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lena-in-a-red-dress · 8 months

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Kara Prince AU Pt 9

Guilt washes over Kara. All it had taken was a few careless words at a party to bring Lena's greatest enemy to her door. Nevermind that this Lex was different from the one who had haunted Lena in those other realities-- he had found her, because of Kara.

When they return to the cottage that night, Kara explains who Lex is, who he might become, and why he had set his sights on Lena. She tells Lena about the other reality in which she had seen a version of their lives, one that had prompted Kara to seek Lena out in Metropolis, thereby opening the door to let Lex into Lena's life.

Lena listens, and takes it all in stride. Where Kara expects blame, she receives only quiet acceptance. Instead of outrage, Lena takes her hand in gratitude.

"Thank you for telling me," she says softly. "But I have a feeling he would have found me eventually, whether you had spoken to him or not."

"Come back with me to Paris," Kara urges, gripping Lena's hand tightly. "He knows where you are, he might--"

"He will not chase me from my home."

There's steel in Lena's voice, brooking no argument. Kara bows her head, only to lift it again when Lena's hand cups her cheek.

"With you here, I have nothing to fear."

But before long, Diana sends word from Clark that trouble is brewing in America, and a warning that their help may be needed in due time. Barely a week later, a string of attacks in Metropolis has Kara's cousin calling for aid.

Despite her misgivings towards her cousin, Kara can't bring herself to refuse the call. Diana raised her too well to ignore the peril of so many.

Before Kara leaves, however, Lena presses a small crystal into her palm. It's tethered to a narrow leather lanyard-- simple and rudimentary, but precious in that it was given by Lena.

"Wear this," Lena urges. "For protection."

Kara loops it around her neck right then and there. With one last kiss, Kara lifts into the air and soars away, feeling as though she's left her heart behind.

Once in Metropolis, it doesn't take long for them to discover that the perpetrator of the attacks is none other than Lex Luthor himself. At first, they believe it will be a simple thing to take down a single human, but Lex proves resourceful. His allies spread all three of them across the city, and when it comes time for Clark and Kara to choose whether to stay on Lex's tail, or dismantle the bombs he'd placed throughout the city, Kara insists on being the one to track him down.

With the Lexosuit, Lex is a match for Clark-- but he is not a match for Kara. She is stronger, faster than her cousin, with an edge he could never hone himself into.

She is going to stop Lex, and protect Lena in the process.

The task is easier said than done, however. Lex's suit is stronger than she remembers from the other reality, more agile in the air. His lasers too pack more of a punch, and send her tumbling through the air until she's left breathless and acheing.

She takes a moment to gather herself on the roof of LexCorp, propping herself on one knee as Lex hovers in front of her. Gloating, as is his wont.

"Does my bastard sister know what you are?" he asks. "I wonder what she'll say, when she realizes she's been loving a monster--"

All of a sudden, the crystal flashes white hot around Kara's neck. In the next moment, an explosion collides with Lex's chest, sending him tumbling backwards in the air. He lands heavily on the roof, giving Kara the opportunity to look to where Lena stands beside her, another fireball already charging between her hands.

"Lena! How did you--?"

"The charm. Point to point teleportation spell." Lena shoots her a wry smile. "Looked like you could use some help on the news."

Kara grins back. "I love you."

Lex laboriously clambers to his feet, the movement made cumbersome by his smoking exosuit. He glares at them.

"Lena-- sister. Fancy seeing you here."

"Likewise," Lena retorts.

Lex's eyes lock on the magical fire between Lena's palms, and glint with interest.

"It seems you might have something special after all," he delivers. He stands, booted feet clanking against the roof. "Join me, Lena. We are blood, after all. Together we can--"

A second fireball collides with his chest, and the suit's faceplate clangs shut just in time to avoid a faceful of fire.

"Your blood means nothing to me," Lena declares, her voice strong and sure.

Lex scowls menacingly. "Then you'll die with the rest."

With that, his faceplate snaps shut and he shoots off into the air. Before Kara takes off after him, she looks at Lena to check in. Lena nods.

"Keep him busy."

Kara obeys, chasing Lex around the city, landing whatever blows she can. As she does, the wind picks up around her, quickly gathering into a fury. She struggles to stay on course, and sees Lex do the same as Lena builds up a veritable hurricane. Soon a driving rain pelts Kara's skin, stinging her as she flies across the city.

Clouds gather overhead, dark and menacing. As thunder begins roll, Kara understands what Lena is about to do. In an instant she changes tack-- instead of chasing Lex, she begins to herd him back towards Lena as the pressure around them builds.

When LexCorp comes back into view, Kara delivers a mighty kick that sends Lex careening towards his own building. Just as he rights himself before impact, Kara sees Lena lift her hand and bring it down in a fist. As she does, an arc of lightning flashes down with a deafening crack as it connects with the helm of the Lexosuit.

Almost as soon as the first bolt dissipates, another strikes Lex again, and again and again. The blinding light sears across Kara's retinas, forcing her to close her eyes until the brilliance fades and she hears the Lexosuits thrusters sputter and fail.

She opens her eyes to see Lex drop like so much stone. She catches him suit and all, the still smoking hull hot in her hands. When she deposits him on the roof, Kara reaches down to wrench the faceplate off.

One look at Lex's features confirms what Kara already suspects: dead.

She looks up at Lena, who comes to stare down of the corpse who was briefly her unwanted brother. Features solemn, Lena swallows thickly, but remorse is absent from her eyes.

"He can't hurt anyone else."

It's all Lena says.

When Clark learns of Lex's death, he looks at Lena with suspicion and trepidation. Lena remains indifferent to it, but Kara stays close, a buffer against her cousin's heavy judgement. He may not kill, but Kara knows that Lena has done what was necessary to ensure no one else would fall victim to Lex's schemes. Diana, too, understands, and does nothing more than place a hand on Lena's shoulder.

"You should not be here when the authorities arrive," Diana warns gently.

Lena nods, turning to Kara. "Take me home?"

Only then does Clark speak. "I'm afraid we have some questions for you, Miss....."

"None of your business," Lena returns smoothly.

Clark bristles. "But--"

"I am not beholden to you or whatever organizations you work with, Superman," Lena continues. "I prefer to keep it that way."

"You can't just--"

"Leave it, Kal," Kara bites out.

Shocked by her growl, Clark takes a step back, visiblt deflating. The tension in Kara's shoulders only ease when Lena takes her hand. Kara gives it a gentle squeeze.

"Let's go."

#supercorp #kara prince au #the climax #a bit of a longer snippet #but still good #hope you like it #lemme know!

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edenfire · 3 months

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✨️☀️ I just want you to be happy ☀️✨️

maruki just wants to officiate shuake's wedding🥺💗💞 take the deal, guys😭😭

happy 2/2 to the shuakes that celebrate💒💘💞

#shuake #persona 5 #goro akechi #akira kurusu #takuto maruki #p5 #2/2 #im so happy i was able to draw for 2/2 this year♡♡♡♡#tho ive been in a chibi mood lately soooo #chibis it is lol #also it looked like maruki was officiating shuake's wedding #so i made an edit too lol #also im thinking about making this into a sticker #would yall be interested in that?🤔#lemme know!#♡♡♡♡♡♡♡#shitty #(< that's my art tag)

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hungryhungry-himbo · 6 months

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So I’m at 9,145 followers!! 😳

If we get to a 10,000, would you guys be interested in a weight gain drive w/ one of my characters?

#ask #lemme know!

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succyobsessions · 2 years

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#and we love her for it #entrapta #she ra #spop #she ra memes #spop memes #she’s a ten but #she’s a 10 but #has this been done before??#probably #lemme know!

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bittersweetastoria · 8 months

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No More Waiting,

PART TWO, TO WAITING. *No warnings, besides sugar sweet fluff.

A Week Later.

"Babe! How do I get this damned thing to work again?" You called out for your girlfriend, her laughter heard easily as she walked back into the room and grabbed the remote from you. "Just like, this." Two clicks and it was on a game you'd been playing for the last few days on her PS5. You played it so much more than she did, but in your defense - you had a lot of free time while she worked. The whole time she was gone, you just - left the game going even when you slept since you had no idea how to get to it on your own. As she handed you the controller again, she leaned down and kissed your head. "You'd think you'd of figured this out by now, it's been a week of you in this big ole house babygirl." She teased you, draping her arms around your neck as you leaned back onto her and looked up at her. "Hello, Culture shock Dems! Your girlfriend was a broke bitch till you brought her home, remember?" You quipped back, stretching up to press a kiss to her lips - albeit kind of upside down.

Rolling her eyes as she pulled back to look down at you, she licked over her teeth. "Oh, That's right. I totally forgot I found you in a dumpster last week." She joked, causing you to glare at her as she walked away. Instantly you jumped up, following after her to the kitchen where you jumped up on the counter as she grabbed you both a soda and handed you yours after opening it for you. "It's strange, isn't it?" You finally speak up after a few minutes of idly sipping at your soda as she worked at making something to eat. Pausing in her efforts, the Aussie raised a brow - clearly a bit lost and confused. "What's strange, y/n?" She asked after a moment, leaving what she was doing - to move before you placing her hands on your thighs. "How we went from nothing to everything, so so fast? Just last week I was working a minimum wage job, living with roommates who hated me because I was different from them, and we hadn't talked in a whole year."

Placing your hands over hers, you sighed softly as you looked down at both your hands. "Yeah- I mean, I guess it's a little odd." Rhea finally spoke up after a moment, you felt her head against yours and next thing you knew her forehead was against hers and you were looking into each other's eyes. "But it's not like we were strangers, babygirl. We have history. Tons of it. So I see this as, more of a resume from the pause we took all last year. We may've changed a little bit, time changes shit fast. But I came looking for you for a reason, y/n. I don't know about you, but I couldn't move on because I compared everyone to you so.. here we are. Right back where we started, only my life is a lot more together so I can properly take care of my girl this time." Once she stopped talking, she kissed your nose before playfully slapping your thighs and finally moved to go back to fixing the food.

You thought for a moment, lips pursed into a thin line as you watched her chop veggies for something. "I swear, you drop that 'my girl' thing just to leave me speechless, every time." You commented, clearly amused. She laughed, her eye turning to find yours. "Damn straight I do." She replied playfully, tossing the veggie's into the pan and turning the stove on. "I never did thank you.. For coming to save me, for never giving up on me, all of it." You commented, jumping down from your spot and joining her. You grabbed the wooden spatula and began moving the things around in the pan, looking over at her cutting the chicken just to find her gazing at you as she did. "Careful. You may be the eradicator, but you still bleed babe. Watch the knife." You added, causing her to laugh as she made a show of quickly chopping things then putting the knife down.

"What's life without a little danger? Besides, Now that that's done.. I can do this." In one swift move, her arms were around you and her head on your shoulder leaning over to kiss your neck. You hummed happily, leaning back into her as you stirred the contents of the pan. "Guess I can't complain with that, huh?" You spoke up, licking your lips as she kissed down your neck and swayed you both back and forth in her strong arms. "Hm.. Nah, Probably shouldn't. If you did, I'd have to prove to you why you shouldn't and this whole place could go up in flames." Rhea spoke against your skin before pulling away and playfully slapping your butt. "Toss the protein in and get it cooked so we can eat dinner before I demand my favorite dessert." She added, sliding the cutting board toward you to toss it into the pan.

-=+=-

Three, Nearly Four Months Later.

"Babygirl, Get your cute ass down here already! We have reservations in twenty minutes halfway across town!" Rhea called out for you as you rushed through the last touches on your makeup and hair. Your friends had warned you, without giving any details away for fear of angering Rhea by giving away her plans, that tonight was important and you wanted to look your best. So of course, you got a new dress - with Rhea's credit card and blessings to - and went all out on your appearance. You thought you looked gorgeous, as did the boys of Judgement Day whom you'd bonded with quickly. Since you came back into Rhea's life, they said she was a much better version of herself so they loved you for that and basically welcomed you in as a little sister. "Y/N? Earth to Y/N? Woman, If you don't get a move on Mami's gonna kill us all." Dom spoke through the phone, where you'd been talking to them as you got ready.

Yes, Them. The boys were out getting their hair cut so talking to all three was easy. "Yeah, hermosa. Get your ass downstairs already. She keeps texting me to leave you alone." Damien called from somewhere in the room. You laughed as you checked your reflection one last time and grabbed your clutch, one that matched your shoes and complimented your dress. "I'm going, I'm going. Love you guys. See you later, right? After dinner?" You asked as you opened the bedroom door and stepped out. "Go! See you after dinner. Have fun, don't cry." With that said, the phone call ended and left you confused but you shook it off. Why? You could see your girl from here and she took your breath away in her black custom suit. "Y/N, come on!" She called, making you laugh. Her eyes snapped to you, standing at the top of the stairs. She hadn't seen you before, clearly. "My god.. You're stunning." Rhea spoke, licking over her teeth as she moved to the foot of the stairs and took your hand once you got there.

Five minutes late, you both walked into the restaurant. Within another few, you were seated and had ordered since you both had your favorite meals here. You'd been coming since the week after you moved in with Rhea, at least once a week on one of her off days. Once you both ordered, conversations ensued. Including her teasing you for being on the phone with the boys the entire time you were getting ready. "They keep me calm and off your case with all my questions, be thankful!" You'd quipped back playfully, sticking your tongue out at her like a child causing her to laugh. "Put that away before I put it to use, babygirl." She threatened back in the same manner, causing you to snap it back into place in your mouth. You knew she wasn't kidding. And while bathroom sex could be exciting.. You feared it would distract from whatever was planned, and would put you off track for meeting the guys after dinner like planned.

After food was served and eaten, you both had eased into a conversation about the future. Something you did often, so it wasn't something out of place. What was out of place, was the waiter coming back before being asked for the check with a dessert you hadn't ordered. Your eyes were on Rhea and hadn't noticed how.. perfect it looked, or the ring in the center of it on top. "Babygirl, It's okay. I ordered it before we got here. Just for you. Dig in." The aussie spoke up, thanking the waitress so she'd feel okay in leaving them. Narrowing your eyes at your girlfriend, you did as told. Only to get very confused by the shiny thing on top, as you picked it from the chocolate - Rhea moved to one knee. So when you looked up to find her beside you, her hand covering yours as you held the ring.

"Y/N.. I know this isn't perfect. But I can't wait another year, or even another month. I need you to be my wife. So, Y/N.. Will you do me the honor of becoming Y/N Bennett? Will you marry me?" Licking her dry lips, she watched you as Dom's words suck in.. Don't cry. Yeah, Too late. The tears pricked your eyes already as you nodded. "Of course I'll marry you, Dems. I'd be honored to be your wife." You answered through the tears, instantly her lips were crushing into yours in the most passionate kiss you two had ever shared. Once you both broke it to breathe, laughing as you did. She pulled your hands with the ring up, licking the chocolate from it before offering it to you where you did the same. After that, she cleaned it off for real and placed it on your finger.

Unknown to you, the boys were watching. They jumped out, clapping and shouting congratulations as they rushed in to join you both. "Told you it was Lo más importante." Damien spoke from beside the other guys who were still clapping. Rhea paid for dinner and thanked the waitress again, before all three of you huddled together. You and Rhea in the center. The boys on the outside, of course opening the door and being sure it never touched either of you. Outside was a limo waiting, and champagne inside it chilling and ready to be popped open. "Ladies first." Dominik spoke once he opened the door, letting the ladies slide in before he did then the other guys did too. You had no idea where you all were headed, but with your girl - your soon to be wife - by your side and the guys there as well - you didn't care. Tonight, Was beyond perfect. And you already knew, once asked for a wedding date - you'd say as soon as possible. No more waiting. You knew what your future held now. And couldn't wait to begin your happily ever after.

#rhea ripley x reader #rhea ripley fanfiction #rhea ripley fanfic #rhea ripley imagine #wrestling fanfiction #my writing #shall i do a part 3/4 for the wedding/honeymoon?#lemme know!

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a-dorin · 3 months

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also!

i am getting into makeup, beauty, & skincare products as part of my goals for 2024. i want to find new products that i absolutely love, can use often, & are affordable!

i am looking for new blushes, lip liners, lip products, skincare (toners + moisturizers), and mascaras.

let me know your favorite products 🤍

#beauty #skincare #hair care #lemme know!#recommendations #beauty recommendations #i need some good products #fr

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flusteredfools · 1 month

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Lil chibi Faeyn is coming along nicely! The Fic is finished (a short little one-shot at just over 3800 words)

Sun and Eclipse tied for second place so I need to work on a lil bonus piece for each of them; I'm thinking Art but I could write them a lil feature chapter if you'd rather have that!

#lemme know!#faeful hearts au #fnaf dca #fanfic #faeful hearts #faeful arts #fnaf daycare attendant

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teenwerewoofs · 1 year

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alright, peeps, i’m curious: if you could pick one steter (or stargent or stetopher) fic that could live on your bookshelf next to your other books, which fic would you pick? 🤔

#lemme know!#reply or reblog or whatever

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landwriter · 1 year

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✨️🌹 or x20 ✨️ your pick

Love your writing! And I hope you are doing okay!

Hob loves the way language changes.

He loves how words are picked up and passed along from one group to another, like a lump of unbaked clay taking on a different shape from each set of warm hands that hold it. He only wishes, sometimes, that he could hold onto it for a little longer.

It’s a foolish wish, because if it was granted, he knows he would find himself wishing again to hold it for a bit longer still. Granting it even once would only make him want more, and more, want to clutch a word for as long as his hungry heart beats on from one century into the next.

It would be impossible regardless - he can no sooner speak all his language at once than he can live all his lives at once. It is a gift enough to keep living, he reminds himself, and a gift enough to be able to watch the language changing around him.

Still - he can’t help himself. He misses odd little things. Words and euphemisms and endearments spread out over six centuries and a small slice of the continent, heaped onto his plate next to all the language of the United Kingdom too, clear back to when it was just Engelonde.

Most of them are attached to people he once knew, friends and associates and lovers, which must surely be part of pang of it: the bright wonder of hearing a turn of phrase from someone dear for the first time, whether it was popular or their very own invention; the warm familiarity of associating it with them if he ever heard it elsewhere, after leaving them, as he always did, ever dying off to keep on living somewhere else and someone else; and, inevitably, ending up the last man standing with their words, clinging onto the memory of them by stubbornly using it still, clutching fading ember of it in his bare palms until it's finally too queer and cold and dead within the living blood of language to keep on using.

Sometimes he gets a few decades out of it. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

He’ll share them, of course, if he finds it in a primary source somewhere, but by the time language makes it to print, it’s not on Hob’s shoulders alone to remember it anymore. The dearest ones have no documentation he can dredge up. He’s looked. But he chips in anyways, because it’s the closest thing. He presents them as a little gem of trivia in one of his introductory courses, a weekly Saying Of Yore at the start of his slides, and has the kids guess what it might mean first, to warm them up a bit into participating more, offering their ideas, which are so often refreshing and wildly bizarre that Hob remembers why he puts up with the rest of academia. From a pedagogical perspective it’s all very justifiable. From a personal perspective, he just hopes they’ll catch anew again, that someone will steal it, and breathe it to life again when they tell a friend.

The rest, he stores away. The rest, he slowly forgets. The rest, he translates.

---

i mean u know my pick, u all know my pick lmao. here's the opening (currently) of the death of translation. y'all are draining me of my unpublished words like thirsty little vampires and i am INTO IT!! although the only thing i really have left is yet more of this fic which i should ideally just finish writing and post hahaha. thank you so much, also, the ghost of richard ii, for your kind words!! i am sore today but my heart is full, winter is beautiful, and i am happily taking a day or two of breather before embarking on a car hunt.

#asks #the sandman #dreamling #dream x hob #the death of translation #wip excerpt #i should probably stop taking the rose asks but if you want to hear more of 1001 nights au or academic au or any other wips #lemme know!#my ask box is VERY open for that #and always for meta <3

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jalebi-weds-bluetooth · 1 year

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IPKKND SS: There’s More To Her #9

Previous Chapter

All Chapters

Awakening

An overconfident Khushi had correctly assumed that Arnav Singh Raizada would be absolutely helpless when it came to finding a location for Akash and Payal’s first date. And Devi Maiya always sided with her favorite devotee, until that devotee gloated in the ego she accused the atheist for.

It was funny that the atheist had no idea how often Devi Maiya sided with him.

Hence, the final, accident free date location was Akash’s office with a variety of snacks that a closed office canteen could offer. Pre packaged brownies, coffee from a coffee maker, tea in a to-go cup and some favourless, tasteless digestive biscuits from Arnav Singh Raizada’s personal stash of snacks along with two bottles of mineral water - of course.

Khushi, though, had worked her magic into Akash’s office. White rose petals scattered on the dark table, all lights were switched off except the fairy light trees and a lone office desk lamp.

Although the effect never reached its recipients as Akash and Payal took their sweet time gazing at each other. Despite her upbringing, Payal let her eyes wander over the well fitted chocolate suit and white shirt on Akash. He was taller and more muscular than she thought. White really was Akash’s color.

Akash was not indifferent to female gaze. While his brother benefitted from the don’t-you-fucking-stare-at-me face, Akash’s politeness and Raizada-ness left him to awkward thank yous and exit strategies from press meetings.

But this was Payal, and all he could feel was dhak dhak.

Khushi, oblivious to her nauseated partner of third wheeling the love birds, played with the fairy lights and begrudgingly accepted that Arnav had otherwise done splendid work.

But before Arnav could recover from his nausea at the puppy eyes Akash and Payal exchanged, he balked at the outfit Akash held for Khushi.

Red saree

“Yeh?” Akash snapped out of his trance at Khushi’s question.

“Oh, yes Khushi ji, isn’t it wonderful that I found this in the wardrobe? Although it is last season,” Akash mused.

Arnav stood rooted to his spot, memories assailing his heart and mind without a drop of mercy.

“Nevermind, I thought you’ll be comfortable in this because you modeled-”

“Modeled?” Payal frowned.

“Haan, that’s why Khushi came home late-” Akash stopped, belatedly realizing Payal had absolutely no knowledge of the disastrous calendar photoshoot that took place on her birthday. Payal shot a look at her younger sister, waiting for an explanation that was overdue.

“Woh, Jiji… I was responsible for looking after Liza-”

“That snooty model?” Payal scrunched her nose in disgust. Khushi nodded,

“Yeah wohi, so I was responsible for her fur coat. I had to hold it still until the shoot was done but somehow it got spoiled so as punishment I had to model in place of her.” Khushi concluded. Payal frowned, Khushi usually told stories that had no head or tails and this one simply took the cake.

Of course there was one man responsible for this.

Arnav Singh Raizada

That man had the grace to look away.

“I appreciate what you have done for me and your brother Arnav-ji, but you’re telling me that a fashion house does not have a single cupboard-” Payal began but Arnav and Khushi sneezed at once, shivering in their wet, unchanged clothes.

“As I was saying-”

“Jiji, there’s no need for this. You and Akash-ji enjoy your date. And if I change my outfit any later then I’ll catch a cold and you don’t want that right!” Khushi grabbed Payal’s arm, begging her to let go of the matter. At the end of the day despite the horrible memories of the day at the office, what mattered more to Khushi was her sister’s office. After months she needed no revival of the challenging days, nor any apologies.

Payal sighed and tapped her hand with reassurance. Khushi smiled and hugged her sister gently, careful her wet clothes didn’t ruin Payal’s new ones, patted Akash’s back and whispered ‘good luck’ before skipping out of the office. Arnav waited until Khushi was out of sight.

“Payall, I know how it seems….” Arnav started. Payal closed her eyes and willed patience.

“I crossed multiple lines-” Arnav said.

“The one to whom you owe any apology or explanation isn’t in this room Mr. Raizada.” Payal snapped, “and the explanations provided out of questioning instead of conscience have no value in my eyes.” Payal concluded. Arnav’s jaws tightened. For once he wished Payal yelled or debated, it gave him ground to fight.

But one rarely could if they were confronted with righteous anger and dignity. Arnav looked at Akash who chose to remain silent. For many times Arnav counted on Akash’s silence, be it keeping things private or taking reprieve that at least one member of his family wouldn’t harp on him about marriage.

But now, seeing Akash’s silence when he too knew what the events were, left Arnav all alone to face Payal’s anger. Arnav finally realized why Akash rarely involved himself in others’ battles.

It forced accountability.

Payal waited for Arnav to come up with a reason regardless. If he’d launch into long paragraphs, her remaining respect for him would touch the grounds. Because ever since the day her sister came home unconscious in his arms, Payal stopped giving any heed to Arnav Singh Raizada.

It was his love for his family and the lengths he went to get her and Akash together that made him an average man.

So when Arnav said no further and headed for the door, Payal stopped him.

“A final word, if you don’t mind.” Arnav stood still, giving her his attention “I don’t ever want you to respect my sister because there might be a relationship between the two families one day. I don’t want you to think anymore that she’s behind money because it has been proven that every assumption you’ve ever had of her was wrong.”

“When you do respect her, let it be for the fact that a 20 years old middle class woman with a third of your education, wealth and experience has been providing for a family of five which involves three aged people and a sister with a broken marriage.” Payal said, tears betraying the potent love for her sister.

Arnav briefly nodded and left the room.

“You know right, your broken marriage doesn’t define you.” Akash began, giving Payal a glass of water. Payal softly smiled, not having the energy in her tonight to explain it to him that it is how the society defined her.

“I’m sorry, I should’ve started this on a better note.” Payal said after a moment.

“Payal ji, never apologize for doing the right thing. A part of me loves you because of who you are and how fiercely you love your sister.” Akash pulled a seat for her held her smaller hands in his.

“Then what does the other part of you love me for?” Payal added, her reddened cheeks and soft smile mirrored on Akash’s face.

He leaned in as her eyes closed at their proximity, “For how beautiful you are.”

Payal’s eyes flashed open and her nose brushed against his. She removed her hands and played with the hem of her saree, “Really?”

“No, it’s actually the way you scold Bhai.” Payal stared at his blatant response and broke into a laugh as he chuckled at his statement.

– – –

Arnav sat in the cafe in a fresh suit, Payal’s words playing in his mind in a loop. He closed his eyes and sighed. She was right. Every single assumption he had of Khushi Kumari Gupta had been proven false. From the moment she fell into his arms at Sheesh Mahal to when he’d accuse her of visiting Shantivan to charge extra money from his family.

Speaking of Khushi, where was she?

A familiar prick of awareness seeped through him. Goosebumps broke on his flesh. His heart pumped in a staccato rhythm.

“Khushi,” He whispered even before he saw her. With a soft turn he watched her in the darkness of his office. Little beads of sequins reflected the dim lights. The gossamer red saree left little to imagination.

Khushi stopped still, feeling the heat of his eyes on her. She clenched her fists and sat on the nearest chair she could find - farthest away from him. She prayed, prayed to calm her racing heart, feel the chill of the air instead, to stop the dastardly pull towards the one man who would push her off the cliff.

She barely looked behind and sighed in relief and disappointment when he looked away.

For how long must she rot in these emotions?

– – –

“Akash ji, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a few questions before we…” go any further. Payal hesitated. Akash was more than the man of her dreams and she wondered if she tested his and Devi Maiyya’s patience by putting every single obstacle instead of accepting the gift of love.

From denial to innumerable questions, was she jinxing her relationship even before it began?

“Please do Payal ji.” Akash smiled, worried at her hesitation. As much as he believed love was at first sight and that he would never regret having Payal in his life, he wondered if he had pushed her into accepting her love. He should’ve waited. True love didn’t come from desperation, it came from patience.

There was still a great distance between them. It was strange. He had thought an ‘I love you’ from both the ends sealed the deal. But now that they lapsed into awkward silence around difficult questions, he wondered if he had ruptured things by hastening it out of fear.

“Akash ji, I do… love you,” Payal confessed, worried at his sudden silence, “but I won’t find any comfort in this love until certain things are clear. Please understand.”

“I absolutely do Payal ji. Please feel free to ask about anything.” Akash reassured her.

“What’s yours and your family’s take on dowry?” For a second Akash was offended at her question. Didn’t she know how much he loved her? How he and his family would never take a cent for such a crime! But looking at her frightened eyes he was ashamed at feeling offended. He had the luxury of never being associated with such folks. She had lived through this.

“The Raizadas have never given nor taken a cent. We did make the mistake of offering a property and farm lands as gifts for one wedding, it is perhaps no surprise things didn’t end up well.” Akash’s mouth soured at the memory of the Maliks. He had never liked that side of the family, even as a child. When he had helped Arnav get back his mother’s property from the Maliks - one Arnav’s uncle had in possession - Akash was glad that his cousin never grew up in that environment.

His Dadi’s friendship and care for Arnav’s Dadi was the only sorepoint between Arnav and Akash. Akash never approved of his brother spending hard earned money behind a member of the family that had only hurt the Raizadas and above all, hurt his dearest cousins. Although his inner emotions couldn’t be revealed to Arnav at a worse time.

“I cannot believe this Papa. Dadi-ji sent Anjali-di to dissuade Bhai from buying Sheesh Mahal!” Akash fumed, clenching his fists to reign in his temper.

“Subhadra Devi-Ji had called Amma. It is the last house her son has.” Mahinder sighed, weary of the fight he had with his own mother, “And Amma said it’s not right for Arnav bitwa to treat ancestral property as a tool for revenge-”

“That property is ours. Phupha-ji got it as dowry. If anything, Bhai and Di deserve to have it back. We’re paying for that woman’s extravagant ashram, it’s enough.” Akash said.

Mahinder shook his head and patted his young son’s shoulder. It was rare to see him so worked up, even for the right reasons, “Akash bitwa, aisa nahi bolte. You know that Amma believes her friend has a good heart after all-”

“I won’t let them misuse Bhai’s newfound fame. I don’t know why Dadi forgets she’s a Malik. That family sucked us dry. I hate it that we have an association with them-” Akash stopped, noticing Arnav on the door, his face ashen.

Arnav said nothing, nearly pretended he heard nothing. He simply lavished Mami with an unlimited access of jewelry from his bank account, Mama was given a significant share from his company, and stopped any of the Raizadas from contributing to Subhadra Malik’s expenses.

Akash knew. That even in a slip of tongue, Arnav took the words to heart and paid the Raizadas ten fold for any kindness they ever showed.

And because Arnav wouldn't accept any apology - for his side of the family was terrible - Akash vowed to stand next to him and never make him feel ‘othered’.

Payal held Akash’s hand, her heart melting at Akash’s sincerity and stories of the extent Arnav went for the family.

“Bhai has quietly become the head of the family. It’s not arrogance, it’s a fact. He looks after everything. And when he has his blessings over this relationship, no one and nothing can come in between because he simply won’t allow it.” Akash reassured her. Payal smiled, finding some hope in the marriage ahead of her.

Perhaps Arnav’s rejection of tradition and Akash’s genuine love was all she needed. To think of it no one apart from his mother scrunch their noses about their class difference. True, at times they were a bit blind in privilege, but that also stemmed from harmlessness.

– – –

Arnav kept looking behind, losing his heart every time he saw the flash of red. He had rarely seen Khushi so quiet. After ten uncomfortably silent minutes, he turned to find her engrossed in some books, highlighting something with a pencil.

It was a mathematics textbook. For children.

Khushi looked up, aware of his questioning gaze and cleared her throat, “Woh… I tutor kids so I’m preparing materials in advance.” Arnav took that as an offer to walk towards her. Khushi tucked back a strand, nervous at their little talk.

“Mathematics?” He asked.

“Yes, I was studying financial management so mathematics had to be my favorite subject. According to Babuji finance is the backbone of any successful venture.” Khushi smiled, recalling her days in college and at the sweet shop. Arnav realized he truly didn’t think about Khushi’s life before they met.

“But I haven’t seen you attend college…” Arnav said, sitting next to her.

“I dropped out.” Khushi said and plastered a big smile on her face, “Anyways according to Babuji real life experiences shape you more than education. So between running a sweet shop in the morning, tutoring kids in the evening and managing orders for Buaji’s chikankari sarees, I’m running quite the enterprise here.” Khushi went back to her book, happy at the way her life shaped. Of course, she’d never want Babuji's ill health, but if she was in Lucknow then she would’ve happily left her college to marry right after Payal did.

It never crossed her mind that there was more to life. There was more to her.

Arnav couldn’t manage to return her smile. It didn’t take a genius to figure out why she couldn’t complete her college. Between the scandal, the loans, resettling to a new city, financial pressure and her father’s health - Khushi’s education would’ve taken the back seat.

And he was responsible for nearly all of it.

“You know, AR is hiring-”

“No.” Khushi said, “I cannot work here.”

“No one refuses Arnav Singh Raizada.” Arnav glared.

“Accha. No, no, no, no.” Khushi stuck her tongue. If only Khushi knew that she was far from annoying, rather quite adorable.

“So what happened to your Babuji’s business… now that you’re running on your own?” Khushi couldn’t believe if Arnav was actually engaging in small talk. It felt new. It felt good. It had been too long since anyone asked her about her life.

“Well they were seized by the loan sharks-” Arnav frowned, “-woh Babuji had given it up for loan for Jiji’s dowry to loan sharks. And then the people refused to return the store back considering Babuji’s fallen goodwill. The scandal-” Khushi grew quiet and Arnav cursed under his breath.

The more he spoke to either of the sisters, the more he learned about the things he wished he didn't.

– – – – – – – –

“I genuinely loved the dupatta!” Payal gushed over the intricate fabric designing and detail with Akash, enjoying the moment as they bonded over their shared love of textiles. Akash was the finance man, but he was enamored by the beauty of embroidery and the texture of fabrics - except he never had the talent to actually make anything out of it. Although to Arnav that was an asset, Akash would always know if their materials were genuine or if they were being scammed.

“If I knew it was you I would’ve packaged it better!” He confessed. Payal was touched. The fact that Akash was ready to give it a stranger because it would brighten Khushi’s day meant everything. She had seen fate play on someone’s goodness, it was surprising to see someone’s goodness move fate.

“Would you mind if I worked after marriage?” Payal asked.

“Do you want to?” He asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen myself there. I’ve never had ambitious dreams,” Payal admitted. Akash empathized. Ambition was never his asset. On the other hand Khushi and Arnav had heaps of it.

“Payal ji, I might’ve been born with a silver spoon but all I’ve ever wanted is good work and a happy life. Really. And maybe a dog one day.” Akash mused.

“A dog? In a house where there’s a lamb?” Payal chuckled.

“Why, don’t you want one?” Akash asked.

“I’d get another lamb, or maybe a little dove. Khushi loves doves and seeing doves would remind me of her. But… I wouldn’t want them in a cage.” Payal said.

“Bhai’s garden is big enough for a sanctuary for a few birds, but I’m wondering what he would say when they would leave droppings in his pool!” Akash laughed.

“Aur kya kahenge? What the?” Payal growled, imitating Arnav to perfection. Akash clapped at the mimicry and shook his head, “It looks like I’ll have to create a garden for the doves.”

“And I’ll have to teach the dog to be calm - especially around the doves, Lakshmi and future children.” Payal dreamed.

“Children?” Akash asked.

“Kyun, you don’t want any?” She questioned. Akash did look like he’d be an excellent father. Graceful, patient, calm and a listener. If that wasn’t like Babuji, who else was?

“Only if they look like you.” He smiled as Payal turned a pretty red in shyness. Akash brushed a tendril away from her face and stroked her cheek with the back of her fingers.

“Akash-” the lights went off, leaving them in the darkness.

– – – – – – – –

“Hey Devi Maiyya!” Khushi gasped as she couldn’t see anything. Before she could move, Arnav's hand found hers.

“It’s ok Khushi. The generator should kick in soon.” Arnav’s firm voice instantly calmed her nerves. It was alright. He was here. She is not alone. Her nails dug into his skin. Her palms had turned clammy.

To Khushi’s relief Arnav switched on his phone’s flashlight.

“Fuck,” Arnav swore under his breath. His phone battery was at ten percent. Why wasn’t the generator working?

“Khushi, wait here. I’ll go the studio and grab some candles-”

“Nahi, please…” Khushi gripped his hand tighter.

Arnav tugged her along. They made it to the fusebox, a candle in place of the dying flashlight. For a moment Khushi was arrested by his face lighting up by the flame. His expressionless face was scrunched in worry. Arnav realized he was being watched.

“Kya hua? Tum theek ho?” Khushi nodded and looked at the board. Strange, everything looked fine. Even the fuse was intact.

Arnav leaned by her, Khushi stiffened at the proximity. He bent to her eye level, looking at all the switches. She could feel his breathing, the heat his body emanated.

“Oh of course! I completely forgot that we had the electricity maintenance-” Arnav stopped as his nose brushed against hers, their faces close up next to each other. Words died out as her large eyes looked deep into his. His eyes flickered to her lips and her breath hitched.

He gulped as her lips parted. It had been so long since something right had happened. Memories of Diwali and the photoshoot intermingled with his hidden fantasies. Time lost its essence to Khushi. All she could see was him, his eyes and his lips. Desire flowed like blood through her veins. There was so much tension in his face. If she could only brush it away.

Arnav leaned in, without rationale, and Khushi inched up, on instinct. His arm slipped to her waist and her hand rose to his cheek. Arnav closed his eyes at the touch of her fingertips but froze, feeling the metal band of her ring on his cheek.

Khushi’s trance snapped, the diamond of her engagement ring shining brightly in the candlelight. Horror flooded her face. What was she about to do? Arnav sprang back, his breath harsh. What had he just done? The lights came back to life, revealing their darkest desires to each other. Without a word Arnav turned around and rushed out of the room.

– – – – – – – – – –

Akash and Payal exchanged the sweetest glances across the rearview mirror as Arnav drove them all home. A slow romantic ballad played on the radio and Arnav held the steering wheel in a tight grip. Khushi stared out of the window, bothered by her own immorality.

He was Lavanya’s! She was betraying her best friend.

Khushi saw the stars above, twinkling in the clear night and she didn’t have the courage to meet them. She had sinned. For he was anothers.

Who would help her in this crisis? Who could?

Payal reached out and squeezed Khushi’s hands. She had seen Khushi look lost throughout the day. She gestured if everything was alright with her - Khushi only smiled back in response. She didn’t even realize when they stopped near Preeto’s house at an alley where they could be safely dropped off without any nosy neighbors.

Akash led Payal down the SUV, his heart hammering with joy and anticipation. So much was said and so much was left to be said. Payal’s mind urged her to hug before they left, but her sensibilities of society prevented her from doing so.

Khushi realized after a moment that she and Arnav were alone in the car. She immediately tried to remove her seatbelt but fumbled in her nervousness. Arnav walked around, opened the door and removed her seatbelt. His eyes no longer bore warmth. Khushi knew very well what that look meant. She ignored his hand and stepped out of his car.

“Just so you-”

“For the love of God don’t say anything.” Khushi warned him, anger sitting as tears in her eyes. She could not bear another word. Arnav stood still, clenching his jaw. He didn’t know if he intended to give an explanation to her or to himself.

“Akash!” Payal called out to Akash, and the shy lovers met for a hidden hug behind the car. At first there was hesitation, which slowly melted as he leaned awkwardly to match her height.

Khushi pulled the edge of her saree, it was minutes away from ripping. Arnav rolled his eyes and moved to tug it free but she stepped away,

“Stay away,” She hushed, aware of Akash and Payal.

“It would’ve ripped-”

“Then let it rip, aapko kya farak padta hai?” She snapped, pulling off her saree that left a little tear. Arnav growled, he wasn’t an idiot to not realize that this conversation was a painful continuation of the ones left abruptly before.

Yet, his ego stung.

“Don’t get any ideas, you mean nothing-”

“Exactly! You’re Lavanya ji’s, we must never meet again.” Khushi decided, tears of anger flowing down her cheeks. Burned, Arnav got into the car and slammed it shut - shocking Akash and Payal who embarrassedly pulled away, cheeks tinged in red.

Payal mistook Khushi’s urgency as the threat of Buaji questioning the delay and Akash misunderstood Arnav’s urgency as his usual nausea to affection.

Long after Arnav reached Shantivan, he paced throughout his room, a niggling doubt solidifying over time. Ever since he and Khushi were engaged - to different people - Khushi always mentioned his engagement. For someone very chatty, she spoke about anyone and anything except her fiance.

You’re Lavanya ji’s…

So what about Khushi? Who did she belong to in this world of commitment? Arnav was aware of the arranged setup that seemed to have been exchanged between Khushi and her fiance… but if he could read her well, she just didn’t want to not marry, she despised it.

She despised her fiance.

“Khushi… what the hell are you doing?” He murmured, unaware of the irony.

But it wasn’t lost on Akash who stood by the door, listening to Arnav’s murmur. The discord he long suspected between Arnav and Lavanya was not due to the former’s commitment issues or the latter’s drastic change of opinion of marriage.

Arnav had tragically fallen in love with the wrong person at the wrong time.

– – – – – – – – – – – –

Payal paced in front of the bathroom, her concern growing as Khushi took a late evening shower in cold water.

“Haye re Nandkisore! We barely have water saved and the queen needs to take a bath after a simple outing!” Madhumati complained. She was touched by the exclusive gifts Preeto had given Payal and Khushi - the yellow and red saree looked exquisite! And laughed at the kids' childishness to wear the gifted outfits and come home.

“Buaji, let Khushi ji be.” Shyam sweet talked to Madhumati, both sharing a secret smile over what happened minutes ago. And for all his honeyed words - he couldn’t match Payal’s suspicious eyes.

“Khushi, you look beautiful.” Khushi was startled as Shyam dropped the ji, walking incredibly close to her. Panicked, she looked around to find Buaji smiling and turning around - giving the couple their ‘privacy’. After all, to-be-newlyweds must spend some time together!

Shyam looked around and then grabbed her wrist,

“No one is watching us, don’t worry.” His fingers traced her arm.

“S-Shyam ji, this isn’t right!” Khushi snatched her hand back.

“Why? We’re engaged aren’t we?” He smiled. Khushi balked at the predatory glint in his eyes and started to sweat. A hand moved to her face-

Khushi splashed the water over herself, shaking as the cold seeped into her body. What if Payal hadn’t interrupted him? She scrubbed the soap over her wrist multiple times. The touch… it felt wrong. She muffled her sob, cleaned up and got out of the washroom - giving Payal her best smile.

Payal couldn’t return it. Shyam and Khushi were a couple. Yet what she saw, even in the flicker of a second, frightened her.

It looked anything but romantic.

Madhumati and Garima were deep into a conversation, they saw Khushi and stood up. Fear crawled in Khushi’s stomach. Every single time the two had something to say to Khushi it was the worst.

“Khushi, Lata saw you and Shyam babua together at the patio. Granted you two are marrying but everyone must keep boundaries. Shyam babua is very kind and mature enough to promise not to visit anymore in the evening.” Khushi wanted to protest, minutes ago Madhumati had been the one who left them alone!

“And hence, a decision has been made.” Madhumati spoke, giving little room to anyone else present.

“In three weeks you and Shyam babua will be married.”

- - -

A/N: Hey there! Thank just in case if you actually remember the story! I’m finally back with an update and I sincerely hope you liked it - just a couple of chapters left for me to wrap this up!

- JWB

Tagging: @butaneandthebeast @shaonsim @shiyaravi @myloveforstuff @leila1 @lostafpanda@laadgovernorandsankadevi @laad-governess @thenainitaldisaster @maansiloves@chutkiandchotte @honeybellexox @bigfatreader @simplycurlz @thecharlesboyle@sapnokiduniyaisalwaysbetter @zaphbeeblebrox @shehzaadimira @pakki-ya-nahin@mindpdnim @jaanedil @pandora-678 @featheredclover @rae-blogging @goals1024@onadaanparindey @magicfeltmybloop @acroakingbird @blogenana @starzin8s@exosexosekai @noor1025 @ijustchangedmyname@delicatecloudfestivalweasel @sankititaliya @dvk-ok @roqiaposts @white-thebeauty @childofsquidward @maansiloves @shehzaadimira

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