The Devil's Substitute : Book #1 [Original Edition]

||Chapter 18||

Chapter 19 is published on scrollstack.
Next update is on Wednesday 
https://dreamwriter.stck.me/post/309961/Chapter-19

Wearing my tracks, I entered the room cautiously, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and dread. This girl is really unpredictable, sometimes screaming like a witch, sometimes laughing like a joker.

What is she made of? I can't understand. The confusion gnawed at me, making me feel inadequate and helpless.

Even trigonometry is far easier to figure out than her.

I wonder when she will live like a normal person. I am waiting for that day.

I scanned the room and found her standing on the balcony, admiring the plants. My eyes widened, realizing that she was only in her blouse and, umm... skirt... I think that's what it is.

Panic surged through me. Someone might see her. What if anyone takes photos and does something bad? Can't trust today's generation. The thought of her being exposed or harmed made my blood run cold. I have many enemies in and out of business.

I immediately hastened towards her, my footsteps heavy and urgent. I think she heard me because she turned around and blushed like a flower again. Her cheeks turned a deep shade of pink, making her look even more delicate. My heart skipped a beat at the sight, torn between irritation and an unexpected tenderness.

Like, who even blushes like this? The innocence in her blush both baffled and softened me.

"Ahhh, yeh toh meri jaan le lengi..." I muttered under my breath, feeling a strange mixture of irritation and affection.

"Why are you blushing again? And why the hell are you standing like this?" I yelled, my voice sharp with concern and frustration. My words seemed to snap her out of her blushing trance, and she stopped, her expression shifting to one of surprise and confusion. I felt a pang of guilt for being so harsh but couldn't help it.

She looked at her outfit and then glared at me. "Is me kya problem hai, Hulk? This looks pretty on me. See?" she said, her tone defiant as she performed a little twirl, her skirt flaring out slightly.

Cute, but FUCK IT.

Her defiance and innocence made my irritation waver.

I instantly went and dragged her into my room, my grip firm but not harsh. The need to protect her overrode everything else.

"Leave me, you pitbull!" she screamed and slapped my arm. Her resistance was expected but still stung.

I was stunned by the name she gave me. A pitbull? Does she really think I'm like that? The comparison amused me.

I mean, I can handle being called a devil, monster, or even her soni... ahm... forget about it. The thought of being anything positive to her made my chest tighten.

I let go of her arm and stood in front of her, ready to start my interrogation, but she beat me to it. My frustration grew, but I held back, knowing I needed to remain calm.

"Dekho, stop judging my fashion sense. A few days back, you made fun of my minion outfit, and now this." She pointed at her dress. Her words struck a chord, making me realize how insensitive I had been.

"Piyali, don't remind me about that nightmare of a costume. Why can't you wear clothes according to your age?" I questioned. My voice started rising. I was desperate for her to understand the seriousness of the situation.

"Oh hello ji, I am not a Buddha like you. I am only 22, young and beautiful," she flicked her hair tendrils dramatically against my face. Her playful defiance made my irritation melt into exasperation.

Groaning, I rubbed my face with my palm. She called me a Buddha, because of my age. The teasing felt both endearing and infuriating.

I am not that old. But will this girl understand?

I wondered what words she would use tomorrow to address me.

Calm down, Reyansh. You are a CEO; you can't lower your standards by fighting with a silly girl. I reminded myself, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.

"Piyali, hear me out seriously. And do not try to interrupt me." I knew my tone was strict and stern. Her playfulness vanished. The seriousness of the moment settled heavily between us.The moment was charged with awkward tension, and I could feel my temper flaring, but I didn't want to scare her. My protective instincts were battling with my frustration.

"Do you have any idea what could happen if someone saw you like this?" I continued, my tone softening slightly but still stern. "What if someone took a picture and spread it around? You need to be more careful."

Her eyes dropped to the floor as realization dawned on her, and she fidgeted with the edge of her blouse. "I-I'm sorry," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Oh so miss can apologize.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Look, I'm not trying to be harsh," I said, my voice gentler now. "I just worry about you. I don't want anything bad to happen."

Wait... what?

This is bad. I should not have said that.

Piyali's eyes widened in happiness. She instantly jumped up and down and hugged me tightly. I held her waist firmly and steadied myself against the wall to keep us from falling. Her happiness was infectious, making my heart swell with unexpected warmth.

"How caring are you, Soniye? I know you are like this only." She chirped and withdrew from the hug.

"Now I will go and take a bath with my duck, byeeee." She waved her hand but I held it and made her sit on the couch. My concern for her safety took precedence.

"Kya hua?" She looked confused.

"Piyali, tell me why did you leak our pictures?" She remained silent. The silence was heavy with unspoken words and emotions.

"You know that was not a kind of normal marriage. Your dear sister ran, and I forced you into this. You are not angry with me for that." I asked and waited for her answer. But this girl continued to stare at the floor. Her silence was both frustrating and telling.

Yeah, the floor is so pretty. Fuck me!

I am not a patient person but with her, I have to control my anger. I don't want that day to be repeated again. She got a panic attack. The memory of her panic attack kept my temper in check.

Sighing, I decided to leave her now. The conversation was going nowhere, and I didn't want to push her too hard.

"Let's discuss this later. Go and have your beautiful bath." My tone was gentle, trying to ease the tension.

"Why did you cry on that day?" She questioned me, blinking her eyes. I got confused. When did I cry? Her question caught me off guard, stirring memories I'd rather forget.

"Which day are you referring to?" I asked. The confusion in my voice was genuine.

She clenched her teeth and stood on my couch making it dirty. Arghhh.

"When we fought? You were like a lion. I cried and went back to my home." Her words brought back the painful memory.

Oh. Now I remember. Shit. I was drunk worse than an alcoholic person. And I vomited everything. I thought she didn't hear. And what did I say on that day? I don't even remember. I just know that I was so emotional that I said sorry and called this crazy girl kiki... This is what Riya said. The memory of my drunken confession made my stomach churn.

Who even calls kiki?

You did. My conscience mocked.

Which brand did I consume on that day?

I was thinking when this girl pulled my hair harshly.

"What the fuck, girl?" I yelled in pain and put some distance between us.

She was sneering at me. Now I seriously think she is not human. Her actions were baffling and infuriating.

"Hulk, you called me kiki that day. Now you remember hai na?" Her eyes were filled with hope that I would reply positively.

But no. I won't. I can't give hopes. We are not made for each other and she should hate me. The resolve to keep her at a distance hardened in my heart.

"Piyali, it was just an act," I said, my voice cold and detached, trying to keep my emotions in check. The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

Her face fell, and she looked away, hurt evident in her eyes. I felt a pang of guilt but pushed it aside. The sight of her hurt tore at my heart, but I forced myself to stay firm.

"Piyali, please, go take your bath. We'll talk later," I said, my tone firm but gentle. I needed to end this conversation before I said something I couldn't take back.

She nodded silently, her shoulders slumping as she walked away. I watched her go, a mixture of frustration and regret churning inside me. The conflict between my feelings and my actions was tearing me apart.

Why is everything so complicated with her?

Chan see jho toote koi sapna

Jag soona soona largeJag soona soona lageKoi rahe na jab apnaJag soona soona lageJag soona soona lage

I didn't have any tears left. I can't define what I am feeling right now. But I know one thing.

I am a joker, I became a joker.

That hulk is not soniyee..He is born to be a hulk. And if Marvel asks for a substitute I will present him.

His heart and he himself is a rock.

No emotions.

I wonder does he shit rock every day.

Sighing I took my phone and paused the song. What will I answer to my parents ?. I fought with them to hear this ?"