VIREN POV

After spending some time with Riya, I returned to my room and changed into my pajamas.

Currently, I'm lounging on my bed with my laptop turning on.
Looking at the screensaver, I instantly recall the similar scenery I visited with Paakhi today.

Unconsciously a smile crawls up my face, she is different from the girls her age.
She amazes me every time with her mature and sensible demeanor.

"I thought you already slept." I hear the graceful voice of my mother.
I look towards the door to see her leaning on it with a smile.

I sit straight when she steps towards me and takes a seat in front of me.

"Just checking my schedule before going to bed," I reply.

"Good, you should go to bed early and take care of yourself." She said soothingly caressing my face.

Instantly my eyes shut, relishing the soothing touch of my mother.

"Are you okay? What is happening in your life?" She asks tucking her legs and making herself comfortable.

"Everything is fine Ma, I'm okay, Don't worry," I assure her.
I know she worries about me and fears that I may leave them again.

"I don't want to lose you again." She mumbles, her eyes portraying hurt and pain.

I quickly hug her and apologize for hurting her, Now I realize how she might have felt when I left them and didn't contact her for 3 years.

"Okay, okay, no more crying, I came here to say good night, and now look at me, I disturbed you." She chuckles.

"No worries, I'm happy to see you!" I reply.

She smiles and still doesn't get up.

"Mom?" She hums.

"Did you came here to talk?" I smile knowingly.

She flushes and I laugh out loud.

"What did he do this time?" I ask knowing well that she's angry with dad.

"You remember how we were supposed to go out today?" She asks.

I nod and she continues, "So we were sitting in his car, deciding a destination when he got a call from his associate. I waited for 50 minutes for his call to get over and then we visited a boutique. I was in the changing room, and when I stepped out to show my dress, you know what I saw?" She asks dramatically.

I'm trying so hard to control my laughter but her actions are so funny that it is a hard task for me.

"He left me there, I was so embarrassed and when I called him he declined my call." She said Huffing.

"He left you there?" I ask amaze, how can he do something like this.

"I'm done with him." She announces.

I know she is really angry this time because dad sometimes prioritizes his work.

"In 28 years, I stood by him in each step creating this empire. But now I need him with me, we have three kids who can take care of business. I need my husband beside me. Him forgetting about me can sometimes be forgiven but not always. " she exclaims.

Seeing her crying makes my heart clench, I know dad loves her the most but just like me, he can't show it. I know mom stood with dad in his struggling days and now she has all the rights to have him for herself.

"Mom, dad loves you...don't let these misunderstandings stand between you guys." I share.

She just shakes her head in denial and sob.

"You know today I learned a great lesson." This caught her attention and she ceased her crying.

"That where there is love, there lies misunderstandings. But don't let those misunderstandings destroy the love you have." I say remembering what Paakhi told me.

I see my mom smiling.

"Who told you this?" She asks smiling.

"My best friend," I reply.

"You have a best friend?" She asks surprise.
"Is it so hard to believe I have a best friend?" I ask offended.

"Yes it is, you always had a hard time trusting people, and then after her..." She instantly stops and widens her eyes in horror.

"It is okay mom, now she doesn't affect me. I let that past go. " I utter with a smile.

"How?!" She asks shocked.

" 'In a world where being out for revenge seems to be more at hand, and appears to bring more satisfaction, they say it takes courage and strength to forgive. And I couldn't agree more. Forgiveness is about letting go of the past, understanding, and moving on. It's about taking care of your mental health and setting yourself free. Selfish? Maybe, but it's the kind that does well to others too. So just let the past be and move on.' These are the exact words that motivated me. It will take time to completely move on but maybe I will." I quote Paakhi's words.

"Did your best friend said that too?" My mom asks impressed.

I nod, "I want to meet him, He seems so understanding." She replies.

"He? My best friend is not he. " I correct her.

She sways and then fall back on to my bed.
I instantly rush forward but see her laughing, "You are going to give me a heart attack with all these shocking revelations."

I sigh and move back to my previous position.
"Is she your girlfriend? How did you meet her? Do I know her? Is she younger than you or elder? Do your brothers know about her? Is she one of those girls that you sleep with?" She rambles but at the last sentence she scrunches up her face like a baby causing me to laugh.

"Relax mom, she's not my girlfriend. And I'm not telling you anything else. Just go and talk to dad. Good night. " I take a hold of her hand and tug her towards the door.

"Bu-" I close the door before she can finish her sentence.

"Why did I tell her about Paakhi? But thankfully I didn't mention her name." I mutter to myself.

After my mother left I decided to check my schedule and then go to bed.

__________________________________

The sound of my alarm woke me up from my sleep. I turn towards the side table to see it's 6:30 am.

I get up and walk inside my bathroom to brush and change into my gym wear.

I grab my Rockerz and phone before leaving my room and initiate connecting my Rockerz to my phone on the way to the gym area on the third floor.

Entering the gym, I see Arhaan meditating and Shaurya cycling.

"Good morning guys," I greet and walk towards the treadmill.

"Hmmm..." I got a reply from Arhaan and a hand wave from Shaurya. I put on my Rockerz, play my playlist, and start walking on the treadmill. After 30 minutes of walking, I shift to cycling and then pull-ups.

After my routine, I grab a towel and wipe all the sweat.

"So? What's your schedule today?" Arhaan asks passing me a water bottle.

"A conference call with my team in NY and then a board meeting. " I tell while disconnecting my Rockerz.

"What about you?" I ask him.

"Taking Maanya for a brunch and then coming back to attend that board meeting." He explains.

I smirk at him and he just shrugs, "You can't stay away from her, can you?"

"I try but it is not possible, my soul, my heart, my body crave every second for her." He confesses.

"How cheesy? I wonder how Maanya even likes you?" Shaurya teases him.

"Shut up, if a girl can like you, then I have a better personality compared to you making me a better choice" Arhaan admonishes.

"Okay, you guys continue this, I have to leave," I say and move towards the door.

"Wait, I'm also coming, "Arhaan calls out and joins me with his towel and bottle in his hands.

" So you told mom about Paakhi?" I immediately halt in my steps.

"What made you say that?" I ask.

"I met her yesterday night in the kitchen and we talked, the discussion turned on you and she told me how you were talking sensible stuff and about your best friend that she thinks is your girlfriend." I roll my eyes at how my mother thinks my best friend is my girlfriend.

Arhaan laughs out at my expression and says " I bet, you didn't tell her it is Paakhi otherwise today our house would be decorated for your wedding and Paakhi would soon be my sister-in-law."

"Thank god I didn't " I confess but my brother has something else in his mind because
Saying " Maybe I should tell her." he took off running, and I follow him afraid because my mother will do exactly what Arhaan just said.

I can't be embarrassed in front of Paakhi.

"Stop before I punch you!" I yell at him.

"Mommmm!!!" He starts chanting mom again and again.
Making me increase my pace.

"Arhaan! " I yell again dodging servants in my way.

There came a time when every helper stood aside, afraid we would push past them.

"Bhai??? What is-" I hear Riya in the background.

Arhaan takes three steps at a time upstairs and I follow him to the terrace, where I see My mother and Aunt having a cup of tea.

"Arhaan? Viren?" She asks startled by our disheveled selves.

"Mom, Do you know who Viren's best friend is?" He asks looking at me.

I grab him by the neck in a shoulder lock and whisper, "Tell her about Paakhi and I will tell her about Maanya."

His eyes widen and he steps back with fear on his face.

"Who is it?" She asks hyped up like a child on Christmas morning.

"Tell me??" She inquires.

"No mom, I'm asking you? Do you know who she is?" Arhaan asks her. I smile in triumphant and hold Arhaan by his collar and drag him out.

"Viren behave! He's your brother-" her voice fades once we exit the terrace.

"Never mess with your older brother." I smile in accomplishment.

"Older by 3 minutes." He argues.

I leave his sulking self and walk towards my room and change into my work attire.

After dressing up, I check my watch and leave for the office.

In the car, I grab sometimes and mark the points to be evaluated.

In the middle of an important point, I receive a call from my mother.

"Again you left without breakfast?" She scolds me.

"I'm sorry Ma, you know I don't like eating anything in the morning, I will have something at the office," I assure her and hang up.

Reaching the office, I concoct a stoic expression and walk inside the building, Everyone inside
Cease to greet me and I look around to see two janitors standing aside and talking animately instead of doing their job.

I take up the elevator and the first thing I say when I see my assistant is, "Fire those janitors in the lobby and appoint efficient ones."
She just nods and calls the HR department.

I walk inside my cabin and login for a conference call at my New York office.

I'm glad I have an efficient team there who are working their ass off to make our company the best.
And today we are going to talk about our business with Ivanov's company.

I like that bastard, he is one of the best competitors I met.
He thrives on me to do my best. I would never let him know that otherwise, he would never let me live.

My meeting ended after what I assume is 3 hours and now I feel my stomach growling.

I intercom my assistant and ask her to bring me something.

Till the time my food arrives, I start collecting the scattered documents on my table and pile them up to be sent to my executive team.

I email my dad the progress report of the New York branch and as I press the sent button. I hear a knock on my office door and my assistant walk in with a tray in her hand. She settles it down on the coffee table and takes the file on the table with her.

One thing I like about her is she doesn't speak unnecessarily and knows what to do without the hassle.

I walk towards the coffee table and see a chicken sandwich and coffee placed on the tray.

I unwrap the sandwich and take a bite but the cold bland taste makes me vomit. So I just leave it and drink my coffee.

I hear a ping and grab my phone to check an incoming message from an unknown number.

I open it to see an attachment and click on it to see a picture of Paakhi, it was a little blur as if it was taken from afar but the words underneath it made my blood boil.

'Isn't she beautiful?'

I try calling on that number but it is private.

I call my PD and ask him to track this number.

I try sending a message but the service is blocked. I call Paakhi but she doesn't pick up.

I get another message from the same number stating, 'You are angry right now, walking aimlessly, thinking about killing me! Am I right Viren? Haha, you are so predictable.'

I'm seething, who the hell is it? First, those messages were aimless but then those Kidnappers and now Paakhi! This is getting out of hand.

'Look, should I say Hi!" This text confuses me but the attachment explains everything.

Paakhi is sitting in a cafe with a guy, she is smiling at what the guy in the denim jacket and man bun says.

Now, I'm furious. What the hell is she doing with this guy? Is she on a date? Why didn't she inform me that she's dating someone?

Not the right time dude, I explain myself because right now this sender is my priority and not the guy with her.

But unknowingly, my focus keeps shifting towards the guy in denim.

'She is on a date? But what about you? Is she cheating on you? Or did you behave the same way with her as you did with HER?' This sender seems to know about her and I don't know what will happen if he tells Paakhi about it.

"Hey! I was knocking for the last few minutes. What are you -" Arhaan halts and his expression change from happy to serious in a second when he sees the anger on my face.

"What happened?" he asks. I push my phone towards him and see him scrolling through the messages.

"Who Is it? And why Paakhi? " He rambles.

"I don't know! I think we have to do something before it is too late." I declare.

"I agree but what if they tell Paakhi about her? Are you ready for this?" He asks.

"I knew my past will come after me and now this sender seems to know everything about my past. It is only a few days before everything comes out and I lose the only friend I made." I confess relishing my banter and moments with Paakhi.

I know after she comes to know about my past, she will hate me just like everyone else.

"What are you going to do?" He asks.

"They are after her because of me, I will stay away from her." I proclaim.

"Will you be able to? You don't realize it but she is not just your friend Viren. You feel for her, you seem to think about her words, you are evolving Viren, starting to open up with us, joking around, loving your sisters, and most importantly, standing for your family." He exclaims.

"You mean to say, that I love her?" I laugh nesting his nuisance.

"Not now, but you are falling Viren. I saw how she told you to stop talking in Riya's room with her eyes. Her Fucking eyes Viren, you the dumb wit read her eyes." He states.

I knock out his words because I can't think about this, "I can't think about something that is not possible. I can't destroy her life by binding her to me. I'm not boyfriend material, I just sleep with women and move on. I can't commit the same mistake again, love is not for me." I declare and before he could intervene I say "No more discussion on this topic. Paakhi doesn't need a person like me, she should be happy with a guy who can give her world."

"Okay, but I will say one thing, you don't decide who is destined for you, it is destiny that plays its role." He confesses and strolls out of my cabin.

I take a deep breath and follow him to the conference room for the board meeting.

Before entering the conference room, I call my security and instruct them to Follow Paakhi at all cost, no mistakes will be tolerated.

I take my seat beside my father and in front of Arhaan. The meeting commences with Boris's issue and I tune off when everyone starts talking.

Meeting ended as expected with no solution, "What happened to you?" I hear my uncle whisper in my ear.

"Nothing, why?" I ask confuse.

"You didn't discuss any aspects, that is so unlike you, he comments.

" I just wanted to hear everybody before I make my point," I answer.

He nods and turns towards our lawyer sitting beside him.

I feel my phone buzz in my pocket and grab it to see Paakhi calling. I decline her call and lean back in my chair.

She calls me again and I decline it too.
Then she messages me, 'Hey, I'm sorry for not picking up your call earlier."

I see the message but don't reply.

'Are you angry with me?' She texts me.

'Why are you not replying???? ' I see her message and lock my phone without answering.

I hate to do this, but this is best for both of us. What Arhaan said makes sense, I listen to Paakhi, take her to her favorite place when she feels down and I get jealous of the guys she is with.

This is so not me, I was not like this with her too. Her? Thinking about her, my heart churns and my mind shuts on its own accord.

"We will discuss further this issue after we get more information from those kidnappers." My uncle announces and everyone disperses.

I stand up and walk out of the cabin with a heavy heart and occupied mind.

Only working can make me forget about these feelings, So I walk towards my assistant's cabin and walk in to see her, painting her nails, I glare at her and grab all the files on her desk and walk out not before announcing, "I pay you to work and not pass time; if you have nothing to do then leave and never come back."

I hear bustling behind me and walk inside my cabin after slamming the door shut, demonstrating my anger and no nuisance alert.

I put myself in my work and forget all about my worries.

__________________________________

PAAKHI POV

"Paakhi, please. I can't say no to Arhaan."
Maanya pleads yet again.

"But I have to help Nona today." I object.

"I promise I will clean dishes for two days, " she negotiates.

How can I refuse this?

"Okay fine, where do I have to meet them?" I ask her for the details.

"You go change and I'll call them for the details." She assures me.

I sigh and he up from the couch to go change for a meeting with the client that she was supposed to meet. But her plans with Arhaan made her pursue me to attend the meeting.

"If that creep Saurav comes, I will probably throw my drink on him," I warn her, I can't stand that man at all.

"No no, you don't have to meet Yash or Saurav, it is their management team that will share their ideas with you." She explains.

I nod in acknowledgment. And stroll into my room to change into something sophisticated.

After changing into a white shirt and blue jeans, I tie my hair in a bun and pair it with my favorite white sneakers.

"You have to meet them in a restaurant, in 45 minutes." Maanya utter entering my room.

"Restaurant? Why? They have their own hotel and want to meet me in a restaurant? Isn't this weird?" I ask her.

"Do you watch crime shows at night? You have become so skeptical." She calls out.

I shrug and leave the apartment with my notepad and catalog.

Reaching the restaurant, I look around for a table with people in business wear or working around. But the charming ambiance and soothing music make this an unrealistic setting for a business conversation.

"Welcome, can I help you?" A server asks me.

"I'm here -"

"She's with me." I hear Yash beside me. I stare surprisingly at him and see him dress in a casual denim jacket and black jeans.

"Hi, this way, please." He escorts me to the table at the back and draws a chair for me like a gentleman. I smile at him and take the seat.

He strides towards the chair in front of me and takes a seat.

"I thought I had a meeting with your management team?" I inquire.

"Yes, initially it was with them but when I got to know you were coming, I grabbed the opportunity to dine with a beautiful lady and couldn't help myself." I stare at him with wide eyes, aware of the heating of my cheeks.

"Relax, They got a call for the event happening in the hotel and had to stay back, I was nearby so decided to meet you." He explains chuckling.

I smile in acknowledgment and ask "We have never worked indirectly with a client, so this time we are just a little bit tense about everything." I share with him.

Before he could reply, the waiter arrived at our table with his notepad ready, I don't even have time to browse my menu so I order the first thing that came into my sight, which happens to be peanut butter and jelly soda.

"You have a very unique taste, " he comments.

Unique?! Or he means to say weird. Because right now I feel like kicking myself for not ordering a normal coffee.

"Yaa, I like trying new things." I lie with a smile.

"Never take you to be an explorer," he remarks.

I just shrug and talk about the decoration, theme, and precautions to be noted.

I like how dedicated and smart he is, his answers and ideas are very creative.

"So are you ready for the event?" He asks, but my attention turns towards the bright orange drink serve in front of me.

"Oh thank God, I thought they forgot our orders." He remarks and sips his coffee.

"I wish..." I unconsciously mumble.

"Sorry?what?" He inquires, I just shake my head and ask, "So the event is around 9 and we have to stay back?"

"Yes, for better supervision, I want you guys to stay." He adds but I notice a glint in his eyes, it was as if he seems guilty?! But why?

"How is your drink?"He shortly asks.
I clear my mind and look at my drink, the bright orange color glaring at me.

The dread increases five-folds, yet I take a sip, I expected it to taste gross but the taste is different, I can't pinpoint but the drink is really an adventure.

" you don't like it!" He exclaims beholding my scrunched face.

I blush hard and reply, "It tastes different."

"Different?!" He asks coyly. I chuckle and reply, "okay, it tastes weird, fine."

He laughs with me and says, "let's order something else for you!"

"No, it's fine, anyway I have to leave now, " I oppose respectfully.

"Okay, but I owe you a coffee," he says and tugs my chair for me.

"You owe me nothing, Mr.Yash" I proclaim.

"Of course, I do, if a beautiful girl leaves without eating in my company, it is a shame." He admonishes.

I just smile and leave him there.

I hail a cab and a sigh of relief leave my lips, It was a weird meeting, first I thought I'll meet his management team but instead, I met Mr.Yash Shekoh himself, and then it was as if we were on a date instead of a meeting.

And then what I saw in his eyes left me curious.

All these thoughts are making my head hurt, so I do the only thing that relaxes me; I retrieve my phone from my bag and connect my headphones.

But when I unlock my phone, I see 3 missed calls from Mr.Khadoos.
Then I notice my phone was on silent mode and therefore I missed his calls.

I instantly call him back, because it is very unlike him to call me simultaneously.

I hear the caller tune on the other end and think about different circumstances that led him to call me.

He doesn't pick up my call, I try once again but this time he declines my call.

I worry about him and text him.
'Hey, I'm sorry for not picking up your call earlier."

He sees the message but doesn't reply.

'Are you angry with me?' I text again. The two blue ticks indicate he read the message but isn't replying.

'Why are you not replying???? ' I ask with a heavy heart but when he still doesn't reply I switch off my phone, plug out my earphones and shove them in my bag.

I know he is an arrogant, rude, and selfish man but still, when he does such things with me, it hurts.

I thought something changed between us after our first date, or So I like to call it a date.

I felt as if we connected that day, and when he drove me to my favorite place.

I started seeing him in a different light, the biggest mistake of my life.

I was always told in the orphanage that I'm always going to be a loner. Nobody would ever love me.

I proved them wrong by having a family, Adi, Maanu, Aunt Savy, Uncle Abby, Nona, and Nana, everyone loves me.

But still, I crave something, Something I can't describe but there is this feeling inside me that yearns for someone.

But all this is absurd, Unknowingly I gave Viren space in my life that he doesn't deserve.

Glancing at the familiar street of the efficient and lucrative market, I exit the cab and relinquish myself in buying decorations and stuff for tomorrow's event.

__________________________________

Arhaan POV

Looking at the beautiful girl beside me, I always feel a sense of accomplishment.

Looking at Maanya enjoying the animal Topiaries around and smiling giddily makes my heart miss a beat.

How can someone be so beautiful inside out?!

"Hey mister, don't stare at me. My boyfriend might get jealous." I hear her teasing me.

"Really? I can't blame the guy. If you have a girl like you, you should carry a gun with you." I proceed with the joke.

"Have you seen him? I should be the one carrying a gun!" She professes.

I laugh out and she joins me. The passers-by stare at us causing us to run from that spot.

"That was so embarrassing. " She calls out and I nod.

"Look these flowers smell so good," she calls out walking in front of me, towards the tree.

I instantly grab my phone and click her photo.

"Hey!" She calls out embarrassingly.

"What can't I click my girlfriend's photo?" I ask mimicking hurt.

She walks in front of me and caresses my face, I enjoy her warmth, "Never think like that, you can do anything because I'm yours, just like you are mine." She says looking into my eyes, or I must say, soul.

I tug forward to kiss her but she steps back and whispers, "Not here!"

I look around and see families, I nod in understanding and take her hand.

We walk to my car, hand in hand, talking about how we should do this often, she doesn't know how I want to do this every day, How much I yearn to see her beside me every second.

But her past makes me take a step back, angry at that motherfucker for hurting such a delicate girl.

I can find him in a second but my
Morals and beliefs don't allow me to dig into Maanya's past.
Because she told me what she wanted me to know.

"Listen drop me at the cafe, I have to help Nona at the cafe today," Maanya tells.

"Sure," I nod and spin towards the cafe's direction.

"Come in!" She invites me inside.
"Sorry beautiful, I have a board meeting to attend, will see you soon," I answer apologetically.

She just nods and waves me bye.

Reaching the office, I look at the time and see I have 15 minutes to spare before the meeting and decide to visit Viren, and then we can go together.

I knock on his cabin door, but when I don't get a reply, I open the door and announce,
"Hey! I was knocking for the last few minutes. What are you -" I pause and my expression change from happy to serious in a second when I see the anger on his face.

"What happened?" I inquire. He shoves his phone towards me and I scroll through the messages.

"Who Is it? And why Paakhi? " I ask when I see a picture of Paakhi smiling at a guy in front of her and how the sender is blackmailing Viren.

"I don't know! I think we have to do something before it is too late." He declares.

"I agree but what if they tell Paakhi about her? Are you ready for this?" I ask.

"I knew my past will come after me and now this sender seems to know everything about my past. It is only a few days before everything comes out and I lose the only friend I made." He confesses and I can see him relishing his memories with Paakhi.

"What are you going to do?" I ask him, jerking him out of his thoughts.

"They are after her because of me, I will stay away from her." He proclaims.

"Will you be able to? You don't realize it but she is not just your friend Viren. You feel for her, you seem to think about her words, you are evolving Viren, starting to open up with us, joking around, loving your sisters, and most importantly, standing for your family." I exclaim, afraid he will make a rash decision and lose someone Like Paakhi from his life.

"You mean to say, that I love her?" He laughs out, I know he's just trying to make his heart understand his decision.

"Not now, but you are falling Viren. I saw how she told you to stop talking in Riya's room with her eyes. Her Fucking eyes Viren, you the dumb wit read her eyes." I state honestly.

He knocks out my words, "I can't think about something that is not possible. I can't destroy her life by binding her to me. I'm not boyfriend material, I just sleep with women and move on. I can't commit the same mistake again, love is not for me." He declares and before I could interfere he say "No more discussion on this topic. Paakhi doesn't need a person like me, she should be happy with a guy who can give her world."

His declaration leaves me hurt for my brother but it is his life, his decision. I will just stand with him.

"Okay, but I will say one thing, you don't decide who is destined for you, it is destiny that plays its role," I confess and stroll out of his cabin hoping the best for my brother. Which happens to be Paakhi.

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