Dedicated to my dear friend, Neethuniks, hope you will enjoy the story dear :)

Riya.

"Try to stop him Riya, He's not listening to us," Amy said before she disconnected.

"What's wrong Riya?" Rohan looked at me.

"Neev... Neev is going to compete in a really dangerous race, the gang is against it, but he has already made a deal with one of the dangerous people," I said slowly.

"That rascal," Rohan cursed and Nivin reached my window.

"I have to go now, something came up," he said. "you can drive them back Rohan."

Rohan opened the door and got out, Danny and I followed.

"What's so important, Nivin?" Rohan turned to Neev.

"Don't worry, I will just-"

"Neev," I said and he stopped.

"Don't go," I whispered. "you promised me that you will never go for racing again." I said.

All the three of them looked at me now.

"I... It's important Riya, I really have to-"

"Don't go," I said again. "keep your promise..." I said as tears sprang to my eyes.

At least keep this one promise, you can't break all of it.

"Riya..." Nivin looked at me.

"Get in the bloody car, Nivin, you are not going anywhere," Rohan got angry.

"I don't have any choice in this, it's already decided, it's more dangerous if I don't do it," Nivin said.

"Riyechi doesn't want you to go, Brother Neev, please don't make her worried." Danny said.

"I am sorry Riya, I really am, but I have to go today." he said and another car stopped in front of us.

"Don't go," I stepped forward and clutched his hand, I don't care about anything else now, I just want to stop him.

He's doing it because of me; I know it and I will never forgive myself if anything happens to him.

"Riya..." he removed my hands off him slowly.

"Neev please..." I said one last time as he took a step back from me, my eyes were pleading with him.

He moved his eyes away.

"I am sorry," he said and take another step back, he turned back and moved towards the car waiting for him.

And my heart broke again.

I stood there, staring after him.

"Riya?" Rohan said softly.

"Riyechi..." Danny took my hand. "Let's go home." he guided me to the car.

Rohan started the car.

"Don't worry, Nivin is someone who knows what he's doing, nothing will go wrong, he will be alright," he said.

Even the gang seems to be worried, it sounded dangerous. Neev has turned reckless because of me, not even caring about his safety.

.............

Sachin.

I opened my eyes and groaned.

Who the hell would call me at this time? It's half past one in the morning!

I reached out to take my phone.

"Nivin!" I said darkly.

"Open the door Sachin! I have been ringing you for the past 15 minutes!" he sounded pissed.

"What! You are here?" I asked.

I was in my company apartment.

"Open this, Sachin, You changed the password," I heard him again.

"Then do you expect me to keep the same password for the past two years-" I stopped as Nivin disconnected.

The rascal!

I got up and walked to the door, still half asleep.

As soon as I opened the door, Nivin forced his way in, almost like owning the place.

"What are you doing here...What happened to you?" my eyes widened as I took him in.

He was battered and bruised from head to toe.

He slumped down to my couch, "water please..." he groaned and I walked to the refrigerator.

"So talk," I said as he gulped down the water.

"I won the race," he said and I stared at him.

"You made a deal with Vikram then!" I stated.

I know he's doing it for Riya. He was planning to make a deal with Vikram before and I had clearly warned him off then.

I should have expected this, He was determined to find her Mamma, he was so mad that Grandpa was blackmailing her with her Mamma.

"It's the only thing I could do now to find her Mamma." he said slowly.

There's no point in shouting at him now, what's done is already done.

"Shouldn't you go back home? Riya must be worried sick."

"I don't want her to see me like this, I will see her tomorrow, after work." he winced slightly while moving.

I took the opposite seat.

So he hasn't told Riya anything about the deal with Vikram!

"Why didn't you tell her?" I asked him, I want to know why he would keep it a secret.

"Say what?"

"That you are doing it for her? you know her, if you break your promise like this, she's going to blame herself."

Nivin.

There's no point in hiding it from him, Sachin already knows why I am doing this.

"I don't want to give her false hope, what if I couldn't find her Mamma through Vikram? And it's not like I am sacrificing for her, it's more like I am atoning to what Grandpa has done to her, she doesn't deserve this."

...And I don't want her to know that I know about her Mamma being taken away when she hasn't told me anything about it.

"Is everything okay between you two, Nivin? why am I feeling something off?" Sachin asked me slowly.

"Don't talk rubbish and shut up; I am already dead tired." I closed my eyes and slumped to the sofa.

There's high chance to get caught if I lie to him, he's too sharp.

"I will listen to you, for now, Nivin." Sachin said before getting up and I groaned mentally, it means he's not dropping the subject.

"Riya must be waiting for you, you better call her," he turned to me. "I will bring the spray and bandages." he walked inside.

I closed my eyes and her pleading eyes appeared in my mind.

Riya is hurt because of me. She practically begged me not to go and I couldn't tell her it was a deal to find her Mamma, not when she didn't tell me about it in the first place.

I sighed.

I dialled her number.

"Hello?" I heard her voice.

"Did I wake you up?" I asked slowly.

"Its okay," she said, sounding too clear for a person who has been sleeping.

She must've been waiting for me.

"Riya, don't wait for me, I am staying with Sachin today, we have some works to complete for tomorrow's meeting," I lied.

I know it's the only way I could stop her worry about me.

There was silence at the other end.

"Riya?"

"Are you hurt?" she asked back, I could feel the worry in her words.

"I am perfectly fine, Riya, it was a simple race and it's over already, don't worry and go to sleep," I said. "I will be home tomorrow evening after work, we need to move back to the penthouse." I said. "So get everything ready tomorrow."

"We are moving back tomorrow?" Riya asked slowly.

"Yea, I can't stay there anymore Riya, anyway, go to sleep now, I will see you tomorrow," I said and waited until she disconnected the call.

It's bothering me, Riya is too silent, she's someone who would fight back if she thinks I am not right, but she seemed different now.

The only thing she's asked about me is if I am hurt.

I frowned slightly as Sachin came back and started to bandage.

It was really a bad race; there were about 13 bikers who were all from the other Side, dangerous and ready to give up their lives.

On top of that, they had arranged fire rings, springboards and even nailed the track!

I am actually lucky to escape in one piece and the gang was there too, Even if they were angry, they had helped me to mask my identity.

"Aah..." I shouted as Sachin twisted my ankle.

"Stop fussing like a baby, let me bandage it." he said and started to work again. "Man! I am glad you at least washed up before turning up here." he added.

"Don't try to be cool, it doesn't work on me since I know you from your diaper days," I said and he chuckled.

"You think I am cool?" he said. "I am flattered," he got up. "There, all fine now, you can be alright tomorrow by luck, don't put too much pressure on it." he closed the first aid box.

"I am hungry," I said.

"I don't have anything to offer you except some milk, I will get It." he said before disappearing to the kitchen Side.

Sachin doesn't like to cook and often eats outside.

Sachin.

I poured the milk into the glass and walked to the couch, but Neev was missing there.

"Neev-" I stopped as I spotted him on my bed, fast asleep, clutching my pillow tightly.

My apartment is a bachelor's pad, there's no guestroom and all, it was a massive apartment and everything was styled and arranged to fit my taste.

My point? Yes, there's only one bed.

Of course, Nivin wouldn't mind if he's causing me any inconvenience, it was always like that in the past; we would just barge in and stay at each other's place.

After two long years, I think my best friend is finally back again...

I looked at him as he was breathing deeply, blissfully unaware of the surroundings.

I just hope both the idiots will realise it soon and just stop hiding things from each other! Riya and him, both of them deserve to have a happy ending!

.................

Nivin.

I watched as she said goodbye, her eyes were filled.

I was home to pick her up; we are shifting to my place today.

"I will miss you Riyechi," Danny said

"Don't get sad dear, you can come here every day, let's hang out." Auntie Alice enveloped her in a hug. "I will miss you though," she added.

"I will miss you all..." she said and I waited patiently.

"Take care Riya," Rohan said, his eyes found mine next, "take care of her, Neev." he said, his voice serious.

I nodded. I know Rohan is going through a tough time; He is still investigating Naina's whereabouts.

Kamala brought a big basket, "It's your favourite cookies Riya, do ask me more when it's finished." she said.

Manoj takes it from her to the car as Riya hugged her tightly, "thank you so much." she said.

"Let's go then," I said and she let go.

Everyone waved as I started the car. Riya smiled and waved back.

I took the car forward. Grandpa is still on his business trip, Good thing because I don't want to put up with him.

I heard small sniffs and turned to find her wiping her eyes.

She's crying?

"You should be happy to escape from there, Riya." I said.

She just wiped her eyes.

"You can be free now, no need to worry about Grandpa," I said in a small attempt to cheer her up.

"I was alone most of the time, Neev," she said slowly. "I was always fascinated about families..."

"There is nothing fascinating about Aldricks," I said.

"You are wrong," she said. "I thought it was a hell too, at first," she said. "then I came to know everyone...Danny is like a little brother, he cheers up everyone in the family, Rohan is someone who always protects everyone, he put each of you first because he wants all of you to be happy," she said.

"Then Auntie Alice, who's afraid of Grandpa and lives quietly in Aldricks family all these years, she worries about everyone, waits till everyone reaches home before going to bed... she often gets alone in life because Uncle John and others are too busy to get involved in her life activities and she never complains," she stopped.

And I remembered that family day; I looked at Riya in surprise.

Within her short stay, she knew everyone well!

"Uncle John lives abroad most of the time, taking care of the business, but for someone who only works all the time, he refused the CEO post offered to him and I now know the reason," she turned to me.

"It's because of his brother, James, it's been so long since Uncle James is gone, but Uncle John still seemed to be stuck in that time, he still doesn't want to take that position,"

I know what she said is true, I know the fact that Uncle John is blaming himself for my dad's death too.

"And your dad-"

"Riya-"

"He is someone with a great heart Nivin, you should be happy that he loved your mother so much," she said.

I gripped the steering tightly.

No one has ever talked to me like this, my parents are a forbidden subject!

"And Grandpa, he loved his son so much that when he lost him, your Grandpa lost all of the reasoning, his love turned him to be the cold person he is now." she said.

"Wow, you even find something good in him?"

"And your mother, Neev..." she continued.

"Don't go there Riya," I warned.

"She's the most loving person I have seen, she left her only son for his safety," she stopped.

I slammed the break. "Enough Riya," I said dangerously. "You are crossing the line now."

"I don't think she abandoned you Neev, I think-"

"I don't want to know your opinion, Riya!" I said firmly.

"We don't know what made her run away, you can't keep blaming her without knowing-"

"Shut the hell up, Riya!" I shouted, now losing it.

She has a way to bring the worst in me. If it was someone else but her, I would have taught him a lesson.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, then accelerated.

I know she hates speeding, but I am really mad now.

"It's because of your dad," I said in anger. "she left her family because of your-"

"That's not true," she said firmly. "I don't think my dad was to blame, I think-"

"I don't want to know what you think Riya, stop it now."

"If you are just ready to open your eyes, Neev..." she said so quietly. "Just look around-"

"I know my parents left me, just like your dad left you in that orphanage." I raised my voice slightly.

Oh God! I don't know what made me say it!

I regretted it instantly.

"I don't think my dad wanted to abandon me, Neev," she said softly, "I think he loved me."

"What you think doesn't change the facts, Riya!"

"That's the difference between us, Neev; you are not even ready to know what really hap-"

"I had had enough of this talk, let's stop here."

"You can't just blindly turn away, Neev." she said, now looking angry, "you should know what's going on...you should know what happened,"

"I can let go of my burdens whenever I want, my past is only a dark shadow in my life that I never want to turn back to, and Riya, before you start, drop it, I have no interest to continue this topic, if I give up on something, it's that, I don't go after it ever again."

Riya.

"If I give up on something, it's that, I don't go after it ever again,"

I turned away from him and looked out of the window.

How am I supposed to make him understand about his Amma? have no evidence to prove her innocence.

I looked at him, driving.

"If I give up on something, it's that, I don't go after it ever again"

His voice echoed around me.

It applies to me too, he's given up on me, and he's not going to come after me.

I still remember how he had protected me from Grandpa. It was the best time of my life, even if we were often punished by Grandpa, Neev was with me.

Maybe it's better this way; He wouldn't have to suffer when I am gone.

"We are here," I looked at him as he stopped the car.

"Yea..." I said slowly, opening the door and getting out.

One of the securities came to me.

"Let me get that for you, Ma'am." he said, helping me with the luggage.

"It's okay, it's not much, and I can manage." I smiled.

Nivin turned around from his way to the elevator.

The old man insisted, but I refused politely.

It was a bit heavy for one person, but not too much.

Nivin sighed and walked to me, taking the bag away from me.

"Why can't you just let him help you, Riya!" he said exasperated, "I am paying for his services."

"He is old, Neev, we have a private elevator and it's not much." I said.

"Of course!" he muttered and got in, I followed him.

"You don't have to carry my bag-"

"I am not as bad as to let a girl carry her luggage," he said stubbornly.

Soon we were inside the apartment, the lights came and I stilled.

The whole place was a mess, it was not neat and tidy like before, Things were scattered around, broken glasses and beer bottles all around.

"I... I think I forgot to tell my maid," Nivin looked frozen too, like he has totally forgotten about it.

I looked at him Sideways.

The last time he was here was when he left me in our hotel room on our honeymoon, he must have destroyed the whole place in his anger.

I came here only a few times, but all of the memories were so good, so it almost made me teary again.

"Um...come in, I will-" Nivin opened the master bedroom.

"I will take the spare one," I interrupted.

It hurts me to stay away from him, but I am someone who needs to leave eventually, I can't forget that.

It was difficult to come to a decision, even though our deal was to go on separate ways, I had never actually thought of giving up easily, I wanted to convince him somehow so I had never really thought about leaving.

But it has changed the moment Neev put himself in danger. I can't stay if it means Nivin is going to be hurt.

"Riya, it won't be convenient if someone visi-" he started.

"I don't think I will be comfortable there," I said, dragging my luggage to the next room.

It was also spacious and big.

As soon as I dropped my bags, I ran to the balcony, I wanted to see the love plant we placed there before.

The balcony had two doors from either room, I opened it and stilled.

It was missing.

Where's it? I am sure we placed it here last time!

I looked around and something caught my eyes.

I bend down and sure enough-it was one of the shells from that plant pot.

The pot is broken, our love plant is dead too!

"Riya, What are you doing here?" Nivin opened his door to the balcony and I clutched the shell tightly in my hand.

"I will unpack now," I hurried inside, a whirlwind of emotions hit me and I don't want Neev to see the pathetic me.

"Riya-" Neev started but I was already inside.

I slumped to the bed and tried to calm down, but it just started to build up inside me.

I need to calm down.

I took my phone and dialled the first person who came to my mind.

"Hello?" I heard Priya's voice.

"Priya, my love plant is gone, it's dead."

"What?" she sounded confused.

"My love plant, Priya, I really loved it and its dead now," I started to cry. "it was a purple potted plant." I sobbed.

"Are you okay? What happened? Are you crying!?"

"It... It had heart-shaped leaves and it was so beautiful,"

There was silence at the other end for a moment.

"Did you fight with Nivin?" Priya asked me slowly.

"No!" I said quickly. "I am just...sad about my plant, I should have taken better care of it, I should have watered it and look after it, it's all my fault, Priya, I am such a terrible person,"

Priya waited until I calmed down slightly, letting me cry.

"I am sorry your love plant is gone," she said slowly when I stopped sobbing.

"Mm..." I wiped my eyes. "I want to see you," I said.

"I don't know when I can meet you, Uncle and Auntie are planning to take me to another doctor," Priya said.

"Why?" I asked, "you are recovering fine."

"I want to stop the hypnosis treatment Riya, I don't think it's helping me, I am going to stop it if the new doctor agrees, and I need a second opinion."

"Mm...But you have to call me and tell me everything,"

"Sure," I could feel her smiling now. "you still behave like a little baby, talk to him and make up quickly."

"Priya! It's not that-" I started

"I have met him, remember, he's a good guy, He loves you too," Priya interrupted me. "Hold on to him tightly, Don't be angry for long." she said again.

"Mm... I know," I said. "But I am not going to forgive him for my love plant easily," I said darkly.

"I pity him." Priya laughed.

So five minutes later, I was all ready.

I need to divert my attention from him.

I looked around the messy place.

Ok, let's start Riya!

I started to clean then. I started to collect all the dirty things in a plastic bag and started my work.

If I give up on something, it's that, I don't go after it ever again

Don't go there Riya...

I wiped my eyes angrily.

Why should everything have to be so difficult for me? Even my little plant?

I wiped my eyes again.

I won't cry anymore, not now, I don't care about a petty little flower pot and that love plant!

Neev.

"Stop this, Riya." I told her again, now blocking her path.

She's been cleaning the place, her jean was pulled to three fourths, her hair in a ponytail and a vacuum cleaner in her hand.

"Move," she said.

"My maid is coming this evening, I called her now, let's have dinner outside today and it will be clean by the time we-"

"Move Neev," she said again, before moving herself out of my way.

I don't know what to do anymore; she's been cleaning for about two hours straight now.

It's because of that potted plant.

My inner voice said, of course, I saw her checking for it, I know she saw that shell too, she's upset about that plant.

I sighed.

I know I broke it in my anger while I was super drunk, but I never thought things would turn like this!

"That's enough Riya, stop this now," I said firmly as she started to rearrange the furniture back to its positions.

I could see her panting slightly, she looked tired.

"Riya," I grabbed her hand. we both stilled for a moment, "stop this now." I said firmly.

"I am used to cleaning, Neev, I am used to working my days, I am used to standing the whole day in high heels, I am used to-"

"It's enough for today," I said.

She removed her hands and started to rearrange it again.

She's the most stubborn girl I have ever seen.

"Wait, it's heavy," I supported the other end as she moved back my settee into its position.

And I had no choice, but to help her. she gave me occasional warning looks, but I didn't back down either.

At last, everything was spotless and back in place.

"Finally," I slumped down in the sofa, my injured feet was starting to throb again.

Riya just walked to the other side and carried two bags.

"What's that?"

"We should put the waste away,"

"Put it back-"

"Where should-"

"Riya please," I got up again, "don't do this now!"

"Just tell me where-"

"Fine..." I snatched the covers away from her and that's when my door opened.

Both Riya and I stilled and my workers stood there, looking shocked.

"Oh God! I am so sorry! I thought no one is home, sir told me to come to... I am sorry for disturb-" Shanthi, my maid started.

They used to come when I am not around and they would leave quietly after cleaning.

"It's okay, you don't have to worry," Riya smiled at the middle-aged woman and her husband and I took a second look.

It's actually good to see her smile!

"Ah...sir, let me get that," Gopiyettan was beside me in a flash and took the cover away; he looked somewhat shocked to see me holding the trash.

I can't blame him since even I didn't know I would've to deal with disposing of waste in my house!

"Thank you," I said, now taking Riya's hand as she showed all signs of helping the maid and following her.

"Let me go!" she hissed at me as Shanthi and Gopiyettan turned away.

"Come with me," I dragged her back

"Neev!"

"Riya!"

"Leave me!" she tried to walk away

"Why are you so difficult?" I pulled her back and-

Rrrrrrr...

Riya gasped as the cloth of her top torn in the back. I was shocked too, as I saw the material come in my hand.

"Nivin Rosh Aldrick," she hissed at me and I pulled her back to me and wrapped her up in my hands quickly, covering the exposed backside with my body just as my housekeeper appeared.

"Everything is already taken care..." Gopiyettan dragged off, turning to us.

"Please close the door when you leave," I said as they stilled, watching us with wide eyes now. Riya tried to move away, but I just pulled her close. "I will call you when I need," I added.

It was a hint for them to leave. Shanthi looked mischievous when Gopiyettan nodded and walked outside.

Riya had turned crimson, she was embarrassed and humiliated.

As soon as they were out, she turned to me.

"I can't believe you did that! What will they think about us? So embarrassing!" she keeps on going and I just stood there.

She walked out of there and slammed the door shut.

And the only thing I could think of was the Peach coloured lace and the feel of her skin against me!

I didn't even hear a single thing she had said because my body was already starting to respond.

Dammit!

I really don't know how I am going to deal with this stubborn girl.

Riya.

I am actually very tired from all the work I have done, but my mind is still restless.

I have started to count the days down. It's only a matter of days for that final board meeting-the day Nivin and I will be separated forever.

My heart is too deeply involved and I know I cannot get out of this without getting hurt.

The short days with Neev is the most beautiful days of my life, I have to take responsibility all my life so it was a nice change when suddenly he started to support me.

Yes, I know I am stubborn and not an easy person, but I always liked it when Neev did something for me.

It's time to wake up Riya, in less than two weeks; you have to go back to your hard reality.

I felt the wetness on the pillow and realised I have been crying.

God! When did I become such a soft-hearted person? Riya Mehra doesn't cry, she's a strong girl!

I wiped my eyes away. Okay, let's just not waste any more precious time like today; all I have done today is to fight with him.

I just need to do one thing before I go, I need to prove to him that not everyone cheats, and I should let him know that love actually exists.

Dear God! Give me strength.

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