In my Devil's Arms

Riya wallowed in self doubt for a few days as Vicky suffered from immense guilt.

Manav meanwhile got highly busy in next few days as work load in Oberoi's was heavy.

" You don't get to spend time with your fiance", chided Suhasiniji. " We have good money. How much more do you want?"

HE WANTED TO BREAK THE ENGAGEMENT.

It was really wierd to be engaged to a girl you considered your sister.

" Is she going to tie a Rakhi to you on your wedding night ", said an animated Numaan to him.

" I don't want to hurt anyone", said Manav.

He needs a push thought Numaan. He prayed the almighty to give him that push.

Well the push was about to enter Manav's life soon. 😉

Finally gathering courage one day Riya asked Vikram to meet her.

" But not at the palace. Somewhere else", she said.

" I'll pick you from college", he said. " Then we can decide".

" Okay ".

Her voice lacked enthusiasm he realized. SHE IS GOING TO NEVER TALK TO ME. SHE FOUND THE TRUTH. He was ready to beg on her feet if necessary.

They met around 3 p.m. It was pretty hot outside. We can hit one of the malls if you like", he said.

" They are crowded", she said.

" Not on a weekday", he replied.

" Okay", she said.

But to be safe he asked her about the panic medicine and she let him know where in her purse she keeps it. When they reached the mall it was mostly empty.

" I am a bit hungry", said Vicky. " Would you like to join me"?

" Sure", she said.

They ordered south Indian snacks.

" So you said you wanted to talk", asked Vicky. " What's it about"?

" About us", she replied looking him in the eye.

" Us"..

" Yes Vicky us. Our past", she took a pause. " As husband and wife ".

Vikram was stunned into silence.

She knows.. she knows everything. His sins. His cowardice..Everything.

" Riya. I..", he faltered.

" Vicky I know in my past life I was Chandbai or Gunjan your wife. And you Srikant."

" How"?

" I was having visions of our life for many days and saw myself in the dream when I was unconscious "

" Riya listen", he said.

" Please don't insult my intelligence by lying to me.

He remained silent for a moment. Then said in a defeated voice.

" I am sorry Riya. I am sorry Gunjan for leaving you. I wronged you. I am sinner. But. But I am not that man anymore.. I have changed..trust me..I can't I .this our relationship... sorry..I will do as you say ", he said.

SHE WILL LEAVE ME NOW..

Oh Shiva he is politely rejecting me she thought.

" No, no Vicky you got me totally wrong. I don't think that way", she said. " I am not Gunjan".

She felt a little bad that their friendship could not blossom into something sweet. But she can't force Vicky. Feelings can't be forced right.

She took a deep breath.

" Vicky", she took his hands in hers. " Our past lives are over. Both Gunjan and Srikant are dead".

" Dead", he said weakly.

" Vicky", she asked with a concern.

" Riya we can be friends", he asked desperately. He will take what she offers him.

" Yes Vicky", she answered with a smile.

" Really", he said. She forgave him?

" As I said Vicky neither am I Gunjan nor you are Srikant. We are different people. I HAVE NO DESIGNS ON YOU. We can be just friends".

She knows nothing. Oh Shiva she did not remember his sins.

No designs my love. She really was so innocent and cute. Baby you are not going anywhere. No designs. So wrong. He has seen love in those green eyes. Gunjan you shall be my wife again.

But right now she was not ready to hear it.

" I treasure our friendship", he said. " Now can we go bowling", he said holding her hands.

" Yeah", she said.

They bowled till evening arguing about game and the one who is cheater and hotting playfully etc.

It was evening soon.

" Lets go near sea", she said.

" Beaches are crowded in evening", he warned.

" The chowpatys only. The ones with sand. Lets go to the ones with stones. Besides I feel safe with you", she said.

GUNJAN I SHALL NEVER BREAK YOUR TRUST AGAIN HE MADE A SILENT PROMISE.

As they reached the beach she thought he would hold hands but he kept a respectable distance. She was disappointed. They sat on two large stones. He got popcorns and coconut water. They sat their as sun immersed in sea leaving hues of oranges and blue.

" This looks just like that mermaid dress you wore that night", Vicky pointed to the horizon of sea and water. " You looked breathtaking that night".

" Thanks", she shyly lowered her eyes.

" I got the dress mended and dry cleaned. I apologize for what happened that night ".

" Its okay Vicky. Its not your fault", she replied.

" Hmm", he nodded.

" Do you come here often", he asked.

" Yes as I can't go to crowded beaches", she said.

" With whom"? Please don't say Manav please don't.

" My college friends Zoya, Laxmi and Lisa", she replied.

Vikram relaxed. Well he need to tackle Manav Deshmukh fast.

" But I wish I could go on a boat ride there in the sea", she said.

" I'll take you", he said. " We can take a private yacht if you want".

" You would do that for me", she asked with tears in her eyes.

" Yeah Riya".

" Ohh Vicky", she hugged him. He closed his arms. Riya you belong here baby.

She felt a little more shy with him as they walked near the water to feel the waves. Then they removed their shoes to feel the waves on legs.

A tingling feeling of first love. Thats how those waves felt. SHE SO WISHED TO HOLD HIS HAND.

As they walked back Riya's legs faltered and she was about to fall.

" Riya careful", shouted Vicky. He held her before she could fall.

" You are so careless about yourself", he scolded.

" Sorry" , she looked sheepishly.

He offered a hand.

" Here", he said. " Hold my hands and walk".

She walked holding his hands then. Slowly as his tall silhouette covered her soft body.

Plan successful Riya she thought happily.

I AM REALLY STUPID SHE THOUGHT. But she enjoyed being in his arms.

As they were walking three pairs of eyes were staring at them.

" So she ditched us to go on a date with a man", said Zoya.

" When did Riya landed such a handsome hunk as her boyfriend ", said Lisa.

Laxmi gave the biggest shock to them. WELL SHE HERSELF WAS SHOCKED

" Girls he is not just any handsome hunk. He is Vikram Oberoi ".

" WHAT", the other two were shocked.

Riya has some serious explanations to give.