Rohan.

"She's not in any of your hospitals, I am starting to investigate in others now," Harry said through the phone.

We are trying to locate Auntie Julia.

"It won't be easy to find her, it's Grandpa," I said darkly. "keep trying."

"Okay."

"Keep me updated, we have to find her as soon as possible," I said.

"There's another thing," Harry said, "you told me to investigate what happened to Naina after you went to states,"

"Did you find anything?" I was instantly alert.

"No, but I managed to track her down until the day before her disappearance," Harry said.

"And?" I asked.

"It may not be relevant, but around that same time something strange happened at your company,"

"What's it?" my heart started to beat wildly again.

"The security team in charge of CCTV on that day are transferred to different branches except for their leaders who are missing," he said.

I gripped the phone tightly.

"Can you investigate it? do you think they would have any CCTV footage around that time?"

"CCTV footage is out of question, even if something was there, it would all be overwritten by now, a video can only stay up to 3 months usually," Harry said.

"And even if they did have anything, I am sure Grandpa would have cleared it," I said.

I am pretty sure Naina would have tried to meet me after Nirosha visited her. Naina didn't know that I was in states.

If she indeed came to meet me, I want to know what happened to her and where she disappeared.

"Try to find where those missing security officers are," I said. "I don't want us to leave any minute details behind, don't overlook anything."

"Yes, sir."

"Good work, Harry," I said and disconnected the call.

I opened my locker and pulled out the black mask that I got from the party.

I gripped it tightly.

Naina? where are you?...

Priya.

"I can't go through this hypnosis sessions anymore," I said adamantly.

"Priya-"

"It feels like I am trapped in a dark tunnel, Auntie, just tell me about myself or let me meet up with any of my friends."

"The Doctor said-"

"I don't care what he said Auntie, tell me, is my name really Priya? Riya said it was given in my hospital details when she found me, is it really Priya?" I looked at her.

"Calm down first-"

"I can't go through the treatment again, it's too tiring, I don't think it's helping me," I said before closing my room.

I walked to my bed and slumped down. I am shivering too much, all of my energy seemed to be drained.

I tried to take deep breaths and wiped my eyes angrily. I want to open my memories but I can't do that.

The only thing that I can recollect is the collision, the skidding car and the terrifying noises around me.

It's like being in that accident again and again.

I don't have any accounts in social network and I can't get hold of anyone from the past. Uncle and Auntie are reluctant to tell me about my past too.

How long am I supposed to be in dark?

I wanted to talk to someone badly, but Riya seemed to be going through a bad time and I don't want to burden her anymore.

If anything, I should try to recollect what really happened that day, so that we could know who caused that accident, It had taken Riya's Dad's life.

Neev.

"I need to do it by this week."

"Why? I think we still have time." one of my juniors told me.

"I don't think so," I said sternly. "we have to make it absolutely perfect, I don't want to waste any time."

They all gaped at me. I know I can't blame them, I was too strict with them and made them work for the last three days non stop.

When I say non stop, I meant it. All of us are practically living in my office.

All of them looked like zombies now, their suits gone, tie askew, hair messy and sleeves folded up.

They all kept grumbling except for Sachin, I really admit his endurance.

"I already arranged all of it, I have been waiting for Rohan since yesterday, where's he?" Sachin asked.

I sighed. Rohan has started his unannounced disappearance now.

"He was not home," I said.

I have now started to get worried because of him and it makes me annoyed too.

It's not like me to worry about other people, it's more like Riy-

Don't go there Neev!

I was not home for the past two days now, I am fully engaged in my project. I never went there after that incident-to be exact.

Auntie Alice had called me yesterday to know where I and Rohan are and I told her that we are working, so as not to make her worried.

There it is, I am doing it again, I am starting to worry about people!

"We want him to take our next step, he is the only one who can do it," Sachin said.

"Okay then, let's take a break today," I said, looking at my wrist watch, it was already past normal office time.

My whole group sighed in relief.

"I never thought I would have to pull an all-nighter after college," the youngest and the fresh college pass out a Shiaz said and the other two nodded.

"Don't be too happy, we are going to start again tomorrow morning, 9 am sharp, it will take a couple of weeks for you to get free," I said sternly and they groaned.

"When you said about working hard, I never imagined this," Cijoy said.

"True..." Sushand agreed.

Soon they were gone and Sachin waited.

"I will see you around," I started to dismiss him.

"Wait,"

I know what he wants to talk.

"We will talk another time-"

"How's Riya? what's going on? Is she alright?"

He is starting to get on my nerves. I stopped as Sachin walked to me.

"Stop concerning yourself over my wife," I said warningly.

"Then act like a responsible husband!" Sachin retorted. "If you think you can keep hurting her, you are wrong, I promise you I don't care she's married to you, one more mistake and you will see,"

"What will you do Sachin?"

"I will take her away."

That did it. I started to raise my hand.

"The only mistake she has done is to fall for an Aldrick, Nivin," Sachin said and I stilled. "you are lucky she chooses you, Neev, so don't take her for granted."

"Just stay away from her, Sachin" I warned, Sachin was not backing down either, we started a staring contest.

My phone started to ring.

"It could be Rohan," Sachin said and I took my phone out.

it was him.

"Rohan!" I said, "where the hell are-"

"I am home Neev, I want to talk, come home."

"What's it?"

"I can't discuss this through the phone." He disconnected.

"I have to go home now," I turned to Sachin and said. "Rohan is waiting there."

And an hour later I was talking with him.

He put two photographs on the roundtable, both of us were on the terrace.

"I want to find these people,"

"Who are they?" I asked.

"These were the chief security officers in the main branch 2 years back, they are missing now, their team is split and transferred to different places."

"Why are you interested in them?"

"I think Naina came to visit me in the company and they must've seen her."

"You think they have something to do with Naina?" I asked him.

I can't imagine why they would need to change all of the guards if they saw Naina.

"I am not sure about it, but I want to know why they changed the guards, it must've been something serious for them to do it," Rohan said, he looked at me. "It all fits, Nivin, Nirosha talked to Naina a week after I went abroad, then Naina disappeared and this thing happened within the next couple of days, do you think it's a coincidence?"

Rohan thinks the security change has something to do about Naina's disappearance!

I realised in shock.

"There are no other ways for me anymore, I am trying everything to find her," Rohan said. "I want to know what really happened, however cruel the truth is."

I sighed.

I don't want to see him hurt, I feel like he's going to get hurt...

"Rohan, what if you can't find her-"

"I can Neev, and I will," Rohan said fiercely. "I will do whatever you want to get back that company, all you have to do for me is to help me find her," he said.

I couldn't discourage him more. I have a bad feeling deep inside, kind of like a sixth sense, I think he's not going to find her.

"Okay," I promised reluctantly. "I will help you in your search," I said.

"Be good to Riya" he said unexpectedly. "she is just a victim," he said.

"Don't worry," I tried to say.

"You don't understand the value of something until you lose it Neev, nothing you achieve more can fill that emptiness," he said and walked away.

Uh..huh.

I was still on the terrace.

"Neev, your dinner is ready, come down," Auntie Alice called me.

I sighed.

Why can't she just ignore me, it's really uncomfortable for me.

"Neev,"

"I am coming," I said.

I walked downstairs and stilled as I saw Riya arranging the table for me.

"Everyone had their dinner already, Riya said she will be here," Auntie said before walking out.

I was still in the same spot, watching Riya. It's been a couple of days since we met.

My eyes saw the ring on her finger.

She accepted my deal...

"Your dinner is ready, Neev." she looked up and smiled at me.

And that made my heart beat in a weird way, strange feelings filling me.

I turned away from her and washed my hands.

"She was waiting for you a long time now, come and have your food," Kamala said.

I walked to the table. Riya was sitting opposite me.

"Where were you boy? leaving home for three days! It's not like old times, you have a wife waiting for you here now," Kamala said in between arranging everything in place.

"I am sure he was busy with works, Kamala" I heard Riya supporting me.

"Family is something you shouldn't compromise anything for, you youngsters don't seem to understand it these days," Kamala said.

If it was in my past, I would've retorted badly, but now I just tried to ignore it.

I finished within minutes and got up.

"I will see you Riya, I have to go back now," I told her as she gazed at me. It's far more unsettling than I thought.

"Nonsense! stay home today boy! It's not even been a month since you were married, do you want to spread strange rumours?" Kamala said and both of us turned to her.

"What?"

"What do you think people will say if you are staying apart at the most important time of your married life?"

"I can understand, he is busy Kamala, it's no problem-" Riya started.

"No, she's right, I will stay here tonight" I cut across her.

Riya.

My heart couldn't stop beating.

Neev is home!

I tried to calm down.

It's okay Riya, don't lose it, you can do this.

I prayed as I kept the water glass on the table. I didn't know what to do.

I am already in our room, trying to calm down.

"Just give me a blanket, Riya, I will sleep here." I was startled as I heard his voice behind. Then the words slowly registered and my heart ached.

I took the blanket. "I will sleep on the couch, just take rest," I started.

"No, you can take the bed, Riya."

"I can fit in there easily, don't worry," I said again.

"I want you to be comfortable," he said.

Does he really think I will be comfortable anywhere in this room?

I just walked to the couch and started to arrange it.

"Riya..."

"Good night, Neev" I whispered before I switched off the light. The only light in the room was from the bedside lamp now.

"Thank you...for accepting my offer," he said so slowly but it had the power to penetrate my heart.

I know he's thanking me for playing the role of his perfect wife.

"Just don't avoid coming home because I am here, it will only make things worse," I said slowly, with a heavy heart.

"Um...I was sort of...busy" he said reluctantly.

You were the one who forced me to take a vacation so that we could go for our honeymoon. You were the one who promised me that your 'life' comes first, before the business.

Everything changes the moment you stop loving someone, I guess...

You would think that the pain will gradually decrease, but it's hurting me more now, stabbing me.

I am glad that the room is partially engulfed in the darkness or he would see my face, I am afraid I can't hold it much longer.

Neev.

I was on the bed. Riya was still on the couch. I know I can't force her out of it now.

I looked over her. she has turned her back to me now, breathing slowly, but I know she's not asleep.

I can't believe my married life ended like this. My heart keeps telling me that I am doing something very bad.

I tried to settle down, but the bed felt empty to me, now that I know how it feels to be to sleeping with someone comfortably, I can't seem to settle down.

I can't believe my body is missing her presence even if it's only been a few days that we were together

What's she going to do? she will have to leave in a month. she doesn't have any place to go, she's an orphan.

She is the daughter of him! what the hell are you thinking, Neev!

I closed my eyes tightly, but I couldn't sleep, she has now started to disturb me.

"Family, that's the thing I love the most! I have always wanted to be part of a big family, and I will marry only for love, I can't settle for anything less!"

"I waited and waited to get adopted, but no wanted me and after a few years, I realised it, nobody's going to come for me..."

"I have been alone all my life that I was afraid of getting close to anyone,"

"I have always wanted to do it," she said intertwining our fingers. "to walk with the love of my life like this!"

"I trust you Neev, I know, you will never hurt me..."

I snapped open my eyes. I am feeling guilty.

Bear with it, Neev, 1 more month...you have no other way now...

Riya.

I placed the coffee cup on the bedside cabinet, he was still sleeping, hugging that pillow.

"Okay Riya, I am going to stop this habit, now that I got you!" he laughed as he tickled me, making me squeal. "you are warm...um...sweet and delicious too," he said hugging me tightly.

I knew it! All of it seemed too good to be true. It was like a fairy tale.

Neev looked tired, There were dark circles around his eyes.

I am sorry, I have to put you through pain every time you see me...

I walked back.

Neev.

It's the damned breakfast time again, everyone was seated.

"How's your project coming, Neev, I heard your team's been working hard?" Uncle John asked.

He reached home a couple of days back I think.

"We are not finished yet," I said. I don't like to discuss business over breakfast, but it seems that we don't have anything else to discuss in common.

"I am not coming today, I just sent the documents to Sachin, ask him to go through it," Rohan said.

I looked up at him.

Are you skipping again?

"I heard you have been taking the days off regularly now," Grandpa stated.

"Yea, I am a bit busy these days," Rohan replied.

"Wow!" Danny said, "Rohan is taking days off! that's new!"

"I am thinking of getting myself a short vacation too," Rohan said.

Everyone looked up at his statement.

"You are not!" I said quickly. "you are my team, you can't just take leave now, wait till the project is over,"

"Jeez! Brother Neev! do you know how weird you sound now?" Danny said again.

"Your project is nearly over, you just keep going repeatedly over it."

"The board meeting is less than a month away, you don't have much time-" Grandpa stopped.

Riya had spilt the orange juice over.

"I am sorry," she looked startled to find everyone's attention on her. "Please continue, excuse me," she moved her chair back.

"Are you alright, Riya?" Auntie Alice asked.

"I am okay," she replied before walking out.

"Just check on her Neev, she doesn't look good, " Rohan said.

"She was not well these days, Neev, I know you are busy these days, but make sure you come home every day," Auntie Alice said.

What's with everyone? why is everyone interfering in my married life!?

It's difficult for me to see her like this too!

"I will go check on her then," I got up and walked after her.

She was not well these days?

I reached our room and stilled for a second, reluctant to go inside for some reason.

She was in front of the dressing table, facing the mirror, she was lost in thought.

And I couldn't bring myself to get inside there. I leaned to the wall.

I am sorry Riya, I can't keep that promise I made you at our wedding, we can't be together, but I am going to protect you from Grandpa.

Riya.

The board meeting is less than a month away.

What am I going to do?

After it is over, we are going on separate ways. we will never meet again.

Even seeing your face is torturing him, he's not even coming home because of you, Riya...

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I have always wondered why I was abandoned in the orphanage.

I was always guilty because I suspected there's something wrong with me deep inside.

It seems I am not fit to be a part of a family. It seems I will only destroy the relationship if I ever get involved.

It seems I am bad luck.

"I wish...you were someone else..." I whispered at my reflection.

Don't go there Riya...

You don't have time for self-pity, you need to protect your loved ones...

You have Mamma and Priya to protect. You have Neev to protect. You also have to make sure that your dad didn't die in vain.

* * * *

Neev.

"Wow! Rohan is so good at his work, no wonder he is the GM." Sachin said as he went through all the papers. "but where is he?"

We were in my office, it was late night again.

"He is busy again," I said. Sachin looked at me.

"Don't tell me..."

"That's right, he is trying to find her; Naina," I said.

"Do you think he can?"

"I want him to find her..." I said slowly

"But you don't think he could" Sachin stated.

"I have a bad feeling... I don't want him to get hurt," I said. Sachin nodded.

"I think something is wrong too," he said.

"Sir?" we heard the knock and looked up to see our rookie.

"Shiaz? what is it?" Sachin asked. "I thought you left already?"

"Sir, I checked in the hospital, the patient you asked me to get the details on is not there," I said.

I looked up. I had asked him to get Riya's Mamma's medical reports from our hospital.

"Are you sure? she was one of the VVIP patients, she's in the recovery stage, her transplantation is over a couple of months ago," I said.

"Are you talking about Riya's Mamma?" Sachin looked at me and I nodded.

"Yes sir, there was no one under the name Lakshmi, and there was no one who has undergone a kidney transplantation the last two months," Shiaz confirmed.

"Okay," I nodded. "I will look into it," I said and he walked out.

There's no one under that name!?

"Maybe she's in another hospital?" Sachin suggested and I shook my head.

"I saw her Mamma there before, she was definitely there last time."

"You saw her Mamma? Riya said no one is allowed to visit her!?"

Riya still doesn't know about that, it was some time back, I had visited her. Even though I couldn't bring myself to go near, I had taken a glance, but she was definitely there!

"She was definitely there last time, how come she's missing now?" I said slowly.

Something similar flashed across me, the same thing had happened that day when Riya and I tried to visit Priya in that orthopaedic centre!

"Priya? there are no patients under that name here,"

"What do you mean there's no one! I am her legal guardian! I am asking for Priya! she is 25, she has been here for the past one year!" Riya had raised her voice.

"I am sorry ma'am, there's no one here in that name"

"It's Grandpa!" I exclaimed, I fisted my hands tightly as I remembered another thing.

Riya had knelt down before him to save her Mamma before.

"I am sorry...I...I will...do anything...just..just resume her treatment...I will do anything you ask me to,"

I started this fight with Grandpa because of that! the day she knelt down in front of him, I had promised her that she will never have to do that again.

"He...he's threatening Riya with her Mamma again? what does he want from her this time?" I whispered, My voice shook.

Oh my God!

This is it!

"I... I can't believe it! Grandpa...Grandpa must have blackmailed her with her Mamma! That's why she didn't tell me anything before the marriage!"

"Whoa! wait, Riya will definitely talk to you about it if something like that happens!" Sachin said. "why can't you just ask her about her Mamma?"

Would she talk to me? No! we have a deal with us, we are going to part at the end of this month.

I was too busy, thinking how she had betrayed me, But it was my mistake, it was me, who's to be blamed! I couldn't protect her!

Everything fits now, Everything makes sense!

"There must be a reason for her not to talk to me about it," I whispered.

"Then we will look into that," Sachin said. "We don't want Riya to be in more trouble than she already is."

At the mention of her name, my heart squeezed painfully.

I wish...you were someone else...

Her words kept repeating in my mind. I can't get rid of her broken look too.

"I want to know what really happened to her Mamma first." I whispered.

I am sorry, Riya...All I can give you is pain, but I will never let him hurt your Mamma or let him blackmail you, this is the only thing I can do to wash away my sins...

-----------------------------

Hi,

It was really hard for me to update this chapter today, but I read all of your messages and decided to do it :)

So guys, don't forget to vote, comment, share & follow me if you like B&B:)

Love you all...

Ps: Nivin is still unaware of the fact that Riya's Mamma is Julia, hope you don't get confused.