A/N : Dear All, this is the penultimate chapter and the beginning of the 'END' - I have so many thoughts going on in my head right now that I find it difficult to articulate - I think most of it I will reserve for an after note, post the Epilogue.

So 2 things I would like to call out:

1. Guys, let's not judge Prerna so fast - the story description says she is someone with very little discretion - let's allow her to be that, let's love her despite that, isn't that how we can open up to the world and find compassion? Let's give her TIME TO PROCESS that her belief system for 8 years are challenged and there maybe a possibility that she was wrong - Prerna is SMART, she will get that - she just needs some time - it has been just ONE DAY since Mr. Bajaj suddenly returned and proposed to her.

2. There is a game of ROULETTE mentioned in the chapter - it is a scene builder and a background to everything that is happening in the story. I mention this because, as much as I remember I had fun trying Roulette in a casino a couple of years back but I was heavily alcohol induced and don't remember the rules 'clearly' so if there is some error there - please point out I would be happy to edit :) (This won't affect the story line anyhow!)

Now, no more explanation, you can go ahead and read!

Happy Reading!

Much love,

A.

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Prerna was tossing around on her bed, it was late at night; she kept glancing at her phone, but it was black and silent as ever – not one flash of notification. It had been six days since her birthday night with Anurag, and he has been painfully silent. She had texted him that day, after her day out with Rishabh, but he hadn't replied for the longest time. Much later at night, he had reverted back saying, he needed some time off. Prerna was worried and she had tried calling him next morning, his phone was switched off – he tried calling Anupam and miraculously his phone was switched off too. She was left with no choice but to enquire with Nivi; although she couldn't really tell, but even Nivi's text seemed cryptic.

[Hey Nivi, any idea where Anupam is? I have been trying his number from sometime, it's switched off.]

She had reverted back in sometime.

[Hi Pri! Congratulations to you and Mr. Bajaj! I was upset that you didn't tell me yourself, but I guess I will be mad at you later, I'm glad to hear you've found your love! :)]

Prerna looked at the text surprised, how'd Nivi know? Did Anurag tell her? Did Anupam know? He'd be mad at her for not telling him, herself – is that why he was avoiding her call? She immediately called Nivi.

-        Hi Pri, CONGRATULATIONS! I am really happy for you

-        Aah, thanks, but how'd you...Anurag?

-        Yes, who else?

-        Nivi, I know he is your brother and we had a 'thing' but..I'd understand if you'd not be okay with this, but I want you to know that you mean the world t...

-        Hey come on Pri! You're family too; if you're happy I am happy for you

-        But where is Anupam?

-        Oh he is flying to Bali as we speak

-        Huh, Bali, suddenly, he never told me!

-        Well you didn't tell him you're engaged, guess he's paying you back, haha

-        Nivi are you sure, you're okay with this?

-        Of course Pri, we all want your happiness

-        But why Bali?

-        Some guys trip for letting some steam out apparently

-        Who all have gone?

-        Just the two of them – Anupam and bhai

-        Wait, what? Anurag is in Bali?!?

-        Looks like you have a lot of catching up to do when they both return!

-        When do they return?

-        This Friday

-        Five days!?!

-        Haha Pri, let the boys have some chill time

It had been six days since then, they must have returned one night before? What was bothering Anurag, was it that night? Was she losing him? She had texted him a couple of times after that, but most of the answers were monosyllables, she couldn't have a conversation. Anupam on the other hand had spoken to her, he was a bit upset that Pri hadn't given her the info, and he made it very clear that he didn't approve Mr. Bajaj – but he had accepted them anyway for her happiness.

Prerna was wondering if she should call Anupam and ask about Anurag – but she decided not to, he was very touchy about Anurag for some reason – also ever since she owned up to him about her feelings for Anurag, she wasn't comfortable asking – he'd definitely ask a lot of unwarranted questions. Maybe she should visit Anurag the next day after work? it was a Saturday right, he'd be home – but then Rishabh had made some plan for the weekend, would she manage time? Why was life so complicated? She and Anurag were still friends, but why was being close to him getting so difficult? Rishabh seemed like a wall between them; she was feeling restless – she needed him – maybe not the way that drunken night – but she needed to see him, see his smile, feel reassured that all was good – feel that she was okay again.

[Hey Anurag, you have forgotten me] she sent him a text and put the phone aside; these days he didn't revert immediately anyway – but suddenly the phone flashed.

[I can never forget you, Prerna :)]

[You left for Bali just like that; you didn't even tell me]

[I'm sorry, I will inform next time :)]

What was with his fake smiling emojis, clearly he wasn't alright, Prerna thought to herself.

[Anurag, are you okay?]

[Why do you ask?]

[Just like that, haven't seen you in so long]

[I am fine Prerna – we will make a plan to meet soon]

Make a plan to visit? Since when did they need to plan, weren't they more the 'see you in 15' type? What was changing? Why was it changing, why did his genuinely friendly responses seem cold to Prerna, she wondered – it had been one week now, her feelings for Anurag should have diminished further right? Was it happening?  She felt all the more bothered about him now.

[Okay, meet me at the Hyatt Casino tomorrow 8PM]

Prerna sent the text and thought; Would Rishabh be okay with her inviting a friend? Why should he have a problem? If he was entering her life, he'd have to befriend her friends too. She wasn't going to completely lose Anurag for this anyway.

[Wow, you all Casino girl now?]

[Haha, no Rishabh has invested there, it's the opening party we have invites – I will send you one and a couple pass to Nivi and Anupam too – we can all meet]

There was a stone cold silence for fifteen minutes before he responded.

[I will pass. Not sure I want to be your Rishabh's casino bud – we will catch up later, bye :)]

Prerna stared at the text message, in all this while she knew him, she never said no to meeting her – it stung her and a drop of tear escaped from her eyes, but just then Rishabh's name flashed on the phone, he was calling.

"Damn you Rishabh, always the wrong timing"

***

Prerna was standing near the slot machine at the entrance of the Casino, as Rishabh was engaged in a conversation with the other investors – the place was big, dark wooden panels – it looked like they had heavily invested in the interiors, the sophisticated gaming tables and parlours – there was good quality alcohol and the choice of music wasn't too bad either – there was both elegance and intimidation in the place – she was waiting for Nivi and Anupam to arrive – turned out Mr. Bajaj was more than happy to send out the invites to them when she requested him – he was willing to get to know her friends – she only wished Anurag came too – but he was in a different trip altogether – she made a mental note to meet him soon.

"Ma'am would you like to try your luck on the slot?" she heard an attendant ask her politely. She glanced at Rishabh once, he seemed busy, she was bored anyway – why not?

"Sure"

Just as she was about to pay and roll, she heard Nivi's voice, they had arrived; Prerna smiled at Nivi and hugged Anupam, he seemed a bit cold, Prerna ignored it for now. Soon they were playing slot together, and mostly losing more than gaining, but having a great time.

"Your turn Pri" came Nivi's voice. Prerna had hardly gained any money yet, so with an upset pout she juggled the money into the machine and waited to pull the jack as the three panels in the slot waited to roll. Just as she was about to pull the jack, she heard a voice from behind and a hand stopping her from pulling the jack.

"Aah not now.......aaannnd now"

The hand held her hand and pulled the jack, she quickly turned around, yes he had come – it was Anurag. He was smiling widely looking at the stupid slot machine, but her grin knew no bound when she saw him – that warm smile, that affectionate eyes, that feeling of comfort as he held on to her hand.

"Anurag?" she called out.

"Annnnnd 10 grands it is!" he shouted excitedly before looking at her.

"What?" she asked perplexed.

"What, what? Turn around and see Prerna, you just won 10K" he laughed. Before she could respond, Nivi gave her a bone crushing hug in joy as Anurag hugged Anupam.

"Looks like you guys are having fun!" came another deep voice, it was Rishabh.

Mr. Bajaj had come over to them when an excited Nivi told him about Prerna's win, he looked surprised.

"Priyu won? She has the most rotten luck in slot but!" he laughed, but Prerna didn't notice, she was stealing glances at Anurag, and he had finally noticed that – he smiled back at her.

"Haha, bhai helped her – bhai has amazing luck in poker too!" quipped a happy Nivi.

"Acha, how do you help one in slot though?" Mr. Bajaj sounded intrigued.

"By holding her hand and helping her pull the jack in the right time Mr. Bajaj" Anupam replied back coldly as Mr. Bajaj looked at him. So this Anupam was team Anurag, he thought to himself. He then turned to face, Anurag and to his irritation, he was looking at Priyu, he was smiling at her, and she? Well her eyes shone like it had not shone in a long long time.

"Mr. Basu, I didn't know you were coming – I would have sent you a personal invite." Mr. Bajaj turned to look at Anurag.

"Thanks Mr. Bajaj, but my publishing house is the media partner for this place, we don't need the invite" he smiled, then after a moment he added, "Plus Prerna had invited me anyway!"

Rishabh knew the exchange they had was harmless, in fact it was Anurag who helped him get her, but he also loved her – it affected him deeply – it wouldn't if he felt he had control on Priyu, but he didn't – he could feel it. Thus their proximity bothered him.

"Slot is just for fun, come guys let play some real games! Roulette anyone?" called out Mr. Bajaj, and soon they all went near the Roulette table. Mr. Bajaj, Anurag and Anupam were betting, while Nivi went and stood next to Anupam, Prerna was standing next to Rishabh; Anurag glanced at his side, it was empty; it stung a little, he smiled to himself – Prerna wasn't his – of course she'd be next to him. He didn't know how he decided to come to this opening at the last moment – he had said no to her, but it bothered him – just like it bothered him in Bali, every time he was trying to make a move at a woman. It didn't work there, it didn't work here – he wanted to stay away from her, he didn't want her to be confused, but his urge to see her finally overpowered his will to hold back and hence he had come here – just for her – just to see her – just to ensure he had delivered her in the right hands, and to ensure that Mr. Bajaj was keeping Prerna happy.

Prerna had followed his expression like a hawk, it broke her heart to see him smile after looking at the empty chair next to him; a sensible part of her brain told her to be where she was, next to Rishabh – to not do anything that would put off Anurag further, but she couldn't – she  didn't even realise when she started walking and took the seat in between Rishabh and Anurag – Anurag glanced at her sitting there – his lips broke into a genuine smile – she returned it; then she glanced at Rishabh, thankfully he hadn't noticed.

"So my lady luck, what number will it be?" Rishabh asked and gently held Prerna by the waist; instinctively she looked at Anurag as he did – she was probably mistaken but his face looked ashened for a second before he recovered and looked elsewhere.

"21" Prerna called out, Mr. Bajaj nodded and claimed the chip reading 21.

Next Anupam called out after discussing with Nivi, "16"

They all were looking at Anurag now, who seemed to be thinking, but just before he could call out he received a text, he looked down, it was from Prerna, he glanced up once at her before reading it – but it was enough for Mr. Bajaj to notice.

"13" he called out with a smile.

"Seriously, 13? That's the definition of unlucky bhai" Nivi laughed as Anurag collected his chip with a smirk.

Rishabh looked at Priyu, there was a small smile playing her lip too, was this their secret, this 13 thing? he wondered, as the attendant rolled the Roulette board. The ball rolled across the circular board with each panel representing each number and finally came to a stand on number fourteen, just before rolling back to thirteen as it stopped.

There was pin drop silence around the table for a second before Nivi screamed in joy! they all clapped, as Anurag had won the first round! Anurag glanced at Prerna smiling, as she clapped happily for him – Rishabh couldn't take it anymore.

"Priyu, why don't you select a number for Mr. Basu this time, I will manage my number fine" he smiled stiffly, Prerna frowned for a second but she didn't think too much about it. The next round of numbers were to be called, Rishabh chose 31 and Prerna chose 6.

"Arre Pri you selected the number I wanted, 6th is my birth date! It's my lucky number!!" Nivi pouted.

Prerna laughed, "I guess it is mine too! Too late Nivi" , Anurag nodded and picked up the chip with 6 on it. Later Nivi selected 15 for Anupam. As the table rolled in circular motion, setting the ball in motion, it rolled over the board for a good few second before settling on No. 6 – everyone gaped at the sheer coincidence, as Anupam and Mr. Bajaj parted with more points and Anurag gained them. He gleefully side hugged Prerna as Anupam spoke.

"How ridiculously brilliant is your luck Anu? Both times? Like seriously!?!"

That was the last straw for Rishabh, he had put too much of his life into stake for Priyu, she couldn't just be so absent in his life.

"So Priyu, all the luck for Anurag, and nothing for hubby dearest?" suddenly he popped the question. She looked surprised as she looked at Anurag once before answering.

"You only asked me to select for him"

"The second time, but I didn't ask you to text him the first time!" he replied still with a polite smile, but one could tell he was bothered.

"It's just a game Mr. Bajaj" Anurag responded.

"Ah friend dearest came to the rescue!" he said silkily.

"Excuse me?" Prerna replied now.

"Arre chill, I am kidding. Enough of games, let's sit in the lounge and have a few drinks?" replied Mr. Bajaj

"Yes, great idea" Anupam spoke in between to break the tension.

***

Anurag was eyeing Mr. Bajaj as he was talking to the waiter, there was something wrong, he could feel a negative vibe coming from him – did he have inkling about that night? No he didn't seem the tolerant kind, he wouldn't be here then – than?

"Please make it one cognac for me, one LIIT for the lady here and you take the rest of the orders from them" he waved his hand at Anurag, Nivi and Anupam. Nivi and Anupam then placed their orders and the waiter came to Anurag. Anurag glanced at Prerna, since when did she like LIIT? But then when did she choose anyway?

"One Jacobs Creek Chardonnay for me, by the bottle" he placed his order.

"Not Macallan 1926?" Prerna asked with a laugh.

"Nope, thought I'd take the wine, we can share in case you don't like the LIIT" he replied. Prerna looked at him quietly, he remembered.

"Don't worry Mr. Basu, if Priyu liked wine she'd have ordered that, not LIIT, you can enjoy the wine yourself" he spoke with a firm polity. His constant bossing over Prerna was bothering him – didn't he know how strong and independent she was, she didn't need him to choose everything for her – how'd Mr. Bajaj of all people not get it?

"Technically she didn't order the LIIT either Mr. Bajaj, you did" he smiled crookedly at him as Prerna glanced at him, and Nivi unnecessarily cleared her throat.

"Prerna, would you like to change your drink?" Mr. Bajaj responded calmly looking at Anurag not breaking eye contact.

Prerna could sense the tension, she wanted to say no, but that would mean belittling Anurag who was standing up for her – she couldn't do that to him. She looked at the waiter and spoke.

"Can you please cancel the LIIT? I will share the Chardonnay with him"

Again her words were greeted with an awkward silence when the waiter smiled and left. Rishabh looked at Prerna intently for a minute before he broke into a smile – it wasn't a warm one, it was calculative.

"Anyway, so Priyu, since all your near and dear ones are here, don't you think we should have a tentative plan around the engagement and thereby wedding dates? At least them, the inner circle folks, they need time in advance to block calendars, right?"

Prerna stared at him, where did this come from? So suddenly? She glanced at Nivi and Anupam they were as surprised, and Anurag, he suddenly got up and excused himself  for the loo.

"Rishabh, that's for later right? Let your divorce come through first!" she stammered.

"We are the biggest law firm in the country baby, how long do you think that will take? A week or two at max!" Prerna stared at Rishabh horrified, she didn't want to bring up the discussion before Nivi or Anupam, but hadn't she asked for time? Hadnt he agreed? then what was this discussion about?

***

Anurag splashed some water on his face; No he didn't just hear that – but he did. No, he shouldn't have reacted that way – but he just did. No, no. It was a bad idea – coming to the casino was a bad idea – but was it? Is this how he was going to treat her always? And Prerna? Why was she so meek before him? In front of Anurag she will be a nonstop ninja but before him? For the first time a doubt laid seed in his head – was this a good idea? Did he do the right thing by bringing Mr. Bajaj back? He wasn't toxic for her, was he? No, no with Prerna he couldn't take the risk – even if it costed him his friendship  - or whatever that was left between them – he'd have to ask her once. He had to, it was for her.

Anurag rushed out of the washroom and headed to their lounge area – they were sitting there, Prerna was saying something to Mr. Bajaj, no she wasn't saying, she was stammering – no, Prerna didn't break and rebuild to be this stammering person – she was Prerna Sharma – he was going to ensure she remained that.

"Prerna, please come out for a second, we need to talk" he said coldly as he reached them. All of them looked at him. Prerna nodded and was about to get up, when Mr. Bajaj spoke.

"Sorry Mr. Basu but breaking into a conversation is considered very tasteless – we were having a conversation on our wedding dates, when you excused yourself"

"No Mr. Bajaj you weren't having a conversation – you were telling her that you have 'decided' to fix the dates right now. Plus what I want to talk about triumphs in importance" he replied, and then looking at Prerna, he added, "Come out"

"She won't. You can talk to her right here – this is her immediate circle Mr. Basu" now Rishabh looked visibly irked; Prerna kept looking between the two men, panic growing inside her.

"Prerna?" Anurag called again, she looked at him, there was a deep urgency in his eyes – how could she ever say no?

"Rishabh, just five minutes, okay? I will be back" she pleaded, as Anurag looked at her hearing her tone, in disbelief.

"I said No, Priyu – Anurag please stop harassing my fiancé" Mr. Bajaj was up on his feet now.

"He is not harassing me Rishabh. He is only..." but Anurag cut her this time.

"Fine, I will talk here – Prerna, are you happy with Mr. Bajaj? Do you want this? Tell me the truth" he asked holding her hand and directly looking into her eyes – he was right, he saw conflict there.

"How dare you?" fired Mr. Bajaj as he advanced towards Anurag, but Anupam came in between while Nivi moved to Prerna's side.

"Calm down Mr. Bajaj, if he has a question as Pri's well wisher let him ask, what have you got to fear? You know Pri's answer right?" Anupam tried to mellow Mr. Bajaj but deep inside he wanted this confrontation once and for all – Prerna had to choose – it was high time. Mr. Bajaj jerked for a moment and then stopped and all eyes were on Prerna.

She was breathing heavily, she glanced at all the faces, Rishabh livid, Anurag anxious, Anupam worried and Nivi curious.

"Anurag, what kind of a question is this, I mean.." she began.

"It's a legit one Prerna. Just answer me. I know you – this is not you. Look into my eyes and answer me, don't fear anything – be honest Prerna – I need to know."

"Anurag, I'm already engaged...so then.." she was mumbling.

"So? Prerna be fierce, be you – fight for yourself the way you fought for my Mom, for me! Tell me, are you happy, is this what you wanted? Is this what happiness and love looks like to you? Tell me a yes, and I will never ask you again – but tell me Prerna, I need to know, damn it" he coaxed gently, he sounded desperate, like his life was on the line here.

Prerna opened her mouth to speak – yes she was a lawyer – she fought bravely for the truth all her life, but why was she so weak before defending her own self? What was the truth? She wanted answers herself.

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Word Count : 3714

It was one long chapter, and I hope you guys have found a bit of what you were eagerly waiting for?

- a little bit of AnuPre, Anurag taking reigns, questions out in the open?

The next chapter will have a monologue from Prerna, her CLEAR stand - I think it will put all your troubled thoughts about her to rest - else I am happy to explain :D

For now, do let me know your thoughts, feelings about this chapter - as always, I am eager to hear and respond!!

I can never end a note without a shoutout to my AnuPre fam, I love you guys!! Keep smiling and showing me the affection and support you always have!

Let's wait it for the last leg tomorrow (and an Epilogue day after!)