Hey my lovely readers.

How are you all?

Are you all enjoying the book so far?

Let's start with the chapter now.

A lengthy chapter ahead.

A small request, when you all reach the 'dance' part, please listen to the song above. It's so relatable to their situation.

Chapter dedicated to one of my constant supporters and lovely reader sonalgupta2406. I know you requested an early update but since I was stuck in work, I couldn't give it but as promised a lengthy update.

Hope you all will enjoy it.

Akash's POV

I was waiting for them to arrive when Sid asked "what took you so long?"

Immediately, my intense make-out session with Siya flashed in front of me and I smiled unknowingly.

"What's with the smile?" he asked, suspecting me.

"Nothing" I said, but the smile wasn't leaving my lips.

"You did the deed?" he asked, shrieking, attracting the attention of passers by. They were all giving me and Sid weird looks.

Stupid Sid.

I immediately clamped my palms to his mouth and pushed him to a corner.

"What the hell Sid?" I whispered yelled at him once we were in a secluded area and removed my palm from his mouth.

"What? I just asked whether you did the deed, "he said, shrugging.

"For god's sake Sid, we haven't done anything, yet" I said.

"Oh... so you're planning to do the deed soon?" he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Shut up" I said and he just laughed.

Bastard.

"Hey, on a serious note, you were gone for so long. Is everything alright between you two now? " he asked, all serious.

"Yes, everything is fine," I said.

"I guess you didn't lash out at her?" he asked.

"No. How could I, Sid, when she was so young, a teenager to be precise, being threatened to leave me at any cost? I know she tried to stand her ground to be with me, but I think she got so scared that she thought there was no option other than to leave me. I couldn't expect a teenager to fight her parents. I am not angry at her, I am angry at her mother for treating her so badly, "I said.

"I couldn't even think of laying my finger on her and she was physically abused. God, why does she hate her so much? " I asked, frustrated.

"No Akash, don't ever say this in front of her," Sid said.

"I know. She already used to be very upset with the treatment she used to get from her mother, but I couldn't let out my frustration or anger at her in front of Siya. That would break her heart. Whatever it is, she's her mother and I have no right to badmouth about her, "I said.

"Yes, you're right, but you need to take care of Siya, more than you used to," he said.

"I know. I've let her down once. I won't let her down again, "I said, more than determined to not let her face her mother's wrath again.

"You know it's going to be difficult," he said.

"I know, it'll be very difficult for me and her mother will not approve of me, but I'll not let her go. She's the best for me and my family. I know she's so sweet and my parents wouldn't get anyone better than her for me. She's an ideal daughter and I am sure she'll be an ideal daughter-in-law as well. She's a gem and I don't want to let her slip off my hands, "I said.

"Dude, you're wipped," he said, smirking.

"Always have been, for her" I said, looking at where Siya and Kriti were coming from.

She descended the stairs like a princes.

Well, she is my princess after all.

"Fuck" I whispered, looking at her.

(Siya's look)

(Kriti's look)

I saw Kriti had changed her dress as well.

"God" Sid said, looking in Kriti's direction.

"Close your mouth, Sid, if you don't want flies to live in it," I said and chuckled.

"Shut up" he growled at me.

"What's with you?" I asked him.

"I can't get enough of her," he said.

"Oh really?" some familiar voice said from behind our back.

Mohit.

"Uh... yeah" Sid said, scratching the back of his neck in nervousness.

"I know she's beautiful," Mohit said, looking in Kriti's direction.

"Not to forget, fire as well," Samaira said, coming from behind us.

"I know," Sid said.

"How did you like the surprise Akash?" Samaira asked me.

"What surprise?" I asked, getting confused.

"The truth about your and Siya's break up?" she asked.

"You know everything?" Sid asked her.

"Yes, since that day we became friends, but she was adamant not to let you know the truth at any cost. So me and Mohit planned circumstances which led you to the truth, "she said, smiling.

"I am very thankful to you Samaira" I said and hugged her.

"Oh come on, what are friends for?" she said and I heard a throat clearing.

"Mind if I take my fiancé?" Mohit said, clearly jealous.

"By all means, she's all yours" I broke the hug and laughed.

"Don't hurt my sister Sid. Otherwise I won't take a minute to chop off your balls "he whispered in his ears, which was loud enough for only me and Sid to hear.

Sid visibly gulped and I laughed looking at him.

"Don't worry buddy, there's a long way to go before you even think about marrying her. You must first obtain her apology," I told him.

"Yeah, I know," he said, sighing.

The two girls came and stood in front of Samaira.

"How do I look?" Kriti asked her chirping.

"Just like a princess" Samiara said and kissed her forehead.

"It appears you two are quite close," I said as I looked at the duo.

"Yes, we're. In fact, Kriti and Siya share a very friendly bond with me, right Siya? " Samaira asked, looking at Siya.

"Yes, Samaira di helped us and guided us a lot whenever we faced any difficulty. She's always been like an elder sister we never had, " Siya said, looking at Samaira with admiration.

"Oh come on, how many times do I have to say not to call me di? Call me by my name. I don't want to sound old, "Samaira said dramatically, making all of us laugh.

Pouting, she said "what? Don't take it lightly. I want everybody to think like I just passed college."

"Oh baby, don't worry. When we have a press conference later in our reception, I'll say that you're still a teenager. Okay? " Mohit said, pulling her leg.

"Shut up," she said, glaring at him, and we all laughed at their amusing banter.

"Have you all always been like this, carefree with each other?" Sid asked them.

"No. Actually, getting along with Kriti and Siya was quite easy as they both welcomed me with open arms, but the man here was so difficult to crack, "Samaira said, dramatically.

"Oh come on. I wasn't that tough nut to crack, "Mohiy said.

Rolling her eyes, she said "Oh please. Do you remember the first time I asked you to go out with me and you said, " she was cut off by Kriti? "Come on, Bhabhi, not today. Whatever it was, you both are here today, happy and together."

"Yes, we are," Mohit said, looking at Samaira, who blushed.

"Okay then, we should go. The performances are about to start, "Kriti said and dragged Siya along with her.

I held her other hand which Kriti wasn't holding and asked her to stay with me through my eyes.

When Kriti felt that Siya wasn't moving, she looked back and saw our intertwined fingers.

"Bhaiya, I know you don't want to leave her but we've a performance to give. Once it's over, I won't restrict you to take her. But please, spare her for half an hour, "Kriti said.

I looked at Siya and she gave me a pleading look through her eyes.

Sighing, I said "okay, but just this one performance. Not a second more."

Kriti gave me a thumbs up and I left Siya's hands.

They made their way to the stage and I was stunned to see them both performing like pro. Their sync, co-ordination and moves were out of the world.

(Imagine Kriti and Siya performing on stage with this choreography, ignore the boys in this video as there were no boys they danced with)

My eyes were stuck on my beauty but what boiled my blood was many prying eyes on her. I want to do nothing but just hide her from them.

Once the performance was done, they both came back and when I roamed my eyes around, I saw many men eyeing her.

I had a sudden urge to claim her mine in front of everybody.

"How was the performance?" she asked hopefully, coming to me and Sid.

"You were the best," I said with a genuine smile and kissed her forehead.

"Akash, there are many people around" she said, blushing.

"I don't care," I shrugged.

"Only her. What about me? " Kriti said, pouting.

"You were the best of the best," I said, cradling her in my arms.

"Is that even a phrase?" she said, narrowing her eyes at me.

"I said, what I felt" I said, shrugging.

I heard a throat clearing and when I looked up, I saw Sid glaring at me.

What exactly did I do now?

Rolling my eyes, I asked "what?"

"Nothing" he said and looked at Kriti.

"What?" she asked after a few seconds.

"Nothing," he said.

Me and Siya were silently laughing at his state as he still couldn't get Kriti's forgiveness and he was still following her like a lost puppy.

Stomping her foot, Kriti went away and Sid followed her.

Shaking my head, I turned towards Siya who had a shy smile on her face.

Siya's POV

After the cute bantering of Sid and Kriti, when Akash turned towards me, he had a mischievous smile on his face.

"What?" I asked him suspiciously.

He gave me a lazy smile and was about to say something when someone from his behind said "hey bhai. What's up? "

"Oh Adarsh, it's good you're here" he said.

The name seemed familiar to me and after thinking for a few seconds, it clicked to me. He's the CEO of the empire Akash's family owns, Adarsh Sharma.

"Hey Bhai, nothing much but since you're here I want to introduce you to Siya, my future wife," Akash said, keeping his hands around my waist, making my breath hitch.

What did he just say? His future wife?

Before I could say anything, he said "And Siya, this is Adarsh, my brother" he said with his hands around his shoulder.

"Oh my my Siya. You're the one who performed just now, right? " he asked with amusement.

"Yes," I said, shyly.

"I must say you're beautiful with many talents. I've heard a lot about you "he said and taking my hands, he kissed my knuckles.

I was a little taken aback, but then I heard someone groaning from beside me.

Akash.

"She's taken" he said, glaring at him, taking my hands away from him.

"Akash" I said to him in a warning tone.

It was just a little peck and I didn't feel anything disgusting by his touch. It's just that I am not quite used to these kinds of gestures.

Rolling his eyes, he said "come on Bhai. I know she's been unavailable to any other man since the day you laid your eyes on her. I was just greeting her. "

"Anyways, just leave him Siya. He'll remain possessive of you. You can't do anything about it. You tell me, are you enjoying the function? " He asked me.

He's so sweet.

"Yes, thank you for asking. I am really enjoying it, now "I said, looking at Akash, whose lips twitched to a cute smile when I said that.

"I must say, you're so beautiful and not to mention so talented and down to earth. No wonder Bhai couldn't get you out of his system even after all these years, " he said with a genuine smile "which reminds me, a few days back he called me and said that you're getting married."

"It was a misunderstanding, Adarsh. I'll let the whole family know about what's happened later, "Akash said.

"If you remember bhai, I told you that on Mohit's marriage invitation card I saw someone else's name, it wasn't Siya's name but you were adamant that Siya is getting married to Mohit" he said.

"Yeah, I remember" Akash said, looking at me. 

"Okay, so finally you both are..." he trailed off.

"Together again" Akash said with a wide smile on his lips, looking at me with so much love which made me blush.

"Oh my my. This calls for a celebration "he said and asked a waiter to bring us drinks.

"Oh, thank you for the offer, Adarsh, but I don't drink," I smiled.

"Okay. No problem. At least have a cold drink "he said, handling me a black drink.

I took it but then I was searching for something with mango flavor as I can't stand the taste of soda.

"Here, take this, your 'mango' drink" Akash said and gave me a glass.

He remembers.

"Thank you" I said and took the glass from his hands.

"Bhai, I must say, you'll be a doting husband" Adarsh teased him and I blushed.

"You'll also be, someday" he teased back.

"Oh please, I can't stand my PA. How will I handle a wife?" he said, rolling his eyes.

"Tell me something. Whenever I talk about you getting into a relationship or marrying, why do you always talk about your PA?" Akash asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Just to let you know how irritating women are," he said.

"Hey" I said, a little offended.

"Exceptions are everywhere, ma lady," he said emphatically as he bowed.

I just laughed hard.

"Adarsh sir, if there's nothing much to do, can I go back please? I am getting bored here "a girl came to him and whined like a small child.

She's so beautiful, tall and slim, just like a model.

Groaning, he said "not now Sophia."

"But, sir," she protested, but he cut her off, saying, "no arguments. You need to stay till the party ends."

"Oh by the way Sophia, this is Siya and Siya this is Sophia, Adarsh's PA" Akash introduced us.

"Oh hi Sophia. It's nice to meet you "I said, extending my hand to her.

"Oh hi Siya ma'am. It's so good to finally meet you in person. " she gushed and hugged me.

I stumbled a bit but then steadied myself.

"I've been waiting to meet you for so long," she said, squeezing my hand and breaking the hug.

"You know me?" I asked her.

"Of course. Akash sir talks a lot about you, "she said, giving a side glance to Akash.

"Huh?" I was confused.

"I'll tell you everything later baby" he whispered in my ears.

I nodded to him and said "Please don't call me ma'am. I am younger than you probably. Please call me by my name. "

"Of course Siya" she said and beamed.

Suddenly, an evil idea crossed my mind.

"Adarsh, if you're so fed up with your PA and she's willing to go, then why don't you let her go" I said with an evil smile.

"Hawww" Sophia gasped and gave a pointed look to Adarsh.

"Is this true Adarsh sir? If yes, then I need to go, now "she said and glared at Adarsh.

"Siya you're a devil" he mouthed and dragged her with him.

"You're so naughty," Akash said, smiling. I smiled in return.

Then we heard an announcement by the host.

"All the couples are welcome to take over the dance floor" and there was loud cheering.

"I'll just be back" Akash said and went away.

I was standing alone for more than ten minutes and there was no sign of Akash.

When I was making my way to sit on one of the chairs, I heard his voice and my steps halted.

"Siya, this one's for you"

When I turned around, I saw Akash making his way towards me with a gentle smile. The spotlight was on him.

Saari raat aahein bharta

Pal pal yaadon me marta

Maane na meri maan mera

He was singing with a microphone attached to his sleeves. I saw him approaching me. My breath got hitched in my throat when he was just inches away from me.

Thode thode hosh madhoshi si hai

Neend behoshi si hai

Jaane kch bhi na mann mera

He revolved around me while singing the song and when the line ended, he took my hands in his and carefully guided me to the dance floor and I silently followed him.

Kabhi mera tha par ab begana hai ye

Deewana deewana samjhe na

Hooo oo oo

Kabhi chup chup rahe kabhi gaaya ye kare

Bin puche teri taarefien sunaya ye kare

Hai koi haqeeqat tu ya koi afsana hai

Kuch jane agar to itna ke ye tera deewana hai

Re mann meraaaa

Maane ma na mann meraaaa

He took his hands in mine and kept them around his neck and he kept his hands around my waist and guided me to sway along the beats.

Rag rag vo samaya mere

Dil par vo chhaya mere

Mujhme vo aise jaise jaan

Gire barsaat me paani jaise

Koi kahani jaise

Dil se ho dil tak jo bayaan

His eyes were locked with mine and we both had a gentle smile on our lips. It was like everything around us just disappeared and only we were there on the floor.

Aashiq dil tera purana hai ye

Deewana deewana samjhe na

Hooo ooo ooo

Kabhi chup chup rahe kabhi gaaya ye kare

Bin puche teri taarefien sunaya ye kare

Hai koi haqeeqat tu ya koi afsana hai

Kuch jane agar to itna ke ye tera deewana hai

Re mann meraaaa

Maane na mann meraaaa

He snaked his arms around my lower back, just above my butt, which made my breath hitch. Sensing my uneven breaths, he whispered in my ears "relax."

Tujhko jo dekhe

Ye mujhko leke

Bas tere peeche peeche bhaage

Tera junoon hai tu hi sukoon hai

Tujhse hi bandhe dil ke dhaage

He then twirled me around a few times and finally, when he stopped twirling me, my back was plastered on his front and his chin was on my shoulder.

He gave me sloppy kisses on my bare shoulder which made my knees weak, but his hold on my waist was tight enough. Thank god for that or I definitely would've fallen down. 

Kabhi chup chup rahe kabhi gaaya ye kare

Bin puche teri taarefien sunaya ye kare

Hai koi haqeeqat tu ya koi afsana hai

Kuch jane agar to itna ke ye tera deewana hai

Re mann meraaaa

Maane na mann meraaaa

The song