👑Forty Two~

[Play the song "Ijazat" from One Night Stand, mentioned in the video box above, as the background music here]

Rishabh and Devangini were into their first adventure which had called them to the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. Rishabh, ever the thrill-seeker, had booked them jet skiing.

"Are you sure about this?"Devangini had asked, her voice laced with a hint of apprehension as she had looked at the powerful machines bobbing in the water.

"Come on, Gini! Where's your sense of adventure?"Rishabh had laughed, already straddling a jet ski. "Hop on! You'll love it!"

Reluctantly, Devangini had climbed on behind him, her arms wrapping tightly around his waist. As Rishabh revved the engine, a surge of adrenaline coursed through her. They shot forward, the wind whipping through their hair, the salty spray stinging their faces. Initially hesitant, Devangini found herself laughing, the initial fear replaced by pure, unadulterated joy.

"See? I told you!"Rishabh yelled over the roar of the engine, his voice full of triumph.

"I didn't knew this is so fun!"Devangini shouted.

"This is nothing, Gini. I have booked us parasailing too,"he said excitedly.

"Absolutely not, Rishi! I'm terrified of heights! You know that!"Devangini protested.

"But Gini, just imagine the view! We'll be floating above the entire city!" Rishabh pleaded, his eyes sparkling with excitement, after they had come to the shore. He knew her well, and beneath the fear, he saw a flicker of curiosity.

He coaxed her gently, promising to hold her hand the entire time. Finally, with a deep breath and a whispered prayer, Devangini agreed. "Okay fine! But we'll go for this jet skiing again."

"Promise! Everyday till we are here,"he said happily, pulling her towards the parasailing point.

"Now I am sure Princess Meghatri would have fainted with all these adventure of yours,"Devangini said.

Rishabh chuckled and said,"See! I told you! Only you're perfect for me."

After sometime, as they were strapped into the harness and lifted into the air, Devangini squeezed Rishabh's hand so tightly her knuckles turned white. But then, something magical happened. They were soaring above the water, suspended in the sky, the glittering cityscape stretching out before them.

"Wow..."Devangini whispered, her voice filled with awe. "It's... breathtaking."

Rishabh smiled, knowing he had been right. He had pushed her out of her comfort zone, and she had discovered a new source of wonder.

Their aquatic adventures continued the next day with scuba diving, a much more peaceful experience. They explored the vibrant coral reefs, encountering schools of colorful fish and graceful sea turtles. Devangini, captivated by the underwater world, couldn't stop marveling at the beauty around her.

Beyond the adrenaline-pumping activities, Dubai also catered to their more refined tastes. They spent an afternoon exploring the opulent Dubai Mall, a shopper's paradise. Rishabh, knowing her love for beautiful things, insisted on spoiling her rotten.

"Anything you want, Gini. Consider it a honeymoon present,"he said, his eyes twinkling with affection as she admired a delicate silk gown.

Devangini blushed, her heart swelling with happiness. "Baujiraj, you're too much!"

"Call me Baujiraj again, I'll send you off to paragliding alone."

Devangini frowned. "Slip of tongue. Ghar pe sabke samaney toh yahi bulana parega na."

"Yeh ghar nahi hain."

"Okay fine. Rishabh,"she said and he smiled.

"Hmm! Good girl,"he said, kissing her forehead and bought her the dress, followed by an elegant handbag, designer outfits and perfumes.

He then went on to book a table at a restaurant overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa, which shimmered and sparkled against the night sky.

As they savored delicious food and fine wine, they gazed at the illuminated tower, its grandeur mirroring the depth of their love.

"This is...perfect, Rishabh,"Devangini sighed, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Thank you for bringing me here."

Rishabh kissed her forehead. "Dubai is beautiful, but you make it magical."

"I think you deserve a return gift,"she said.

"Finally you're learning. Very Good! I am impressed. I want my gift now."

"Don't be a stubborn kid,"she scolded but then cupped his face as he looked away crossing his arms and puffing his face.

"You will get that only in privacy,"she said, making him chuckle.

As they headed back to the restaurant in the Lamborghini, they shared quick kisses amidst the drive. Rishabh's hand never left hers and it slided up to her arm before he pulled her closer, wrapping it around her waist, while they walked into their hotel only to be confronted by a man from another royal family.

As Rishabh got busy in talking with him, much to his reluctance, Devangini took it as a chance and went up to their room to get ready. She quickly changed into the outfit Rishabh had brought for her. A cross neck tank top and a matching mini skin hugging skirt. She hadn't work something like that ever but for Rishabh, she was ready to walk an extra mile anytime.

As she touched up her make-up, after setting her hair, she looked at herself, unable to believe that it was her.

"Gini!"Rishabh called while entering the room with another master-card, and she felt nervous looking at herself.

"Gini kaha ho tum, hum voh..."Rishabh stopped at once as Devangini walked towards him, her high heels making a sound on the expensive tiled floor.

"Gini!"he murmured, extending his hand towards her and she held it coming closer to him, lowering her gaze as he held her cheek.

"Gorgeous! More than I had imagined,"he whispered before pulling her into his embrace.

They pulled back a bit and he picked her up in his arms, before laying her down on the bed. Their lips sealed into a kiss after he towered over her, their hands joining over the bedsheet as the kiss deepened.

"That's a lovely gift, thank you for taking the risk of breaking your leg for just bringing these for me,"Chandrika said, her voice laced with a playful scolding, as she gazed at Shubman.

The soft glow of her bedside lamp cast a warm, inviting light on her room, painting the floral wallpaper with a gentle blush.

He stood silhouetted against the darkening twilight seeping in through the balcony doors, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He'd climbed into her room like a modern-day Romeo, a sturdy makeshift rope ladder used for the purpose. In his hands, he held a box of pastries, their aroma filling the air like a secret whispered between them.

Chandrika carefully opened the box, her fingers brushing against the delicate paper liners. "Maan,"she said, her brow furrowing slightly, "how come you took such a risk? My parents could have caught you!"

He stepped further into the room, the dim light illuminating his handsome features. A playful smile danced on his lips. "This much is very less for my girlfriend," he replied, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down her spine. He closed the distance between them, his eyes locked on hers. "Seeing you, even just for a few stolen moments, is worth a thousand more risks."

Chandrika's breath caught in her throat. The scent of the muffins, now mingled with the alluring scent of him -lavendor and a hint of the crisp evening air - was intoxicating. "You're incorrigible," she whispered, her heart pounding against her ribs like a trapped bird.

He chuckled, a warm and intimate sound that resonated within the small space. Reaching out, he gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face. "Only for you, Moon. Only for you." He leaned closer, his gaze softening. "Tell me, are these pastries as sweet as you?"

She blushed, her cheeks warming beneath his intense stare. "You know I can't possibly answer that," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with affection. He took a pastry from the box and held it out to her. "Then let's find out together, shall we?"

She hesitated for a moment, then took a small bite. The rich, decadent chocolate melted on her tongue, a perfect counterpoint to the nervous flutter in her stomach. "They're...delicious," she admitted, her eyes meeting his.

He didn't respond with words. Instead, he slowly took another muffin, his eyes never leaving hers. He held it between his own lips, then leaned in, inviting her to take a bite.

Her heart leaped. The shared muffin, the stolen moments on the balcony, the scent of chocolate mingling with the thrill of forbidden romance - it was all a heady and intoxicating concoction. As she leaned in, their lips brushed, a fleeting, electrifying touch that promised so much more. The taste of chocolate and the taste of him blended together, creating a sweet, unforgettable memory.

"This," Shubman murmured against her lips, his voice thick with emotion, "is perfect. Just like you."

And in the quiet intimacy of her bedroom, bathed in the soft light and the aroma of chocolate, Chandrika knew he was right. These stolen moments, these small gestures of affection, were more precious than any grand declaration.

Chirag, making his nightly rounds, was passing by his daughter Chandrika's room when a sound stopped him in his tracks - a distinct giggle. A father's ears are finely tuned, especially when it comes to his children, and this familiar sound was laced with a secret he couldn't quite decipher.

He knocked gently on the door. After a moment of hushed anticipation, the door creaked open, revealing Chandrika, her cheeks flushed, a picture of youthful charm.

"Yes Dad?"she asked, her voice a touch too bright, too forced.

"You aren't asleep yet, beta? You have the Semi-Final's shoot tomorrow, remember? Early morning flight and then you have to return by evening. Phir finals ki taiyaari karte karte hi doh din mein wapas chali jaogi for the finale,"Chirag reminded her, concern etched on his face.

Chandrika offered a sheepish nod. "Yes Dad, I was just talking to Sharon about it...over the phone," she explained, her eyes flickering slightly.

But as Chirag stood there, Shubman, was practically glued to the wall behind the door, beside Chandrika. He winked at her, a silent accomplice in this small act of deception, a playful smile dancing on his lips.

Chirag, thankfully oblivious to the presence of the young prince, simply accepted her explanation. "Okay. Go to sleep. The contestants staying in Mumbai are in advantage in this case. Tumlog bhi waha rehe jaatey toh accha hota. But then stupid show protocols! Rehena hain toh unkey set kiye jagah pe rehena hoga or else, nahi. Aur tumhey bhi sab maanke chalna hain. Kya kar sakte hain? Anyways, Good Night," he said, his paternal instincts satisfied for the moment. He knew she needed her rest before the intense day ahead.

"Good Night Dad,"Chandrika replied, forcing a smile that felt a little too tight, before quickly closing the door, shutting her father out and Shubman in.

"Gosh, Maan! You would have been caught just now,"she whispered to him.

"So? I would have told him everything about us,"Shubman said, falling flat on his back, upon her bed.

Chandrika fell beside him and both watched the beautiful designs on the ceiling before she said,"Dad will be very angry when he finds out."

"So will be my Dad, I guess. He will be disappointed for sure, if not angry."

"When should we tell them?"

"After the finale?"

"Hmm! Better."

He held her hand, fingers moving through hers. "Are you nervous?"

"Hmm. I hope we make it up to the finale."

"Of course we will. You have evolved into one of the strongest contestants over the months."

"The credit goes to you and Guruji for strengthening my classical base."

"Don't stop working on it after the show is over. You need to learn many things."

"I know Maan. I think I have learnt enough to win the show. I'll definitely continue the training after that too."

Shubman sighed and said,"An advice for you, babes. Confidence is good, overconfidence might kill."

Chandrika chuckled and said,"I am confident enough, Maan."

"Good to know that."

"Accha! Will you give your hundred percent against me?"

"Obviously. As a singer I will give my hundred percent in the finals."

"And as a boyfriend?"she asked and he looked at her.

"What would you want me to do as a boyfriend?"

"Maybe being a little lenient towards me on stage."

Shubman smiled and said,"Okay. If you reach the finale and we are the top-two finalists competing against each other in the last round, then I'll go easy on you."

"Really?"Chandrika asked, excitement evident in her tone.

"But remember, the artist inside you should remain grounded. The moment you show pride or overconfidence, like you usually do at times, I'll not back down,"Shubman added.

"Was this a warning from the Prince of Chandraprayag?"

"No! A warning from the Prince of Music,"Shubman replied.

************************************Here goes the update. Guys please read "IVY'S ILLUSIONS," that book needs your support too. Keep Reading and Keep Vommenting Guys.😘❤️