Dev's POV- Past meets present

I kept staring at her until she glanced at me once before completely vanishing out of my sight.

I was feeling so much astonished after experiencing this little feisty encounter with Durga. I met her for the first time after ten years. I couldn't believe in my eyes, that the woman in front of me was none other than my childhood one-sided love, Durga!

I can feel the horses of my heart were running faster and faster, leading me to the finish line the same felt ten years ago after seeing her.

I felt the same feeling which I felt ten years ago, in school when I used to steal glances at her. I felt the same Devansh coming back after so many years and making me feel joyous.

Then I suddenly get back in reality with a crackling sound of thundering. I realised I was drenching under the rains. My smile slowly vanished when I remembered the memories of the play when my heart got broken for the first time.

My fist was clenched tight. I wiped my face, vanishing out the Devansh, running my fingers through wet hair. My eyes fell on the ID card on the floor getting wet. I picked it up and saw Durga's photo on it and her access to Agnihotri industries was mentioned.

Suddenly realization hit me.

She works here? Since when? What was she doing here?

Hurriedly I walked out from the terrace.

After coming out of the elevator I started calling my friend,

" Jay... JAY"

"What what? What happened?" Jay walked at me getting tensed. He slowed down in his tracks looking at me weirdly. I asked him looking for Durga everywhere.

"Jay where is she? "

I was still in the haze of meeting Durga that in every woman I felt her reflection.

" Who? " Jay looked confused.

"That woman who visited our office!" I tried to tell him but I was feeling a bit lost when I didn't find her.

"Which woman? " Jay asked me confusingly.

I immediately pulled out the ID card and showed it to him.

" I'm talking about this woman,"

Jay's eyes widened when he understood me.

"Oh yes yes Miss accountant Durga!"

So she is an accountant here.

"Yes, why she was here?" I asked him further.

"Oh she was here for..wait what happened? Did you fire her too?" He asked me and I shook my head sideways.

"Nothing. I.." I was feeling perplexed and lost of finding proper words to say something.

Jay was waiting for me to talk.

"Let it be" I took the Durga's ID card back and kept it in my Blazer's pocket. Then I realized I was still soaking in that rain waters. Now I understood why everyone was looking at me like this.

"But at least tell me what happened?"

Jay walked with me.

I entered my cabin and sat in my chair. I pressed the button on his landlines and soon my personal assistant walked in.

"Yes Mr Dev how may I assist you?" Monica asked walking seductively at me. I was amused as her efforts didn't appeal me this time. I noticed Jay rolling his eyes.

"If you do this most important work then I'll get you anything," I told her in my assuring confident voice.

"Anything?"

She raised her brow. I smirked nodding at her.

"Order me then," she said.

"I want every single information about this woman" I placed Durga's ID card on the table."Where she lives now, what she does now, with whom she is now, everything! "

" Okay Dev get ready to give me anything," She said winking and leaning at him deliberately showing her cleavage while picking up the ID card.

"Uhun, I need this" I said keeping his fingers over the ID card. She nodded and took a picture of it giving me a sluttery look.

Jay coughed which made her aware of surroundings. Then she walked out of the cabin.

"What was that Dev? " Jay asked.

I shrugged at him.

" Nothing just taking advantage of my handsome personality "

He sighed rubbing his jaw.

" No not that. Why do you want to know about Durga? "

"Patience, you will get to know soon," I told him. His mood was absolutely changed.

"Dev you remember right you have a girlfriend Veronica?" He said looking at me with his wide eyes.

"It's 'Remember Veronica have a boyfriend?' that's me !" I stated making it clear.

"Isn't it the same?" He gave me a disbelieving look.

I huffed. Jay never understand my arrogance. It's all about me, mine and myself. I always kept myself above everyone like a king. I noticed Jay was lost in thoughts.

"By the way what a woman she is"

Jay said with that mesmerizing look in his eyes made my eyebrow raised.

"Veronica?" I asked.

Jay shook his head.

"Durga" He breathed out her name purely drooling over her.

My jaw clenched looking at my best friend talking about Durga like this. I was about to snap him when one of the staff members walked inside.

"Sir, Mr Bhatia has been here and he wants to meet you"

"Dad? " Jay said confusingly. "Uncle? " I immediately got up to leave when Jay stopped me. " Look at you first Dev. You are all drenched. "

I was surprised over how I have forgotten that he was still in my wet clothes making my chair soaked too.

"You wait here, I'll catch up my dad"

Jay said going ahead.

I stayed back thinking why Mr. Bhatia was here. I played the footage of the waiting room and watched them.

"Dad" Jay said entering in the waiting zone. His father showed him a palm indicating to stop.

"I want to talk to Dev. Where is he? " His father told him.

" He is in some work dad, tell me what happened? I'll convey at him" Jay said.

"I don't want to tell you, anything son. The moment you refused to handle my business you lost that right to call me dad"

I heard Mr.Bhatia was saying ruthless words to my friend. Without thinking much, I entered the cabin in my still wet clothes.

As I walked in quiet and calm, Mr Bhatia stopped talking. The room filled with a serious aura.

"Dev my boy" Mr.Bhatia smiled while greeting but I pointed his finger at him and then removed the plate from the glass, taking a sip.

"No one talks rudely to my colleagues like this, I expect you to say sorry to him right now "

I said in his commanding voice.

" Dev let it be " Jay looked nervous as I was talking to his dad.

"It's my personal matter Mr Agnihotri" Mr, Bhatia said.

"It's my office, Mr Bhatia"

I replied with the same fierceness.

Jay's father looked like controlling his anger while I didn't care about how I was talking to him.

"Anyways I was here to.." Mr.Bhatia started to talk but get interrupted when I bluntly stated.

"Apologize to my colleague right now"

"Dev enough"

Jay muttered.

"It's my official policy," I said looking at Jay.

"I'm not here to say sorry to my son!"Mr Bhatia got up from his chair.

"And for the thing I wanted to talk maybe we will do it some other time"

I gestured my hand towards the door. Jay's father walked out not before throwing a disbelieving glance at his son Jay. When he walked out Jay snapped at me.

"Dev you can't talk like that to my father"

"And he can talk any shit about you? " I asked not controlling my anger much.

" I understand you Dev but he is much older than us" Jay tried to make me understand.

"So? That's what these older people know to do. Bringing their age in between they can't win in front of us. " I snapped.

"It's called manners Dev," Jay said.

"F**k these manners I don't give any shits " I got up furiously and left the cabin.

Jay will never understand the way I think, thinking this I walked out of the office building.

When I reached at his mansion, my feet straight walked inside his room while the staff of my mansion looked at my drenched form in a shock.

After stepping in my room, I started removing my wet blazer and Durga' s ID card fell from it. I quickly noticed it and picked it up. Staring at Durga's photo I remembered how she looked completely different after so many years. She has grown up into a beautiful woman and there was no doubt in it. I reminisced her hair was longer than I saw before and how they looked wet. Her face still held that strong yet innocent aura. The way she was looking at me, it held anger competing with my own. I doesn't want to move my eyes away from her. The more I stared at her photo the more I reminisced the moment I spent a while ago with her.

I stared at every detail of her face. When she scolded me, how her nose flared up. A slight hint of fear was evident on her face clearly. Her breathing was high just the same as me. She looked like feeling affected highly by my act and I also noticed that little care in her voice.

At first, how she was shouting angrily on me and then the next moment she calmly make me understand. I was amused on how she changed her moods making me surprise. Five feet five Durga wasn't affected by my intimidating six feet tall figure. She is still volatile enough to swirl the oceans of feelings in my mind. I had forgotten why I was there until she said it to me not to give up on life yet.

After meeting her, I am sure to not give up on my life ever.

I loved every word came out from her mouth then I didn't mind it to be in any form. Either way in scolding or in a warning.

"After ten years we have met again and this time I'll not let you go easily, Miss. Durga Shastri."

I smirked when something cooked up in my mind.

-----

Morning

I was surrounded by loads of work but I couldn’t focus any of it because of Durga. I was lost thinking about her. I needed answers and soon Monica entered the conference hall and kept a tab in front of me.

“Here is the information about the girl Durga” She said staring at me. I immediately dismissed his staff from the conference hall and picked up the tab. Monica also gave me the wedding card telling me everything about the groom side information too. I can't believe in my eyes. Durga was getting married to Nikhil. My childhood bully!

“I have done your work Dev and I can’t wait to get anything from you,” Monica said seductively getting closer to me. I immediately got up taking deep breaths as I remembered the whole past again. The words Nikhil said to me. I could still hear those words.

I was feeling something different like someone has proved me wrong. I couldn’t know exactly what it was. But one thing I knew for sure that I never liked Nikhil and I was feeling begrudged towards him. I haven’t forgot how Nikhil treated me in school and I couldn’t tolerate that he was getting married to the girl I loved in the school.

“Dismiss,” I said to Monica.

When I noticed her still there, I raised my eyebrow at her. Monica immediately ran away. I slammed his palms on the table, my eyes became red like lava. I looked at the wedding card and pulling out the lighter from my pocket I burnt the card.

The office alarm started beeping and artificial rains from the roof started falling down to extinguish the fire. But I wasn’t feeling satisfied yet. The fire in my mind was so vast that no one could extinguish it.

An evil thought crossed over my mind and I smirked victoriously.

---------

In my mansion,

I started getting ready to attend Durga’s wedding. I was choosing what to wear when Jay entered the room.

“Dev what the hell is happening? I was looking for you everywhere in the office and you are here, well are you going somewhere?”

I nodded.

“Oh, really and what was the need to cancel all the important meetings today?” Jay asked angrily.

“I am going to meet someone special today,” I said picking up a blazer but didn’t like it so kept it down.

“Uh-oh, Don’t tell me Veronica dumped you oh wait have you arranged a date with someone else, you broke up with Veronica? That’s hush ” Jay let out a sigh in relief.

“It’s not about Veronica neither I’m going on any date, It’s a wedding, “ I casually told him still choosing which designer tux to wear.

“Wedding? Who’s wedding?” Jay asked looking at the clothes I kept on the bed.

“Mine” I stated and he started laughing.

Then he suddenly blurted out.

“Oh, my Durga Shastri is getting married!” He was reading the wedding card of her in a shock.

He read further he can’t hide the shock in his tone. “It’s tonight. She is getting married TONIGHT!” Jay can’t hold back his gasp.

“Which one should I wear?” I asked looking at the suits.

“Hun? Anything. Wait are you going to attend Durga’s wedding? Why?” Jay looked at me perplexed.

“What do you mean why? Can’t I attend my friend’s wedding?” I told him.

“Friend eh? When did this happen?” Jay folded his arms over his chest.

I rolled my eyes at him.

“A long long time ago Jay now stop with your nonsense and come with me,” I started wearing the black suit I have chosen.

“No man how can I come? She did not invite me” Jay shook his head and I can clearly see his upset face.

“Neither me. Now are you coming with me or should I go alone?” I looked at him. He thought for a while. He knew what I am and he can’t leave me alone, as I am walking storm.

“Why should I refuse when I will get to eat food ar the wedding ” Jay said smiling.

“Of course behave like it’s my wedding,” I remarked at him sarcastically wrapping the truth in simple words walking out of the room.

“What?” Jay went behind me. After coming out of the mansion I saw the truck full of gifts and packages I ordered for Durga. I walked towards my car and get in.

“Those gifts Dev,” Jay said looking at the truck filled with gifts.

“Are they less?” I asked,

“Yeah you should have bought the whole market,” He said widening his eyes.

“I knew it. wait let me call my manager” I said pulling out my phone.

“Stop. I was joking. In fact, they are too many. There was not any need to buy too many gifts. One would be enough...Aaah I forgot whom I am talking to” Jay facepalmed. I knew he was mocking at me and I was too teasing him.

“Dev Agnihotri the billionaire right,” Jay said.

“Cool?” I said giving him a serious look.

“Yeah yeah cool” Jay nodded and my car drives towards the destination.

------

Evening

Shastri House

My sleek Porsche car drove through the narrow lane of some middle-class area and stopped in front of Durga’s house. Behind us, those two trucks halted. Everybody in the area gathered to look at my car.

I once glanced at the rear mirror adjusting his tie and hair. While Jay looked extremely scared.

“Don’t tell me we are gatecrashing!”

Jay said looking at me. I smiled at him thinking this poor fella don't know what I have planned to do. My guards open the door of the car. I was about to get down when Jay stopped me.

“Dev wait. Promise me first that you will not create any trouble”

I sighed heavily.

“Can you leave my hand?”

“Say it first,” Jay said stubbornly.

“Ok fine Jay I will try now let’s go, “ I shook my head in disbelief.

“Try hun. Try me if you do anything wrong” Jay murmured. The moment I come out of my car I noticed everybody’s eyes at me.

“Oh damn why all good girls are getting married now whom will I marry,” Jay said sighing dramatically.

I gave him a look. I felt furious after hearing what he said But he has shown nothing on his face in front of other people.

I took a look at Shastri house and old memories hit me like a big wave. I remembered how I used to hide behind the tree, just to see Durga once coming out from her house.

I looked back to check if the tree is still there and found it was standing proudly. I couldn’t stop the wave of memories hitting on my heart. I also remembered how I used to follow behind Durga till they reach to the school, then sit on the backbench so I could stare at her and after the school, again I used to follow her till the house. But never gathered an inch of courage to talk her except when I proposed her and she rejected my love. I was standing in front of her house again.

This time not hiding behind any tree but being a successful billionaire that no girl could ever reject. I have decided to get her and I wasn’t going back.

“Dev aren’t we going in?” Jay asked him.

I nodded and started walking ahead. I felt myself richer in this middle-class simple house of Shastri’s. I stood in front of Anand Shastri looking at me from head to toe. Her father looked much aged than before.

Though I never talked with Durga, I had a good relationship with her father since childhood. I remembered how Anand Shastri helped me and my mother when my father left my family. I have tremendous respect for Anand Shastri but my arrogance has different plans.

“Yes, how can I help you?” Mr Shastri said not knowing who was in front of him. He looked confused looking at me standing in front of him.

“Hi I am Dev Agnihotri” I introduced myself giving Mr Shastri a sparkling shock because his mouth fell open.

“Oh my goodness Mr.Agnihotri! Please come inside I welcome you to my daughter’s wedding” He said welcoming me inside. I stepped in the house looking around and noticed there aren't any impressive decorations. In my eyes, I didn’t like the way the house has been decorated. It looks too simple. I noticed people there were only staring at me.

Mr Shastri also welcomed Jay and get shocked again when Jay introduced himself as businessman Bhatia’s Son. I can see Mr Shastri couldn’t hide his nervousness in front of us. We both were rich lads and he felt intimidated, especially by my presence.

My guards entered inside and started keeping the gifts.

“I can’t believe in my eyes that you are in front of me. Well, we are too poor to ask this but tell us what can I do for you?” Mr Shastri said.

I smiled looking at him stepping forward at him.

“Yes, you are right. You are indeed a poor man to ask this but only you can do the thing I want” I said shoving my hands in the pocket of my trousers.

“Sure I will try to do it, what is it?” Mr Shastri asked me.

“I know your daughter is getting married and all, well I just want you to replace her groom with me,” The moment I said silence spread across the house.

“W what?” The confusion was evident on his face.

“I want to marry your daughter, Durga. So keep everything and everyone as it is except the groom.” I said it casually glancing at Jay who was looking at him with his mouth open. I saw a middle-aged woman standing behind Mr Shastri holding a tray of juice and gasped dramatically. Must be her mother.

“What? How can I do this?” Mr Shastri looked petrified.

“And Mr.Shastri I hate to take NO in the answer. So do as I say. Right now. ” I said walking at the woman behind him and picked up a glass of juice from the tray.

Mr Shastri looked extremely tensed. Everyone was looking at me and started whispering lots of things. Like I care about them.

“WHAT THE HELL” A growling male voice echoed in the Shastri house grabbing everyone’s attention at me and I looked at the direction. I saw Nikhil was standing at the doors in the groom’s attire, glaring at me.

I smirked looking at him as I was waiting for him only.

“Who the hell are you hun? How dare you even think like that? ” Nikhil walked at me taking a stance to punch but my guards held him back.

“I am Dev Agnihotri, owner of the Agnihotri Industries and one of the top ten billionaires in the world,” I said confidently. Unlike in the past, I have given a befitting reply to Nikhil.

“You?” Nikhil looked surprised looking at me. He didn’t look like he was in school. The fat obese Devansh has become something one could never win against him.

“Yea me!” I said showing off my pride.

“Dev it’s me Nikhil. Your school friend” Nikhil tried to make good conversation but I wasn’t in the mood. After how Nikhil has behaved with me in the past he doesn't stand any chance to be in good terms with me.

“Ï know and I don’t care” I was unaffected by his puppy eyes.

“Plea. Please Dev please don’t do this. Tonight is my wedding. I have seen lots of dreams for this day” Nikhil was pleading to me,

“Well we will come to that topic later, now its wedding time, Mr.Shastri I hope you don’t mind to hurry up, I have some important works to attend tomorrow,” I was enjoying his poor state.

“I ...I need to tell my daughter about this first. It’s her wedding, her choice matters” Mr Shastri said worriedly.

I huffed on his words and nodded. I was confident about myself and knew no one has that dare to go against even refuse me.

---------