CHAPTER 14

As Rithvik drove back to his mansion, he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that lingered within him. He knew that he was keeping a huge secret from Kishika, and he wasn't sure how long he could keep it hidden.

As he entered the mansion, he was greeted by his mother and father, who were busy packing their bags. They were leaving for Udaipur to visit Rithvik's sister Sara and her husband Rohan.

"Rithvik, my son, come here," his mother said, beckoning him over. "We won't be here when you return, but promise us one thing. When you come back to Mumbai, you'll get married to Kishika. She's a wonderful girl, and we want to see you settle down with someone you love."

Rithvik felt a pang of guilt as he looked at his mother's smiling face. He couldn't bear to tell her the truth about his mafia business, but he also couldn't bring himself to lie to her. Instead, he gave her a weak smile and nodded, hoping to ease her worries.

"I promise, mom," he said, feeling the weight of the lie heavy on his chest. "I'll talk to Kishika about it when I get back."

With that, Rithvik helped his parents carry their bags to the car and drove them to the airport. He watched as they boarded their flight, feeling a sense of emptiness as he realized that he was truly alone in his double life.

As he drove back to the mansion, Rithvik couldn't help but wonder what the future held for him and Kishika. Would she be able to accept his secret life if she ever found out? Would he be able to keep the truth hidden forever? Only time would tell.

When Rithvik arrived at the mansion, he parked the car and made his way inside. The house was quiet, and he couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that had settled in his heart. He went to his room and sat on his bed, lost in thought.

After a few moments, Rithvik's phone buzzed with a message from Kishika. "Hey, are you okay?" the message read.

Rithvik took a deep breath before typing out a reply. "I'm fine, just feeling a bit down. How about you?"

"I'm okay," Kishika replied. "Just missing you already."

Rithvik smiled at her message, feeling a sense of warmth spread through him. He typed out a reply, telling her that he missed her too, and they continued chatting for a while.

As the conversation came to a close, Rithvik made a promise to himself that he would do everything in his power to protect Kishika from the dangers of his secret life. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, and he would do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

Days turned into weeks, and Rithvik found himself getting deeper and deeper into his work as the head of the Mumbai underworld. He was constantly on the move, making deals and settling disputes, all while trying to keep his secret life hidden from those around him.

One day, as he was sitting in his office, his phone rang. It was his mother.

"Hello, Ma," Rithvik said, answering the call.

"Rithvik, beta," his mother said, her voice filled with concern. "Are you okay? You sound tired."

"I'm fine, Ma," Rithvik said, trying to sound reassuring. "Just been busy with work."

"I know, beta," his mother said. "But don't forget about Kishika. You need to take care of her too."

Rithvik felt a pang of guilt in his chest. He had been so busy with work that he hadn't had much time to spend with Kishika lately.

"I know, Ma," Rithvik said. "I'll make sure to spend some time with her soon."

"That's good to hear," his mother said. "And Rithvik, one more thing. When are you planning on getting married to Kishika?"

Rithvik felt his stomach drop. He had been dreading this conversation.

"I don't know, Ma," he said, trying to sound noncommittal. "We haven't really talked about it yet."

"Well, you should," his mother said firmly. "You're not getting any younger, and Kishika is a wonderful girl. You should think about settling down soon."

Rithvik felt trapped. He couldn't tell his mother the truth about his secret life, but he also couldn't marry Kishika without telling her the truth.

"I'll think about it, Ma," Rithvik said, trying to end the conversation as quickly as possible.

"Good," his mother said. "And remember, Rithvik. Family is everything. Don't forget that."

With that, she hung up, leaving Rithvik feeling more conflicted than ever. He knew that his family was important to him, but he also knew that his secret life was a part of him that he couldn't just ignore.

As he sat in his office, lost in thought, Rithvik couldn't help but wonder what the future held for him. Would he ever be able to find a balance between his two lives, or would he be forced to choose between them?

Top of Form

Rithvik pulled out his phone and dialed Kishika's number again. This time, she picked up on the first ring.

"Kishika, can we meet tonight?" he asked.

"Of course, Rithvik. Is everything okay?" she replied.

"I just want to talk to you about something important. I'll pick you up at 7 pm. Dress nicely, okay?" Rithvik said.

Kishika hesitated for a moment, but then agreed. Rithvik could hear the curiosity and excitement in her voice, and he couldn't help but smile.

He spent the rest of the day preparing for the evening. He instructed the mansion staff to set up a romantic dinner for two in the garden, complete with candles and fairy lights. He also arranged for a live band to play their favorite songs.

As he drove to Kishika's house, Rithvik felt nervous yet excited. He knew that this was the right time to talk to her about their future together. He wanted to give her a surprise and make her feel special.

When he arrived at her house, Kishika came out wearing a beautiful dress, looking stunning as ever. Rithvik couldn't help but feel grateful to have her in his life.

He opened the car door for her and they drove to the mansion in silence. Once they arrived, Rithvik led her to the garden, where the romantic dinner was set up. Kishika's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the beautiful setting.

They sat down at the table and started talking about their future plans. Rithvik felt nervous, but he knew that he had to be honest with her.

"Kishika, I want to talk to you about our future together," Rithvik said, taking her hand in his.

Kishika looked at him with curiosity and concern. Rithvik took a deep breath and continued.

"I know that we've been through a lot, and I've kept a lot of secrets from you. But I want to be honest with you now. I love you, Kishika, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you," he said.

Kishika's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't say anything.

"I know that my family wants me to get married soon, but I want to marry you, Kishika. Will you be my wife?" Rithvik asked, his heart pounding.

Kishika looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes, Rithvik. I will be your wife," she said, throwing her arms around him.

Rithvik felt a sense of relief and joy wash over him. He knew that he had made the right decision, and he couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with Kishika.

As they sat there, enjoying the romantic dinner and each other's company, Rithvik couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and support that he had in his life. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, but with Kishika by his side, he felt like he could face anything that the future held for him.

As they finished their dinner, Rithvik and Kishika sat on the garden swing, enjoying the warm evening breeze.

"I can't believe we're engaged," Kishika said, smiling at Rithvik.

Rithvik took her hand in his and looked into her eyes. "I know it's sudden, but I want you to know that I love you more than anything, Kishika."

"I love you too, Rithvik. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you," Kishika said, leaning in for a kiss.

Rithvik kissed her back, feeling grateful for the love and support that she had shown him. He knew that their journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to face it with her by his side.

"Kishika, I want to promise you something," Rithvik said, breaking the kiss.

"What is it?" Kishika asked, looking at him with curiosity.

"I promise to be honest with you from now on. No more secrets or lies. I want our relationship to be built on trust and respect," Rithvik said, looking into her eyes.

Kishika smiled at him, feeling touched by his words. "Thank you, Rithvik. I appreciate your honesty and your commitment to our relationship," she said, leaning in for another kiss.

As they continued to talk and enjoy each other's company, Rithvik felt like the luckiest man in the world. He knew that he had a long road ahead of him, but he was ready to face it with Kishika by his side.

Certainly!

Kishika couldn't believe what had just happened. She was going to marry Rithvik, the man she loved more than anything in the world. As they sat there, holding hands and talking about their future, she felt like she was on top of the world.

But at the same time, Kishika couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach. She knew that Rithvik had a secret life that she knew nothing about. What if his business was dangerous? What if she was putting herself in danger by marrying him?

Kishika looked at Rithvik, studying his face. He looked happy and content, but she couldn't help but wonder if he was hiding something from her. She didn't want to ruin the moment by bringing up her concerns, but she knew that she couldn't keep them bottled up forever.

"Rithvik, can I ask you something?" Kishika said, her voice shaking slightly.

"Of course, Kishika. Anything," Rithvik replied, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I just...I know that you have a secret life that you haven't told me about. And I'm just...worried, I guess. What if your business is dangerous? What if I'm putting myself in danger by marrying you?" Kishika said, the words tumbling out of her mouth in a rush.

Rithvik's expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand in his. "Kishika, I understand why you're worried. But I promise you, I will never put you in danger. My business is...complicated, but it's not dangerous. And even if it was, I would do everything in my power to protect you. You're the most important thing in my life," he said, his voice full of sincerity.

Kishika looked at him, feeling her heart swell with love for this man who had just promised to protect her with his life. She knew that she could trust him, and that he would never do anything to hurt her.

"Thank you, Rithvik. I trust you," she said, leaning in to kiss him.

As they kissed, Kishika felt like all of her worries and fears melted away. She knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Rithvik by her side, she felt like she could face anything.

Rithvik felt a sense of relief wash over him as Kishika pulled away from their kiss. He knew that they still had a lot of obstacles to overcome, but he felt confident that they could face them together.

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. He took out his phone from his pocket and asked Kishika to join him for a video conference call. Kishika was a bit surprised but nodded in agreement.

Rithvik quickly set up the call and invited his parents, Sara and Rohan, Arun, and Kishika's parents to join. To his surprise, he saw Akriti and Riya also on the other side of the screen.

"Hey, everyone! I have some good news to share," Rithvik announced with a smile.

Everyone's faces lit up with curiosity and anticipation.

"I've asked Kishika to marry me, and she's agreed!" Rithvik declared, holding Kishika's hand tightly.

There was a moment of stunned silence before everyone erupted into cheers and congratulations.

Sara and Rohan were overjoyed at the news and couldn't stop gushing about how much they loved Kishika. Arun, who had always been Rithvik's closest friend, joked that he was happy Rithvik finally found someone to take his craziness. Kishika's parents were over the moon, and Akriti and Riya could hardly contain their excitement.

As the conversation continued, Rithvik couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and support of his family and friends. He knew that he had made the right decision, and he couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with Kishika.

"So, when's the big day?" Akriti asked with a mischievous grin.

Rithvik and Kishika looked at each other, both feeling a bit overwhelmed at the question. They hadn't really thought about the logistics of planning a wedding yet.

"We haven't really decided yet," Rithvik admitted sheepishly.

Kishika's father, Raj, chimed in with a chuckle. "Well, you better start planning soon. You don't want to keep us waiting for too long."

Everyone laughed, and the conversation continued for a while longer before they said their goodbyes and ended the call.

Rithvik felt a sense of contentment wash over him as he sat back and looked at Kishika. They still had a lot of work to do, but for now, he was just happy to bask in the love and support of his family and friends.

Kishika leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. "I love you," she whispered.

Rithvik grinned back at her. "I love you too. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."