This chapter is dedicated to all those who are self-conscious. #BodyShamingNeedsToStop

Ps- Around three or four chapters left until Juhi's ugly truth comes out.

Started Typing On - 15/03/2019

Chapter 76- The Rising Respect

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Kiaan's Pov:

My parents had a love marriage. I wouldn't say it was messy nor was it easy. Typical Asian or I guess Indian parents I should say, warned my mum to not marry my dad. 'Don't marry someone outside of your caste!' But mum was pretty stubborn, that's where I get my stubbornness from. End of the day, she became a Rujput. Unlike Jaanvi's mother's family, ours are still in contact and had openly welcomed dad into the family after I was born.

I thought I'd have a hard time with my own married life after knowing my parents chose Jaanvi for me. But ours was different. It wasn't our parents giving us a hard time, we were. Both of us were lost. In many ways. Once my name was given to her I thought 'Well, we'll probably end up dying without even saying I love you.'

'Don't predict the future.' My dad use to say. Oh, how right he was. At first I thought she was joking. But her face remained straight, it was her tears which proved how sincerely honest she was about her feelings. Looking at her speed of how fast she ended up blunting it out I was kinda ashamed at myself. I took bloody forever to confess and she took less than five minutes.

I woke up from the noise of the traffic. You usually couldn't hear it but since I lived in the city, and very close to the highway, I could hear the rare horns blowing. Giving myself a moment to shed the sleep away from my brain, to allow the dark vision of the night to give way to the day I yawned. I was greeted by the bright sunlight on my eyes from the little open curtain making me automatically groan.

I burrowed myself into the warm, soft and delicate body of Jaanvi's still above me. I smiled easily remembering the last night's event. How beautiful and sweet she was. How much I realised, found out after so long that I craved for her. How warm and amazing she felt close to me. I pushed away the few strands of her hair behind her ear, she nuzzled closer into my body, keep her palms down on my chest. Her breaths steady and easy.

I rubbed the remaining sleep away from my eyes, looking at the bedside clock. Seven thirty-six. My hands were tightly but carefully wrapped around Jaanvi body, making sure I don't wake her up when the landline rang. Who on earth would call at this time? I honestly wanted to sleep over the phone, letting it buzz but the volume was so irritating and loud that I worried it'll wake up the tired Jaanvi.

Her hand on my chest was easily removed by me, without disturbing her sleep but this girl had serious sleeping issues. Oh god! I rub my temple annoyed. And my expressions turned stone. Her other hand was under my waist, as if I was a soft teddy which would slide away from her hold. I lifted my body up a little, trying to push her hand away from myself when the phone stopped buzzing.

I'll just sleep. But a second letter it rang again. Who the fuck is it? It couldn't be Nidhi because she always texts, phone calls aren't her things. Even if she needs help she'd rather show up to my doorstep to talk directly rather than stutter over the phone without seeing my expressions. It couldn't be Aarav because he'd be on the road, driving to his work. And Reyansh wouldn't bother calling me twice. The man doesn't even have my landline, for god sake. I groan lowly, putting her body on the mattress, covering her up with the blanket I noticed she snuggled closer to the woollen blanket, hugging it to herself. I smiled. And then it was the most difficult part. Her bloody leg. They were all over my leg, and my stomach. Though she was laying on the mattress, her face was still facing me and her legs were still on mine.

I held her knee, taking it away from my thigh, putting it under the blanket. What is she? A monkey? Pure torture. The one thing I noted to myself was to have a long, relaxing cold shower. I wore just my boxed, hurrying to the living room to answer the phone.

I held the phone into my ear, answering the phone in a very tight voice. "Hello. Who is it?"

The other side instantly replied as if they were waiting for me to pick the call up for ages. "Bhai." (Brother)

Dhruv. What concerned me the most was he doesn't call me 'bhai' often. We have only two years difference, which makes us super close. He's more of a twin to me than a younger brother. The frustration and anger I had drifted away hearing his worried, anxious and scared voice. He called me 'bhai,' this means something is wrong.

"Dhruv what's wrong?" I questioned, rather curtly going straight to the topic.

"I'm fucken freaking out!" Now that was new. He never swore. Yeah, the twenty-five year old man preferred not to swear. He never understood the whole plot of swearing. Found it uncool. The second thing that worried me was the way he sounded. It sounded as if he was impatiently waiting to talk to me and legit freaking out.

That's not like him. He hardly freaks out.

"Why would you," I looked at the clock hanging on the wall showing seven forty-four "-possibly freaking out at around five pm in India?" his worried voice was giving me this weird stomach-ache.  

"What if-what if Rashi's ideal supposed groom is me? I'm not marrying her!" he yelled over the phone. I could hear the traffic noises close to him. Wait, was he outside just so he could talk to me in private? It was evident how stern he was with his decision. "I am seriously not going to marry her!" I roared over the phone. I could already picture him running his hands through his hair.

"Calm down." I replied, opening the balcony slide-door so I could talk to him peacefully without waking Jaanvi up. "What are you talking about? Where did your stupid brain get the idea of marrying her? I thought you were into Aditi."

"I am." He replied with clear seriousness. Dead serious. "I was just thinking. L-like whoever the supposed groom is coming over to their house for the proposal then why are we getting called? I mean, it's not like whoever that man would be, say yes to Rashi."

Personally, I don't like Jaanvi's cousins. Hell, I hate them! But I can't admit this to Jaanvi. I know she's having a hard time communicating with them but if I add a little fuel she'll probably take it to heart and actually stop talking to them. Everyone has different opinions, and I respect that. I don't want my own perspective to influence her in any way because it's her life. I'm just a partner to stand next to her every step of the way.

"Why do you hate her?" I questioned. Maybe we might have the same feelings for the twins.

"I don't hate her. I just don't like her." He admitted, sounded raspy and annoyed. That's also new. He's hardly ever angry. "She just exists for me Kiaan, I don't hate or like her it's just she's there, you know?" he started rumbling.

"Yeah I-I get it."

"But on a serious note. Super serious note. Mum was talking about it yesterday. About how we all should go there and talk and get to know each other. She was specifically looking at me! As if she was hinting the whole lecture towards me. What the fuck? I'm telling you, if my doubt turns out to be true I'm bloody running back to New York!" He was totally freaking out. My brother was a slow speaker, didn't trip over his words but right now he was doing exactly that-tripping and gripping. "And I'd be staying in your apartment." This was supposed to be serious but made me chuckle.

"Dude. Stop. Stop freaking out! If you don't like her just simply say you're not interested." Wasn't it supposed to be that easy?

"You don't understand. I-I can't just say that to some poor girl. She'll probably think it's about her but it's not. I-I just don't like her but I can't just say that straight up to her! And not to forget, she's your wife's sister."

"Cousin Sister." I corrected him boiling in anger. Jaanvi's sibling-no, her father child could never be someone like Rashi. I don't know what it is but after the slap incident I just hate her. Dhruv's mouth breaks in silence because he doesn't reply. I sigh, inhaling the fresh air. "Just know one thing, I'm here for you. And so is Jaanvi."

"Ok, let's just imagine whatever theory I have comes true! Wouldn't Bhabhi (sister-in-law) get angry? Because I rejected her sis-cousin sister? Would it affect your relationship?" He sounded like one of those over-thinking people, worrying about the stupidest things ever.

I shook my head. "I don't know about her but your pissing me off since last night. When someone doesn't answer the phone it means they don't wanna talk. How old are you? Five? Bloody hell, I thought you'd stop calling for two rings but nope, called my phone, called her phone then woke me up so early!" Annoyance covered up my face. I'm so tempted to kick him.

"I was worried ok?" he murmured, sounding embarrassed and guilty. After a long pause I was about to hung up, making sure he's fine now but he cut me off. "By the way--" he paused. His voice came out cheerful, strange. "Chachu is very thrilled and excited." (Uncle) He laughed, my face replaced by a puzzled look, my brows raising.

"We don't have a Chachu. What are you on about? Dad's the only son." (Uncle) I muttered, looking down at the busy road.

"I'm just reusing your own phrase, used by you last night." In response I chuckled. Jaanvi's horrified face came in front of my eyes, how upset she looked after my bluntness. I hang up muttering a 'take care.'

Every single expression of hers, whether angry, annoyed, happy, sad and even when she made weird faces amused me. She was like one of those people who we often call 'small package but big bombs.'

~

Author's Pov:

Kiaan was walking in with a tray filled with two cups of coffee mugs. Just as she said-no, ordered, he made the strong cup of tea. He took long strides towards their bedroom, opening up the door slowly when he noticed Jaanvi zipping up her shorts and tucking his huge top underneath the shorts which she wore. Her hair was all over the place, coming in front of her face while she yawned sitting on the bed, her eyes closing slowly.

"If you're going to look that hot in my top, then you better keep it." He joked as he approached her with a gorgeous smile, the tray tightly held in his hand. She smiled hearing his voice, still look at her fingers sitting on her lap.

"Uhh, my special strong cup of tea." She could smell the ingredients, making her throat go dry quickly. She could already understand how much she needed it. Jaanvi was ready to get up from the bed when Kiaan raised his palm, stopping her. He sat down in front of her, putting the tray on the messy bed and passed her the big mug filled with strong brown tea. "I am impressed chef." She giggled, taking a sip of the tea.

He dramatically bowed his head passing his gratitude to her with a charming smile. She's seen this smile since years. Every time he smiled from his heart she couldn't help but compare the smile to his younger face. Back then she found it cute, thought she hated to admit it. And now, well, now she finds it extremely gorgeous, hot and capturing. Capturing her heart.

He was so lost in her lashes going up to face him then down as she took sips of the tea. Mesmerizing. Was all he could think of. Just two days ago he confessed his love. And just last night she did the same. Their honeymoon days were coming to an end slowly and they could feel it but the pace their relationship was going on seemed so slow. But they liked it. Slow and steady. In every minute they noticed, and visually appreciated each other's features and love. They learnt many things about each other in just these seven days.

Yes, seven. Two days later they'd be sitting on the plane, wishing not to leave this place. This was definitely a very special vacation for the both of them, it'll always be close to their heart but Jaanvi seriously didn't want to leave.

She was afraid that going back meant no quality time. No time for them to joke around and laugh, or get to know each other more. She couldn't go grocery shopping with Kiaan like she did here. In India she'd go with his mum. It's not that she doesn't like his family. She does. More than her own if she admits it. But little moments meant a lot more to her than big. It was because of these little moments that she realised her love for him.

Going to India meant getting busy with her café. She wouldn't be able to talk as much to him over the phone anymore. New Year was only around twenty-nine days away, which meant more costumers. She couldn't just speak on the phone with him while working.

Once they reach their home place she knows he'd start neglecting her. Not intentionally but just all worked up. There were changes of her missing his unknown country more than him, who lived here for the past ten years. Now it seemed like, or it felt like to Jaanvi that she might have a hard time readjusting to the life back there then Kiaan. He was the NRI but she felt like she was.

He was leaning forward to kiss her soft, natural pink-redish lips when she quickly moved back, putting her hand on his chest to stop him. He gave her a puzzled look, his eyebrows shooting up, waiting for an answer.

"I didn't brush my teeth." She murmured, licking her lips triggering Kiaan to huff from the lack of control he had over his emotions. She gave him a nervous smile, holding the mug tightly with her both hands now, letting the warm steam grace her face.

"Stop licking your lips." He didn't want to sound rude but it surely did sound exactly that. Maybe it was easier when we were far. He thought, moving back to sit back down on his spot. Sipping his tea silently.

"Y-You're not angry right?" The last thing she wanted to do was make him angry after losing her virginity last night to him. It was troubling her how all the negative things were coming over her head. Right now she wished she didn't read those short stories of how 'guy takes the girl's virginity and later on leaves her.'

It was surprising but a loud and cheerful person like Jaanvi also went through bad times. Times when she just hated her body and herself. She wasn't body shamed. She never was. She wasn't chubby as well, and she wasn't too skinny to be called a stick. She was in between, perfect in Aditi and Kiaan's opinion. But she didn't feel perfect at all.

There were times she was depressed about her appearance. Times when she'd wear long sleeved clothes and long skirts to hide every single part of her body. It wasn't her fault either. She was constantly reminded how she was the reason of her mother's death that the poor teenager hated herself.

Sometimes we don't need anyone else to body shame or to let us down, when we ourselves are ready to believe it.

"Why would I be angry?" He says at the side of his mouth. His gaze roams over her, lingering on spots that should make her vaguely uncomfortable but after last night, she don't seem to get feel get effected by it. His gaze locks into her orbs. She shifts beforehand playing with her ring, lowering her gaze. He sat closer to her, holding her hands firmly. As he squeezed it she looked up meeting his confused and worried face. "What is it?"

"Y-you do-don't regret it do you?" she murmurs, his gaze goes intense when he hears her out. His expressions turn ice cold, stony and dark and he dead seriously responds,

"Why? Are you having second thoughts?" Her eyes widen at his assumption, she shook her head negatively looking exasperated.

"No. N-never." She spoke. "Not at all." She added, confidently.

"Then why would you ask me that?" He runs his hand through his hair in frustration, glaring at her. He went from a giddy young man to brooding angry man in ten seconds flat.

"Insecurity." She sang the word under her breath, shuffling on the bed to hide from his gaze.

He moves away from her, clearly offended. "Considering how you were last night I think I really don't know who you are then Jaanvi." She jumped at the statement, reaching out to touch his hands which he moved away from her. "Why are you so negative towards yourself? I hate it. It'-it's like you have no faith in yourself Jaanvi! Yes, truly some people get turned off by their partner's body but I'm not one of those people. It's the heart that makes me love you, then why? Wasn't my confession powerful enough for you to understand that I love you more than your appearance? I get it, we don't live in a world with nice guys or girls, or people but I'm not them! For god sake, I wouldn't have been had sex with you if I didn't like you at all! But I did, didn't I?"

Putting yourself down always irritated him. He didn't understand or liked how judging your own self or putting yourself down helped change ourselves. It just made it worst.

It surprised and rose respect for him in her heart even more after hearing this. She felt nice hearing it but was left speechless to answer back. "K-Kiaan I've had a rough childhood."

He didn't like it how she kept using her childhood as an excuse. "Stop defending yourself on the name of your childhood! You're not going to archive anything by recalling your past." The only person in her life who left her speechless was always Kiaan. The same man who could be so immature at times. So funny, lame, annoying, nice could also give the most effective and powerful life lessons.

"Well!" she exclaimed, smiling like everything was fine, like he didn't just yell at her few seconds ago. She placed the mug on the tray, rubbing her hands on her thighs before glancing up at his shocked face. How does she manage to turn such a serious conversation into a light one? How could she smile like I didn't just burst out on her? "I'm glad you feel the same way. I thought Mr--" she punched his chest playfully, her eyes glittering with excitement. "-you were self-conscious about your own body." Kiaan gave her the -are-you-kidding-me-look, putting his mug on the tray, folding his strong arms across his well-built, naked chest. His abs flaunting in front of my eyes, the veins of popping out on his strong muscular arms.

"All is good in the hood." She wriggled her eyebrows, giving him a mischief look as she elbowed his bare stomach, "You must be feeling so lucky to have me nah?" she giggled but quickly put her finger on her lips to shut up when Kiaan gave her the cold shoulders.

"How do you manage to change the situation so fast?" he questioned, pulling her into his lap. She gladly came along, wrapping her hands around his neck, just passing him a weak, small smile. "Turning a heated angry man into a laughing one?" He caressed her cheeks, widening her smile.

"Talent husband of Mrs Stubborn." She joked, putting a kiss on his cheek before burying her blushing face into his shoulder.

Not talent. But habit. He thought, hugging her back in a protective manner, kissing her hair.

Married My Enemy

*Wriggles eyebrows* Like Kiaan even more?