Captured

Chapter 10

Entire night, Ranvijay had spent tossing and thinking about her reaction to his gifts. He had anticipated her shock, envisioned her blush and perceived her reluctance but her behaviour was downright disrespectful towards him and his feelings. She should've given the thought a possibility that Veer and Arpan could be offended by her straightforward rejection. 

Like a wounded lion, he glared at the unwrapped gifts with his elbows on his knees and her long symmetrical fingers making a steeple on his lips. Veer narrated the whole episode to him, prowling in anger. "That girl is way too proud, bhai. She doesn't know her limits. She said she doesn't want to remember you. You were not worth remembering. Good or bad, she has no memories and she doesn't want to have either. If only she had any idea who you truly are, she'd crawl to you on her…" 

"Veer!" Arpan warned, noticing the changing demeanor of Ranvijay. His face was calm but his eyes were burning with a murderous look and his chest was heaving up and low as he breathed hard. Arpan sat beside him and expostulated. "Look, if you ask my opinion, I think Matsyaa was right. She doesn't know you. How can she accept gifts from a stranger? She comes from a very respected clan and I liked her decision. Don't worry! Once you both get to know each other, she'll grow comfortable around you." 

"No one dares to deny me, Arpan." His words were icy cold and forced out. His pride was surfacing and Veer stopped to squint. He couldn't understand why his brother was getting so disturbed over Matsyaa when he'd never bothered to glance twice at any other female in his entire life. 

"Burn this dress and the camera. Whosoever has designed it, ruin him. I want him to hit the bottom hard." 

Arpan and Veer looked at each other aghast. Before this, they'd never seen Ranvijay getting blind by his pride and behaving so recklessly. Arpan frowned at him. "Ranvijay, are you out of your mind? Why are you dwelling on her rejection so much? She's no one important." 

"She is important!" Ranvijay asserted, loudly and gazed at Arpan. "Her rejection matters because she means something to me. What? I don't exactly know. But, one thing I'm sure of is she means something." He stood up and walked to the open window. "I can't forget her face. I'm not able to sleep properly because she keeps walking in and out of my dreams. I just can't concentrate because she has my entire attention." His eyes zoned on the horizon and he decided it then. "I want her." 

Just as he accepted, his emotions floated and soaked him in satisfaction. He loved the feel of having her. Loved the idea of being with her. She had captured his interest and he wanted to capture her.

"Bhai?" 

"I want her, Veer." He turned to face Veer and smiled diabolically. "I want her to be mine at any cost." He pointed at the untouched dress. "It must be the designs that failed to impress her. But, I promise, one day she'll only wear what I select for her. She'd do that willingly. If anything upsets her, I'll remove its existence." 

Veer was stunned to see his brother's madness for Matsyaa. Ranvijay was a man of discipline, control and respect. His benevolent soul had never hurt anyone before and for Matsyaa, he was ready to punish the innocent designer. Veer didn't recognize him anymore. It was like someone had locked his loving heart and threw the key in Matsyaa's soul. Only she was controlling him. But, Ranvijay's happiness was his salvation. If he wanted this girl, Veer was going to help him in doing so. 

"Okay! I'm sure I know who designed this dress." He muttered, shoving his hands in his pockets and swivelled on his heels. "I'll leave you guys alone. Arpan has just arrived. You both must have a lot to catch-up. Bye!" 

"Bye!" Arpan chipped and crossed his arms over his chest, giving Ranvijay a tart look. "What was that?" 

"Just a realization that I've feelings for her." Ranvijay shrugged his shoulders and Arpan shook his head, huffing. "These are not your feelings. This is your pride and arrogance talking. You can't just accept how she rejected…"