Heer Veer Singh POV:

A month ago

Same wedding night, 7:00 pm

I opened my eyes and saw Dr. Veer. His eyes were closed, his one arm under my head, working like a pillow. But why is he sleeping with me? He is my husband now. A husband and wife can sleep together, as I saw in Shinchain, his parents also sleep together. Also, Nina said he is a good man, and he will take care of me.

Last Night, when I was lying in Nina’s lap, she asked me if I liked Dr. Veer. I said yes. Then she asked me why?

I thought, then I started telling her. I like him because he admitted me to the 10th class. For my classes, he bought a tablet, but after classes, I can watch Shinchain. This Shinchain part I didn’t tell her. 

He bought flowers from our shop and gave them to me. Almost daily. No one ever gave me flowers because we have a flower shop, maybe they think they are mine, but Nina sells them, not gives them to me. But he gave it to me. 

Then, every Sunday, he cooks for me. He is a good cook, better than Nina, but I never tell about this Nina.

“Aaiii,” I winced because he pulled my braid in sleep. 

“Kya hua bachee.” He was checking my forehead. 

“You pulled my hair,” I replied. 

He got up and also made me sit. “Sorry, Bachee.” I just nodded. 

“Are you hungry?” He asked, and now his hand is settling my hair. Some of the strands are falling on my face, and I got irritated when my hair touched my cheeks. It’s tickling me. 

I shook my head. Then I remember my Nina. Tears came to my eyes, “Nina?” and I started crying. 

“Sorry, bachee, Nina is gone.” He said, and I started crying loudly, then he hugged me. “Shh, hum hai na aapke pass, aap akeli thodi na hai,” he said.

(shh, I’m with you. You are not alone.)

After some time, I stopped crying because my throat was hurting. “Humara gala dard ho raha hai, Dr. Veer.” He again checked my forehead. Then he got up from bed and put the thermometer in my mouth, I opened my lips and lost with that thermometer, then after one minute he pulled back. 

(My throat is hurting, Dr. Veer.)

“Thank god,” he put the thermometer on the table. “Now, no more crying. Otherwise, I have to give you an injection.” I hate them. I’ll not cry; otherwise, he will definitely give me an injection. He is a very big doctor. 

“Chaliye ghar chalte hai, aapke new house” he forwarded his hand to me. New house, I like new houses. My old house was old and small. Only one room and a small lobby, but we had a very big garden. 

(Let’s go home, your new house)

I jumped from bed, and he looked a little angry, but he never scolded me. Nina daily scolded me, sometimes on food, on study, and a list that was so long. 

We came to the parking, and I looked up at the sky. “Dr. Veer, Nina star ban gayi hai naa? Par aaj toh badal hai, woh mujhe dekhegi kase.” I asked, and it was cloudy. I know people who leave us become stars and watch us from the sky. 

(Dr. Veer, Nina became a star? But it’s clouded today how she will see me.)

“Badalo ke par stars hai, bas aaj hum unko nhi dekh skte par woh hume dekh skte hai.” He replied, I didn’t know that the stars have that much power. They can see us, but we can’t, which means my Nina is watching me. 

(Behind clouds, stars are there. They can see us, it’s just we can’t see them today.)

Then I saw a cat, a little gray cat in the grass. I moved, and she also moved, stepping back again. I moved, then she started running away from me. 

I also lifted my blue anarkali dress and started running after her. “Ruko,” I called, but she was still running. 

Maybe I have to talk to her in her language, so “meow, meow, meoww,” I called her, and she stopped. Carefully, I bend on my knees and hold her in my arms. “Shetaan kahi ki.” 

(You little monster)

Then Dr. Veer came, he was sweating, and in one hand he was holding my dupatta, with a pink dupatta also tied. “Heriye, galat baat, bina bataye kaha chali gayi thi aap?” He didn’t scold me; if Nina were here, she would even slap me lightly. He is so good that he never scolds me. 

(Heriye, wrong thing, where have you gone without telling me?)

“Maaf kr dijiye Dr. Veer,” showing him a cat in my arms, “dekhiye ye kitni pyari hai, hum isse bhi naye ghar mein lekar jayege,” I said, not asked. She is coming with me. 

(Sorry, Dr. Veer)

(See, how cute she is, we will also take her to the new house.)

But Dr. Veer didn’t reply to me.  “Dr. Veer, dekhiye naa, ye kitni choti si hai? Aaj se ye humari hui, Jase aap humare pati or ye humari baby.” 

(Dr. Veer, see how small she is? From today, it has become our baby, like you became my husband.)

Again, he is not saying anything. What if he denies me, but he never denies anything? What if he scolds me, but he never did that before? 

“Dekhiye naa barish bhi hone wali hai, agar ese bhi Nina ki trah kuch ho gaya toh? Hum fir se rone lag jayege.” This should words, he doesn’t like when I cry. 

(See, rain is going to start, what if something happened to her like Nina. I will start crying again.)

Then he immediately said, “Aapko jasa sahi lage vasa kariye. Par iska naam bhi hona chiye naa, jase aapka Heer hai or humara Veer hai”

(Do whatever you feel right. She should have named it like yours, Heer, and mine is Vee.)

He is right, she should have named too. So I thought and thought,  “Bebo, iska naam bebo hoga.” After lots of thinking, I decided this. She is cute and small like a baby, so Bebo's name will be perfect for her.

Then a sudden question arose in my mind, and I asked immediately.

“Ab hume koi ajeeb nhi bulayege naa kyuki ab humare pass pati bhi hai or baby bhi? Hai naa?” A lot of people come into our shop, and some call me weird. That’s why I always sit in the room of our shop. 

(Now no one calls me weird? Because I have a husband and a baby. Is it?)

Nina used to tell me I am not weird, I am special. People who don’t know me call me weird. I should never pay any attention to them. “From now on, no one will call you weird, Heer. Now your name is Heer Veer Singh,” he said, looking at me. 

“Chaliye, ab hum tino ek family hai,” I confirmed, and he nodded. 

(From now on, we three are family.)

“Chale?” he asked, and I shook my head, “Hum thak gaye hai.” I run for Bebo; now I’m tired, and my feet are hurting.

“Koi baat nhi,” He wrapped both the dupattas around his neck and picked me up like a kid. Bebo is in my arms, and we are both in his arms. He is strong, I giggled. 

My husband is so strong. 

Then we walk back, Bebo also remained still in my arms, maybe she is like this too, like me. 

We got near his car; it's so big. Wow, I got a strong husband who also has a big car. 

We both climb in the car, I’m going to our new house as a wife and mom. Nina must be happy, because she wants me to get married. Here I’m married, and just after my marriage, I became a mom too. 

I looked up in the sky, “Hope you are seeing me, Nina. See, I have a husband and baby. I also have a family, like others.”

(Bebo)

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.

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Janaat Viraj Singh POV

Present day

I slam my room door shut behind me, and my hands are fisted. What the hell is happening in my house?

One day, I met a man, and the same day, he came with a marriage proposal.

No warning.

No explanation.

Direct proposal.

And Dad? Acting as if it's the most normal thing in the world. And when he becomes the so-called best friend of Chiku. I start pacing in my room, heart pounding with frustration. I know he is manipulating Chiku and Dad. He thinks we are fools. What kind of marriage happened like this?

Is he seeking any revenge?” 

He could be a gold digger. – But when the hell do I have gold?

Maybe he is a stalker and has married multiple girls in the past – OMG, he is so dangerous. 

What rubbish are you thinking, Janu? He is the Principal, not a stalker and gold digger.

“Principal hai toh kya, limit mein rahe apni, ase kase muh utha ke aa gaye?” I hissed at my room's wall. 

Then I went near my window, and he was doing a handshake with Chiku, both were smiling. He probably thinks he has a chance here, admitting my heart starts racing when he is near. But it can also be a coincidence.

I stepped away from the window. Well, he is wrong, I don’t fall for handsome faces. But he also looks like him.

“Maybe you already,” my head voice made way in this serious situation.

I will definitely not get manipulated by him.

Ahh! God, I hate this feeling; his audacity is giving me stress. This whole situation is stressing me out.

“Is my Janu still angry?” Dad was near my door, holding a sandwich in a tray. 

Did he think a mere sandwich would push me into marriage? 

Noo, Naa!!

I turned my head sideways just to show I’m still angry and sat on my bed. He takes a seat on my bed with a food tray between us. His eyes locked with mine, “You trust me, right?”

“Of course I do, but this is so sudden, how can I marry him. I don’t know him except for his name.” I replied instantly.

Dad's gaze lingered on me with full affection, “So this is the problem. Let's solve this. He is the one who saved you.” Dad's words made me freeze; he helped us, not saved me. There is a difference. 

Dad holds my hands in his, “Listen to me very carefully. I know things might feel weird to you, but trusting someone with you isn’t easy for me. I want you to think about this situation from my perspective. He was in the hospital. Rushing doctors.Calling the best doctor for a second opinion. He handled every situation.”

I didn’t say a word. My lips trembled, and my eyes filled with uninvited tears. Why did he do all this? I thought he just helped us with money. 

“Chiku and I were devastated. We already lost your Mom. We are seeing you slipping from our hands. 

Your surgery took 28 hours, and he was there beside me each second. He holds us when everything is falling apart.” And those unnecessary tears slipped from my eyes. He instantly pulled me into his arms, and I threw myself on him.

“Shh, my baby.. I didn’t mean to upset you. Please stop crying,” he was constantly patting my head.

I break the hug, “Stop patting me like a puppy.”

A chuckle escaped from his lips, “Your nose turned red like a little puppy. Stop crying, Janu.”

Wiping my wet cheeks with the back of my hand, “Tell me more.” 

“Chiku was scared, not eating or drinking anything, but he fed him with his hands like a big brother. From then on, they became friends. Chiku talks with him often. He tells VJ everything that he can’t share with me and you.” Dad said, steadying his tone. I nodded, silently encouraging him to go on. Dad took a deep breath, “There were only 2 seats outside the operating room. You know he made Chiku sleep in his lap.”

Each word hung in the air. My body stilled, and silence stretched between us. It was more than a help; maybe we can call this a favor. 

“I know it’s a lot to take in. Tell me who did in this world. He is the best, best for you. He will keep you safe. His whole family is good; they will give you the love that your mom gave.” Dad's nervous tone betrayed his calm expression.

“Okay, listen to me. Now that Chiku is halfway through the 10th standard, we will send him abroad for further study. Your Mom wants both of you to be educated. You knew she always talked about Chiku becoming a successful man and her pretty little daughter becoming a business lady. Maybe I have to go abroad with him for his studies. Then what about you? I can’t leave you alone.” Dad paused.

Caressing my cheek with his thumb, “A day after tomorrow, your mother's death anniversary, Me Chiku and I will go to Russia, where your mom is being fostered, they will arrange three days of prayer for her soul.” Dad again stopped. 

“Then I should also go with you. I’ll marry him after coming from the trip.” I plead with folded hands.

“NO, and you already skipped a few classes. Don’t consider your Dad a fool. I know college started two weeks ago. You thought you were silently skipping classes, and I wouldn’t have known about it. Please take the study seriously. It was your Mom’s wish.”  Dad said warmly.

Mission, delaying the surprise marriage failed.

Picking milk glass from the tray and putting the tray on the side table, he leaned forward to my lips, “Drink, then we will continue.” 

He knows I hate milk, smart man. Always find a way to feed this stuff. I snatch the glass from his hand and gulp the milk in one go.

“Good, my Baby,” he took the glass from my hand, then again patted my head. “Stop patting,” I glared at him.

Dad inhales a deep breath, “He will keep you safe; you needed his protection.” My Dad's voice was calm, but it was filled with fear, the anticipation that danger could come from any side. 

There is always a shadow of danger that lurks around me. 

“So, you have to marry him tomorrow, a court marriage. After this, Chiku and I will take the flight to Russia.”After hearing this, my stomach twisted. I couldn’t breathe.

He wanted me to marry. Not for love, not for companionship, but for protection. A shield against a threat they couldn't even name.  

“I’m scared,” I admitted through shaky breath. I understood their fear; I knew what possessed them. It wasn't wealth or power, but a danger. A blood type that can make me a target anytime. 

“I am scared… what if he is pretending all this time?... What if he hurt me?...what if I don’t feel happy with him?” 

Dad hugged me, “Shh, you are overthinking, my baby. Believe me, Viraj will protect you. He keeps you happy. You never saw his eyes; he saw you like you were the most precious person to him.”

Did he? Yes, I feel his gaze; those jet black eyes didn’t even blink when he saw me in his office. 

“He even selected a further study plan for chiku. Life is going to keep moving. We should not be stuck in the past. You and Chiku are my priority; your future is important to me. One more thing you should know about… Timing might feel wrong, but some things need to be said.” 

“Wh.. what?” I asked stuttering.

“Even after surgery, he handled your recovery process. he knows every single detail about your health, about your diet, and what exercise you should do? He also tracks your yearly checkups.” Dad is telling me all this now; he was revealing layers of information like an onion and making me want to cry harder. 

He did all this for us, and I have no idea about this.

“But what about Home? I don’t want to leave my home.” My voice trembled in the end.

“Home? People make a home. Without people, it’s just a house with four walls. See, we both come back in five days. If you don’t like it there, then you will live with us.” Dad tells softly.

“So tomorrow at 10 am we will go to court, and one more thing, we will not reveal anything about your marriage until you feel. Pack a few clothes. If you like it there, then you will take all your belongings. Otherwise, you will live with me like always.”

This seems like a good idea; it will be a marriage just on paper, and I will come back here. 

“Dad, can I come in?” Chiku's voice breaks our momentary.

“Yes, Chiku. You can enter Janu’s territory; the storm has already passed.” Dad joked.

Chiku entered the room, “First of all, stop calling me Chiku. My name is Ruhaan. You can also call me RR, Ruhaan Roy. Am I clear enough?”

He and his bloody nakhre…

“Dad, why is the baby glaring at me? You said Strom passed, but I feel like some part of Strom is still lingering,” he joked, and I glare hard. 

“Give your children some privacy, Mr. Roy,” Chiku said.

Dad raised both his hands above his head, just showing his surrender, “Mr. Ruhaan Roy, make sure my baby sleeps with a full stomach.” 

Ruhaan sits near my knees on the floor, “Janu, He is a good man. You know, the first time I met him was in a hospital room. I asked for help to save you. Doctors said… it’ll be difficult to save you.” His voice was trembling with the truth. 

I already know it was difficult for me to pass that, but I survived. 

Then he held my hand and roared, “CALL THE BEST DOCTORS, I DON’T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING. I WILL ARRANGE THE TEAM OF THE BEST DOCTORS. JUST PREPARE FOR OPERATION.”

It’s difficult for me to process all of this. He was just a stranger to us, but he helped us this much. 

Chiku continued, “Everyone flew in seconds. He was so angry at the time that I was scared for him. But he holds my hand tightly.”

My throat was dry after knowing all this, but I want to know more, more about him. “Then?” I asked. 

“He immediately called someone, arranged the best doctors' team from the US. I’ll not let anything happen to her; make it quick.”

Chiku’s eyes were moist. “Then he pinky promised me that he would save you.” his words came like a whisper.

Pinky promise? A six-foot man with long legs doing pinky promise, imagining that scene makes me laugh. 

I hold his hand and pull him so he can sit beside me on the bed. I held my breath, waiting for more. I wanted to know all that had happened. 

“You know, I don’t even know how long your surgery went. I slept. But he didn’t. He was ordering tea for Dad and Milk for me. He was feeding me with his hands.” Chiku's voice was hoarse.

My throat burned as I swallowed the information. 

Chiku picks the food tray and forwards the piece of sandwich to my lips, “They are getting cold.”

He fed me all 4 pieces of the sandwich, and I started eating, but the taste of the sandwich was lost on me. My gaze was fixed on my younger brother, five years, to be exact. Yet, he became mature beyond his age. 

I watched him, really watched him, and the weight of his unspoken pain settled upon me; he was just a child at that time. 

He had seen things no one should see at that age; he saw our mother going away from him. 

And I, his sister, was fading before our eyes. I was battling just to breathe, just to live a little more. 

I chewed, the bread turning to dust in my mouth. I can’t even imagine how traumatizing that time was for him. 

I finished the sandwich, but the taste was still absent. But as I looked at him, he had grown too fast, aged too soon. He faced the harsh reality of life at such a young age. 

He witnessed the death at that time when he did not know the name. I kept the empty plate aside and hugged him. He also hugged me back tightly. 

“Did you pack your bags for tomorrow? Don’t forget your…” I said, didn’t want him to cry. 

He pulled back from the hug and shut my mouth with his hands, “Shh, I know, I’ll pack them and all warm clothes,” he uttered.

Then we both laughed. 

“Mission accomplished. Now, no more drama. We are just going for a week, then you will live here. Consider this a little holiday.” 

I rolled my eyes, but he had a point. It's not a marriage like others; it’s just the requirement of the time. I didn’t have to leave my house like every other girl.

“Good night, my baby sister. Wear a pretty dress tomorrow, I’ll be your unpaid photographer for a day, ma'am.” Saying this, he was gone with an empty food tray and glass.

I threw myself back on the bed, and I looked at my ceiling and that chandelier above my head.  “I’m getting married tomorrow.”  The words that were echoing finally slipped. 

How had I arrived at this point? Just this morning, I had woken up like a normal day, and now the day is ending with a decision that I’ll be married by tomorrow. 

He had been so helpful in my difficult time; who does that these days? 

No one, but he did all of that. 

Did he like me? Maybe yes, that’s why he came here with the proposal. 

He can ask me out at that time when I was in his office, but no, he chose this way, a sudden appearance with a sudden proposal. 

He is also competent according to “my man” list. He had effortlessly ticked off the first four requirements. I could evaluate him on the remaining criteria later. 

It felt surreal, utterly unbelievable. Marriage? Tomorrow? This couldn't be how it happened, could it? 

But it’s happening, and the weirdest thing I said yes to. 

Mumma and Dad would be married in a few days as well, but their situation was different. They love each other. Dad had proposed, and Mumma said yes. 

My case is different– I’m skipping all the steps and landing in marriage. 

It had been a long day, beginning with the thought of merely meeting him and ending with a yes to marriage with him.  We had bypassed all the middle steps like meeting, knowing, friendship, falling, proposing, and then the wedding. 

I can do this– think of it as an arranged marriage.

But in that case, brides live with their husbands and leave their house permanently. A wave of panic washed over me. Noo naa!! It’s not an arranged marriage. Then what will I call this marriage??

I can’t be in an arranged marriage because in that woman has to leave their house, their room, their parents, and their sibling. 

It’s just a five-day staycation. When Dad and Chiku come back, I’ll be in my room, life as usual. 

But the question is, what should this marriage be called? 

It was neither a love marriage nor an arranged marriage. So what will be the perfect word for this? 

Surprise marriage. 

YES, A SURPRISE MARRIAGE. 

To be continued…

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⬩➤ How cute did you find Heer, on the scale of 1 to 10??

⬩➤ Up next ~ court marriage is going to happen. 

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