Deva stood there holding onto the pole.His eyes scanned the men who didnt look decent from any angle.Then to her.She stood there with fear in eyes.

D-"Leave her."

Meenakshi felt some relief seeing him there.But she was still in middle surrounded by the men.Her eyes kept looking at him.To her surprise he didnt fight back them or even came near them.he stood little far from there.

One of the men went to Deva and laughed sarcastically.

"Looks like tall and strong.And here standing so far ordering us.What makes you think we will obey you?Get lost if want to save your life.Which you are already scared of."

All started laughing and Meenakshi felt disgusted.At moment she was baffled at Deva.How he looked down.Not meeting their eyes.She shivered soon feeling one of men so close to her.He touched her shoulder with his finger and was about to touch her shawl.Deva saw that and clutched onto pillar more strongly.She closed her eyes.

It was second which changed everything.The men run away hearing siren of car.Meenakshi felt she got her life back.Her face full of sweat and as she opened her eyes.He stood there with guilt on face.Her eyes spit fire.She gathered herself somehow and walked passed him.Deva knew her anger was justified every bit but he was tied to something.He followed her and as he let go of pillar there his pam imprints were visible.And it was shaking.Such was his strength yet he chose to stay silent today.

Deva's mother made silent prayer seeing Meenakshi coming home safe and after her his son.Who didnt look in good state either.

DM-"Deva.What happened.Where did she go."

D-"Maa.She is fine."

He didnt say much and went inside.Which left her dissastisfied.

Meenakshi was seething in anger inside room.She started throwing things.Seeing Deva there her anger increased.Some wounds wouldnt heal with time.She cried and he came to hold her.Both looked at each other.

D-"You need rest."

He left her carefully then picked things up from floor.Which intensified her anger.She glared at him with bloodshot eyes.Before he would knew she picked knife.Was about to cut her wrist.

D-"Meenakshi.Have you lost your mind."

He tried to stop her.But she was no less.Putting all her strength.Alas she had to give in.He threw knife on floor and she tried to push him.

M-"Leave me.I dont want to live.Better I end my life myself.Which had to happen anyways."

He pulled her towards himself.

D-"Look at me.Meenakshi.I wont let anything happen to you."

M-"I dont need you.You snatched everything from me.My peace.My happiness.My smile.My tears.My love.You ruined me.Ruined me."

She pulled him from his tshirt collar.He just gave cold stare to her.Saying nothing.His eyes teared up.His silence always disturbed her.

D-"Meenakshi."

M-"Dont.Dont take my name.I.Hate it."

She covered her ears and fell down on floor.Hugging her knees she sat there.After some time he came with box and tried to apply medicine on her wounds.She didnt say anything.Her face tear stricken.

M-"Why are you doing all this.You have killed me already.My trust.Now whats the use.Those wounds would never heal."

Deva felt her taking her hand back and she sat there lost.Wish it was in his hands.To not let happen whatever happened.He never wanted it.He walked to door and stopped there.Looking back at her.

D-"We cant stay here.Anymore.We need to leave."

M-"I wont run anywhere now.If they have to find me kill me.Let them.Better than the suffocation I feel being here."

His eyes showed he was hurt deeply.More than anything her words accusations it pierce him.He shut his eyes and left making sure he locked the door.

The pain of losing someone close.He thought about how life has been for him.He can neevr cry or express his feelings.But deep down he felt torn.He shut his eyes and tried to let go of memories of his past.They are still fresh.He looked at picture in his hand and faint smile formed on his lips.Time took away everything or fate had it planned.He touched picture which had him in the frame.With his best friend his Varadha.And Meenakshi.It was special ocassion.The day he got married.If only he knew life was going to take such drastic turn after that day.Happiness didnt look back at them.

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