If I had a flower

For every time I thought

Of you, I could walk

In my garden forever

Alfred Lord Tennyson

....

A silver Porsche was parked outside Aadya's office grabbing the attention of people passing by.

What caught their interest was a charming man leaning on a car, clad in a dark maroon cashmere sweater and gray chinos. He was a sight to behold.

Ignoring the attention and lustful gazes from the ladies gawking at him shamelessly, his eyes were focused on the glass doors of Aadya's office.

For the nth time,Rudra checked the time on his Milan blue wrist watch. He was patiently waiting for Aadya outside her office for last one and a half hour.

Finally he saw her coming out of her office, immersed in a conversation with her colleague she did not noticed his stare on her.

Bidding her colleague goodbye, her eyes finally landed on him. He smiled a charming smile of his catching her off guard. His smile was prettier than hers always making her heart race a marathon inside her chest.

Rudra took a bunch of flowers from the car and gave them to Aadya, she narrowed her eyes at this sweet gesture of him.

Rudra was anything but sweet!

Nonetheless she accepted the flowers. They were ruffly,hot pink freshly plucked garden roses.

The deep pink colour of roses had reminded him of Aadya. She resembles a rose when she blushes, a pink one.

Giving them a gentle sniff, she smiled and said, "Thank you. These are beautiful, did you plucked them?"

Noticing the thorn cuts on his finger, she could not restrain herself and asked. However her tone or her eyes does not showed a slight of concern.

Umm.. Yes I plucked them from our Estate's garden for you. They always reminded me of you.. he wanted to say but he didn't.

"I am not sure. But the price, that flower lady took for them. I guess they are freshly plucked" he said instead.

She looked at him, not believing a single word coming from his mouth. How can she believe him when their was a tint of pink appearing on his ears. He was embarrassed.

Who have thought that the day will come when a almighty, arrogant Rudra would blush pink in embarrassment.

She was amused.

Rudra had thought it will be her who will blush red in embarrassment remembering their last encounter, he brought a flower for her just to make the situation light and bring a smile on her face.

He did not had a slightest of idea that he will be the one who will end up blushing like a teenager. He was mortified. He was behaving like a wuss!

Why I am blushing like an idiot! This woman has a weird effect on me. Get a grip on yourself Rudra.

He coughed breaking Aadya's stare on him. It was a very first time, a woman's stare was making his heart thud loudly inside his ribs.

"you make me wait more than a hour for you" he said trying to hide his real condition. There was a slight a very little sign of annoyance in his curt voice. Aadya smile a little, he looked like a annoyed kid.

"I am sorry. We were discussing our upcoming project. It took a little long time" she told him plainly.

Now it was Rudra's turn to scrutinize her under his gaze. He was smelling a lie, she definitely make him wait for her without any genuine reason.

Shaking his head, he opened the passenger door for Aadya, receiving a surprise look from her.

And why not it was the first time Aadya was witnessing this side of him. Not a jerkass who had commented how flat her chest is.

Jerkass. A good name for him. He was definitely a jerkass.

But now he is being such a gentleman, came a sweet reply from her subconscious who was battling her eyelashes for him placing her hands under her chin.

Aadya scoffed at her subconscious. She was behaving like a crazy fangirl for him.

"He brought flowers for us" her subconscious again said.

Aadya ignored her subconscious and stretched out her fingers to touch the silky pink petals, they were cooler than she expected and smoother too.

As Rudra sat on the driver's seat, he glanced at her again. Her raven black hairs were in a messy bun with few loose pieces coming in front.

He gazed little longer, admiring the beauty who was counting the petals of roses in her hands. A smirk appears on his handsome face, he was damn right. She truly resembles a pink rose.

Igniting the engine of the car. The silver Porsche roared as he cruised through the traffic of the city, a solemn silence took over in the car.

He knew the silence in the car will take her to the memory lane of that night, so he turn on the loud speaker of the car.

The soulful sound of Lata's voice replaced the silence of the car.

"Mausam hai aashikana....

Ae dil kahi se unko.. Hn unko dhundh laana..

Aise main dhundh laana..."

(Love is in the air...

Oh my heart, from somewhere

Go find my lover and bring him here..

Go find my lover and bring him here..)

Rudra's heart fluttered hearing her humming the old song slowly with a soft smile on her face.

Her sweet voice reminded him the kiss of that night, that night was blessing for him, he can still feel the taste of her kiss. He had never felt this way before, that kiss was unexplainable.

Somewhere in his heart he was scared. Sure he will not accept this.

He was scared that what if the kiss which was as pleasant for him as the first drop of rain was a nightmare for her!

He was guilty! The feeling was foreign to him. The guilt was swarming inside him, what if she was disgusted by his kiss. He was feeling guilty after long time just for the woman sitting beside him.

He didn't believed his ears when Vikram had informed them that Aadya wants to meet them. He had never appreciated a women like her. For him the perfect women is who knows how to make and take care of a family. A women whose happiness reside on her family, who will always put her family before her. Just like his mother.

Not a woman like Aadya. She is a modern independent woman who will always choose herself before anyone else. She don't have a power to sacrifice her happiness for her family. She will always give priority to herself before her family. She is nothing like a girl he ever wanted. Still he was desiring her, wanting her, needing her.

Its too late now to think about all this. She is the one who is going to be his woman. Their woman. If she is not the woman who will be with them till their last breath then he don't want any other woman in his life.

Good or bad however she is, she is ours... Rudra thought.

But what if she do not want to be with you three? A voice echoed in his mind making his grip on the steering wheel tightened.

He again glanced at her, as if sensing his glance she rose her eyes from the petals of roses and looked at him still humming the tune under her breath she gave him a small smile.

And he got his answers, they were bound to be together. She is written in his destiny, in their destiny!

Taking a deep breath, he cruised through the outskirts of city, continuing there journey to the Triumvirate Estate.

Moments later,

Rudra's car slid into the pavement of their estate. The beauty surrounding the humongous building took Aadya's breath away.

The building was as intimidating as the people living in it. The huge house was carved with big yellow stones giving an exquisite golden character to it. The house was surrounded by the greenery of the nature, tall trees on the sideline of the pathway. Sunlight passing through the large arched windows. She took a gentle sniff of the woody smell surrounding the atmosphere.

They came out of the car and she walked behind Rudra admiring the beauty called Triumvirate Estate.

As she walked through the muddy pavement admiring the extravagant golden house of the Triumvirates. Her eyes caught the sight of the garden of their estate. Her eyes widen witnessing the artistry beauty of the nature, the vibrant blooms were dancing as the breezy cold air was kissing them. The green leaves were not too far behind as they danced on the song of wind as if celebrating a new beginning, as if celebrating a new journey.

Aadya was admiring the loveliness of the nature while Rudra was admiring the peaceful smile adorning her face.

"This garden is so beautiful. It's so peaceful here" she whispered closing her eyes, the air rich with the winter flower and cold. It felt more colder as the air touched her skin.

"It was Vikram" he murmured.

"Hn? " she tilted her head slightly.

"It was Vikram who planted this garden. It was not this beautiful when we moved here. We were only seventeen that time, sure the lavish architecture of this estate attracted us and the deep jungle surrounding the estate added more attraction. Something was missing though" he told her as they start walking towards the entrance of the house.

"And that something was a beautiful garden where everything is growing, blooming and glowing. The air sweet with the fragrance of flora, and the very sight you witness in the morning when you open the curtains of your room is the vibrant blooming flowers and the butterflies sipping the nectar of those finest blossom" she said lost in her own thought.

"That's how Vikram will explain it. He had always find his solace in the presence of nature. Ask him about any flora in the world he will answer you in a second" Rudra said there was a pride in his voice.

She chuckled at his words. Who would have thought that the man who plays with women's heart was actually seeking solace in nature and gardening!

"Welcome to our world" said Rudra as they entered in the foyer of their house.

The house was welcoming from a open door to the wide hallway, it was as magnificent from inside as it was from outside. On the walls there were paintings hanging everywhere, she easily recognized the masterpieces by Indian artist. They stood uniquely among the other paintings depicting the livelihood and traditions of India. There was a song in the walls of the house giving a sublime feeling of peace. She felt like she is coming back home after a long time of separation.

She clicked the picture of every little detail of their house in her mind. The word huge and beautiful would be less to describe their house.

The word is Rich Aadya. The correct word for them and their house is Rich., said her subconscious in a suggesting tone. This time she agreed with her subconscious.

"Do you want some water?" Rudra asked. She shook her head in no.

"Some Margarita or Wine?" there was a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Was he trying to be funny?

If yes then it was definitely not working.

"Jerkass" she muttered under her breath.

"Did you said something?" he asked cupping his ears. Yes he was definitely taunting her.

"Yes I did said something. Where are the other two?" she asked looking around as if they will appear from anywhere.

"Digvijay is attending a virtual meeting with the royal council of his state" Rudra said.

"And Vikram got a important work call. He must be coming in few minutes" she hummed in response.

Rudra keenly watched her as she was carefully observing every little detail of their house as if finding something hidden in the walls of estate.

"It's all yours" he said

"What" she asked

"Every single thing in this house belongs to you. It's all yours" he said honestly. Rudra was sure she is here for them. Not like the last time for Abhimanyu.

Aadya exclaimed softly, eyes wide open "I beg your pardon. I do not own anything in here. And I most definitely don't want all this. Your house freaking look like a haunted villa. It's not my cup of tea" she scrunched her nose.

Of course you want this. You want the house, the garden and most importantly you want them, said her subconscious. Aadya like every time again ignored her.

"You are adorable" said Rudra tenderly.

And you are hott! said her subconscious.

Shutup!

"I know" she shrugged acting nonchalant.

"You do own everything in here Aadya" he said honestly.

You are our women, our queen. Of course you own our empire.

Aadya saw the honesty in his eyes. He meant the words he said. If she accept their proposal she will own everything. Every single thing. Even them.

"Do I own you too Rudra" she asked directly looking at his eyes.

"Yes" he said with a little smile not noticing the hidden message behind her blue green orbs.

"So that makes me your master" she winked playfully. Smiling mischievously.

The smile vanished from his face hearing those six words from her.

Master? He will be her husband not a fucking pet!

Aadya noticed the change in his demeanor,his face lost all the colour. She was just kidding.

Before he could say anything, the ringing of his phone disturbed him. It was an important call.

"I have to receive this" saying this he left her alone in the large living room of their house.

She wondered if she had something wrong. She was just messing with him . She didn't meant those words. She didn't liked that look on his face.

"Aadya" someone called her name. It was Vikram.

She looked at him. He was wearing a dark grey suit with three top buttons of his shirt open. His hairs were messy still he was looking charming as ever.

Vikram perceived the look on her face, she was looking little distressed.

"When did you came?" he asked her. He had finished his work as soon as he can, he knew she will be here today.

"Half an hour ago" she said plainly not in the mood of talking.

Her running mouth had to spoil everything. She clicked her tongue in annoyance.

"Wanna have some desserts" he asked looking how damp her mood was.

A sweet dessert always work for him whenever his mood is dimmed as he has a sweet tooth. So he asked her too maybe a sweet will lighten up her mood.

Aadya again looked at the direction where Rudra had gone, sighing deeply she nodded her head.

It was no surprise for Aadya when she entered in their kitchen. Just like the house, the kitchen was also huge and lavish.

She put the roses on the round dining table and sat down on one of the chair.

Vikram took off his suit and placed it on the table.

Opening the freeze door, he searched something sweet for Aadya.

"Cheese cake or chocolate cake?" he asked looking at her.

"Cheese cake please" she said.

Vikram take out cheese cake for her and chocolate cake for him.

He placed the cheese cake in front of her.

Aadya devour the taste of the cheese cake slowly, enjoying every bite. She felt relieved and warm. She looked at Vikram who was already looking at her. She noticed he had not touched his chocolate cake.

Vikram guessed her thought and placed the chocolate cake in front of her. Aadya picked up her fork again and dig in.

She moaned at the delicious taste of the cake, she just loved how it melted in her mouth.

Her table manners were so well refined, revealing her good upbringing as a little lady. At the same time she could not hide the inner cheeky child who was savouring the taste of chocolate and cheese forgetting everything else.

Vikram found it mysteriously attractive. He had the sudden urge to kiss those luscious lips of her. Somehow he suppressed his desires.

He was in awe of her. She was the very first girl who was so true to herself in front of him. Devouring two pieces of cake like a little child totally ignoring his stare on her.

Aadya put down the fork and wiped her lips with the tissue. Finally finishing two cakes.

"What's your purpose Aadya? Why are you here?" asked Vikram. Did she wants something from them. Is she here for that Abhimanyu.

"I don't have any purpose Vikram. I should be the one asking this question to you three. Why me among all the others girl. Why you want to marry me. I want an honest answer" she asked. She still don't know why they want her to be their wife!

"Okay.. Let's be honest. It was love at first sight for me. I saw you and I fell hard for you and ever since then I can't stop thinking about you" he said sweetly looking at her lovingly. He was in a playful mood today.

Aadya could not control herself and laughed loudly. Her laugh echoed in the dining room.

Vikram's smile widened as he saw her laughing freely. His eyes lit up enjoying the beautiful sight in front of him.

Wiping the happy tears from her eyes she said.

"Geez.. Vikram everyone knows what you are like. I once saw you kissing a girl in public. What was her name?" she tried to remember

"Yes Anne Hayat. You were kissing her openly. And not only that everyone knows that you are the biggest manwhore of the country. Umm.. Or as my friend Anokhi says, you are the biggest manwhore of this continent" she said cheekily.

Shut your running mouth Aadya, her subconscious exclaimed.

"Well I will not deny that. It's not a hidden fact that I do not date women, I just fuck them. And I am not ashamed of myself I am who I am, this is me. I am not going to explain myself to anyone. If they want to call me a manwhore they can. I don't give a fuck" he said nonchalantly. That's how Vikram is.

Everyone has a monster inside them, some show it to the world. Some hide it under the fake facade.

"How many women have you slept with?" the words left a bitter taste in her mouth as she asked him.

"Do you really want to hear the answer of this?" he raised an eyebrow, and asked in a flat voice

"Yes" she said looking at him in eyes.

"More than twenty" she took a deep breath trying to damp the fire inside her chest as she heard his answer.

"You want to marry me. How can I ever trust a man like you" she said after a few minutes of silence.

"I don't believe in begging trust. I believe in gaining trust" his reply was short and simple. He was not ashamed of his past but he will never let his past decide his future. He was sure his honesty and love will gain her trust.

"Why are you here? Don't tell a lie" he asked her. He want to know what's cooking in her mind.

"I wanna give this thing, this relationship a try. I wanna give it a chance" she told him plainly not making a huge deal of it.

"Aren't you afraid Aadya?" he asked, it's not a normal relationship that you will give a try. It's much more than that.

"I was, but not anymore" she whispered.

..