Yaksha's POV

"Baisa uth jaiye! Bohot der ho chuki hain! Aaj anushthan ki taiyari karni bhi toh hain aapko!"
( Baisa please wake up! It's very late! You will have to prepare for the celebration of today too!)

Someone,no Meena was shaking me disturbing my beauty sleep. I want to sleep a little more.

"Meena thodi der aur. Humein taang mat karo."
( Just a little longer Meena. Don't disturb me.)

"Baisa!"

She shouted so loudly that I sat up immediately on the bed in a jerk.

"Konsi bhukamp aa gayi jo itna chilla rahi hain aap Meena? Thodi der sona hi toh chahte the hum!" I rubbed my still dreaming about my perfect fictional man that visited me in my dreams. I wonder why he looked a lot like my husband.
( What earthquake has come that you are shouting so much Meena? I just wanted to sleep a bit!)

"Not earthquake but responsibility. A responsibility has come. And you are sleeping here. Just wake up quickly then you have to take a shower, do morning aarti,eat breakfast, go to the royal kitchen to decide for today's menu, go the servants quarters to discuss their responsibilities, check all the simple decors that need to be done, come back here and get ready an-"

"Clam down Meena. Or else you will have breathing problems. I get it, I get it. There's a lot of things I need to do and I don't have time. I will get up see, here."

There's a lot of things that I need to do and I don't have time.

I was given a quick but still luxurious bath by the help of all the attendants. After my morning aarti I was given breakfast and after that I was directed to the royal kitchen to decide today's menu.

I feel like a rich princess. Except the fact that I actually am.

As soon as I stepped inside the kitchen all the cooks lowered their gaze down slightly. While my mouth was left open and wide seeing the big kitchen which was as big the apartment I had in Los Angeles. No. It was more than that. How can I even compare!

I didn't even notice for how long I was ogling until Meena nudged me from the side, whispering that I need to speak too. I am so dumb oh gosh. Thank god to my veil.

"Assalamualaikum begum sahiba. Welcome to the royal kitchen. Please give these humble servants your order."

One of the man came forward and spoke. I guess he was the leader or something. But what orders do I give?

"Sultan ko kya khana pasand hain? Koyi bishesh bhojan jo woh shokh se khate ho?" 
( What does Sultan like to eat most? Any special dish that he likes to eat?)

"Sultan likes anything with meat. He isn't very picky but anything that is cooked with meat is most liked by him. Also rice pudding." He replied curtly.

"Ghosh ke char tarah ke kabab,2 tarah ke kofta,shahi korma,ek sadi sabji,roti,sada pulao aur mithe mein shahi kheer. Yehi hogi ajki bhojan."
( Four types of meat kebab, two types of korma,plain vegetable,roti,plain pulao and shahi-kheer in desert. This is today's menu.)

"Ji Malika-E-Taher. Jo hukum."
( Yes, whatever you wish.)

I don't believe. Did I just do that? I literally said every dish with meat I could remember. Wait was I convincing enough?

"Next we have to go to the servants quarters." Meena said from my side.

I sighed deeply. I am not prepared for this. Not a bit. Deciding the menu was still okay but dividing responsibility? I don't know what responsibility I, myself have.

"Bhabijaan!" Aaliyah called me from behind.

I turned around and immediately a smile was plastered on my lips. Every time I see her my mood lifts up immediately. She has become my biggest supporter in this palace.

"Aaliyah! Aap yaha kya kar rahi hain?"
( Aaliyah! What are you doing here?)

"Humne suna aap Malika hone ka pehli faraz aada kar rahi hain. Toh hum chale aaye."
( I heard you are fulfilling your first responsibility as a queen. So I came.)

Thank god for this. 

I got closer to her, taking her a little away from all other people.

"Um...so what exactly am I supposed to do? Because I...uh well I am not sure what I need to do." I asked in hesitation. I didn't want to make any mistakes. So if she judges me then so be it. I will just say I lost my training memory too.

"You don't know?" Her brows furrowed.

"I-uh well...the thing is..." I stumbled.
Suddenly Aaliyah bursted into a laugh. What? What happened? 

"Ek sach baat bataye bhabijaan? Hum yaha khud nehi aaye hain. Humein bhaijaan ne bheja hain. Unhone bola aapki pehli jimmedari hain unki begum banne ke baad toh hum aapke sath rahe,aapko rehnumai kare. Aapko zyada kuch nehi karna hain. Sab kaam woh log hi karenge,aapko sirf nigrani rakhni hain. Itna hi."
( Should I tell you something honestly? I didn't come here by myself. Brother has sent me here. He said this is your first responsibility after becoming his wife so I should be with you,guide you. You don't have to do anything by yourself. Everything will be done by them, just have to over watch them. Just this.)

My heart literally did a skip. All the butterflies that flew away yesterday started flying back to my stomach and started doing hip-hop. He sent her here? To help me? And I didn't even listen to what he had to say. Now I feel bad. 

Once this whole thing is over I am going to be mature and communicate. Me being upset isn't going to solve anything.

"Chale bhabijaan?"
( Let's go bhabijaan?)

I nodded my head. Me and Aaliyah and all other attendees with us accompanied us to our next stop and then next stop. All I had to do was greet the head servant of harem and watch what they were doing. That only half of it before I was rushed to get ready. Seriously that was all I had to do? And my feet went cold upon hearing his words yesterday. 

I got back to chamber and fell on my stomach on the bed. Even this I did nothing I am tired. Damn I need to work on my stamina.

"Baisa please get up. You need to get freshened up and then get ready too."

This Meena kumari is always on my back. 

"Haan haan pata hain humein."
( Yes yes I know.) 

I was on my way to the bathing chamber but stopped abruptly making Meena stop too.

"Sultan ji ne humare liye koyi poshak bheja hain kya?"
( Did sultan send any outfit for me?

"Poshak? Nehi toh. Aur waise bhi kyun bhejenge. Pichle bar konsa aapne pehna tha."
( Outfit? No. And why would he send any. Did you wore it the last time he did?)

I pouted. He didn't? I thought he will.

"Chaliye chaliye khadi kyun hain. Kitne sare kaam baki hain aur yahan ye samay zaya kar rahi hain." She mumbled as she walked ahead of me to bathing chamber.
( Let's go why are you standing! We have so many works left to do and she is here wasting time.)

So he won't send any outfits for me? He must be angry big time. Wait! Why should he be angry? I was misbehaved with, not him.

Disappointment filled my heart. All this because I had to be a drama queen and didn't even give him a chance to explain himself. Maybe also because I didn't wore the outfit he sent me last time. Then should I just wear that and make him happy? He will be surprised! Yes let's wear that.

I will wear that, lighten the mood up, give him a chance to apologize and hear what he has to say.

"Aap khadi kyun hain! Chaliye!" Meena came back once again pulling me with her.
( Why are still standing! Let's go!)

After washing up quickly I had some fruit since Meena was saying we don't know when I get to eat next. Such a mother she is I swear. I get so confused sometimes who's the older one here.

"Begum sahiba,aaj raat ke liye Sultan ne aapke liye taufa bheja hain. Unki dili khwaish hain ke aap ye aaj ke dawat mein pehne." I looked back from my position to see some attendees holding few plates in their hands covered with red clothes.
( Begum sahiba Sultan has sent you gifts for tonight. It's his heartfelt wish that you wear these for tonight's celebration.)

Instantly a wide grin was placed on my lips but I concealed it immediately because I am supposed to be a queen here.

"Please leave them here. Thank you for delivering them and tell Sultan I have gladly accepted them."

"Yes begum sahiba." They left after paying respects.

I got up from the chair I was sitting in a second and rushed to see immediately what was sent for me. My anklets echoing through the whole chamber at my rushed action.

"Slow down baisa, you will fall. Are you that excited?"

"Very!" I replied without even looking back at her. I know she could sense the giddiness in my voice. It was like a teenage girl has received her first ever red rose. No. This is better than receiving roses. 

I lifted all the clothes that was covering the items one by one. If someone saw me right now they would definitely see my eyes sparkling.  

There was a really beautiful orange lehenga. Is it because I wore orange last time so he thinks I like orange?.But not only lehenga he even send me jewelry. Perfect jewelry with green stones contrasting with the lehenga. My husband has a nice sense of fashion I must admit. 

He even sent that fragrance I used that day! I sniffed it and it automatically brought back the memory of time I was in the tub. 

I caressed the jewelry and lehenga admiring them. I have never thought I would  see such beautiful pieces let alone wear them. If not here I probably wouldn't have seen these. Ever. 

The lehenga was threaded beautifully with golden thread. If I were to stand in dark wearing them I am sure it would glow.

"Will you just stare it or wear it too?" Meena stood behind me. 

I nodded my head and immediately walked to the dressing table.

Meena helped me with wearing the lehenga and all the jewelry. My hair was tied in a loose bun, lots of kohl in my eyes and a bindi at last. I didn't forget to use that fragrance too.

Suddenly my eyes fell on the pair of anklet that was left on the table. He sent me anklets too? I bite my lips sheepishly. He sure seems experienced. Did he have any past lovers?

My chest had this unsettling feeling thinking about he could have a past lover. Ugh why do I do this to myself. Why do I care! 

I grabbed the pair of anklet and showed it to Meena.

"Ye bhul gayi aap. Zara sahayta toh karna pehenne mein."
( You forgot these. Help me wear them)

As I was about to hand her the anklets Aaliyah suddenly bursted into the room.

"Bhabijaan aur kitne der! Pata laga hain mehman aane hi wale honge."
( How much longer Bhabijaan! I have got to know the guests are about to arrive.)

"Bas ho gaya nanad ji. Thoda saiyam toh rakhiye."
( I am done. Please keep a little patience.)

"No! You look good enough as you are. Do you plan to take my brother's life or something? Come get up let's go!"
She came forward pulling me up.

"Bu-" I tried to protest.

"No buts. Let's go! We will be late. You don't want to miss this, really bhabijaan."

She started pulling me out. I sighed being defeated by her adamant behavior. She really is the younger sister through and through. But why is she so keen on taking me? Meena and others were following us but they were a little behind.

Suddenly I realized something cold is pricking my hands. I looked down and noticed the anklets were left in my hands. Shit. Where do I keep them now? I will just have to find a right moment and wear these.

Where are we going? The attendees weren't visible anymore. Did we walk too fast? This route..where does it lead? I didn't take it in the last celebration.

"Aaliyah? Did you take another route? This one doesn't seem right? Are you sure this is where we should go?" I asked walking behind her.

She stopped in front of a room making me stop too. I looked at her in confusion, my brows raised in confusion.

"What?" I asked.

"I forgot something very important bhabijaan. Can you please wait here a little? I will just go and come in a jiffy!"

She didn't even let me reply or say something before running away in a hurry. She must've really forgotten something very important. But why is it so isolated here? A shiver ran down my spine as I stood there alone. God not even a minute has passed and I am scared. Wait I can just wear my anklet to pass time.

As I tried to bent down in a flash a hand clutched my wrist and I was pulled into a dark room. The anklets fell on the floor making slight noise. My eyes were clutched shut in horror. I was about to scream in fear but a hand was pressed into my mouth to stop the sound. My body felt hot and my heart was racing in terror. I started panicking, my eyes still shut.

"Akhein kholiye begum." 
(Open your eyes Begum.)

I opened my eyes in a shot hearing the voice. My brows were pinched together, confused by this sudden action of his. His hands were still on my mouth resulting in causing my breathing problem. As if realizing my discomfort his hand immediately left my mouth.

"Ye kya kar rahe hain aap? Abhi humari jaan jane wali thi!" I was out of breath.
( What is it that you are doing? My soul was about to leave my body!)

"Aur jo kal se aapne humari jaan li rakhi hain woh?"
( And what about you who has captured my soul since yesterday?)

"What? What do you mean? Please explain this action!" I glared at him. What nonsense is going on here!

I looked around the dark room to figure out what room it is. It looked like an abandoned store room with abandoned furniture and other stuff. 

"Humne kaha tha Aaliyah ko ki aapko yaha laye. Humein aapse maafi jo mangni thi. Par aap hain jo humari baat bhi nehi sunna chahti."
( I told Aaliyah toh bring you here. I wanted to apologize to you. But you won't even listen to me.)

"Toh aapne ye rasta chuna? Humse ese milne ka? Dawat ki kuch hi shan pehle? Humein jane dijiye log hum dono ka bahar pratiksha kar rahe honge! Humara bina toh aramb bhi nehi kar sakte. Ye zo bhi alap hain baad mein kar lijiye ga." 

( So you choose this route? To meet me like this? Just few moments before the dinner? Let me go people out there must be waiting for us! They can't even start without us. Whatever this conversation is do it later.)

I tried to leave but he gripped my wrist tightly this time pulling me towards him. 

"I am not done apologizing. You will only leave this room when I am done with you. The dinner and our duty can go to hell."

Before I could protest again he lift up a little with both his arms and made me sit on table or desk. It was too dark to figure out what it was exactly. But that doesn't matter now. What is he planning to do?!

He went somewhere for a minute and all of a sudden he knelt in front of me. I looked down at him baffled. Why did kneel he 
suddenly!

"Look at this begum. This sultan Rashid will only ever kneel in front of you,his wife, Malika-E-Taher."

My scowl was replaced by a timid expression.

He took one of my feet and rested it on his knee. A gasp left my mouth at his sudden action and words.His finger caressed my ankle making my body shake .

"W-what are y-you doing-doing? Leave it. It's d-dirty." I unintentionally stuttered as his hands never stopped touching my skin.
"So am I begum."

His words surprised me. How does he even think like this!

I could feel something metallic touching my anklets. The sudden touch of the cold metal made me shiver. I looked down to see he was helping me wear the anklets. He took the other foot and did the same,while my breath was long gone.

"These legs will look so good wrapped around my waist."
His statement snatched my remaining breath completely. The thought of even doing all that was making me feel all hot and sweaty.

"Now every time you wear these anklets you will remember this,me on my knees, in front of you, worshiping you like the queen you are."

He lifted my foot slightly and planted a kiss on the bridge of my feet. My breath hitched. I tried to withdraw my foot but his grip only tightened.

"Let your husband apologize properly begum. It is rude to interrupt someone who's trying to apologize."

He planted another kiss, this one was a little higher. My body trembled feeling his soft lips touch my skin. His lips were only sliding higher with each kiss. 

The sensation became too much to bear so I clutched the wooden desk between the fingers of both of my hands. 

"Sultan." My voice was barely a whisper. I couldn't bring myself to form a word.

He lifted my skirt a bit this time placing a kiss on my calve. I bite my lips hard enough to draw bloods so that it doesn't leave any weird sound.

"Sultan.." I tried to say again.

"What is it begum? You don't want me to apologize further?" 

Suddenly he stood up grabbing my nape he made me look into his eyes.

"Humein maaf kar dijiye begum. Hum apni galti mante hain. Aap humse yu khafa rahe toh humeri rooh atak si jati hain. Humein maaf kar dijiye."
( Please forgive me begum. I admit my mistake. When you are upset with me like this I feel like my soul is hitched somewhere. Please forgive me.)

"I-hhgn" My sentence got abrupt by a soft moan suddenly placed a kiss on my collarbone.

"Humein maaf kar dijiye begum." He placed another one a bit lower.
( Please forgive me begum.)

"You smell good. My fragrance smells more good on you than me."

He removed the veil that was sitting on my head, throwing it aside. Stroking his hand through my lower back his hands rested on the knots of my blouse. My body felt like it was in the air. I could feel a burning, tickling sensation down there and my nipples hardened at his touches. 

I exhaled a croaking sound as he started untying the knots. His warm yet rough fingers were making direct contact to my cold and sweaty skin was leaving me ragged.

"P-people are wait-waiting for u-us." I try to resonate.

"And I said I don't care about them. Not until you forgive me."

The blouse went loose, wanting to fall down from my body,hanging on my shoulder. I tried to hold it with my hands but my hands were taken aback. I looked at him in a daze.

His hand moved the fabric letting it fall down my shoulder. 
A kiss was placed again on my bare shoulder. My hand left the desk and instead clutched the fabric of his kurta tightly.

His other hand was inching up towards the side of my chest leaving trails of his touch everywhere ever so slightly. His fingers reached at the seam of my breast, grazing the skin there softly. 

I fought back a moan at his delicate touch. I swear I almost climaxed at that simple touch. 

"Tell me you forgive me begum." His fingers crept inside, touching a place where no one but I touched. 

No. Don't!

"Tell me you want to stop at least." His thumb messaged the line of my breast.

I couldn't tell him to stop. Not with this burning electricity throughout my body.

"If you don't I will only take it as a sign to continue." His voice hardened.

I heard a small groan before he started messaging the skin there again. A gasp and cry left my mouth at the same time as he suddenly pinched my already erected bud before teasing it with his thumb left and right.

"You don't know how much I am holding myself down right now. How much I want to just have my way with you. In this moment, here. Make you mine in all sense."

His hand left my breast drawing a whimpering noise from me. 

"I know begum, I know. I feel the same."

He pulled me towards his face in a jerk grabbing my neck forcefully. His lips crashed onto mine swallowing the gasp that came out from my lips. The kiss was full of urgency and desire. Like we both were holding back for so long.

The only sound that was echoing throughout the room was the heavy breathing and lips colliding. He sucked on my lower lips finally leaving it with a pop.

"We should really leave now." I panted.

He kept his face closer to mine, our nose and lips brushing against.

"We should." He breathed against my lips.

But his actions didn't match his words. His lips came onto mine for the second time. I tried to get away but he grabbed me by my hips pulling me even closer, kissing me harder than before. His tongue flicked against mine to show who is in charge here. Suddenly my eyes opened in a flash with the realization that we had a dinner to attend.

I bit on his lips slightly and he jerked his face away from mine.

"Oww what was the for!" He rubbed his bottom lips, where I bite him.

"Hum jab keh rahe the ke hume jana chahiye toh sun lena tha!"
( When I said we should leave then you should have listened!)

"Don't act like you didn't enjoy it too begum." A smirk replaced his frown.

Smug bastard.

"Tie the knots!" I turned my back at him.

He took a hold of the knots but suddenly his teeth sinked into the bare skin of my shoulder. 

"Ahh what was that!" I whimpered at the pain.

"Revenge."

He started tying the knot of my blouse and placed the veil on top of my head. 

"You look so good. Freshly ruined."

I flare at him as he chuckled in all might.The audacity!

I get down from the desk table whatever it is and try to wipe out any evidence that might indicate what just happened here.

As we exit the room I turn my head back slightly to him following me like a puppy.

"Aapko abhi humne kshama nehi kiya hain pati parmeshwar ji."
(You are not forgiven yet my dearest husband.)

With that I walk straight without looking back, a smirk plastered on my lips as he calls me from behind.

Not until I know the reason.