Dev's convoy reached the venue of the fashion show. The media was present there telecasting the event. Sonakshi started feeling nervous. She had not told anyone at home that she and Dev were officially dating. Now, in front of the media, Dev surely was not going to stop himself from admitting that they both loved each other.

As soon as she would go home, she would face the wrath of her father and the anger of her brother. She could not predict what her mother would say as the previous night her mother had changed drastically into a strong and bold woman.

Sonakshi was so lost in her thoughts and was fidgeting continuously with her hands. Dev was watching her all this time. He knew the media made her feel uncomfortable. Shrewd Sharma had never allowed the media anywhere near her but that did not mean she was an unrecognizable figure.

The minute the media would see Sonakshi with him by his side, a round of stories and gossip would start. Paparazzi will start questioning them about their relationship. He did not want to spoil their relationship due to the paparazzi.

He did not want his woman to feel uncomfortable around him.

"Should I get rid of the media?" He asked her, intending to do so if Sonakshi would feel more comfortable that way.

"But that would mean less publicity Dev. They need your entry. Do one thing. Let me get down here and walk inside. We can sit together inside. You can make an entry like a hero in front of the media and the world would not know about us too," Sonakshi said.

Dev sighed. This woman did not use her brain at times. She wanted to adjust so that his event gets more publicity due to his entry.

She is his Queen!

Damn did she not know that he could do anything for her?

Apparently Not yet.

He needed her to know that she was the most important woman in his life.

"Well darling, google my name," Dev said to her.

Her eyes widened in shock. Here she was freaking out about handling the situation and he was asking her to search for his name on the internet.

"Do it," He commanded still keeping his voice gentle.

She searched for his name on her phone. She turned the phone towards him.

"Tell me, Sona. Is there anything about my personal life published? Is there even a photo of me with my family at home or something related to my private life?" He asked her.

Most of the Dixits' photos on the internet were photos of them at business events and parties. No private life photos. Dev never took any chance when it came to shielding the private lives of his family. He would do the same with Sona too.

He planned to tell the world that he was committed to a beautiful woman but at the same time not reveal the identity of his beloved as it would put her in danger.

He had many rivals. They could take advantage of his naïve and beautiful ladylove.

If only he knew his ladylove was a lady-Hitler.

"What do you intend to tell me with this information of yours?" Sonakshi asked.

"That Sonakshi, it is my responsibility to keep my life private and your identity safe the same way," Dev said to her.

"How will you do it, Dev?" She asked.

"Have you forgotten that the party is a masquerade?" Dev asked her softly.

DANG! She had forgotten. Now, what was she going to tell him? She did not have any masquerade mask with her.

Dev chuckled looking at the alarmed look on Sonakshi's face. He then showed her two masks that he had with him.

One was a beautiful silver mask with an intricate design. If anyone would see it, they would say the mask and the dress were made at the same time to be worn together.

The other mask was a black colour mask that was also beautifully designed. It matched perfectly with his suit.

Dev handed the silver mask to Sonakshi. He wore a black mask. The Aston Martin stopped in front of the red carpet. It was time to get down the car and make an entry in front of the media.

"You look beautiful Mia Bella," Dev said, "No one would be able to recognize you with your mask on."

Sonakshi just nodded and put the mask on. She was opening the door to get out but Dev stopped her.

"Stop," He commanded very softly.

Dev got out of the car. There was a loud noise of claps, hoots, and clicking of the cameras as he got out. He walked around to the other side and opened the door for Sonakshi.

As soon as he opened the door for her, he gave a small encouraging smile as he held his hand out to her for her to hold it and come out to stand with him. Sonakshi returned his smile with a beautiful smile.

She took a deep breath and put her hands into his hands. They were a perfect fit as though they were made for each other.

She got out of the car. As soon as she stepped out beside Dev, the noise of the people got louder. Photographers were clicking photographs very quickly. Reporters were trying to edge closer to the couple to know about the beauty accompanying the ruthless business tycoon Devrath Dixit.

Dev put his arm around Sonakshi's waist. He bent slightly and spoke into her ear with his husky voice, " Are you comfortable?"

Sonakshi just nodded.

"Smile, Mia Bella." He said to her and straightened up.

He tilted his head slightly to see Sonakshi's face. He saw her now smiling confidently. He saw her shoulders relax and her becoming his badass wildcat charming everyone with her presence.

He too gave a smile to the media and moved forward with Sonakshi by his side.

The reporters were shouting out questions,

"Mr Dixit, who is this beautiful lady with you?"

"Are you both dating?"

"Are you in a committed relationship Mr Dixit?"

"Can you reveal the name of your Ladylove, Mr Dixit?"

"Do we hear wedding bells soon?"

Dev and Sonakshi just walked across the red carpet dazzling everyone and showing that they were a couple made for each other. They did not stop to answer any of the questions shouted by the reporters. They were greeted by Arjun at the entrance.

"Looking good bro!" He said to Dev and then turned to Sonakshi, "You are looking really beautiful, Sonakshi. Thank you for making my friend fall in love with you. He has become a bit more bearable after you have come into his life."

Sonakshi looked confused, "How did you know that it is me beside Dev?"

"I know Dev loves you. I know he can go to any extent to get what he wants. He wanted you. It was easy for me to guess that it is you beside him," Arjun replied.

"You are looking good too. You are here with your girlfriend?" Sonakshi asked. Dev's mouth twitched when he heard her complimenting Arjun.

"Nope. I am not as lucky as Dev to get a pretty girl beside me at this moment," Arjun said, feigning self-pity.

"Well, I am Devrath Dixit after all. Girls would give their lives to be with me. Now, if you try to flirt with my girlfriend, you will find yourself buried six feet under the ground," Dev said, giving him a smirk.

"Dev! That is not how you talk to my friend," Sonakshi said.

Dev's eyes popped in shock.

"Your friend? When did this dimwit become your friend?" He asked her alarmed, stressing the word 'your friend'.

"Well. NOW! From now on Arjun is my friend as he is your friend," She said putting up a cute pout.

"You know Arjun. I am getting jealous of you," Dev huffed.

Arjun just laughed and said, "Now get inside lovebirds. The event has to start."

Dev and Sonakshi went in and occupied the seats in the front row. Sonakshi could see Mr and Mrs Dixit sitting a few chairs away from them. They were looking like the lovey-dovey couple that the media portrayed them as. Dev had not greeted them nor had he introduced her to them yet.

"Dev! Why are we sitting here? Your parents are sitting there. We should go see them. You wanted to introduce me to them today, right?" Sonakshi asked him.

"Patience! Mia Bella, Patience!" Dev said, "I will introduce you to them at the anniversary party. Before that, I need to tell the world that my heart has been stolen by an enchanting woman, who has put me under her love spell."

"Why do you love me Dev? I have a bad, horrid past. I get panic attacks when I am close to men. I am not confident in front of the media. Why do you think I am the right person for you?" Sonakshi suddenly asked out of nowhere.

From where did this come up? I must say this woman has a PhD in overthinking. Dev thought. He sighed.

"I never believed in love at first sight, but that was before I saw you. I didn't know what I wanted in a woman before I met you," Dev said to her his voice soft and honest. His eyes looked straight into hers.

"So cheesy Mr Dixit," Sonakshi said tapping him softly on his arm and giving him a beautiful smile.

Suddenly, the room went dim. It was time for the fashion show to start. The anchor walked up onto the stage to address the audience. She looked pretty. Sonakshi smiled at the girl. She had spoken to the girl assuring her that she could rock the event and they did not need to hire a male anchor instead of her for the event.

Sonakshi's hard work paid off. The girl looked confident and full of sass. She began the speech with a clear voice.

"Good Evening to one and all present here!

Thank you to every one of you for being here with us today. We are very pleased to be able to welcome those of you that have been with us for a long time now as well as those who are new to Dixit Industries.

Today marks our founders' 30th anniversary and we are proud to be able to host a fashion show along with an anniversary banquet for them today here at this wonderful place with all of you.

Before we get started, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who generously helped us make this event come together to become a success. We couldn't have done it without you!

Well, I don't want to take too much of your time, but I need to leave some time for the show to start.

MODELS, THE RAMP IS ALL YOURS!"

The fashion show was wonderful. There was not even a mistake made by the models, the dresses looked gorgeous. There was not one thing out of place. Sonakshi put her head on Dev's shoulders.

Everything was perfect. Just perfect.

The show ended and the anchor came back on the stage.

"Now, our CEO, Mr Devrath Dixit will come on stage to address everyone present here. A huge round of applause, welcoming Mr Devrath Dixit."

Dev got up from his seat and walked onto the stage. There was a huge round of applause.

"Thank you! Thank you everyone for being here. I took up the post of CEO this week. You would have known me as the CEO of Ishwari Enterprises. But now I am here in front of you to manage the hard work of my father. I thank all our business partners and the media for attending the event. I thank all of you for accepting the invitation to the anniversary party of my parents.

I have reached these heights because of my father's advice and my mother's blessings. My sister has always been my support. Reaching here needed love from my family. Moving my company to greater heights would require your love.

And last but not the least, moving my life forward would need my love, my beloved girlfriend.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this Devrath Dixit is now a committed man.

I AM IN LOVE!"

There was a huge round of applause and many cheers.

"This is for my love," Dev said locking his eyes with Sonakshi.

Sonakshi was lost in his brown orbs. She could look into them forever. She could see his love for her deep within them. Dev spoke with a gentle voice still looking at his silver princess,

"Before you, my life was like a puzzle jigsaw puzzle with a missing piece. You were the missing piece to it, thank you for completing my puzzle babe. You bring out the best in me in every situation in life. You are honestly what I have been missing.

When you are with me, rainy days do not seem to be as dark, and sunny days seem to be a little brighter. You are my own little piece of sunshine. Our hands fit so tightly together as if they were made for each other. You do not understand how necessary it is for me to hear your voice every day.

You are my shining star on a cloudy night, you are my rainbow on a stormy day, you are my blooming flower over the misting rain, and most importantly, you are my sun when I need you to brighten my day. I love you.

No matter what, you will always be my lady, my queen, my life, my everything. I deeply love you, MIA BELLA!"

Sonakshi was overwhelmed listening to his confession. She had tears in her eyes. She looked at him and he looked at her. There was a loud cheer as soon as he finished his speech.

How can someone be so wonderful?

How can there be a person in this world who cares for me as if I am his world?

I will always love him and only him.

Dev moved close to Sonakshi and pulled her to him. He raised his eyebrows asking whether he could kiss her. She was apprehensive of her panic attacks. But then she nodded as she was clear of her feelings this time.

Dev moved close to her lips bending his head slightly. Sonakshi raised her head towards him, almost reaching his lips. Both of their lips touched each other. Both of them closed their eyes. They could feel the passion.

Dev was exploring Sonakshi's mouth. He was needy in this kiss. Sonakshi was trying to dominate the kiss, but her man was even more dominating. Dev tightened his hold on Sonakshi's waist. Sonakshi put her hands around his shoulders and gripped him making it an even more passionate kiss.

After a few minutes, they parted as they were out of breath but still, they did not break their eye lock.

Dev and Sonakshi entered the banquet hall where the anniversary party was organized. Dev had his arms around Sonakshi's waist possessively.

Both of them moved towards Raghunath and Ishwari who were standing near the dais. Dev took a glass of wine and moved up on the stage near the mic.

He took a spoon and tapped it on the glass wanting all eyes in the room on his side. He looked at his parents and smiled at them and started,

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, today we have all gathered here to celebrate the 30 years of union of my parents.

I am glad that I can say a few words about a couple whom I have seen over the years and gotten aspired. They have always been the most adorable couple that I have ever witnessed throughout my life, every day. There is no way to measure how much I love you.

In these 30 years, you both have gone through a lot but still, you have never left each other alone during hard times. 30 years is a long time to stay committed to one single person with all your heart and soul but you proved what exactly it is to love someone. Even after 30 years, your love for each other has only seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.

I really don't know how to express what I hold in my heart for both of you. I know for a fact that today where ever I am, it is because of your dedication, and I cannot thank you enough for giving me everything that you possibly could.

You both are those two individuals who have sacrificed a lot for me, who have taught me how to become a better human being and who have loved me unconditionally. You are the couple I look up to and aspire to become in the future.

I have seen both of you grow and nurture yourselves with each other. This is a virtue of your relationship, which makes it even more durable.

You have accepted each other's annoying habits and the positives; this is the kind of relationship people seek nowadays. However, they forget one element, and that is to adjust and accept your partner the way they are. You, as a couple, have taught me so.

You are the reason I want to get married; you are the reason I want someone to look at me, the way mom looks at you dad. Despite all the responsibilities, workload, health issues, and other hardships, you both have raised me and Neha so well that we cannot thank you enough.

What I believe is that dad; your marriage to my mom was destined by God. Years have come and gone, you are always with each other through all those high and low moments. The greatest gift that you have given us is the love that you shower upon us when we are upset. When I look into your eyes, I know that it is the purest form of love that I can find on this earth.

Without you, I would not have been able to understand the meaning and importance of love and family in my life. You have taught me so many things that I can never thank you enough for and have helped shape me into what I am today. 

You accepted me when I failed and supported me all the way long. You loved me no matter what and you both were there when I needed you the most. The big and small things that you have done for me are something that I appreciate the most in this world. 

Thank you for being there for me and not taking those short trips for yourselves because I couldn't stay alone! Thank you for all the bear hugs that instantly lifted my mood in times of fear; those sticky notes remind me in lunch boxes of the essential tasks.

You both have done a lot for me which cannot be returned in any form. But all I can say is that I love you with all my heart. 

You both are my world. 

I thank you for everything and the happiest 30th-anniversary mom and dad. I hope you have an amazing anniversary and so many more to come. Thank you for giving up on your happiness for our sake. You both deserve all the happiness and love in this world.

Now, I would like to raise a toast in honour of my parents, and pray for their good health!

Thank you."

Dev looked at his parents. He could see them proud of him. He looked at his love, she too looked very touched by the speech.

Sonakshi felt very emotionally touched by the speech given by Dev.

Who would have thought the emotionless and ruthless Devil could have such a wonderful and lovable side?

She could see that he loved his parents a lot and they too loved him. She looked at his parents. Mrs Dixit had tears in her eyes and Mr Dixit was standing with his head held up in pride looking at their son.

"Time to meet my parents, Wildcat!" Dev said playfully in her ears.

Sonakshi gave him a 'shut-up' look.

"Come. Let's go." Dev said extending his arm out for her to hold.

She took his arm and he led her to where his parents were standing. His parents looked at their son and his love in front of them.

"Maa and Dad, I want you to meet someone," Dev said pointing at Sonakshi.

"Nice to meet you, child, you look beautiful. You made my son turn into such a lively charming young gentleman with your love. He was such a boring oaf earlier," Ishwari said to Sonakshi with a smile.

"Maa!" Dev whined. His mother was going to rip his self-respect in front of his girlfriend.

"What Dev? Your Maa is correct." Raghunath said and he turned to Sonakshi, "Dear thank you for being with him. I hope you will stay together all your life. I wish we could see your face but now is not the right time. Tell us your name."

Sonakshi looked at Dev.

"Sonakshi Sharma," Dev answered for her.

"Shekhar Sharma's daughter?" Ishwari questioned.

Dev just nodded. Sonakshi feared the worst coming. A daughter of a rival would not be welcomed into the family very easily.

Sonakshi hesitantly looked at Ishwari. She expected Ishwari to be angry or demean her as she was the enemy's daughter but Ishwari was smiling at her instead. She then looked at Raghunath who too was smiling now.

Ishwari spread her hands out and said, "Welcome to the family. I accept both of you. Hope you will stay together like this always. May God bless both of you with all the happiness."

Sonakshi hugged Ishwari happy that she had been accepted into Dev's family. Now it was her responsibility to make her family accept Dev.

"Welcome to the family Sonakshi!" Raghunath said "You were always family. Your mother is..."

"Your adopted cousin." Sonakshi completed.

Raghunath just smiled and nodded. There was romantic music playing. Raghunath asked Ishwari to dance. They both started ballroom dancing.

"Let's dance, Mia Bella," Dev said, offering his hand for her to enter the dance floor, "Love is in the air."

"You are just so cheesy, Mr Dixit," Sonakshi said while taking his hand.

He pulled her close to him encircling her waist in his hands. She took his left hand into her right hand she put her other hand on his shoulder. They swayed on the dance floor to the romantic song that was playing in the background.

Hoooo......

Badle se din hai meri badli si raatein
Meri badli si raatein
kai dino se meri mehki hai sansein

Mehki hai sansein
Pehli dafa hai ki mujhme tu jhalka hai
Pehli dafa hai ki mujhme tu chhalka hai
mere rango me kuchh dhang hai tere jaise bhi

Kuch rang pyar ke aise bhi
Kuch rang pyar ke aise bhi

Unchuye the sapne mere tune choo liye
Chupke chupke dil me aaya to jaan do liye
Teri ho gayi mein tujhko pata bhi to ho
Mere pyar me teri raza bhi to ho
Pehli dafa hai ki mujhme tu jhalka hai
Mere rango me kuchh dhang hai tere jaise bhi

Kuch rang pyar ke aise bhi
Kuch rang pyar ke aise bhi

Meri duniya mein tha main apney hi dhyan mein

Kuch toh badal gaya hai mere aasmaan mein

Aisa ye kaisey kyun kya ho gaya
Kuch khoobsoorat sa dil ko ho gaya
Pehli dafa hai ki mujhmey tu chalka hai
Mere rangon mein kuch dhang hai terey jaise bhi

Kuch rang pyar ke aise bhi
Kuch rang pyar ke aise bhi

Sadgi acchi lagi hai mujhko teri
Sachhi lagi pyar ki adayein ye teri
Kuch to tera pyar kuch hai teri sokhiyaan
Meri dil mein bas gayi teri sari khoobiyan
Pehli dafa hai ki mujhmein tu chalka hai
Mere rangon mein kuch dhang hai terey jaise bhi

Kuch rang pyar ke aise bhi
Kuch rang pyar ke aise bhi

The song ended. Dev and Sonakshi were lost in each other.

I love you, Dev!

I love you, Sona!

Suddenly there was a gunshot heard.

"DEV!" Sonakshi shouted.

WORD COUNT: 4002 WORDS

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