"You're awake." I heard Omkara's voice as I sat up on the bed, rubbing my sore arms and brushing away my hair.

"Yeah, when did you wake up? Are you going somewhere?" I blinked, squinting at Omkara , who was now slipping off his jacket.

"Did you go somewhere? What time is it?"

"Damn, one at a time, Gauri ." He raised a brow and I quickly nodded, murmuring a quick sorry before rubbing my temple.

"Something wrong?" Omkara questioned, sitting down on the bed and before I could answer him, he pressed his palm on my forehead, the corner of his lips slightly curling downwards.

"I'm fine, let me get changed." I hopped of the bed, then stopped halfway before letting out a groan.

"We don't have any clothes. Toothbrush is in there." He gave me an apologetic look as I walked into the toilet with another nod. I quickly brushed my teeth and washed my face, ignoring the burning stench of alcohol that was still lingering in my nose.

Oh God, it stinked.

"Omkara ," I stepped out to look at him. "Can we stay here for a few more minutes? I really want to rest a bit more." He simply nodded and I plopped back on the bed with a sigh.

"You must be hungry. I can take you to a restaurant or cafe on our way."

"That's alright, I'm just-"

"I insist." He persisted and I nodded slowly, breaking my gaze from his. He was about to say something when his phone started ringing and I watched him pick it out, immediately pressing it against his ears.

"Yeah, she's with me," He spoke softly, sparing me a glance.

"No, we have already talked about this, none of you are going to feed on the mortals without their permission, are we clear?"

I stopped to look at Omkara as he hissed on the phone before standing up, ready to leave the room when I grabbed his upper arm.

"I'll call you back, don't make me repeat myself again. I'll figure things out and bring some blood bags on the way, so until then, keep your hands and fangs to yourself." He hissed lowly on the phone, his eyebrows furrowing together in annoyance before hanging up.

"Omkara , what's going on? Are they hungry?" I asked, already catching up on the situation.

"Nothing you have to worry about. And don't eavesdrop on my conversations, it's annoying."

"Omkara , I was right next to you, I wasn't trying to-"

"It's too early for this, Gauri . I already got shit load of things to deal with besides you, so don't start." He cut me off with a huff, running a hand through his neck.

"I am not starting anything, Omkara- stop!" I grabbed his hand as he started to get up again.

"Just talk to me. What's going on?" I frowned a little, edging myself closer to him, completely captivating his eyes in mine before he let out a sigh.

"The guys are just pissed alright. You probably heard about the new rules and shit that I made. No more forcing on the humans for blood."

"That's really sweet of you-"

"Save it,Gauri ."

"If you can't take a compliment or a proper thank you, then fine, I'll take my ass somewhere else." I started to get up when Omkara grasped my wrist, pulling me back down.

"Sorry, I just-"

"Just what?" I cut him off and watched him pinch the bridge of his nose, his eyes ripping away from mine.

"Hungry." "What?"

"I am hungry," He finally breathed, his eyes slightly glancing at my neck before swiftly moving on to my eyes again.

"I am just very hungry so I'll probably get hella annoyed with-"

"You can have my blood." He visibly flinched before shaking his head but I grabbed his shoulder before nodding

"Gauri , I am not-"

"I am fine with it. I really am. Plus, it's the only way you'll get your strength back right?" I moved closer and I watched his eyes grow a shade darker before he turned away.

I can almost imagine how hard it would be for him to refuse his "food" when he was starving.

"Let's not go there, Gauri , you know I can't hold back if you insist even a little-"

"I am insisting because I want to. Now stop being so stubborn and do it. You can just heal me back." I brushed my hair to a side and moved closer to him, his eyes slightly widening before he gulped softly.

"Don't do that, I really can't control if you keep-" He froze when I traced my neck with my fingers, slowly running them along my collarbone.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see Omkara's eyes grow a shade darker before they filled up in desire and hunger, making my heart race ten times faster than it was before.

A hand made its way around my neck, his fingers tangling around my hair as he pulled me closer.

I grabbed his shoulders, roughly clutching on to his shirt as he started closing in on my neck.

"You're so stubborn." His breath hit against my neck and I stiffened when his tongue brushed against my soft spot, sending goosebumps all over my body but at least I was able to suppress a moan from slipping out of my mouth.

His breathing got heavier against my neck, almost as if he was hesitating for a minute and I leaned my neck closer, giving him permission completely.

A sharp stabbing pain jolted in my neck as his fangs sunk inside and just as I let out a cry, a hand covered my mouth gently, his hand securely tightening around my waist.

I stopped moving, closing my eyes shut and arching my back a little, praying the pain would stop already. But it didn't.

It doesn't matter whether it was Omkara or any other vampire, it still hurts like hell.

One would think that getting bitten by a vampire you like would ease up the pain somehow, but screw that little fantasy, it still stung like a bitch.

My head started to spin a little, tiny lights blurring my vision and my breathings grew more rapid as he kept going, his soft lips pressed on my neck.

I let out a gasp when he finally pulled away, gently, as if he was afraid that he would break me apart. It wasn't like that when he first drank my blood.

"Sorry." He breathed, wiping the blood from his lips before digging his fangs into his own skin.

He swiftly leaned in to cover his lips on mine and I stiffened when I felt the familiar taste of copper metal fill my mouth before he pulled away.

The throbbing pain left shortly after I tasted his blood and we both looked at each other, not really knowing what to say.

His eyes filled with so many emotions at once and I just returned the gaze, hoping this could be another moment, just for the two us.

All those hopes come crashing down when someone knocks on the door and Omkara gets up.

"We'll be down soon." He said out loud as I quickly wiped my lips.

"I got your girlfriend some clothes." A voice yelled back from outside the door and my eyes immediately lit up.

******

"Stop gawking at me like that." I mumbled as we stepped out of the car and in front of a nearby cafe.

"Well, can you blame me? You're practically wearing nothing." Omkara muttered under his breath and I ignored his obvious jealousy before pulling my plain white shirt down.

Sure, the shirt covered the shorts I was now wearing but at least it reached upto my mid- thighs.

Plus, it's not like I had a choice. I was practically wearing damp sticky clothes the whole of last night and this morning.

Of course I wouldn't say no to some comfy warm clothes. Omkara opened the cafe for me and I walked in with him, my eyes not leaving the ground.

For some reason, eyes were already on us and I couldn't help but squirm in my position uncomfortably as we walked over to the counter, sitting on one of stools.

"What would you like to order, sir?" The middle aged lady pulled a piece of her blond hair behind her ears, batting her eyelashes at Omkara , who turned to look at me, his eyes showing off no interest towards the beautiful lady in front of him.

"You want a sandwich or burger or-" his voice seemed so distant as my eyes landed on some guys at the table, their eyes growing a shade darker as they stared at me intensely, causing my breath to hitch.

"Hey, Jaan, eyes on me." Omkara snapped his fingers across my face and I instantly snapped to reality, glancing at the waitress as she covered her face in embarrassment.

"Sandwich." I hopped off the stool before making my way to an empty table with Omkara , trying to ignore the prying eyes on me.

"Omkara ?" I sat down on the small sofa and Omkara sat down next to me before cocking an eyebrow at me.

"Hmm?"

"Why do those people keep staring at us?" I barely whispered and I could've sworn I saw them smirking as soon as those words left my mouth.

"Don't worry about them, just eat." He said impatiently, nodding at the waitress as she placed down my sandwich on the table.

I slowly started nibbling on my food, trying to ignore the continuous stares.

I slightly jumped up when a hand grabbed my thighs from under the table and I snapped my head to look at Omkara , my cheeks slightly heating up in embarrassment.

"Stop shaking, you're with me." His words seemed to calm me down and I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding back.

Omkara's hand was still placed on my thighs and I looked at him, giving him a look as his eyebrows shot up.

"You can stop now." I mumbled, not really meaning those words.

His touch was exhilarating and I was silently craving for more.

"Stop what?" He started playing, his voice growing hoarse and deep as he leaned closer to my ears.

"This?" He whispered, suddenly squeezing my thighs gently.

I almost squeaked and slapped his hand away as he dropped back on the sofa with a chuckle.

I started finishing off my sandwich, grateful that he had drifted my mind away from those creeps at the table.

" You know Gauri , i could watch you all day." He suddenly mumbled and I almost choked on my food before looking at Omkara , who was now staring at me, his elbows propped up on the table as a wry smile played on his lips.

"Creepy, but okay." I tried to hide the flattery in my voice.

"Seriously, those guys are creepy. Why do they keep staring at us as if-"

"They're vampires." Omkara's words sent my eyes widening and I looked at him in shock but he still looked somewhat dazed in his own little world, a grin forming on his lips upon noticing my petrified state.

"What do you mean-"

"Damn it Gauri ! I really wanna kiss you right now."

"Omkara , I am serious, we're getting out." I started tugging his hand and stood up when Omkara didn't budge.

I marched my way towards the door and froze when the guys started getting up, their eyes growing a shade darker as they huddled around me, causing me to freeze.

One of them stepped forward and I flinched when I noticed his hands reaching out to graze my cheeks.

Out of instincts, I swiftly took a step back and bumped against something hard and glanced up to look at Omkara , who was now hovering over my body, his hand slumping on my shoulder.

"We were only trying to have a small chat with the pretty lady here," A dark brown haired guy stepped forward, his intimidating eyes making my knees weak. "She smells really good."

"Too bad she's already taken." Omkara seemed to be extra calm for someone who'd have usually gone all out on them by now.

"Guess we didn't introduce ourselves," the blond haired guy started with a grin, pinching the bridge of his nose in a cocky manner.

"My name is  Shlok, I come from Agnihotri family, the descendant of-"

"Omkara Singh, from the Oberoi's ," Omkara interrupted rudely, holding out one his hand while the other was still securely wrapped around my waist.

"Guess you have heard of me then." His voice turned all serious when Shlok's expression fell, his lips curling downwards in both fear and obedience.

"Yes." He said softly, his eyes briefly meeting his brothers before mustering the courage to look up at Omkara again.

"Why are you in my town, Shlok Agnihotri?"

"I have some things to take care of." His eyes narrowed at Omkara , who raised a brow, the grip he had on my waist slightly tightening.

"I am sure you do, but I still want you gone within the week." Omkara started leaving with me when Shlok spoke again.

"Heard you are changing a few laws and rules between the mortals and our kind," I noticed Omkara's eyes turn a shade darker but neither of us bothered to turn around.

"I am guessing it's because of that pretty little thing over there," He almost taunted and I gripped Omkara's shirt before he could turn around.

"For the sake of her kind and ours, I hope you don't end up doing something stupid Omkara .You know what will happen if a vampire and a human-" He kept rambling on but before he could say anything more, Omkara dragged me outside with him, not ever bothering to spare another glance Shlok .

I stumbled my way towards the car with him and decided to keep the questions to myself for now.

"What was that about?" I questioned as Omkara pulled over in front of the mansion and I heard him mutter out "nothing" before stepping out in a haste.

"It's not nothing, Omkara , stop!" I stepped in front of him as he let out a huff, his eyes briefly meeting mine. "Tell me what he was talking about."

"He only spat rubbish. I didn't even hear most of it."

"I wasn't deaf back there, Omkara ."

"I'm sure you weren't, Gauri ." And with that, he brushed past me inside and I followed him in, slowly losing my patience.

"Are you seriously going to ignore me like this,Omkara ? If so, then don't bother trying to talk about it later."

Omkara stopped halfway as I turned to make my way towards the stairs.

"I'm sorry, okay?" He appeared in front of me before I could walk up the stairs.

"I'll explain everything to you Gauri ,in time. Just don't think about it right now, hmm?" His voice turned all soft, concern and worry clearly evident in his tone and I flinched when his fingers grazed against my cheeks affectionately.

I went silent and watched him give me another look before disappearing out my sight, leaving me all alone.

With a long defeated sigh, I made my way upstairs to my room, not really wanting to bump into the guys on the way, knowing that they'd bombard me with questions.

As soon as I opened the door and entered, a hand slammed it shut so hard, it caused my ears to ring painfully and I gasped when Ishana's figure came to focus.

Her eyes were raging in anger, her lips curled into the most hateful scowl before she glared at me.

"I have been so fucking nice to you, Gauri . I warned you to stay away from him, practically begged a pathetic mortal to hand over what's rightfully mine and you have the fucking nerve to disobey me?" She was being hysterical now, scoffing and laughing with no amusement.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?!" She practically yelled in my face and I opened my mouth to say something back when she glared right into my eyes, her brown eyes absorbing my own into a hypnotising gaze.

"Shut up, you will not breathe a word about this. I have been patient, darling. I really have been. But you couldn't stay away and keep your filthy hands to yourself!" She hissed and my eyes widened when I realized that I was already under her compulsion.

This is bad, she was definitely going to do something, I know so. Her eyes held so much anger, filling with the desire to rip my heart out any second.

"Ishana, what Omkara and I have is a lot more complicated-"

"Save the bullshit," She roughly grabbed my cheeks and I immediately started to panic in fear.

"Don't say anything and don't move. All you have to do is follow my command. You are simply a worthless blood bag who means nothing to Omkara . And he is going to realize just how pathetic and meaningless your life is after I'm done with you." The words that spat out of her mouth was crazy. She was crazy.

But there was nothing I could do, not with Ishana having complete control of my body. "I am going to hold an event tonight. I want you to attend right on time, wearing something extremely pretty, considering the fact that this might be your last chance to ever dress nice," She humoured herself, pulling back and I begged my body to move and start running but it was no use.

I was stuck, glued to my position, feeling helpless and frustrated.

"At midnight, you are going to runaway, run into a car, drown yourself or better," her words made my blood freeze and my jaws drop open in disbelief and horror.

"Jump from a building, whatever pleases your taste." She snapped her fingers and I felt a single tear roll down my cheeks.

She wasn't serious was she? So why am I convincing myself to do as she says right now.

"Say something, sweetie."

"Ishana please," I barely croaked out and she sent me another glare, making me shut up immediately.

"On second thought, keep it shut. You will not breathe another fucking word about this to Omkara or anyone from the Oberoi brothers, you understand?" She hissed one last time and I simply nodded, tears rolling down my cheeks at how helpless I was right now.

I felt so weak and vulnerable.

The fact that she could get away with this over jealousy boiled anger inside of me, but there was nothing I could do.

"Why would you go this far, Ishana...?"

"Now, say your goodbyes to everyone else. I need you to understand how serious I am." She ignored my question.

"After all, this is going to be the last time you'll ever see them." She stated coldly, brushing her fingers on my neck, her eyes growing a shade darker.

Without warning, she lunged forward, grabbing my hair and twisting my neck to a side before burying her fangs inside my neck.

A blood curdling scream escaped through my lungs and Ishana clutched my mouth roughly, her tight grip making my jawline ache in pain.

She was a vampire, she was so much more stronger than me and I was aware of that. But I had to fight back, I had to do something, anything. With another muffled scream, I tried to lean away from her, fighting back my trembling knees that were now growing weak as she kept sucking my blood, completely draining me.

"Ishana-"

"Ah." She sang, pulling away and I noticed the hatred and satisfaction twinkle in her eyes as she pulled away.

"Patch that up sweetheart, this will be the last time we see each other anyways. Might as well give me something in return for being nice this whole time. Your presence was repulsive by the way, to the point where I had to stop myself from ripping your heart out every fucking time you lay your filthy hands on him." She kept rambling as I broke down on the floor, clutching my neck painfully as the blood started dripping from my hands to the floor.

"Whatever happened between us, is between us darling, are we clear?" She grabbed my cheeks, bending down to meet my eyes.

My eyes drew inside her once again and I found myself nodding as she shoved my face away, her heels clicking away before she opened the door to leave.

I lay helplessly on the floor, tears rolling down my cheeks as I cried and cried silently, asking myself why it had to be me.

Why me? Why was all of this happening to me? Now I am going to die? I don't want to die.

I want to live, I want to keep living, I want to-
Even my thoughts came to an abrupt stop before Ishana's words started repeating in my head.

Kill yourself at Midnight, Gauri . These words ran through my mind as I continued to lay helplessly on the floor.

Hours passed as I contemplated my life, wondering why and how I came to this point. Why everyone pushed me around and was able to throw me away like this.

My life meant nothing to her. How can she end someone's life just on a whim? Out of jealousy?

How can someone treat someone's life like it was nothing? Like it had no meaning. Was it that easy? For someone to just end another life?

"Gauri ?!" Arjun's voice echoed through the room, snapping me back to reality but I didn't budge. I didn't even hear the door opening.

"Hey, are you okay?! What happened?!" He grabbed my shoulders, pulling me up and I hesitantly shook my head.

"I'm fine-"

"Shit, no wonder, who did this?" He grabbed my chin, turning it to reveal my neck before getting up and disappearing.

A few seconds later, he came back with a damp towel, sitting down next to me and quickly wiping off the blood.

I noticed his breathings getting heavier as he kept washing my neck, his eyes filling up with desire and hunger but the moment they met with my own eyes, they softened, going back to normal.

"Tell me who did this." He said in a more demanding tone, his eyes narrowing down at me as I shook my head.

"It was nothing, a joke."

"Yeah right, I'm calling Omkara -"

"No! Please don't Arjun , not this time. You know how stressed out he is. He shouldn't worry about me. Plus, it's nothing. Please just let it go, just this once." I started begging at the end, clutching his loose white shirt as we both stood up.

"What's going on, Gauri ?"

"Nothing, I swear." I said one last time, my eyes glimmering in tears, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. I wasn't allowed to tell them. They can't know she did this.

They won't trust me .

"Alright, stop crying." He finally breathed, wrapping his arms around my body and pulling me closer in a comforting manner.

Honestly, we weren't at all close. Hell, I barely even know the guy but his gesture was comforting and sweet and at this point, all I needed was comfort.

"Now get ready. The event starts in an hour and Ishana told me to check up on you." He pulled away, brushing away my tears and I gulped at the mention of her name.

"You look really pale, Gauri . Are you really okay? Because if it's one of my brothers who fed on you then- "

"It's not-"

"Then who?" I went silent again and watched Arjun run a hand through his disheveled blond hair.

"I am not letting you go unless-"

"I'll tell you after the event." I interrupted softly and Arjun gave me a long look before nodding with a sigh. And with that, he disappeared out of my sight, leaving me alone with my thoughts again. What am I going to do?

x-x

"Well, hello beautiful." Abhay complimented as I stepped into the ballroom, wearing a sleeveless black gown, that effortlessly reached all the way down to the the floor.

The dress showed off my curves and I slightly squirmed in my position before smiling at the Oberoi brothers.

All of them looked good, per usual, their hair gelled to the back, not even a strand of hair poking out, with suits that fit them all too perfectly.

"Thank you." I said shortly, plastering on a fake smile. My eyes swiftly roamed the area before Ishana  came into my view, the coral colored sleeveless dress revealing all her beautiful curves and long legs.

Her hair was loose, cascading all the way down to her back. She was beautiful. A beautiful monster of course.

Seeing her wry smile made my blood boil and I opened my mouth. to rat out on her but to my frustration, none of those words left my mouth.

My heart started pounding loudly against my chest as she glanced at me, raising her glass of whine before grinning at me in the most sickly way possible.

My face turned into at scowl and I turned away, ignoring the burning sensation in my eyes.

She can't get away with this. She won't be be able to. There is no way she can distract everyone in an event like this. I just had to have faith.

Hours passed and I started to panic, my eyes roaming around the people as I searched for Omkara and Shivaay , but they were nowhere to be seen now.

Hell, I didn't even see them once. What was going on? Where were they?

"Now for my final entertainment for the night" Ishana's voice announced and I watched everyone turn to look at her.

Seeing that Omkara and Shivaay  is not here to ruin the fun tonight, why don1t we step up our game a little, She purposely sent me a smirk at the end, causing my heart to drop.

"Ladies, let's begin."

On cue,some random girls stepped up in front of us before sliding their hair back to a side, sending seductive smirks and grins towards the boys.

Music blasted through the room shortly and I heard everyone shouting and cooing before the lights turned off, only to get replaced with disco balls.

No, no, this can't be happening.

"Rudra", I clutched on to the nearest person, my eyes widening in fear when I noticed the clock that hung on the nearest wall.

It was half past midnight and Ishana's command immediately rang through my mind, making my blood freeze.

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Help me" I chose my words carefully and watched his eyebrows knot in confusion. "Please take me to  Omkara". I breathed and Rudra let out a sigh before taking out his phone impatiently.

"Kulfi , we already told you to stay inside if you hate parties"He said softly and I grabbed his phone before turning around and leaving, my mind going completely blank.

I could hear him shout out my name but I didn1t listen.

I had to do one thing and one thing only.

Ending my life, one way or another.......

My breath hitched as I swallowed another lump in my throat, my eyes now staring at the cold, dark blue sea ahead of me.

A part of me didn't  even think she could get away with this but here I was, more helpless than ever. I don't t want it to end like this.

I hated this. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I kept staring at the sea, silently praying that midnight would never pass.

Seconds started to feel like hours and as badly as I wanted to give away and crumble down on the ground, I couldn't.

I had no choice but to obey. Something started to vibrate in my hands and my eyes lowered down to see Omkara's name popping up on the phone I didn't even know I was holding now.

Reluctantly, I pressed the phone and pressed them against my ears.

"Hey how she's doing? Make sure to keep your bloody eyes on her 24/7 and check whether she eats, I am still gonna take some time to convince them" His voice felt like melodies to my ears.

That sweet tone he held when he talked about me.

He was already worried me.

"Omkara" I breathed, inhaling deeply as more tears rolled down my cheeks. There was silence on the other line.

"Ga-Gauri What are you doing with Rudra's
phone? Where is he?"He questioned immediately and I went silent, trying to come up with any words that could be of any help to Omkara  in order for him to realize my situation.

"He's home..." I mentally sighed in relief when I realized the right choice of words can still be slipped out.

"What do you mean- "there was another silence on the line.

"Gauri , where are you?"

" I'm  fine." Not the words I had in my mind, but
rather the ones that were forced to slip out right about now.

"I can hear the wind and the sound of waves-"

"I'm fine,Omkara" I spoke  softly. My thoughts came to an abrupt stop when I realized that it was about time I did as I was told.

"Gauri , where are you?!"

"I-I have to go" I choked out finally, staring at the ocean one more time.

"Omkara , thank you, for everything. I know that whatever we had was real, and no matter what anyone says, you'll always be-"

"Gauri, where the fuck are you?! Stop talking and listen to me, wherever you are, whatever you are trying to do, please stop. And tell me, please tell me where you are, I'm begging you!"

I am sure Omkara had already caught up on the situation and I shook my head, slowly making my way towards the water.

"I can't." I choked out, my knees trembling as the water finally touched my feet, the cold sensation making my blood freeze.

"Stop, hey, Jaan listen to me, listen to my voice and don't-" I pulled away the phone, letting it drop down into the sea.

My body was now moving on its own and I was now screaming at myself to stop,to fight back with the compulsion.

Minutes passed by as I kept taking slow steps towards the sea, praying it bought enough time for anyone to find me.

I am sure that to everyone else passing by, I was just a girl trying to go for a swim. But that wasn't the case. I didn't know how to swim.

I closed my eyes and let out a painful cry out when my toes left the ground, causing my hands and legs to start kicking immediately. But it wasn't long before i stopped
fighting, letting my body sunk deep inside the cold waters.

I can't breathe. I can't see. It's suffocating and painful...

******

I coughed, spitting out some water before the air filled my lungs, causing my eyes to flutter open.

Icy blue eyes met mine and I coughed some more, trying to make sense of the figure.

"You're  okay, you're going to be okay Jaan, I promise" A familiar voice whispered against my neck as someone wrapped their arms around my body before pulling me up in his arms.

My world started spinning and I didn't even bother to fight or move. Instead, I inhaled deeply, darkness invading my vision instantly before I blacked out.

I woke up with a stabbing pain in my head and groaned before sitting up, taking in the unfamiliar area around me.

"What the hell..." i groaned out painfully and clutched my head tightly.

"Hey, you' re awake." Arms rushed to cup my cheeks and I looked up at Omkara , who was now staring at me, his eyes filled with guilt and pain.

What happened?

"Omkara , who - what's going on?" I asked softly and started to get up from the bed.

"You don't remember?" He choked out and I noticed the bloodshot in his eyes, as if he's been crying?

No, no way.

"Remember what?" Iasked in confusion, trying to remember the broken pieces of memories from last night.

Was I drunk?

"You tried to-" He stopped to bite his lip, his voice slightly shaking.

'Tried to what? Omkara , what did I do?" I asked, panicking at the thought of me doing some embarrassing shit last night.

I was about to say something but froze when a piece of memory came crashing down my brain.

How I was standing in front of the sea, my mind going blank with only one thought running through it repeatedly.

Kill yourself Gauri.

I stopped to look at Omkara , who pulled me into a sudden hug, his arms tightly wrapping around mine.

"You actually tried to - after everything you just-" He pulled away and I watched him slide against the bed on the floor, pulling his knees up before slumping an arm on one his knee, covering half of his face with his fingers.

"Omkara I don't remember why-"

"You wanted to fucking kill yourself Gauri" He snapped in so much pain, his voice shaking and trembling.

I quickly rushed over to him, shaking my head repeatedly as I tried to remember why and how the hell I ended up there.

It was frustrating because nothing came to my mind no matter how hard I tried.

I don't and couldn't remember anything at all.

"Omkara , I would never do that!"I grabbed his hand away from his face and froze when I noticed his bloodshot eyes again.

It was my first time seeing him
like this.

"No, I  would never do that to you."

"You don't care about me Gauri . Hell, you don't even care about yourself . You were actually willing to kill yourself to get away from me!" He ended in a painful tone and I shook my head repeatedly, grabbing his upper arm but he jerked them away roughly.

"So fuck off, I'll stay the hell away from you if it means that you' ll stop doing this- " before he could finish, I crashed my lips onto his trembling lips and felt him harshly swallow down another gulp before kissing me back, his arm already wrapping around my back, pulling me closer as I sat on my heels.

He barely had any strength to kiss me for long and I knew better than to push him.

So I pulled away hesitantly and cupped his face, fixating my gaze inside his in the most comforting way I can, trying to show the sincerity in my actions and words.

"Omkara , I didn't  do it because of you, I can promise you that ."

"Then why'd you do it?"

"I-i don't remember Omkara --but" I turned his face to face mine again as soon as he tried to pull away.

"But I'll remember why and I'll tell you everything. All I know is that I have no reason to do what I did last night, Omkara . I am happy with you. I am happy with the way things are working out between us and I mean that" I noticed his eyes flicker in guilt before he broke our gaze again.

" know you don't believe me but Iam telling the truth Omkara " I tried to convince myself too, considering the fact that I had no way proving that he wasn't the reason behind what happened last night.

" i want to believe you, I really do. But this isn't the first time you tried to run away from me Gauri."

"It's not like that Omkara"

"I really can't let anything happen to you, Gauri ," He suddenly spoke up, swallowing down another gulp as he did.

"You have no idea what it does to me Gauri , how painful it is for me when you do shit like this," He barely concealed the hurt in his voice and my heart ached at his painful words.

"You're really killing me inside, Gauri "

It's been a few weeks since the incident and I've been trying my best to recall or remember anything from that night but for some reason, those memories remained shut.

It makes me frustrated and helpless but I've learned to take my time in order for me to regain those broken pieces of lost memories.

Something happened that night. My bets are on Veer, but why would he let me go? Ask me to kill myself? To get at Omkara once and for all? But that doesn't make any sense.

Veer wanted me alive, not dead. If he wanted me dead, he could have easily done so before but he chose not to.

So what's the catch here? What was he trying to gain out of this?

"Hey! How are you feeling, darling?" A familiar feminine voice caused me to cringe in annoyance before I plastered on a fake smile, turning my head to face Ishana.

"I feel okay, still don't remember anything though." I bit my bottom lip and glanced at Ishana.

I could've sworn I saw her smirk between my sentence but I brushed it off, knowing that she was only trying to look out for me, just this once.

"Good, take your time honey. Try not to push yourself. It's not good to open up doors that's meant to stay shut."

"What do you mean?" I looked at her in confusion as she shook her head.

"Just don't push yourself sweetie, try to let it go. I'm sure Omkara will figure things out and find Veer before he does something like this again." And with that, she walked away. Thank god for that.

"Gauri , why are you still not ready?!" I heard loud footsteps coming down from the stairs and turned to face the guys. They were all dressed up, wearing their suits and looking all sophisticated with their hair jelled back and combed neatly.

"I am...ready." I cleared my throat, looking down at my sweatpants and crop top, not to mention my messy hair bun with strands of hair that was now poking out of, well, everywhere.

"You can't go looking like that."

"Why not? She looks adorable."

"I'd still tap that."

"Get ready, we're late."

I groaned as the guys walked past me,Ajau and Parth sending me flirtatious winks as they left.

"But I thought we were never going to go out, considering the fact that I almost died, yet again." I whined at first but then my voice faded away as I realized how serious this was.

"We will protect you-"

"But it's not enough to stop Veer," I stopped when they all turned to look at me, their eyebrows furrowing together in displeasure.

"I mean, you guys are vampires, strong and the most powerful ones at that, but when it comes to Veer, none of that-"

"Hey, we are trying to protect you and our reputation too, Gauri . We can't be stuck here doing nothing, throwing away everything and our traditions, just because we gotta protect your mortal ass from getting kidnapped-"

"That's enough Ajay." Shivaay  cut him off and I noticed that everyone besides him were now glaring at me.

They obviously misunderstood, it's not like I was asking them to give up on everything. Of course I was grateful that they were trying to look out for me, but by taking me out to more of their annual events and parties, it's still resulting in me getting into danger, once again.

"She's just ungrateful." Rithesh  muttered under his breath and I bit my bottom lip, their words getting to me more than it should.

"So- sorry, I'll go get ready now." I whispered, blinking away the tears and rushing upstairs to get ready.

I know their words shouldn't bother me, but lately, I've become a bit fond of them too and their opinions matters to me now, as strange as that may be. But maybe that's not how way things are supposed to be.

I should look out for myself too, and try to stay out of their ways.

******

After slipping on a mini off shoulder short dress, I tied my hair into a nicer bun, applying a small amount of make up and hurried my way downstairs, my black lace heels clicking loudly as I made my way.

We all hurried outside and I met Omkara , who was now wearing a suit as well, his now grown dark hair slicked back as well.

Omkara looked different, now that his hair had grown, but in a good way, of course. Hell, who am I kidding, seeing his disheveled dark hair that went way too well with his icy blue eyes made me melt everytime. But now that he's been avoiding me ever since the "incident", I never got a chance to take a better look at him, nor have a decent conversation.

It's as if, everytime we take a step forward, something pulls us back and we're back to where we started.

*****

"You're not leaving my side." Shivaay  took my hand, slipping them around his arms and I went silent before my eyes landed on the 6 star restaurant in front of me.

"It doesn't matter, he'll take me away if he wants to anyways." I pulled my hand away and walked inside the huge area.

Marble tiles covered the entire floor with beautiful chandeliers hanging on the top of the ceiling.

The place was packed with people, some of them already stuffing themselves while the rest engaged in conversations.

Butlers came to escorts us to our table and we all made our way, taking our seats at one of the longest and largest tables.

After an hour or so, I started to get bored and got up, ignoring the conversations between the vampires and humans before walking towards the table of food.

Events like these eventually bored me way too easily.

"Hey, how're you feeling now?" I gasped and turned to face Arjun, his eyebrows knitting together in annoyance as I let out a dramatic sigh.

"Sorry, I-"

"Gauri , it's bothering me. What happened that night? I saw you that night before you-"

"Arjun, please..." I interrupted, grabbing his hands and shaking my head, slightly glancing to see if anyone was eavesdropping on our conversation now.

By anyone, I meant any vampires. "Please let it go because I don't remember either, I told you this a millon times, Arjun."

"No. You told me to keep my mouth shut that night. I am trying to help you remember. Who attacked you?" He brushed my hand away, this time, more determined to find the answers than he was a few days ago. But it was hopeless.

I don't remember anyone feeding on me that night nor the conversation between us.

"I don't want your help, Arjun. And I told you, until I regain my memories, don't go around spilling my secrets that you promised to keep.

Please." I tried to convince him and he gave me another look of disapproval, a slight hint of concern flashing through his eyes.

"I can't hide this from Omkara for long-"

"Hey," A familiar voice interrupted us. "Mind if I steal her highness for one dance?" I turned to face Shlok from Agnihotri family of the vampires and glanced at Arjun, who was now sending him a deadly glare.

"I don't think that it's appropriate to dance at such important occasions." I bit by bottom lip, looking at Shlok, his eyes boring into my soul now, a hint of amusement flickering in them.

"Relax, darling. I am holding this event, so it's really no harm. Also, I am quiet interested in getting to know you a little better," He took my hand, bowing a little before pressing a soft kiss on the back of my palm.

"Keeper of none other than the pureblood vampire himself, Omkara Singh Oberoi ." His lips parted into a sly grin and I flinched, his words sounding more like an insult rather than a compliment.

I didn't belong to anybody, not even Omkara Singh Oberoi .

"She's not up for-"

"A dance sounds lovely." I turned all poised and sophisticated, my voice no longer held that irritating bratty tone, but rather a composed and modest one took over. And with that, I took his hand, walking towards a few couples, who were slow dancing right in th middle of the room, making my insides knot in discomfort.

"You are quiet the dancer."

"I am used to it now, thank you." I smiled a little as Shlok swirled me around before pulling me back in his arms.

"Hmm, the events and parties must be tiring for a normal girl like yourself."

"I suppose.

"You look as if you are holding back something, darling. If there is anything you wish to ask, ask. This might be your only chance to do so without having Omkara and anyone else eavesdrop on our conversation." His words made me snap up and I bit my bottom lip hesitantly, wanting to spill the questions I was dying to ask him now.

"They really won't hear anything?"

"Not unless I want them to, don't worry darling, after all, I am a vampire too." He leaned to whisper in my ears and his sudden action made me quiver uncomfortably.

"What did you mean the other day? You said that Omkara knows what will happen if a vampire and human-"

"Falls in love." My eyes widened at his words and I arched an eyebrow in confusion.

"What do you mean? What's going to happen if a vampire and human falls in love?"

"Why, that goes against all the rules between vampires and humans, my darling," He gripped my waist tightly.

"If the vampires finds out that one of their kind had actually fallen in love with a-"

"But then what's a keeper for?" I cut him off in panic.

"Oh, sweet, naive, Gauri . Keepers are meant to be kept for pleasure and pleasure only. The only relationship that's allowed between the vampires and humans are physical attractions, not emotional ones. Omkara of all people should know that." He pulled back to see my shocked expression.

"After all, he made those rules in the first place." Shlok chuckled softly before guiding me further away from the crowd.

"Bu-but why? What's wrong with vampires and humans-"

"We are too different, Gauri . Two kinds. We feed on your kind, not fall in love with them. You are our food, we need humans to surive. What do you think will happen if such a leader as Omkara Singh Oberoi fell for a human? Things will change. Rules will change. The order of the world will change.

Vampires can no longer feed on humans and how will that allow us to live? It's simply not done, darling. Already, Omkara doesn't want us to feed on humans without their permission and in time, he would want us to respect and bow down to humans and show them affection.

It's not the way things are meant to be, Gauri.

Vampires cannot fall in love with a human.

It's Forbidden ," He explained and my breath hitched at his words.

"Omkara made these rules in order to keep a treaty between the vampires and humans. We give them power by turning only a few of them into vampires while the rest remains as nothing more than blood bags to us. It was a win - win situation for-"

"How - how is that..." I choked out and stopped when I felt a piercing and menacing atmosphere behind us but I didn't stop listening. I had to know.

The reason why Omkara is not letting me in. The reason why I-we can't be together.

"Cheer up, Gauri . You almost look disappointed. Didn't Omkara tell you any of this?" He asked in a somewhat surprised tone and I bit my bottom lip before glueing my eyes on the floor.

"No, he didn't." I barely mumbled out.

"Well Such a shame. Leading you on without the intention of loving you must be hard for someone like you."

"Someone like me?"

"Yes. You are different, Gauri . I can tell. You don't want what other girls want. You aren't satisfied and happy with just being his keeper, are you? No, you want more. So much more from him..." my heart skipped a beat when I realized what he was assuming.

His assumptions were true but I didn't want to hear those words slip through his mouth before he slapped me with the harsh truth again.

"So what happens if a vampire and human does fall in love? What are the consequences
?" I blurted out, wanting to know so badly.

"Hmm," He narrowed his eyes at me. "Let's just say that you'll get killed, Gauri . One way or another. If Omkara breaks his own rules, it will inflict war between all of us, and as strong and powerful as he may be, he and his brothers cannot handle all of us.
It'll be him against a whole army."

"But that's-" I stopped when someone grabbed my shoulders, causing me to gasp before I pulled away from Shlok .

I turned to meet the Oberoi brothers and was about to say something when Shlok took my hand again.

"I will see you again, my darling." He kissed my fingertips and left, leaving me in shock.

"What did he say?"

"Why the fuck does he keep touching you like-"

"You need to stay away from him."

"What did he say, Gauri ?" All of them started pouring questions and usually, I would have been fine with it, but right now, I was feeling sick and confused, my heart slowly sinking down all the way down to my stomach.

Omkara made these rules? When? For how long? Why didn't he tell me? Why would he make these rules in the first place?

Did he hate our kind so much? Did he hate me? How long was he planning to keep this from me? Did the humans know about this rule?

Did my parents know before they sent me off?

That I was only here to satisfy his lust?

"Gauri , I'm sorry about today, I got mad. Is that why you are ignoring us?" Ajay voice broke off my thoughts before he engulfed me into a hug but I kept staring ahead, ahead at Omkara , who was still casually talking with one of the humans.

"I'm fine." I croaked out, pulling away, my eyes still on Omkara but Before I knew it, my feet had started dragging me towards his table, my mind constantly getting reminded of Shlok's words.

"Vampires cannot fall in love with humans."
Tears started stinging in my eyes as I continued taking slow steps towards Omkara .

"Because it's Forbidden Love."