In my Devil's Arms

Riya walked in slowly without disturbing Vicky. He was bowed down in front of Gunjan's potrait. She held his shoulders with one hand.

" Vicky", she said softly.

He looked at her and blinked.

Then he hugged her tightly. And wailed. She could hear him sobbing. A GROWN MAN COMPLETELY BROKE DOWN IN FRONT OF HER. His pain was contagious. She was hurt too. She hugged him back and cried silently with him.

All the past pain should be washed down with these tears. Then only they can move forward.

After crying holding each other they calmed down.

" Water", he asked. She nodded. They cleaned their faces and drank water. He also swallowed the prasad she got for him.

" I went to temple today", she told him.

" Hmm", he said softly playing with her fingers.

" I umm saw us", she hesitated. " Being someone else. In some other life. Aand.", she paused.

" And", he raised a brow.

" Attaining the forever we are chasing", she said looking intently at him.

" We were happy", he asked.

" Hmm", she nodded. " I.. I..Love you", she said.

" You own me body and soul", he replied. " Please forgive me".

She nodded.

" I forgive you Srikant Pundit".

A volcano erupted somewhere. The Earth shook. A change rushed ahead.

" W.what"? Vicky thought he was dreaming.

" I want to marry you", she said.

" I am not dreaming", he asked. " Am I"?

She giggled. Such a beautiful sound.

She pinched him.

He laughed a carefree laugh. And picked her up. She laughed too. Then they kissed. Forgetting everything. The war, the curse, the outside world

AND MOST IMPORTANT OF IT ALL THAT THE DOOR WAS OPEN.

" Well, well, well", heard Vicky.

He looked up to see Manav, Vinod and Numaan. The latter was smirking.

Riya turned beet red.

" I would have suggested getting a room but he already has one. Just forgets to lock it", said Vinod.

" Trust me this is conservative for him. He prefers road", taunted Numaan.

Manav hit him on head.

" Thats my sister", he said.

Riya was about to escape but Vicky held her.

" I have a good news", he said as men stared him.

" I am forgiven and she agreed to marry me", he said.

" Hurray", shouted Vinod as Numaan whistled.

Riya pushed him and ran away.

Manav hugged Vicky.

" Don't mess up again moron", he said.

" Never", replied Vicky.

By evening the news spread like fire as everyone congratulated him.

Night time

Basement of Under construction building.

" Nooo", came a creepy voice. " How did this happen"?

" I don't know", answered the cobra gang boss.

" It happens Baldev because you get lenient. You don't have it in you to have her. He stole her back right under your nose and you couldn't even move a leaf."

" I tried", said the boss.

" Did you get the weapon", asked Evil.

" No", said the boss.

" You will lose again you fool. If they get married they will be so powerful that no force will be able to stop them", said the evil.

" But", he said. " How can I"?

" Shut up", said evil. " You are useless. Now let me think a way to stop them".

They were in hiding because they did not want others to find out their intentions until they gained power.

But...

Someone did know.

Temple premises

About same time

" Srikant I heard she agreed to marry you", said Agni.

" Yes", he replied.

" Good. Now don't waste time. Get married tomorrow", he said.

" Tomorrow", he started. " Is it possible punditji"?

" Yes", replied Agni. " An auspicious date and time is tomorrow. Get your father to meet me. You need him".

" Why the hurry", asked Vicky.

" There is a way to kill you", said Agni. " Only if Gunjan's fate attached to yours she will save you", he said.

" I met someone" , said Vicky.

Then he narrated the story of Dhara to him and told him about Dhruv.

" Why can we both see him if he is a soul", asked Vicky.

" You can see him because he was your ancestor and she can see him as his sister's soul reside within her. Souls do not interact with humans as a custom. If he is breaking it he is desperate. He sensed misfortune. Marriage cannot be delayed now Srikant", said Agni. He looked pensive.

" Not anymore".

As Vikram returned his father was awake.

" Where were you", he asked.

" I wnt to meet Pundit Agnisharma ", said Vicky. And he told Ramcharan everything.

" Tomorrow ", said a baffled Ramcharan. " How can I arrange everything so fast"?

" He wants to meet you", said Vicky.

Next Morning

" You asked for me punditji", said Ramcharan.

" There is an evil lurking around Ram who wants to harm Srikant. If the evil succeds your son's soul will be trapped forever", said Agni.

" Hence the hasty wedding", asked Ram.

" Yes", confirmed Agni. " But there is more".

" What"?

" I am extending your life by a few decades using my powers.Your son will need you", he said.

And a strong light entered Ram's body.

" You are not immortal but will live more than average humans", said Agni.

" As Shiva wishes", saidRamcharan.

" You are a good man", said Agni. " Now listen very carefully. In next two hours your son will be a married man. I will perform the rituals in this temple. But the devil will try to stop it. Take this holy water. Spread it around mandap and your house.May Shiva bless you."

" Pranam punditji", said Ramcharan as he touched Agni's feet.

Vicky started inviting his friends. And Ram called Deshmukh family.

Surprisingly one person who remained completely calm and organized was Mrs Deshmukh.

" Wear your mother's saree", she said emotionally. I have all the jewellery ready. My little baby is getting married".

" Aunty", Riya hugged her. She turned emotional too.

Manav informed all his friends. Vikram invited Vinod, Dipti and Gaurav. Malti was out of India. He also invited Salman, Alok and Sumeet. Riya invited her friends and Shalini.

" You think it is a good idea', asked Shalini.

" If there is no malice in your heart it is", said Riya. " Besides you and Zoya are the only fashion experts I can book at the eleventh hour", she joked.

Shalini agreed.

" Didn't you want a big wedding", asked Lisa.

" Just Vicky", she replied. " Anything else doesn't matter.

Lisa nodded. " The person who makes you happy matters", she said.

Zoya stared in horizon.

DOES SALMAN MAKE ME HAPPY?

This was the question she kept on asking herself.

Laxmi got her latest camera.

" Ha I shall be the best photographer you hired", she chuckled.

She set the automatic camera.

" A group photo", she hollered.

Everyone gathered around Riya.

" Say cheese", said Laxmi.

Click..

The camera created a beautiful memory.