जब मैं उनकी बाँहों में बेहोश हुई,
अंधेरा छा गया,
पर भीतर सिर्फ़ उनका उजाला था।
साँसें थम गईं,
पर धड़कनों ने उनका नाम पुकारा।
शब्द न थे अधरों पर,
पर आत्मा कह रही थी—
"मैं तुमसे प्रेम करती हूँ,
यहाँ तक कि मेरी बेहोशी भी
तुम्हारे स्पर्श में साँस लेती है।"
ꜱʜᴀɴɢʜᴀɪ, ᴄʜɪɴᴀ
ʙᴀɪ ᴍᴀɴꜱɪᴏɴ
He stood there.
Still.
Kashi in his arms. So fragile and vulnerable. Her lashes casting shadow over her cheeks. Her saree soft against his suit.
It was soft.
Too soft.
Something he hadn't experienced for a long time.
Nor did he want to.
Or did he?
He was Minsheng. Fucking Bai Minsheng. He wasn't soft.
His thoughts were broken by the voice of Vishakha rushing up the stairs.
Her gaze worried for her grand daughter in law.
''MINSHENG, TAKE HER TO ROOM RIGHT NOW....'' Vishakha's voice almost came out as a shout panic in her voice.
He snapped his eyes back. He saw that look in his grandmother eyes.
And it screamed only one thing.
SCARED.
THE FEAR.
She was scared of losing her daughter in law.
Yansong, his grandfather following behind.
This was real. RARE.
It had been years. He had seen his grandfather like this, the last time was when they had lost his mother to games of fate.
Minsheng snapped out of his thoughts rushing to bedroom crossing the stairs. He enters the room rushing Kashi to bed.
Followed by Vishakha.
Yansong already making the phone calls to get a doctor as soon as possible.
By seeing such reaction, Minsheng was sure, they cared.
His grandparents cared about her.
Just then then two figures burst in the room.
His eyes snapped to the door of bedroom. His eyes softened without even trying.
There stood his twin siblings - Jun on the right looking handsome as ever in his shirt and pants with that smile on his face and his sister beside him Yunji with her long hair and dress that reached her knees.
His eyes softened more and more but remembering Kashi's faint state he turned back to her limp state on bed.
Vishakha was sitting beside caressing Kashi's hair while Yansong stood beside making calls to the Dr.
As Jun and Yunji saw their 嫂子 (sǎozi) lying in bed limp. Their eyes turned from happy to that of concern and worry.
''嫂子 Sǎozi.........'' Both of them whispered in unison.
And that was the moment Minsheng everyone in his family cared deeply for her. His wife. The one he had abandoned.
They had loved her like their own.
In this one year he had left her own but these people who didn't marry her.
Didn't owe her anything.
But still she was loved by them.
They had given her love..... Affection......
Something he never could give.
It was as he was lost in his thoughts soon the Doctor Ling - The family doctor walked in the same one who had once helped his mother give birth to him.
Dr Ling walked in a gentle smile on his face a briefcase in his hands. His eyes widening seeing Minsheng after almost a year.
But seeing the seriousness of the situation.
Dr Ling crossed the long strides against the floor reaches to bedside near Kashi.
He sets his briefcase aside sitting down on the chair beside.
Dr Ling examines Kashi, his expression unreadable everyone held their breath waiting for only one answer ''NOTHING MUCH SERIOUS''.
Meanwhile he stood in the corner seeing how his family adored Kashi. It had been barely hours he landed. Now he knew why she never complained.
SHE WAS LOVED.
ADORED.
CHERISHED.
But was it enough?
''It seems like she might have missed her medicine'' Dr Ling spoke his voice neutral eyes flickering to Vishakha and Yansong who nodded yet their eyes turned more worried.
Soon Jun escorted the Dr outside.
Minsheng watches with a mix emotions. Maybe confusion? and curiosity?
Medicine? Missed?
He had no idea what Dr Ling meant by those words.
But he knew it was something big that had led to fainting of Kashi.
Suddenly it hit him.
He knew Nothing about his own wife. If anyone heard it would probably laugh at him if they heard this.
Not knowing about your own wife.
And deep down Minsheng had realised by now that he had caused pain to woman who didn't deserve it.
But he wouldn't accept it. He wouldn't
Bai Minsheng doesn't do that.
Silence.
And for first time he didn't speak.
He knew he had done it. To this woman. His wife.
Suddenly everyone faded in the background - his grandparents, his siblings.
He could see no one.
Just that figure.
Limp Figure lying on bed--- so vulnerable and small.
It made his heart squeeze in ways he could never explain.
It was unexplainable.
It was Guilt.
PURE.
DEEP.
SEATHED GUILT.
Because if he remembered year ago, this wasn't like this-- she was happy, cheerful and full of life.
And this is what his indifference had turned her into.
Silence.
Because this way true and no one could change.
He slowly slipped out of the master bedroom to the hallways of the mansion, he hadnt seen for a year but nothing mattered making his wat to his study- it was as he had left it behind.
He sat down on his chair- Favourite Chair. The one gifted by his mother from years ago.
But tonight?
Nothing comforted him not this chair, not this study.
He felt a failure.
Because he knew he couldn't love her. He didn't know emotions or how to deal with them.
And in between all that he had hurt woman who didn't deserve it.
And just like that night by---- him in the study, lost in thoughts.
And for the first time Bai Minsheng wasn't working, wasn't making deals.
He was still.
Sitting.
Lost.
And somewhere from the distance a man -- in his 50's stood in his Armani suit. Hands tucked in the pockets.
Just watching from a far.
Still.
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ꜱʜᴀɴɢʜᴀɪ, ᴄʜɪɴᴀ
BAI SYNDICATE
Isaac Williams stood in his large office- not just any office but space that commanded as power as Bai's. His desk large enough to hold large files contracts, and maps of deals that spanned continents.
He was not just some business man. He was the man who held the Bai Syndicate.
It wasn't just some powerful group but years of hardwork, passed from generations to generations.
And he?
He was an orphan- parents dead in the mafia war of 2002.
Since then he had been adopted by Bai Yansong.
He was a little boy back then with those little eyes seen his parents die. Vishakha and Yansong had seen it.
They had just picked the little him in their arms. With their upbringing he had grew up to be a gentleman he is today.
Minsheng was his buddy. His bestfriend- the one he could share everything and there was not anything they hid from each other.
And this was his family since back then and till today is.
Minsheng always away on business especially last year. He had gone on business to france.
Right on his Wedding night leaving Kashi alone.
He knew it. To escape Minsheng had left her all alone. To escape those emotions that make him weak.
Big sigh escaped Isacc lips as he thought about Kashi- a woman who had been somehow was in his marriage.
She was just a woman who had obeyed her grandfather.
But what did she get- indifference? coldness?
Door creaked open and then there stood Edward aka Li Chen, his other bestfriend.
With his playful grin and mischievious smile that never left his lips and somehow that made Isaac smile.
Edward stood in his usual Pants, white crisp shirt and loose jacket.
And ofcourse a face card that never failed.
He was also the best friend of Isaac the one that never failed to make him laugh.
He was the funny, goofy guy but at times when it came to work.
He made deals as if choosing what to wear for the day.
Because he didn't make a mistake when it came to work.
He was effortless.
His parents were the bestfriends with Minsheng's father and that's how they were buddies since their childhood
Edward looked around as if looking for someone what all he found was Isaac standing by.
''He is not here yet. I know he should have been here by now but he is not.....'' Isaac spoke softly to Edward.
It was indeed a disbelief and unbelievable that their bestfriend Minsheng had been from his business trip of one year and yet not back to work.
To their safe place.
It was unusual of him.
''Why the fuck is that bitch not here yet? Edward spoke his voice full of frustration and concern. ''Did he die or what?'' He spoke once again thinking about the possibilities of might have stopped Minsheng's workholic ass to not return to work.
Because they both knew Minsheng wasn't the one to stay at home. Whenever he was out of China that also due to work. They both would look after the comapany.
But the moment he was back. He was there not even sleeping or resting at home.
Always he stood in his cabin with both of them making deals and talking about business.
As if he didn't come back from a business trip itself.
Because that is what his life was about--- Work and only Work.
Their attention was diverted from their thoughts as door creaked opened once again.
''Miss Kashi fainted the moment she saw Boss'' One of the man of Minsheng spoke panting and breathing heavily, they knew he had rushed here to give thid information.
Silence.
A Pause.
And next moment Isaac and Edward were making their way towards the door.
Long strides crossing towards the lift. At the same time putting on their Jackets.
Because now everything made sense.
Why Minsheng didn't come to work.
The assistant frombehind looked worried because they wouldn't run.
But it was family that had called.
And because when family called. Nothing else ever mattered.
This wasnt just a news. This was beginning.
New one they both were aware of.
But Minsheng wasn't.
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LI'S HOUSE
NANGSHEN LI
Li kept staring at his phone in hand. His fingers brushing against the phone screen- photo of her.
His soon to be bride.
She looked beautiful.
Too beautiful.
Somehow also too good for man like him . He stared at the flawless in his phone.
She stood in silk saree hands held together.She looked everything he wasn't- vulnerable with those small eyes that somehow tend to make him weak.
He sighs heavily. This was the woman he was supposed to marry.
How could this sweet woman none like the woman from his world.
How could she even agree to marry a monster like him?.
She deserves better that was the only thought that came to his mind.
A thought hit him was she being forced into this?
Could it be?
Somehow that thought really angered him, made his blood run cold.
All this marriage thing arranged by vishakha frustrates him real bad.
''Fuck...Fuck...Fuck'' He curses loudly in the living room of his home.
A figure enters the living room- his aunt Lia. She sees the frustration on his face
''Li what are you so worried? Its not that big thing honey just be a gentleman around her.......'' Lia spoke already knowing about the entire situation.
For instance she even supported Vishakha's decision. She knew how alone Li, how much he needed someone in his life.
Not physically.
But Emotionally.
Lia knew he did need someone.
Someone- possibility of that seemed IMPOSSIBLE to Li.
He was a monster as what he thought so, a man surrounded by violence.
And marriage requires - stillness, calmness.
Something he could never be or give such life to any woman.
Or could he?
Li looks up at his Aunt sighing '' You don't understand, how it feels. This is about not me not others. You know what kind of work I do and yet still you think this is okay?''Li spoke completely frustrated running a hand through his hair.
Just as Li was busy in his thoughts thinking about the possibility of someone that was impossible a guard from the Bai Mansion walks in.
''Miss Kashi fainted the moment she saw boss'' Those words enough for Li to stop thinking about all this marriage thing and once again look back upto his duties.
Because when duties called nothing else came first.
What Li didn't know that perspective was about to be changed very soon.
Next moment Li was on the main door putting his jacket and walks out towards his work.
Lia watched gasping in shock how her nephew could change roles in a second.
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BANDRA VILLAGE
MUMBAI
JAANKI KUMARI
Jaanki stood in her bed, her personal space. Laying as if she owned the place which she did.
But would she after few weeks seeing that her marriage was about to be fixed to a dangerious man.
This would not her home anymore, she would live in the house of other man.
LI NANSHENG.
There were mixed emotions- happiness? as in finally she was getting married curiosity to why her?
And a lot more emotions were in her mind.
She was mostly scared - who wouldn't be?
She heard these mafia men are usually womanisers
What if her husband turns out to be a cheater?
What if he never cares for her?
Many such thoughts lingered in her mind.
She played with her bangles, curling herself more inside the blanket as if trying to make herself more smaller.
She knew soon she would be married, she would go away to some other man's house build a family with him.
What if it's not that way?
What if he never looks at her?
This was not just jaanki thoughts but of everyone woman who fears this.
Especially nowadays seeing how many bad cases are coming in marriages and it scared her to core.
Just then her mother Viraani walks in with tea in her hand. She pauses staring at her daughter.
She knew exactly. what Jaanki was thinking about and she knew such thoughts always lingered in a woman's mind when her marriage is getting fixed.
''Jaanki.....''
Bacha come on we will drink chai.......'' Viraani spoke trying to cheer Jaanki.
''Maa i'm scared,,,,,,,'' Jaanki spoke in almost child tone, its like a little girl crying to her mother.
''Mera bacha, do u really think your mother would marry you to a man who would not take care of you? love you like I do?
''Remember maa will always look after you no matter how muc you grow, and the boy i have chosen for you is a gentleman.
''Vishakhaji trusts him and that is enough now stop overthinking'' Words of reassurance was all Jaanki needed and as Viraani kept the te aside.
Jaanki threw herself in her mother arms burying her face in her chest, inhaling the scent she loves most.
''I love you maa....'' Jaanki whispers making Viraani smile.
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(ꜱᴏʜᴏ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇ ᴍᴜᴍʙᴀɪ)
Aksh and Ekaksh stood beside Shanaya none other than the bestfriend of their sister Kashi.
Aksh sighed looking at Shanaya she was fiery and total fire.
And just now she stood sipping her drink as if she hadn't just threatened a man to cut off his balls.
Aksh admired her strength, in todays world woman needed to be strong not fragile and yet still as a brother like figure to Shanaya.
He was worried that this anger would cost her a big loss one day.
''Shanaya, bacha you shouldn't get so much angry people are gonna talk. So what doesn't mean it's true......'' Aksh spoke to Shanaya in the gentle tone, his voice full of brotherly affection.
''I know Dada but mujhe gussa aa jaata hai....'' Shanaya spoke making a little pout on her face. This was her cute face- her real self she had reserved for only few people.
Aksh couldn't help but smile at Shanaya's childishness.
Ekaksh standing beside spoke ''Di aapne sahi kiya that bastard deserved it'' Ekaksh spoke feeling proud of Shanaya.
The group made their way and sat down in the Vip area.
Aksh was lost in thought not about Ekaksh insecurity or worrying about Shanaya.
He was instead thinking why his father sent him and Ekaksh here.
Even tho there was no meeting with any investors?
And he had even called them to not come home?
And the fact that their father didn't just called but threatened them to not come home.
THE DAY BEFORE
Aksh sat down by the counter sipping his drink - he saw a familiar figure on the dance floor.
It seemed to be a woman in her red dress that showed off her curves. The face in fury and full of anger.
The woman was none other than his younger sister bestfriend , SHANAYA.
She was beating a man on the floor with her heels taking the man down.
This wasn't new, Shanaya was one of those woman who didn't take anyone's shit.
She was badass.
Not a woman one should mess with.
Aksh moved closer to the the scene as he heard.
Tu Kutte mere naam ke rumours spread karega. Teri life itni non interesting hai that you are spreading such rumours......''
''Huhhh........''
''Always remember Shanaya only loves three things in her life - 1. Business. 2. Money and 3. Family.......''
''And a bastard like you comes in none of them. '' Shanaya finally gave her last hit to the man and moved away looking at the man disgustingly who cowered away.
Aksh sighed pulling Shanaya away with him, got a waiter bring the first aid.
Why wouldn't he, after all the club was owned by his father.
''Dada its okay you don't have to do it''
''Shh.......Bacha let me do it'' Aksh whispers trying to be stern but looking at Shanaya who had always been like his sister he softened.
''You get hurt but it hurts your dada the most''
Shanaya's gaze softened as she wrapped her arms around Aksh in a bone crushing hug.
Just then Ekaksh came back from washroom and understood everything.
He didn't speak.
He didn't have to.
He just sat beside Shanaya asking for what happened.
Just then Aksh phone rang-- it was his father.
'' Ghar mat aana Aksh and puchna to bilkul bhi mat kyu raat bhar vahi raho subah aajana.......'' Before Aksh could even ask anything his father Ansh cut the call.
Aksh knew that tone it was deadly even threatening and disobeying his father in such condition would cause him his life too.
Because at such times his father didn't care about anyone if he was disobeyed.
They would have to pay consequences.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆
ᴍᴜᴍʙᴀɪ, ɪɴᴅɪᴀ
ᴅᴇᴇᴡᴀɴ ᴍᴀɴꜱɪᴏɴ
Ansh walked in the master bedroom- their bedroom.
He saw Kalyani figure looking so little and small. His breath hitched.
He knew this posture one she made when she wanted no talk and he also knew she had cried.
Because of him.
In that moment, all he wanted was to pull her in his arms. Envelop her in his warmth.
In his arms.
He walks inside completely going by the bedside kneeling down.
This was a sight never seen to others but only his queen - His Kalyani.
And he had hurt his queen, how much he explained she wouldn't listen.
It was not just today.
But a saga going since years.
He kneels beside her feet kissing them gently his lips trembling not wanting to hurt her.
Because even monsters trembled when it came to their queen.
He stared at her face the moonlight falling on her face.
He felt every part of him crumble. She looked like a angel.
His Angel.
And yet still he had hurt her to the extent she hated looking at him.
He sighed still kneeling beside her'' Mujhe maaf kardena apsara ho sake to maine tumhe kabhi dhokha nahi diya. Kaash tum yeh samajh paati. Har din tum mujhe nafrat se dekhti ho and mera dil aur hi aur toot ta hai.''
''Dekho mai tumhara ansh hu. Tumhara........''
''Aur aaj bhi tumhare liya dhuniya ko barbaad kar sakta hu.Bas ek baar meri taraf dekho to sahi''
Ansh was on verge of tears, because at times men like him dangerous and ruthless.
He felt shattered.
ALSO BROKE.
When it came to their queens.
And finally he crumbled, tears fell nonstop.
And there was no stopping.
He had heard those words, her pleading to god to save her. And at that moment he felt weakened.
None of his wealth or power in the underworld mattered anymore.
Because what really mattered hated him.
This is what he was without his Kalyani.
His Ardhangini.
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By InkandIvoryWritess
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