♡ 01 | NIPPLES

Hi guys! Welcome to the first chapter of 'Dildara'. Hope you all will like it and share your precious reviews ❤️☺️

.𖥔 ݁ ˖𓂃.☘︎ ݁˖

Kabir paced back and forth, eyes darting around the room, checking every little detail for the tenth time. Everything had to be perfect before the special guest arrived.

Just then, he heard the familiar soft thud of a cane on the stairs.

His grandfather, Anil Bajwa, was slowly making his way down, each step a careful effort. Time had weakened his limbs, but not his spirit.

"Dadu! You should've called me-I would've come to help you!" Kabir rushed over, gently supporting him.

Anil gave a tired but loving smile as he sat down. "It's alright, my child. I still like doing a few things on my own."

Kabir knelt beside him. "Is everything okay, Dadu? Are you comfortable?"

"Yes, yes," Anil said, catching his breath. "Is everything alright?"

Kabir smiled, nodding. "Everything's just the way it should be, Dadu. We're ready."

Today was important. The owner of Chaudhary Construction, Viraj Chaudhary, was coming to stay at their haveli for a some work, who is also Kabir's boss.

One by one, the rest of the family started coming downstairs.

Rajesh Bajwa and Urmila Bajwa, Anil's eldest son and daughter-in-law, were the first to join. They don't have any kids so they love the little ones a little too much and often spoil them.

Then came Rakesh Bajwa, Kabir's father and Anil's second son. He had been a widower for many years.

Last to arrive was Ronit Bajwa and his wife Bhakti, the youngest couple in the family.

Anil looked around and asked with a smile, "Bacchey kaha ha?"

(Where are the kids?)

Bhakti handed him a cup of tea and replied, "Pata nahi. Subha nasta ke baad shey nahi dikhai diya."

(I don't know since breakfast I haven't seen them.)

As they were chatting in the main hall, they heard the sound of a car stopping in front of the haveli.

"It seems he's here," Anil said, standing up with a spark in his eyes.

Kabir rushed outside to the car and quickly opened the door. Out stepped Viraj Chaudhary, calm and composed as ever. Kabir greeted him with folded hands. "Welcome, Sir."

Viraj gave a polite nod in return.

Known for his quiet demeanor and unshakable patience, Viraj rarely lost his cool-but anyone who tried to interfere with his life or work quickly learned not to test him.

Kabir had worked under Viraj for years as a Construction Manager. Thanks to his sharp thinking and dependable nature, he had become a key pillar in the Chaudhary Construction empire.

"Namaste, Chaudhary Saheb," Anil said with a warm smile.

Viraj looked at him and replied softly, "Namaste."
Then, to everyone's surprise, he bent down and touched Anil's feet.

Anil stood frozen. He had not expected this-not from someone like Viraj Chaudhary, a name that carried weight far beyond their village boundaries. Though Anil was respected locally, owning two retail plazas, a gesture like this from Viraj was momentous.

Everyone around watched in stunned silence.

Everyone... except Kabir. He wasn't surprised at all. He knew Viraj well-disciplined, respectful, deeply rooted in his values.

"Please come inside, Sir," Kabir said, stepping aside.

Just as Viraj was about to enter, a splash of water hit him square in the chest. The elders gasped in horror. A young woman stood behind the bucket, still holding it-Siya Bajwa.

"Siya! What the hell is this nonsense?" Ronit shouted.

Kabir rushed to Viraj with a towel, his hands trembling slightly as he offered it. Viraj stood silently, shocked and dripping-this was the most unwelcomed welcome he'd ever received. People usually greeted him with flower petals, or a ceremonial sprinkle of holy water-not a bucketful.

"I... I... I..." Siya stammered, wide-eyed, darting glances between the furious elders and the tall, soaking-wet stranger who was still staring at her.

"Arre, Didi! I'm right here!" Dev chimed in casually, walking up from behind the elders, completely dry and cheerful. Siya's nose scrunched in fury. The water was meant for Dev.

"This way, Sir..." Kabir said again, terrified, gesturing to the drenched Viraj.

The men exchanged horrified glances. The women whispered, shocked into silence.

Bhakti stormed upstairs with Siya holding her ears while she whined to let her go.

Siya pleaded with her eyes to her Badi Maa. She never scolded Siya and often protected her whenever she played little tricks. But Bhakti was the one who took charge when it came to disciplining the kids-and right now, she was really angry.

"What on earth were you thinking, Siya?"

"Oww! Chachi, please! Let me explain-I didn't mean to!" Siya whined, struggling in her grip.

But Bhakti was in no mood to forgive today.

"Ask Dev! The water was meant for him-it accidentally fell on that man instead!" Siya said defiantly, crossing her arms.

"Accidentally?" Bhakti snapped, hands on her hips. "You poured the entire bucket straight over his head! Do you even understand the meaning of basic manners? Tell me-what was the water for?"

Siya mumbled something under her breath and looked away.

"Speak up! Or I swear I'll pour a bucket over you next!" Bhakti warned, narrowing her eyes.

Siya sighed. "He scared me with a fake lizard... I was just getting revenge."

Bhakti groaned and shook her head. "And out of everyone, you chose Viraj Chaudhary to aim at?"

"I'm sorry, Chachi! I really didn't mean for it to fall on him. It happened because Dev moved away at the last second," Siya said with a sheepish smile, wrapping her arms around her aunt in a sweet hug.

Bhakti pulled away slightly, her voice tense. "Do you even know who he is? He's runs the Chaudhary Construction -and Kabir's boss! Kabir is planning to build a hospital here to fullfill your Dadu's wish, with Viraj's help. If he gets upset now... who knows what will happen?"

"Please forgive me, Chachi. It was a mistake, I swear. Pretty please?"

"Don't apologize to me!" Bhakti said, her tone sharp. "You need to go and apologize to the man you dumped water on."

Just then, Dev was seen sneaking a peek from behind the doorframe. Bhakti spotted him immediately.

"What are you spying on us for? Come out here-now!" she said, pointing firmly.

Dev dragged his feet forward, head bowed.

"No sweets for you after dinner tonight," Bhakti declared with a frown, crossing her arms.

"Maa, please! I'm sorry! I swear on your name, I won't do it again!" Dev cried, grabbing her hand dramatically.

Bhakti glared at him in disbelief. "Shame on you! Swearing falsely on your own mother?" she said, smacking his hand away.

Siya burst into laughter and stuck out her tongue at Dev.

Bhakti shot her a look. "And you! Don't you start acting smart either. No dessert for you too!" she warned before marching downstairs, leaving both siblings sulking in the hallway.

"This is all your fault," Siya muttered, gritting her teeth.

"My fault?" Dev scoffed. "You're the biggest scaredy-cat I've ever met."

"You just called me a scaredy-cat? That's it!" Siya shouted. "This time I'm throwing a rock, not water!"

And with that, she picked up her skirt and ran after him once again.

~~~

Downstairs, Kabir was doing his best to manage the situation.

"Sir, I sincerely apologize on her behalf. She's just a kid-still immature and doesn't know any better," he said, trying hard to sound composed and respectful.

He quickly led Viraj to the guest room so he could change, then began pacing outside, muttering under his breath and silently cursing his luck.

Viraj emerged a few minutes later, now dressed in a soft cotton kurta. The moment he stepped out, Kabir resumed his apologies as they made their way to the main hall.

"Sir, I really-"

"Kabir, why are you apologizing?" Rajesh interrupted sharply. "Siya should be the one asking for forgiveness!"

Viraj, who had remained quiet all this while, finally spoke in a calm voice. "It's alright. Let it go." It was clear he had no intention of making a big issue out of it.

But Rajesh wasn't done. He folded his arms and said pointedly, "How can it just be 'alright'? Everyone's been spoiling her with love, and now look at what she's done."

Just then, Urmila stepped in and called everyone for dinner.

As the men sat at the table, Siya, Bhakti, and Urmila began serving food. Siya kept her distance from Viraj, avoiding eye contact. Deep down, she knew she should apologize-but she just couldn't bring herself to do it.

Trying to ease the atmosphere, Kabir spoke up in front of everyone. "Sir, I've been thinking about the hospital project. If there's any way you could support us..."

Viraj nodded slightly, eyes still on his plate. "Of course, Kabir. You've stood by us for years-I'll definitely help."

Just then, he sensed someone's gaze. Looking up, he caught Siya staring at him from across the table. She immediately looked away, her cheeks flushing red.

After dinner, Urmila pulled Siya aside and handed her a folded blanket.

"Siya, take this to Mr. Viraj. And while you're at it, say sorry properly."

"M-me? I can't! I'm not going in front of him," Siya stammered, pushing the blanket back toward her aunt.

"Just do what I say. Give him the blanket-and apologize sincerely," Urmila said firmly.

"What if he scolds me?" Siya whispered nervously.

"Well,you were the one at fault," Urmilla said flatly.

Siya knew her Badi Maa was right. With a reluctant sigh, she trudged upstairs toward the guest room. Standing at the door, she knocked twice.

There was no response. She hesitated, biting her lip. "I knocked... but what if he's already asleep?" she whispered to herself.

Slowly, she pushed the door open-just a crack. "Viraj ji...?" she called out softly, peeking in like a nervous cat sneaking into the kitchen.

She stepped inside cautiously, glancing around-
And bumped into something.

Something firm.

And warm.

Definitely not a wall.

She looked up. Just a bit.

"Oh... nipples. Brown ones?" she blurted-barely above a whisper, but just loud enough for the man in front of her to hear.

She froze. He froze. The moment stretched uncomfortably.

"Aaaaa!" Siya let out a small squeak and quickly covered her eyes with the blanket. "Mujhe nahi dekhna! Mujhe kuch nahi dekhna! Badtammez admi!" she blurted, spinning around like a malfunctioning robot.

(I don't want to see anything! I didn't see anything! Shameless man!)

Viraj raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

Siya, on the other hand, looked like she wanted the earth to split open and swallow her whole. "Uhh... I mean... your shirt! You're... shirtless! I didn't mean to say it like that!" she stammered, stepping back and nearly tripping over her dupatta.

Viraj folded his arms-still very much shirtless-and gave her a steady look. "Were you here to inspect me or deliver the blanket?"

She quickly shook her head, lost for words.

He sighed lightly. "Just leave the blanket on the bed. And yes... I forgive you."

She peeked out from behind the blanket in her hands. "Really?"

"Yes. The water was really cold. Let's just say... I've never had such a unique welcome before."

Siya tiptoed into the room, dropped the blanket onto the bed as if it were on fire, and stepped back just as quickly. "I'm sorry."

"And what about the whole 'shameless' comment?" he added.

Her eyes widened. "That was... that was a slip of the tongue!"

"And the part about... nipples?" he asked, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Well, if you had seen my nip-" She stopped mid-sentence, realizing just in time how wrong that was about to sound-especially in front of a man she had just met.

Viraj raised an eyebrow, looking amused. "Your what?"

Siya froze, her face turning into the brightest shade of red. She mentally slapped herself. "No! I mean-my... my... my... nothing!" She waved her hands frantically, like she could somehow erase the conversation from existence. "Forget I said that! Please!"

Viraj's lips twitched, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "Are you sure? I'm intrigued now."

"Stop! Just... just stop!" Siya was now desperately trying to backtrack, but every word she said only seemed to make the situation worse. "I was going to say... nipples... but... no! No, not that! What am I even saying?!"

She slapped her forehead dramatically, wishing she could disappear into the floor.

Viraj leaned in, pretending to be deeply thoughtful. "You were going to say 'nipples' and not mean it? That's... an interesting choice of words."

"Okay, now you're just torturing me on purpose," Siya muttered, looking at her feet in shame. Her cheeks brighter than tomatoes.

"Not at all. I'm merely making sure I understand the full context of your... um, verbal misfire."

"Misfire?!" Siya shot back, horrified. "It was a disaster! A complete and utter disaster! The universe should just swallow me whole right now. I'll be fine with that. Really."

"Fair enough," Viraj said, his tone mock-sympathetic.

"I'm going."

"Sure."

Siya didn't dare to look back. She yanked open the door and nearly ran into it, her heart racing with mortification. "Siya, tu khud ko marwayegi ek din," she muttered under her breath, as she hurriedly made her exit, praying she'd never have to face Viraj again.

(Siya, you're going to get yourself killed one day)

Meanwhile, Viraj shook his head. This stay was already way more entertaining than he had ever expected.