First of all thank you for all the reads, votes and encouragement. Without all this I wouldn't have reached this part 10 for this story and that too in a short period. This being my very first attempt, I am happy that I have come this far. If there is any flaws, please forgive me and I am open to healthy criticisms as well. Thank you so much!

Now back to the story,

Abhi looks at Pragya who is sitting opposite to him.

He made her come with him to his office.

He offered her a cold drink to let her cool down.

She was drinking that half-heartedly.

Abhi "Take your time....you don't have to worry of your classes or about explaining to me."

Pragya "It's enough sir....I can't drink anymore"

Abhi "Alright, I won't be asking you why you cried...."

Pragya "Sir...."

Abhi "It's your personal issue. Everyone face a point of emotional outburst. Even I do, I would say next time try to be stronger. Your work shouldn't be affected by your personal matters."

Pragya "I know sir....I will not make it happen again..."

Abhi "It's not about making it happen again. You have to stay stronger no matter what happens."

Pragya "Ok sir...."

Abhi "And next time, remember to notify our security guard if any visitor is visiting you."

Pragya "I wasn't expecting him to turn up."

Abhi "Oh....by the way who is he?"

Pragya hesitates for a moment.

Abhi "If you feel uncomfortable about sharing then it's perfectly fine."

Pragya "He is my brother sir. But we have some issues with him."

Abhi "Oh, but still you should be happy that he comes to see you."

Pragya "No sir....he is acting! You don't know what all he had done in the past sir..."

Abhi "Ok fine....I don't want you to remind of the past. So that means you have one elder brother?"

Pragya "No sir, I have another elder brother. Actually they are twins..... Purab and Pranav."

Abhi hearing the name Purab remembers his best friend. It is him! He thought.

Pragya "Purab is my family's pride. But because of this Pranav our family had lost a lot of things. Even until now, Purab is struggling to make sure my family doesn't get disgraced by Pranav's activities."

Abhi "I feel like meeting your brother, Purab. He sounds to be very highly regarded by you and your family."

Pragya "Yes sir. He is the best brother in the world. Without him, I wouldn't even have joined this college as a professor."

Abhi "I have a doubt."

Pragya "What sir?"

Abhi "You said Purab is your elder brother, but why are you not addressing him as Bhai?"

Pragya smiled sheepishly.

Abhi "What is this smile for?"

Pragya "I am used to calling him as Purab from young. He is more like a friend to me."

Abhi "Nice...."

Pragya "And although he studied in a different course as me, he still helped me in my studies."

Abhi "He is very smart and knowledgeable. I know that!"

Pragya "You know that? How sir?"

Abhi manages by saying "I mean I can understand he is very smart from how he helps you."

Pragya looks at him in doubtful way.

Abhi "You must cherish a brother like Purab. Not everyone gets someone like him."

Pragya smiles wholeheartedly. She knows that and when someone else tells that she feels proud.

Abhi "I wished I had a brother like you."

Pragya "You don't have any siblings?"

Abhi "I do but not as caring as yours. She is married and settled in her life. Her purpose of me, is to seek help financially. There is no emotional attachment between us."

Pragya "No sir....you can try to talk to her. Perhaps share your feelings of the need to be emotionally connected as siblings."

Abhi "Pragya, she is almost like your brother, Pranav. I hope now you understand what I mean."

Pragya understands him. She says "I'm sorry sir. You seem to be a caring brother too."

Abhi "Thanks!"

He says with a light smile.

Both remains silent for a while by looking at each other.

Abhi "I think we had talk for quite sometime. Take a day off today and come back tomorrow with a fresh mind."

Pragya "Thank you sir. I feel much better now."

Abhi "Pleasure is mine. I want my staff to stay good and positive."

Pragya smiles standing up. Abhi sends her off and she thinks he is a gentleman who handles others gently.

"Does this means he was accused of theft for what Pranav did? How badly he was disgraced by me and my family? He didn't tell a single word on that day to protect his brother, Pranav!" He feels guilty for accusing an innocent Purab.

Abhi gets Pragya's number and calls her.

Pragya attending the call was surprise to hear his voice.

Abhi "Whatever help you need regarding the competition held or in organizing committee, you can ask me. This is my personal number and you can call at anytime Pragya."

Pragya "Thank you sir." Abhi "Ok bye and take care."

Abhi ending the call says "I have to be nice to his sister. I wasn't nice to him. At least let me repent for my mistakes through this way."

He decides to be nice to her........

"Not bad, ABHALIEN is being very polite and caring towards me." She says to herself by walking towards her house.

She sees there are few cars outside her house. She looked puzzled at who had come to her house.

Sarla ma "There she is! She is here early today."

Pragya sees unknown faces but she could guess they are here for something she didn't want to happen now.

Sarla ma "Come Pragya, dress up and they are very good family that Purab had find for you."

Pragya "Ma....I said not now! Then why do you have to do this?"

Sarla ma explains to her it won't happen very soon. She asks her to talk to them first.

Pragya feels uncomfortable with the buzz going in her house.

Sneak peek to next part:
Abhi "I didn't expect this from you Pragya." Pragya "I also didn't expect to do it sir but I had no choice. Recently, you hadn't been calling me Madam Pragya too." Abhi "How does that relate to what you did?" Pragya "I thought you accepted me as a friend of yours by calling me Pragya, so I felt you wouldn't mind me doing that."
Abhi "I can't accept what you did Pragya. What would your family thought of you? How would Purab receive it?" He worries. Pragya "Sir, this is what I like and dislike about you now. I like that you are worried about my family rather than about me. I dislike that you are not worried about me." Abhi "Madam Pragya...." Pragya "Pragya sounds better now." Abhi "You have to be clear on what you want. Being a professor who teach philosophy, don't you think you have to respect others thoughts before doing something like this?" Pragya "I do respect. But in situations like this, it is required to get into action to understand other's thoughts. Now I understood two things very clearly sir." Abhi "What are the two things?"
Pragya says making Abhi shocked and she walks away with a confident smile. Abhi stands there in shock.

Thank you once again for the votes and support through comments!