(Madhu's POV)

I didn't wait for him to open the car door for me. I quickly jump out the car & walk straight to the elevator. He doen't complaint but just follows me wearing a gentle smile on his face.

I don't know why I am so mad. No! I am not mad at Rishab but at myself. I really don't know what got into my head which made me talk so rudely to him. I really spoiled his dinner date & disappointed him. It all started well but me & my big mouth spoiled the fun completely. I even agreed he was arrogant & controlling. He must be hurt but he didn't show openly on his face.

We enter into the elevator together & he puts the code for the penthouse. Then he leans back on the metal wall looking straight at the closed doors. He has taken off his jacket & its hanging on his left hand & with right hand he runs his fingers through his hair. He is so goddamn handsome & manly.

He catches me staring at him but didn't say anything, just smiles at me. I return an awkward smile to him. He lets me walk first out of the elevator.

"You are not coming?" I turn & ask when he didn't step out of the elevator.

"Actually I am planning to catch some work so going down to office."

"Oh!" I say upset. "But it's already late" I state, checking the time from my wrist watch. It shows 11pm.

"Yeah, but..." he says & pulls out his mobile phone from his shirt pocket.

"I will be scared to stay alone" I whisper. He frowns. That's when the elevator starts shutting but Rishab nudges his foot stopping the door from closing. Then he steps out rubbing his forehead. I sigh in relief.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you... but you know... um... I am new to this house... its such a huge place & to stay all alone here..." I don't know how to explain. I just want to be with him. I don't want him to get mad at me & leave me alone.

"Hey! It's okay. I understand." he smiles sweetly. I just bite my lip trying to hide my embarrassment for saying I would get scared to stay alone. What will he think of me? Ababy wanting him to babysit?

"Come. I will put you to bed" he says & holds out his hand for me. I take his hand & we head upstairs to our bedroom.

"I will go change?" I don't know why I am asking his permission. May be I just want to talk something to him. I want to apologize to him for the way I behaved. I really want to work & I know he will see my side reason if I calmly explain to him. Well, instead of doing that I overreacted & behaved like a bitchy wife.

He nods smiling. Oh God! His beautiful smile is making my stomach flip.

When I return to our room after changing into my PJ's, I find him standing near the balcony talking over phone to someone. Who?

I walk close to him & he turns towards me sensing my presence. I hug myself with my arms to stop shivering.

"Madhu, it's cold out here. Why don't you go in & sleep?" he asks keeping his phone close to his chest muting it.

"Yeah, I will but I need some fresh air" I whisper. God! Why he's not  understanding the simple thing that I want to be nearer to him?

"Oh okay!" he shrugs & continues his call. Trust me, I am not here to overhear his conversation. I really don't want to know with whom he is talking. I don't care whether its a man or woman. I am not at all jealous!!

"Where were we, Bittuji?" he asks. I heave a sigh of relief knowing he is not taking to any girl but to Bittuji.

"Is it so urgent? Can't it hold for a day?... Okay, Bittuji... I will check the mail, print it out, sign & fax it to you..."

Rishab is talking business. Hell! Why don't Bittuji give Rishab some time to relax? Even at this time of the night he wants to work? Rishab is no more single like him. He should understand that & know not to make untimely calls.

I inhale sharply & look above the beautiful night sky. Hmm... it's staggering! I rub my arms up & down to warm myself from the chill breeze hitting my soft skin. I turn my head towards Rishab feeling his fingers on my face. He is still taking to Bittuji. I ideally wonder what's happening in office? & when will he hang up?

His eyes boring on mine intensely. His fingers gently smooth my hair from my face which is dangling in the air & sets them behind my ear caressing the soft spot of my ear sensuously sending shivers down my spine. Then he puts his arm around my shoulder, hugging me close. I slip my hand around his waist & rest my head on his chest.

"Better?" he asks me. Yes, his body heat is providing me the much needed warmth & its so comforting.

"Yes, Thanks" I whisper against his chest. In reply He presses a kiss on top of my head making me hug him tight. I wish I could stay like this, in his arms forever.

"Madhu, shall we get in?" he asks.

"You done talking with Bittuji?" I ask straightening myself but still didn't bother to step back. I am liking this closeness.

"Yeah" he nods.

"Okay" I say. He releases me from his hold disappointing me. Then I walk back to our bedroom. Rishab shuts the glass door of the balcony & joins me in.

"Goodnight" he kiss me gently on my forehead after tucking me under the duvet.

"You are not going to sleep?" I ask holding his hands.

"Um... I have an urgent work. But don't worry, I am not going down to office... I will be working in my study which is only next room. You can call me if you need something."

"You are a work maniac" I mutter.

"Maniac huh?" he shoots an eye brow, smirking. "Well, I can't argue with that assessment because I know its true." God! He is laughing at me.

"Sleep well. I will join you shortly." he caress my hair lovingly making me close my eyes in bliss. Then he is gone.

__0__

I stir & instinctively my hand reaches to the side of my bed but its cold & empty.

Where is Rishab? I wonder & scan the room opening my sleepy eyes.

I went out of the bedroom & head straight to his study. There he is working in the wee hours. Will this man ever sleep?

Suddenly he looks up dragging his eyes off the computer screen to me.

He blinks his eyes twice in surprise obviously wondering whether I am really standing or just he is hallucinating?

"Hi" I say meekly.

"You should be sleeping!"

"So you should be" I retort boldly. He sighs & smiles.

"I can function with much less sleep, Madhu" he states.

"Come to bed. You need rest too" I didn't realize I am commanding him. Surprisingly he obliges. He shuts down his system & walks out of his study with me.

"Do you want something to drink? Tea, coffee or water" I ask initiating a conversation.

"Um... I would just like to hit the bed but I am willing to give company if you want to drink tea, coffee or whatever" he says softly, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. I guess he is tired.

"I would like a cup of tea"

"Sure" he says & leads me to the kitchen.

"I will make tea for us" I say stopping him when he sets the tea pot on the stove.

"Okay" he nods & leaves me space as he takes a seat on the bar stool watching every move of mine intently.

"I am sorry, Rishab" finally I pull the nerve to apologize to him.

"For what?" He asks puzzled.

"For everything"

"Everything?" He frowns. Still he didn't get?

"For fighting with you" I spell out loud.

"Fight? Oh God! Madhu, I didn't realize we had a fight as you put. I thought we were just communicating & getting to know each other. You said what you wanted & I said what I preferred. That's it. No need to apologize"

"Oh! So you are not mad at me?" I ask meeting his eyes. I want to see whether he is telling me the truth.

"No! I am really not mad at you" he says sincerely & smiles assuring me.

"But I agreed you were arrogant, control freak & even said you were a work maniac... I am sorry... I didn't mean to hurt you... I just blurted out..."

"You didn't mean to hurt me but you meant what you said?" He asks. I nod.

"You know you are one honest woman." he says in awe.

"But I am really sorry for hurting you" I whisper looking at the boiling tea pot.

"Oh please! Stop apologizing. You didn't wound me. You just stated the fact. Though its not something so pleasant & romantic to hear from one's wife that too on the second day of their marriage" he says grinning. He really didn't took it seriously I guess but still I feel guilty. Because I know another fact too by closely working with him for more than a year. He is one kind & generous man. He fire his employees at the snap of the finger but he always has a valid reason. He pays his hardworking & loyal employees decently. He involves in lot of charitable activities. Part of the profit he makes goes to various trusts, orphanages & child care centers but nothing good about him known to the world. He often says the help you offer to others with one hand should not be even let known to your other hand. He never does anything for publicity. He does for his hearts content. The world knows him as a ruthless egoistic arrogant man but I know him otherwise. I know his good philanthropic side too but in my irrational anger I hurt him. I should really make it up for him someway. But how? & that's the question.

"Madhu... Back to earth" he brought me out of my reverie. I notice him pouring the tea on two cups & passing one to me.

"I am sorry" I say, embarrassed.

"You are in your half sleep I guess. Have this tea. Then we will go to bed."

"Thanks" I say. He just smiles. His smile is enough to make my heart fluster.

"You really want to work?" He asks taking a sip from the cup.

"Yes" I nod.

"But why?"

"I have my mother to look after... she is my responsibility"

"She is my responsibility too. I even asked her to stay with us but she very kindly denied my offer & I respect her decision but trust me I will make sure she has a very safe & comfortable life."

"Why do you want to do that?"

"Because I am part of the family. She accepted me as her son. Then why not I take care of her?" He has a point. I know we got married in haste but surely my mother liked him so much, already. Who will not like Rishab? Then why you are having reservation to confess your love, Madhu? I hear my inner voice. Love? Do I love him? But its so soon for that, right?

"Yeah. Right" I nod my head. "But still, I don't think I can sit idle at home. I cant just be a vacuous butterfly draped in your arm & just attend all the never ending business parties, fund raising charitable events, etc. I will get bored. Hope you understand!"

"Hmm... Now I could see sense. Okay, you work & I don't have any objection" He smiles.

"Really?" I ask in surprise. He nods.

"Thank you! Thank you so much" I did something which really surprised me more than Rishab. I jumped out of my chair & went around to his side & kissed his cheek throwing my arms around his neck.

"Um... I..." I stammer.

"Cool. You didn't kiss a stranger but your husband" he says smiling. I shyly nod my head.

"Yeah! Right"

Then we walk back to our room hand in hand.

"I should start finding a job" I say excitedly.

"What?" He asks shocked.

"What?" I ask confused. Why he is freaking? Just now I got his consent to work right?

"I thought you were proposing to work for... No! work with me?"

"No! I don't think that would be a right idea to work for or with you. You are my husband now"

"So what?"

"Rishab..."

"Don't be ridiculous, Madhu. I can't let you work for some f**ker" he snarls shocking me. I jump a step back.

"My wife! Rishab kundra's wife will work under some creep & get him rule her or bark orders at her? I will never let that happen." He says shaking his head in dread.

"What if my new boss is a lady?"

"I don't care. Either you work with me or you drop the idea of working" he says with finality & runs his hands through his messy hair.

"Control freak!" I mutter to myself but I guess he heard me.

"Madhu, this is all about compromise. I realized how important working is for you so I reluctantly agreed for it. Similarly you should understand me & respect my feelings. I sure as hell will never let you work for someone else."

I silently move towards the bed & sit on the edge wondering what to do or say.

"Madhu, I am not trying to control every aspect of your life. I just want to protect you & keep you safe. With all the fame & success, I have earned some enemies too. Being my wife is enough to put your life in danger. I just want to keep you close & safe with me, away from all sort of harms. I have already lost a lot & I cant bear to lose you too. I love you!" he says emotionally gripping my hand so hard.

"You are thinking too much Rishab. The risks are very minimal but you are making it a big deal. I know to protect myself. Life is full of uncertainties. There is no guarantee I will be safe when I am near you."

"Yes, you are right." He says & suddenly he went silent. Oh oh! What is this? Is he thinking about his first girlfriend Katherine who he couldn't protect? Is that what he meant when he said he lost a lot?

"I know you lost your first love Katherine and you still miss her. You worry something will happen to me as well." I couldn't help but feel insecure & jealous.

He is looking at me but he is distracted. His thoughts are somewhere else.

"Rishab..." I call him & shake his shoulder gently.

"Haan..." He startles.

"We are in the middle of a discussion." I remind him

"Um... Yeah... Well, soon I will start training you how to handle business & hand over one of our subsidiary companies to you to run. I want you to be the boss not a mere employee"

What the hell? Is he out of his mind? I stare at him open mouthed.

"Madhu..." This time he shakes my shoulder to get my attention. I am dumbstruck. Speechless. This is all too much for me to process. I open & close my mouth like a fish but I couldn't articulate a single word. I take a deep breathe calming myself.

"Rishab, I cant. I cant run a company. I just want to work & if you are not letting me work outside then fine. I will continue as your personal secretary." This is better.

"Madhu..." He starts to convince me but I stop him showing my hand.

"No, Rishab! I didn't marry you thinking about all the perks I would get out of this marriage. I didn't marry you for your money. I really liked you. You are a nice man so I gave my consent to this marriage." I state matter of fact.

"I proposed you knowing all that, Madhu. You are a very simple, straight forward, intelligent girl & incredibly beautiful. What more a man could want for? See, everything I do & earn is for you so I thought why not involve you in every aspect of my life?"

"Rishab... When I joined your company I just completed my under graduation. I am not even well qualified to handle business."

"Well, I am not forcing anything on you. I just said I will start training you so you can step into the business world one day when you are ready & for that I need you to work with me." This is going in circles. I can't believe we are discussing business at early morning four. Its all your fault, Madhu. You only opened your big mouth & didn't let the poor man to sleep. He looked so tired when I entered his study room.

"Rishab, you can train your son if he wishes to follow your foot steps but spare me" I say without thinking.

"Son?" He asks chuckling. I blush.

"I like the idea of training my son & making him a powerful man" he says grinning. I couldn't control my blush so I didn't dare to face him.

"Don't you want a daughter?" he asks teasingly.

"I do but first I want a son then one daughter."

"Why so?"

"Um... Our strong boy will always protect his little sister"

"Well said. We will start working on the baby making project when you are ready" he winks.

"Shut up, Rishab" I blush profusely.

"Madhu?" he calls me. This time his tone sounds serious not teasing.

"Hmm..."

"Do you want to study further?" He asks. I frown.

"Hmm..."

"Come on! Tell me?"

"I wished to do Masters in Business Administration"

"Then you are joining college" he declares.

"What?"

"No arguments, Madhu. Just keep chasing your dreams & I promise to be there for you in every step you take." He says & taking my hand he plants a soft kiss on my knuckles.

"Thank you so much, Rishab" I smile at him. He smiles back & ruffles my hair as if I am a small kid.

"So till I join college can I be your secretary, Chief?" I ask grinning.

"Of course, sweetheart!" he says & winks at me. I laugh & hug him.

"Shall we sleep" hearing his voice I pull myself away from his embrace.

"Yep" I jump on the bed and crawl to my side & lay down. Rishab removes his wrist watch, placing it on the chest of drawers beside the bed & switching off the bed side lamp, he lies beside me.

"Rishab?" I call & turn to my side facing away from him. I cant ask this looking at him.

"Hmm..." He hums.

"Do you still... um... love, Katherine?"

I wait for his reply holding my breathe.

"No!" He says after what feels like eternity.

"What?"

"Because I love you now" he says & I could hear the honesty & compassion in his voice. Oh my!

"But you said you missed her?" I ask.

"Of course I do miss her. She was not only my lover but my close friend too. When I had no one to love me, not even my own parents, she came into my life & showed me what was true love by loving me dearly making me feel worthy of living. I owe her a lot but suddenly one day she died..." His voice crack.

"... & till date I miss her... miss her friendship! She was one sweet woman like you." I can say he is smiling fondly even without seeing him.

"I am sorry if I hurt you by praising her... But I really honour & respect, Katherine."

"No! Not at all. I am just awe of her. She must be something... um... So special & wonderful that's why she lives in your constant memory." I silently wipe the tear drop which escaped out of my eyes. I should be really silly & stupid for feeling jealous of her. But this revelation made one thing clear that if Rishab loves someone then he will love truly with his heart & soul.

Am I deserving for his love? I don't know but I will make sure I will make him happy & love him deeply too.

"Yes. She will be in my memory, always..." He says softly. "But you will be in my heart because you own it"

"And you own my heart" I want to add but I didn't. I will let him know my feelings for him soon... really soon... in a special way... on a special day... that's Rishab's Birthday!

"Good night, Rishab" I whisper.

"Good night, Madhu" he whispers back & I wait for a minute for him to hold me but he didn't.

"Rishab?" I call once again disturbing his sleep.

"Yes" he says calmly.

"You are not going to hold me?" I ask shyly. He chuckles & instead of answering me, he just puts his arm around my waist & pulls me closer to him, my back patching to his chest.

"Now, sleep, my love" he kisses my hair. I smile & place my hand over his hand, entwining our fingers.

I love this man! I really do!

... to be continued!!!

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