No ring on her finger.
And whose fault was that?
Mine.
I left her alone. I wasn't around. I didn't even give her a proper symbol to hold on to me when I wasn't there. One whole month-no contact, no reassurance. I pushed her away when all she ever wanted was my presence. And yet she still stood here, proud to call me her husband.
My fingers twitched with a silent promise.
I stepped closer to her, leaned in slightly, and murmured against her ear, low and deliberate,
"Let's go now, Jaan..."
I held her hand, interlacing our fingers, firm and clear. The gesture wasn't just romantic-it was possessive. Final. Public.
She turned to them with grace, nodding. "See you later," she said gently. And we walked away.
But in my mind, I wasn't done.
Tonight, I was going to change things.
No more invisible claims.
She'll wear my name again-and this time, not just in silence.
As we stepped out of the college chaos into the quiet evening, I walked ahead and pulled open the passenger door, silently gesturing her to sit in. She blinked at me for a second-half surprised at the gentleman in me-but obeyed without a word.
Once she was settled, I moved to the driver's seat and started the car.
We drove in silence. The city lights blurred past us, but my mind wasn't on the road. It was tangled somewhere between regret and the slow-burning realization of how much I had made her invisible in my life-unintentionally, maybe. But the damage was still mine to own.
As we neared the villa, the gates opened and the guards saluted. Kavya reached for the door handle, ready to step out.
But I stopped her.
"Kavya..."
She turned.
I reached out, caught her wrist gently. "I need some time with you," I said quietly. My voice held something deeper than just a request.
Her eyes narrowed slightly with concern, but she nodded.
Turning to the guard, I instructed, "Open the garage."
She looked at me, puzzled. "What's going on?"
I smiled faintly. "Please wait."
A few moments later, a guard came to inform me the garage was ready. I led her toward the underground vault that rarely saw light-where my collection of speed, luxury, and childhood dreams were parked in sterile silence.
One by one, the sleek curves of sports cars, vintage beasts, and exclusive models revealed themselves under the cold white lights. She paused, eyes widening.
"You... own all of these?" she asked softly, tracing her eyes across the line of machines like a child in a candy store.
I simply nodded, hands in my pockets, watching her-not the cars.
"Which one do you like?" I asked.
"What?" She blinked.
"Pick one, darling... Any of them."
"Why? Are we going for a ride or something?" she asked, her voice still laced with confusion and innocence.
I didn't reply. I just smirked.
"Pick one," I repeated.
Hesitant, she stepped forward and shyly pointed to one of the old vintage models-a classic I had barely touched.
I turned to the guard. "Take it out."
She gasped softly. "Where are we going?"
Still, I said nothing. Just led her outside as the chosen car was brought out, parked perfectly under the night sky. Cleaned. Polished. Ready.
And then... my men approached, holding metal cans.
Kavya's brows furrowed. "What's happening?"
They opened the cans-kerosene.
"What are they doing?!"
"Shh..." I reached for her hand and pulled her close. "Calm down," I murmured, pressing my lips briefly to her temple.
And then...
I struck the lighter.
A single flame flickered to life in my hand.
She stared at me in disbelief as I threw it.
The fire swallowed the car whole in an instant.
Kavya let out a startled gasp and instinctively clung to me, her fingers gripping my shirt, her breath uneven, eyes wide in fear and shock.
I didn't look at the burning car. I looked at her.
Wrapped my arms around her waist, shielding her from the crackling flames, from the chaos of the world, from everything but me.
I leaned close to her ear and whispered, slow and steady,
"We're getting married... again, Jaan."
She looked up at me, trembling, eyes shimmering with a million unspoken emotions.
"M-Mr. Oberoi..."
"Shh..." I hushed her gently, placing a finger on her lips. "Not as Mr. Oberoi. This time... as your husband in every sense of the word. No more silence. No more secrets. No more invisible love. You'll wear my name, and the world will know-you're mine."
The fire behind us roared like a silent promise-
Of rebirth.
Of love that would no longer hide in the shadows.
Without a word, I bent down and swept her into my arms.
Her breath hitched in surprise as I carefully folded the pallu of her saree behind her back, ensuring it wouldn't trail near the flames. Her hands instinctively wrapped around my neck, eyes still wide from the intensity of the moment. The fire crackled behind us-the car, once a symbol of luxury and ego, now reduced to dancing flames and curling smoke.
And I walked.
With her in my arms.
Circling around that fire.
Once.
Twice.
Three times...
"Seven, right?" I asked softly, my voice a quiet murmur near her ear.
Her initial fear melted slowly, replaced by a smile so pure it could've tamed the fire itself. She looked into my eyes, her trust glowing under the night sky.
"Seven plus seven," she whispered with a teasing glint, "You'll have to live fourteen births with me..."
I smirked, my grip tightening just slightly.
"In every birth," I promised, "I'll make sure we stay bound for another fourteen. Forever wouldn't even be enough."
By the seventh round, I could feel her head resting against my shoulder, safe... surrendered.
I gently lowered her to the ground, letting her feet touch the earth again. But my eyes never left hers.
Then, with a silent signal, one of my men stepped forward and handed me something wrapped in black velvet.
A sword.
One of my most treasured blades. A family heirloom. Sharp enough to draw blood with a breath.
Kavya's eyes widened the moment the moonlight glinted against the silver edge.
"Mis-Mister Oberoi..." she whispered, concern flaring in her tone.
Before she could speak further, I unsheathed it, and in one swift movement, drew it across the edge of my thumb. Blood oozed from the cut.
Her gasp was audible. Her hand reached out instinctively.
But I didn't flinch.
I stepped closer.
And then, I raised my hand and gently pressed my bloodied thumb to the center of her forehead-her maang.
A crimson mark bloomed between her brows, sealing her fate with mine once again.
No rituals. No priests.
Just blood, fire, and hearts.
She shut her eyes tightly, trembling-whether from shock or emotion, I couldn't tell. But I smiled.
Leaning down, I placed a tender kiss on her temple.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Oberoi, on marrying the same mad man all over again," I whispered.
She slowly opened her eyes, and they locked onto my thumb-still bleeding. A hint of fear flickered in her gaze, mixed with unbearable love.
"Why did you hurt yourself..." she asked softly, voice barely steady.
I shrugged, wiping the blood on my shirt like it was nothing.
"Doesn't matter."
"It does." Her tone turned firm.
Then-like the lady of this empire she truly was-she turned to my men and commanded, "Call the doctor. Now."
I blinked. And then smiled again.
Damn this woman.
How does she care like that? Fiercely. Fearlessly. Even when I'm the one setting the world on fire, she's the one holding my hand, worried I'll burn with it.
I looked at her-really looked.
The glow of fire reflecting in her eyes.
My blood on her forehead.
Her concern, her pride, her loyalty.
And in that moment, I didn't just fall for her again.
I sank.
A few minutes later, the doctor finally arrived. He didn't say much-just did his work, silently wrapping the bandage over my cut thumb. But even as he examined me, my attention wasn't on him.
It was her.
Kavya.
For the first time, she stepped into my room.
There are more than a dozen rooms in this villa-each more luxurious than the last-but the day she was brought here, the staff had shown her into a guest room. Not mine.
And I never corrected it.
Not because I didn't want her near me-but because I feared she'd misunderstand. That she'd think I was forcing a place she never accepted yet. So, I let her stay away... even when it killed me. Even when I ached for the warmth of her presence every single night.
But today... she was here.
She stood aside her eyes glued on my cut—Damn.. I'll cut every inch of me for her attention..I swear.
Blood still marked her forehead, the trail now dried faintly along her skin-but she hadn't wiped it off. My blood. My mark. She wore it like a crown even when her body trembled.
The doctor finally stood up and murmured, "It's done."
Kavya nodded politely, thanked him, and softly asked the guard to escort him all the way to the gate.
Authority sat so naturally in her voice-I couldn't help but smirk. She was slowly becoming the woman of this house, even if she hadn't realized it yet.
And then... we were alone.
She stepped toward me, uncertain but determined, the folds of her saree rustling quietly with her steps. There was a hesitancy in her body, but her eyes never wavered.
"Why did you hurt yourself...?" she asked, voice low, almost choked. Her gaze flickered from my bandaged hand to my face.
"You cared for me," I said bluntly.
"I would care the same for anyone," she replied.
That line-those damned words-they pierced through my chest like a bullet dipped in ice. For a second, I just stared at her, unable to respond. And then something snapped.
I reached out, grabbed her wrist before she could turn away, and pulled her forcefully down onto the mattress. She gasped, landing beneath me, eyes wide as I hovered over her-my hands braced on either side of her head, my breath ragged.
"But I won't burn my collection for just anyone," I growled. "I won't spill my blood... like that... for someone who means nothing to me."
Her breath caught.
"I don't destroy cars worth crores for fun, Kavya. I don't light flames around anyone just to walk circles holding them in my arms."
She blinked at me, stunned.
I leaned closer, voice dropping to a deep whisper, "Do you still think you're some normal girl in my life?"
"You're not, Kavya," I continued, eyes burning into hers. "I cleared my entire schedule today just to see you smile. I walked into a goddamn college event I would've never entertained in my life-just to hand you that award. I cancelled my board meeting to pick you up myself every day. I watch you, protect you, ache for you. Does that sound normal to you?"
Her lips parted slightly but no words came out.
"You are my wife. My responsibility. My obsession. My love."
The last word slipped out like a confession I had never planned to speak.
But now that it had escaped-I didn't take it back.
"You're not anyone, Kavya. You're the only one who matters," I whispered, staring down at her, my heartbeat thundering.
For a moment, she just looked at me-eyes wide, lips trembling, the bloodied mark on her forehead shining between us like fate written in red.
My words-sharp, impulsive, drenched in frustration-had come out harsher than I intended.
I saw it in her eyes.
The way they dropped from mine, retreating.
Her gaze, once full of questions, suddenly refused to meet me.
Damn it.
I sighed, the anger ebbing, replaced by something heavier-guilt.
Softening my voice, I reached out and murmured, "You'll stay here tonight... with me. You'll sleep with me."
Her breath caught.
I could see her shoulders stiffen, her eyes slowly darting toward mine. The panic in her silence was clear-she thought I meant sex.
I moved beside her, closing the distance only enough to reach her ear. My tone was calm. Assuring.
"Don't worry, Lily... I won't touch you. I just want you beside me."
Her body relaxed slightly. And then she gave a faint nod-barely noticeable, but enough for my heart to breathe again.
I-the man who once found comfort only in solitude and darkness-now dimmed only the main lights, letting the faint amber glows flicker across the room. I needed to see her face.
Even in shadows.
Especially in shadows.
She lay on one side of the bed, curled delicately, cautious.
I stayed on the other end, staring at the ceiling for a while. But my eyes, my ears, my every sense... stayed locked on her.
Her soft breathing...
That gentle, rhythmic sound-it echoed in my chest louder than any heartbeat.
It soothed me.
It burned me.
It made me want.
I couldn't resist for long.
My hand reached out on instinct, grazing her wrist.
She flinched slightly. Trembled.
But didn't pull away.
Slowly, I slid closer-until her back touched my chest. Her warmth seeping into me like peace I never deserved. I bent forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her shoulder, my lips lingering as I whispered,
"Did I yell at you...? I didn't mean to. I'm sorry, Lily..."
She didn't speak.
But shook her head lightly. Forgiving me without words.
And still-she didn't move my hand.
I moved closer, brushing my lips softly against her earlobe this time.
"Can I..." my voice came in a murmur, "Can I sleep hugging you?"
She stilled. I felt her hesitation-felt it in the way her body froze for just a second.
Then slowly... she nodded.
That one gesture-gentle, trusting-meant more to me than any vow ever could.
Without waiting, I slid my arm around her waist, pulling her carefully into me. Her back fit against my chest like she had always belonged there. My other arm came under her neck, cradling her close.
My palm rested flat against her stomach, holding her in a way that said she was safe. Mine. Home.
She didn't speak.
But her breath... it slowed.
And somewhere between silence and surrender...
I smiled.
She was in my arms.
And I'd do anything to keep her there.