Two hours later, the sky had cleared, and the sun had claimed its territory back. In the little stall behind the stables, Darsh sat in the hay with his back to a wall. Aditi slept peacefully with her head in his lap, her body angled sideways to keep her weight off the injured leg.

Gazing at her beautiful face, he heaved a contented sigh. She had fallen asleep an hour ago, after crying inconsolably in his arms, then smiling, then falling into sobs again. Her eyes were puffy, surrounded by dark circles. Her face, though, was serene as she smiled in her sleep.

He wondered if she was dreaming. If she was, he hoped it was a happy dream about him and her. He could really do with some help. The last few days were incredibly stressful, what with the Raisinghs, the police, Balwant Sharma, and his own sweet princess keeping him on his toes.

His fingers brushed her cheek as he removed a stray tendril from her face. How peaceful she looked, how serene and beautiful! She had no idea how close to the truth she had been this morning. If only she knew him better, she would have put two and two together and uncovered his lie.

But that was the glitch. Darsh smiled. She didn't know him. Nobody knew him, the real him, except for himself. His Ma thought he was an obedient son, hard-working and diligent, who loved his little family. For his brother, he was a father figure who'd cared for him since he was five. For his partners and associates, he was a shrewd businessman they could rely on to make profits. And in him, Balwant Sharma had found his dead son.

Everyone saw in him what they wanted to see. It was a game of perceptions, and he preferred to keep it that way.

And Aditi...! He shifted slightly to ease the pressure on her neck. She gave a sigh, then wrapped an arm around his waist to snuggle closer. A tender smile lit his face.

The girl was in love with him.

For all her haughty pride, her dreadful past, and its haunting shadows, she hadn't been able to guard her heart. And for all her frantic attempts to escape him, it had taken him one simple maneuver to guide her gently back his way.

She was right on the mark when she'd accused him of snitching. Only he hadn't snitched on her. He had snitched on Zorawar. It was he who'd tipped Balwant Sharma of Zorawar being up to something on the engagement night. As expected, Balwant had taken Zorawar to the task, and the rest had automatically fallen into place. Now he didn't have to worry about anything - neither her clinic nor the hospital. All her obsessions were taken care of, all his obstacles were removed. Now she had nothing but him, her ultimate destination. Not only that, but Zorawar too would be wary of helping her again. All in all, it was a perfect game. He patted his back, he deserved a ten on ten.

"Don't go getting ideas in your head...," she had taunted him defiantly. Darsh smirked. He didn't do ideas. He had plans - beautiful, intricate, detailed designs he executed with meticulous precision to get what he wanted. They rarely failed and if they did, it was because he wanted them to.

He let out a sigh as he fidgeted with his ring. His sights were now set on his marriage. That was his ultimate goal and this girl in his lap will help him achieve what he couldn't have done after an entire lifetime of slogging.

Riches, as he'd never dreamed before, power, prestige, connections, influence, everything that takes generations to build, he would achieve with a single masterstroke. This girl in his lap was his ladder to that success. He couldn't wait to make her his.

Filthy underdog, they called him behind his back in the circles he moved. A bastard, a mongrel from the back alleys of Delhi, who was flying too high. In parties and business meetings, projects and proposals, every time he beat them, they put their snooty noses in the air to look down upon him. Darsh Karuna Rathore would never measure up to them, their old money, their breeding, and their haughty, stuck-up pride.

All that would change once he was married. This girl in his lap will achieve him that success, the things that he craved with a vengeance - respect, acceptance, approval.

In return, he would be her faithful husband, he was a respectable man after all. He would offer understanding, care, and compassion, whatever the jargon that went with the job. There was a physical part too, which he would have no trouble fulfilling. He was attracted to her like any other man. Call him charmed, bewitched, enamored, or smitten- take your pick. Conjugal bliss would be part of the deal whenever she was ready.

A sudden gust of icy wind fell on his cheek like a slap. He startled his eyes open. What? Was he sounding too morbid? Too heartless, too much of a bastard?

A bitter laugh escaped his lips. He was a bastard, he just couldn't help it. It was his destiny. Try as he might, he couldn't change it.

That was why this was so important. That was why he was so desperate to grab this opportunity. Aditi Sharma had that Midas touch. Once she was his, he would turn golden like her.

"So, all that talk of finding 'the one', love at first sight, was it all a lie?" A small voice from somewhere asked him desperately. It sounded familiar. He probably had heard it that morning.

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He shook his tired head. No, it wasn't a lie. He did believe in love, and he did believe in love at first sight. It was just that he'd passed that point already. Love was not a part of this deal. For him, that ship had sailed long ago.

His head felt hot, a sudden lethargy took over his aching body. It could be a fever or the malice of his own wretched mind that was finally making its way out.

Running a clammy hand through his hair, he let out a weary sigh. He still had a few loose ends to tie. She was still unaware of his connection to Neil or his reason to come to Palampur. He'd thought of doing it for some time now, but couldn't risk it. She would use it as an excuse against him and he couldn't allow that at any cost. It was wiser to wait until after the wedding. Once they were safely married, she would have nowhere to go but him.

And then his Ma would help him too. Now that Aditi had mellowed down, he was free to introduce her to his mother. That would be another item off his to-do list.

His tummy gave a loud grumble at the thought of his mother. Aditi woke up with a start and sat up looking confused.

"What was that? Is it the storm again?"

Darsh grimaced. "It's my tummy. I am hungry. Can we go back now? We need dry clothes and it's nearly lunchtime."

She gave him a look and curled her lip. "Let's stay a little longer. I like it here. It's quite cozy." Lying back, she sprawled in the hay, her eyes twinkling with mischief. He felt another growl building, this time from a different hunger.

The murky lethargy of his mind vanished as he drank in her radiance. Her creamy skin glowed, his warmth had given it a lush pink hue. The rain-soaked cotton of her dress made her luscious curves even more prominent. The flyway curls hugged her sweet face like the moon draped in clouds. Her eyes were clear from her restful nap. His jaw hardened.

This was unfair. She was rejuvenated but what about him? He was still cold, parched, and starved. Starved with a mindless hunger only she could satisfy.

"I don't mind staying if I get a snack." He tilted his head as his eyes descended to her lips. He needed some succor and fast. Without it, he would die. Without that life source, he had no way to live.

Her smile faded. She looked in confusion as a crimson flush crept down her neck. "Someone told me I can rely on them."

"You can," he nodded sagely, "as long as I don't die of starvation."

He lunged forward as she squeaked and rolled out of his reach, then stood up in alarm to run. Unfortunately, she couldn't go past a couple of steps as he was already up blocking her way.

His dark eyes locked on hers as she swallowed and took a step back. He kept moving forward until her back touched the cold stone wall. Then he took another step forward and was flush against her soft curves. Her body stiffened.

"Darsh...I.."

He bent down and nuzzled against her silken mane, then pecked her lips lightly and stepped back. "I said just a snack. I'll happily wait for dinner until it's ready."

He winked and led her out.

*****

Walking back with him, with his hand gripping hers, Aditi felt lightheaded. Waves of some unknown euphoria washed over her. The air was cooler, the leaves lusher, the golden sunlight seemed much brighter. A heady scent of honeysuckles seeped through the air, sending her into jitters. It was as if she was floating through the air yet was anchored to the ground. It was a feeling of belonging, being rooted yet free, that was too new to her.

She shot him a sideways glance, but he kept his eyes firmly ahead. His face was grave as if something was weighing on his mind.

Biting her lip, she stared at their intertwined hands, wondering why on earth she hadn't trusted him earlier. He was right. She should have left Vivaan to him. Then she would still have her hospital and a stud farm to boot, and her Dadaji would have been spared the unnecessary heartache. It was her own demons that had kept her at bay. Maybe if she had tried harder, and listened to her parents, none of this would've happened.

"Don't think too much now," his voice brought her back as they reached the front porch. As usual, he'd guessed her mind. "And keep this evening free. I want to take you somewhere."

"Where?" she frowned. He raised his eyebrow.

"Somewhere. Be ready." Leaving her at the door, he got into his car. She looked puzzled.

"Are you not staying for lunch?"

"No," he gave a mysterious smile. "I need to prepare for the evening. Be ready to be surprised."

She rolled her eyes and walked in. The rest of the time went in a blur. She took a shower and changed into warmer clothes, wrapping herself in a couple of layers. Coming out of her room, she rushed down to her Dadaji's study but was disappointed to find locked. A soft murmur of voices emitted from inside, she could just make out it was Uncle Dawar with her Dadaji.

She'd just have to wait, then. Aditi shrugged and walked to the dining room for lunch. This time, there was someone waiting for her.

"Hi Di," Nehal looked up from her plate, her eyes scanning her from head to toe. "You look happy. I meant to talk to you before but didn't get a chance. Congratulations on your engagement."

Aditi nodded, looking unsure. It was the first time in days that she was seeing Nehal. The girl looked drawn, haunted as if she hadn't slept in days.

"Are you okay, Nehal? You don't look well."

"I'm fine, Di," Nehal replied with a breezy smile. "Fit and fine, as you can see."

She was not fine; Aditi could see it clearly. Whatever Vivaan's faults, she knew Nehal had loved him dearly.

"I am sorry about Vivaan. I hope he gets better soon," Aditi spluttered, her face flaming in shame. For all she knew, her sister was another casualty of her thoughtlessness. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be, I am not," Nehal answered stiffly. "He deserved what he got."

Aditi looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I saw you with Vivaan." Nehal's eyes were cold. Aditi watched her in horror.

"You did right. I should have listened to you. Thanks for looking out for me." Nehal continued as Aditi's eyes widened in surprise. Was she really hearing what she was? She wondered in shock. A flicker of a smile started creeping up her face. It felt like her sister had finally had a change of heart.

Nehal pushed her chair and got up. "That doesn't mean I like you, Di. I still want you gone. That poor fiancé of yours is clearly head over heels. Just get married already and go away. I can't stand your face."

Nehal left without sparing her another look. Aditi sat dumbstruck, then pulled a plate. She was suddenly ravenous. Kanta Chachi was not here to feed her anymore, and she had to make up for a long backlog.

***** *****