Riya.

I stared at the building that used to be my home, The same old wooden board was still hanging there.

NEST ORPHANAGE.

I read slowly.

Everything looked exactly as I remember, even the children were still playing around.

I really can't believe how my life turned out like this. It is going too fast for me to catch up.

"Riyechi!" Anumol ran to me as soon as she spotted me and the others followed.

"What did you bring us today?"

"You are very late this time, chechi"

"Wow...you look really pretty!"

Everyone started to surround me and I smiled. "I am sorry I am late, guys" I bend down and picked up the smallest one. "But, here, I brought a lot of gifts for you," I said, trying to keep my smile at their enthusiasm while my heart was still wrenching in pain.

"Whoa! thank you!"

"You are truly the best!"

"We love so much, Riyechi!"

They all started to take the covers away.

"Bring her inside first!" I heard a strict voice and looked up.

Sister Theresa was there, I smiled at her as I walked to her.

. . . . . . .

"You are going to marry an Aldrick? it's true then?" she asked me.

I nodded slightly.

I know she might be surprised, this orphanage is also adopted by Grandpa.

"That's Good, Riya, you are getting married," she said and I tried to smile again.

"What about my request, sister?" I asked slowly. "About my birthday gift?"

Ever since Uncle Ananth sponsored me, he always sent me special gifts on my birthdays. like this pearl bracelet from my mother.

Now I want to get my 25th birthday gift and if I am right, it's my last birthday gift from him, he had said he's planning to give me the 25th birthday gift himself, he was planning to meet me on my 25th birthday.

And we met before that, we met on his last day.

My eyes started to fill again and I tried my maximum to control it.

"It's not your birthday yet, " she said. "And it might be still under your guardian's name, so you have to wait until the time comes, " she said.

No... I don't have time.

"You know, Uncle Ananth...Uncle Ananth is no more... I really want to get that gift he prepared for me, it's really urgent" I said.

She looked at me for a moment.

"You don't look like yourself, are you not well?" she asked me. "you look tired and-"

"I... I am fine, it's...just the wedding preparations and stuff" I said immediately.

"And how is he? Nivin Aldrick? Is he good to you?" she asked me again.

I smiled. "He's a wonderful person, " I said. "He cares for me a lot"

"I am glad to hear it, " she said. "about that gift, I will look for it and find it for you, " she said.

"Thank you so much," I said in relief. "I really need it," I said.

"I am sorry about him, Riya, it must have been a shock to hear about your guardian's accident," she said.

I couldn't trust my words, so I just nodded.

No one knows he's my dad...my real dad...

"Do you think you can get hold of it within this week?" I asked her again.

"I will let u know Riya, let me check first"

"Thank you"

Soon I said goodbye to everyone and started to walk out.

Where should I go?

I can't face Nivin without telling him the truth about his mother.

Mamma needs him and he needs his mom too, I can't hide it, but Grandpa...

Priya!

I will go to Priya now...

* * * *

"Riya!" Priya hugged me. "I was so worried, what's going on? I saw the news..." she trailed off when her eyes landed on my ring.

"It's true then," she whispered. "you are engaged to Nivin Rosh Aldrick!" she exclaimed.

"Yes," I said. "we are getting married," I said robotically and her eyes snapped to my face.

She must've noticed my face then.

Priya's eyes widened. She grabbed my hand and we walked inside her house.

We dropped down on her sofa.

"Are you alright? you look tensed" she said.

"Uncle Ananth...he...he's my biological father," I told her, my eyes started to fill again.

"What!?" Priya asked, she looked shocked, so I started to tell her everything and she looked outraged.

"Oh my God! Rita, I am so sorry about your dad" she hugged me tightly as I sobbed. "it's so unfair!"

"Yes, I don't know why life is so unfair to me" I cried. "I am really mad at him, I feel angry and mad, I want to yell at him for doing this, I want to keep my anger at him, Priya" I trembled. "but I can't do anything now, I can't even ask him anything...I...I know he must have had a good reason to do it and I am forced to accept it that way, I can't even get angry at him now, Priya, It's too difficult for me"

"Shh...trust him Riya, he didn't abandon you, he wanted to take care of you, that's why he sponsored you with another identity, he loves you, Riya" Priya told me. "he must've been hiding you from Grandpa, we know how sick in head he is, your dad was trying to save you from him" Priya consoled me.

I nodded slightly, wiping my tears.

"I know..." I croaked. "It's Grandpa...and Nivin's Mom is a victim too," I told her and Priya started to listen to my story.

"That's too much, Riya!" she said incredulously after everything. "He locked up Mamma all these years!? And she's Nivin's birth mother! Oh God! I can't believe this!"

"I...I don't know what to believe anymore!" I said. "Grandpa hates my dad because he thinks Nivin's Dad died because of him, he said Nivin's Mamma tried to run away with my dad and that Grandpa stopped them," I said.

"I can't believe he locked her up all these years! It's really sick! that's an inhuman thing to do!"

"But I don't think she was running away, Auntie Alice told me she was often tortured by Grandpa like he's doing to me now, According to Auntie Alice, Julia left because she wanted to save Nivin, she had no choice then," I said again.

"So she was not running away" Priya listened.

I nodded. "That means my dad was not betraying his best friend! My dad and Neev's Amma was never together" I said.

"I understand Riya, he must've been trying to save her, you said Uncle James was away that time, Uncle Ananth must've been trying to help her just like he was helping me," Priya said.

"I think Grandpa is really not faking it, he really thinks it's my dad! do you think someone else was framing him?" I looked at her.

"Who would do that Riya? It's really a serious thing to do"

"Sebastian?" I said slowly. "I know it's really a terrible thing to accuse someone but I can't think of anyone else, he's even the CEO now!" I looked at Priya desperately.

"They were friends, my Dad, Nivin's Dad, Dev uncle and Sebastian, my Dad and Uncle James is already dead! Uncle Dev is still the legal adviser of the company and Sebastian seemed to raise up" I said. "he is very close to Grandpa too," I said.

...And I have felt something dark about him whenever I met him at the party and while he comes to visit Grandpa.

"It does make sense, Riya, but you do realise that we don't have any evidence, right?" Priya looked at me.

"Evidence..." I dragged off. "Grandpa took that envelope away, It was the only thing that had something from twenty years ago...he took it away from me!" I said.

I can only hope that my 25th birthday gift would have some kind of clue...If it's the last gift, It should have some hint...God! I hope there's something there.

"That old man!" Priya said.

"Uncle Ananth...I never thought! It's a shock Priya...I was asking him to find my parents and he didn't tell me anything! he could have told me once!at least from his deathbed," I wiped my eyes again. "he told me to move you away, Priya, to rescue you no matter what, he said I should go away from him, That I shouldn't come back for him even if he were to die!" I sobbed.

"And...and I did that! I didn't know he was my...my...Dad Priya! I feel so terrible now"

"Shh...just calm down, your dad wanted you to be safe, he went all the way to leave you in that orphanage, just like Nivin's Mom had to leave him for his safety. Your Dad changed his identity and came back again and sponsored you, he watched you grow up and he wanted you to be safe!" Priya said.

"He wanted you to move me and take care of me because he thought even if he were to die, someone else is there to protect you Riya, I am so sorry because I don't remember anything-" Priya said.

"It's not your fault, Priya" I wiped my eyes slowly. "Grandpa said that my birth Mother is already dead," I said, now touching the pearl bracelet. "he said that my dad didn't even go there to see her the last time"

"Knowing them, Uncle Ananth must have known Grandpa would be waiting for him," Priya said slowly.

I nodded. "Grandpa said so, he said, my dad wanted to protect me so he didn't turn up anywhere that would risk exposing his identity"

"He loved you so much Riya, you should be happy," Priya said. I nodded again.

"I can't allow this anymore," I said. "I am going to prove him wrong, my dad was not that kind of person to betray his best friend and I want to prove it to him"

"But Riya-"

"And I can't let him lock up my Mamma too, I should bring her out somehow," I said firmly.

"Did you tell, Neev?" Priya asked me.

I shook my head. "I...I can't tell him, Grandpa threatened me, the moment he knows about his Amma, she's going to disappear" I said.

"That evil man!" Priya looked angry. "You need to stop the wedding first!don't go there, It's time we go away from all this"

"I can't do that, Nivin will be alone, he will be-"

"Just worry about you, Riya, we are moving away and that's it," Priya said firmly. "if something happens to you, your dad's death would be in vain"

"I can't leave, Priya, especially now"

"I can't let you go back there, he's going to destroy you, Riya, If he wants you to get married, It's definitely a trap"

"But I can't leave Neev!" I said. "he needs me the most now" I added.

There's no way I can leave him, especially now, I have to protect him at any cost.

Priya was giving me that strange look, disbelief and shock clear in her eyes.

"Please tell me I am wrong" she whispered.

I shook my head. "That's...right, I am in love with Nivin Rosh Aldrick," I said slowly.

"Love?... Are you...sure...both of you were practically killing each other before"

"I have never been so sure of anything else," I said.

I looked at the phone, there were 36 voice messages there, 21 of it from Neev, I had switched my phone on my way here.

"I think he's searching for me," I said before opening the messages.

"Riya, what happened, I heard you take the day off"

"Riya, where did you go? I would've dropped you if you told me"

"Riya? where are you? why is your phone switched off?"

"Where are you? are you alright? are you safe? tell me where I should come to pick you up"

"Riya! stop making people worried!what happened? did Grandpa do something to you? please answer your phone, I am worried"

I sighed. Priya got the phone and listened to the messages for a moment.

"He sounds like he has it bad" Priya said. "he is in love with you!"

"Um...It's actually one way, he really cares about me"

Priya laughed. "yeah sure, just listen to his worried voice, It sure is just 'care' "

"What are you saying?" I asked.

"The way I see it, It's not one way, Nivin Rosh Aldrick is in love with you,"

"He...he's not!" I said.

He never told me that...

What about you Riya? Did you tell him?

Uh...I will tell him, I have to reveal Mamma first, he needs to know about his amma first...

"Sure" Priya muttered sarcastically. "This changes the whole thing, what are we going to do now?"

"I can't run away, Neev's going to be ruined if this marriage doesn't happen," I said slowly.

"We will see what that old man is planning, don't worry, we will find a way for Neev to find out about his mother, just focus on your wedding for now"

"Thank you," I said to her.

"Just be careful," she said.

"Tell me if you need anything, Priya, I think it's fate that we are here," I said. "Just like I got Nivin's Amma, you got my dad, I don't think it's a coincidence, It's fate, we all are connected," I said.

Priya smiled. "it really looks like it," she said, then leaned to me again. "And don't worry about me, just take care of yourself," she said.

I wiped my eyes, feeling better now.

This is why I love this girl.

"Enough about me, how're things with you? where's your Uncle and auntie?" I looked around the place, noticing for the first time.

"They are Busy most of the time, But they still visit me from time to time," Priya said. "They are planning to take me to a famous doctor, they said he's really good"

"I am so glad you found your family, Priya! I really wanted to meet them, I couldn't see them after that first visit" I said.

"They are only free on weekends," she said. "I am also glad I have them, but I feel guilty sometimes" Priya confessed.

"It's not like you are unemployed! you are helping them with your online works, and they seem good people, they are family, Priya, so chill" I stopped. "um...did...did they fill you anything about the past?" I asked slowly.

She shook her head. "No, the doctor thinks I should uncover it on my own, so they are not stressing me-" she stopped. "But I wish they could at least give me some hints-" she stopped as the bell rang.

"I am not expecting anyone," Priya said slowly and the doorbell rang again.

"Riya?" I heard his voice and I froze.

Nivin!?

A shock wave went through my heart.

"Nivin?" Priya looked at me in surprise as the bell rang again.

"Oh my God! how in the world did he...oh God, I can't face hi-" I jumped up and started to look around.

My heart is going crazy.

I need to hide.

"Relax, you were talking about protecting him all these tim-" Priya stopped as my phone started to ring.

It was Neev.

He knocked on the door softly.

"I know you are there, Riya," he said. I looked at Priya helplessly, but she looked amused.

"Go and open it, Riya," she said.

I know I have no other way now.

I walked to the door and slowly unbolted the door.

I was startled to see him just in front of me when I opened the door.

"Thank God!" He said before pulling me into a hug. I was actually shocked now.

"I told you not to disappear suddenly like this!" he crushed me to him. "l thought...Grandpa!" he left me and kept in an arm's distance.

"I told you not to do things like this Riya! nobody knew where you were! you didn't even bother to call Manoj to drive you here and you just took the bus all the way here!? what were you thinking? you are engaged to me! It's dangerous for you to go out all alone! Especially after what happened at the party last time! someone tried to kidnap you, Riya! I can't believe you forgot all of that!"

I looked at him strangely.

"You...you are worried about me?" I asked slowly.

"Does it feel like I am worried now? I am angry Riya! I told you to stop doing this kind of things! you have a way to make people worry about you!"

"So you are worried about me!" I stated, smiling at him.

Nivin.

"But how did you find me?" she asked.

"How do you think?" I asked back while flashing the phone.

"You traced me Nivin!" she got angry. "you really traced me!?"

"What do you expect me to do then?" I replied.

This girl is infuriating me!

But I am still glad to see her actually!

I heard a small cough and turned to see her.

"Um...you must be Priya!" I tried to be polite.

I am actually surprised to see her! whenever Riya mentioned Priya, I had pictured her to be weak and helpless, but the girl in front of me is so much alive and energetic, nobody would believe she's suffering from amnesia too.

"Yea, Nivin, I have heard a lot about you too" she took small steps to me and we shook hands.

"Good things, I hope," I said, giving Riya a side glance.

Priya chuckled. "You don't seem as difficult, I must say," she said and Riya gasped softly beside us.

"I am actually easy to get along" I replied. "But someone just brings the best in me," I said sarcastically. "like today, she just ran away without telling anyone and she couldn't even pick her phone!"

"Yea, I know, she can be a handful sometimes-"

"I can't believe you guys!" Riya cut across Priya, her eyes flashing at us. "Are you guys seriously doing this!? I can't believe you are taking his side Priya! and you," she turned to me. "I am actually surprised to see you like this! so you do know how to talk like a civilised person!"

I chuckled at her expression, she looks adorable now, I just love to mess with her!

"That's right! you should take care of her, Nivin, or you will have to answer to me!" Priya ordered me, In her fake angry voice.

"I promise you, I will take good care of her," I said now, turning to Riya, who looked startled at my promise.

I turned to Priya again. "I am glad to meet you, you know about the wedding, you must be there for us," I said.

"She can't travel alone Neev," Riya said beside me.

"We will send Sachin or Rohan to pick her up," I said.

"I really want to come, guys, but I can't come to the public, I don't think it's a good idea, especially when I don't know who caused...that accident, " Priya said.

"I don't want to risk anything until she's completely healed too," Riya said.

I sighed. "Nothing will happen, just think about it," I said, then looked at my watch. "we have to go back now" I turned to Riya.

"Just wait, I will get you something to drink-"

"Another time, Priya, I am a little busy, I just came here because someone was reluctant to attend my call," I said.

Riya was silent.

"We will see you then," Riya told her.

"Just...just take care of her Neev," Priya said softly. "no offence, but I am worried about your Grandpa"

"None taken, I promise, she will be fine, don't worry"

"I am not a baby! And I am right here guys!" Riya exclaimed, rolling her eyes.

So after saying our goodbye to Priya, we walked back to my car. I opened the door for her and she got inside.

I came to the other side and started the engine.

"Riya," I said, "what's wrong?" I asked her.

She looked startled.

"There's nothing wrong! I was just...you know...I wanted to visit her" she stumbled with her words slightly.

She looked nervous, I could see her looking tired too. The first thing I noticed when I saw her was her eyes, they looked...haunted.

She's worried about something.

"Are you sure?" I asked, I don't want to pressure her, but I don't want to see her hurt like this.

It's hurting me too...

I hope it's not me, she's worried about.

"Really Neev, But why are we not driving?" she looked at me.

I leaned to her side and she stilled as I fastened her seatbelt for her.

"You are distracted with something today, Riya, don't think too much and don't get hurt, I don't want to see you hurt," I said, looking straight into her eyes.

She looked surprised, It took her a moment to nod her head.

I moved back and smiled, trying to cheer her up.

"Okay, so now we will go back," I said as I accelerated. "I was so worried to find my bride-to-be missing suddenly, " I said playfully.

"I am sorry Neev, I should have told you," she said sincerely.

"I want you to be safe Riya, you are the only person I really care about in this entire world, you are the person who changed me by just being next to me, who showed me there are really good things in the world" I said. "so take care of yourself for me"

You are the person I love with all of my heart, Riya, I didn't know I could love someone like this, but I love you and I don't think I can live without you now...I can't afford to lose you...

She wiped her eyes. "I am sorry for making you worried, Neev, I was just worried about others, I don't know how long we have to fight back"

"As long as we are together, I don't care about anything else, I don't care about what's going to happen because I am in love with you, Riya...And that's what really matters" I confessed.

I heard her soft gasp.

I was not planning to confess, It just slipped and I slammed down the brake.

I didn't know it would feel this wonderful to say those words. It really felt good to tell her that. A weight seemed to have lifted from my heart.

I turned to her. She was staring at me in shock, her eyes wide and lips slightly opened.

I smiled at her. she looked really adorable, too bad we were in the middle of the road.

"That's right Riya Mehra, I am in love with you" I repeated clearly as leaned to her and pecked her for a moment.

"You are mine and I am damn possessive about anything that belongs to me, keep that in your mind," I told a still-frozen Riya.

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