Nivin.

Rohan raised Naina's uncle by the collar and I pulled him back from him.

"What the hell are you doing? Calm down!" I said.

But Rohan kicked him in the middle and the man hit the wall in force.

Rohan pushed me off him and started to raise him up again.

"Stop this! What's going on here!?"

Everyone stilled at that. Priya was looking angry; she supported herself to the wall and looked around, her eyes stopped on Rohan who was frozen in his spot.

"Riya, who's this guy?" she pointed to Rohan, "why's he attacking my Uncle?"

I turned to Rohan, who was still frozen in his spot, his eyes wide.

Rohan.

Naina!

She's alive!

Naina is alive!

I looked at her from head to foot.

My Naina is alive! She's not dead!

My vision started to blur.

I pushed the man to the floor and turned to her.

"Naina!" I took a step closer and she backed away.

I couldn't control it anymore. I walked to her and hugged her tightly.

She seemed surprised, I could feel her trying to move away, but I just imprisoned her in my hands and pressed her closer to me.

I smelled in her scent and kissed her on top of her head.

I still couldn't get hold of my emotions; my eyes were filling and flowing down my face, wetting her forehead.

"Leave me!" I heard her; she was trying to push me away.

"Rohan..." Neev called me.

"Rohan," Riya stepped closer.

I slowly let go of her, she looked at me in shock and supported her weight to the wall.

"What happened to you?" I looked at her in concern, "Did he hurt you?" I glared at her Uncle for a moment.

"Riya!?" Naina called, slightly panicked, her eyes were still on me.

"Rohan, Priya... Naina can't remember anything, she lost all her memories during an accident," I heard Nivin and my world collapsed.

She was met with an accident!? She lost all of her memories!?

I looked at her.

"I... I don't believe it," I said, I tried to take her hand but she flinched back.

"Naina?"

"I... I am not Naina!" she said, "stay away from me, first you attacked Uncle... now you-"

"Uncle!?" that got me mad, "Do you call this man your Uncle?" I shouted, anger ruling me again. "I promised myself that I would kill this bastard if I ever see him again!" I said.

"What are you talking about, Rohan?" Neev asked me.

"This man," I pointed at her Uncle, "wanted her to work in a nightclub, no, he forced her to work in a nightclub, fully aware that the owner of it was misbehaving with her!" I said and I turned to Naina, "And we met there for the first time! I helped you to get out of there," I told her.

Everyone was frozen again.

"And your Auntie supported him," I gave her Auntie a glare and she covered behind her Uncle who was trying to get up.

"That... that's not true!" Naina said, her eyes were filled and she started to cry silently.

I couldn't see her cry, but I can't let go of this, I have to show her their true colours.

I pulled him by the collar again.

"Is it true? Tell her everything," I said warningly.

He and I have history before. I know he is afraid of me.

"He... that's true...he...he took you away..." her uncle said.

"For what? Why did I take her away from you?" I asked again.

"We...tried to send you as...as a... house...help..." he said.

"Is that all?" I pushed him to the wall, "whose house help?"

"That... bar owners-"

I pushed him away as I saw her trembling, she was still crying.

I started to take a step towards her, but she shrunk away, infuriating me.

"I am not going to hurt you, Naina! I will never ever hurt you," I said, Riya came forward and hugged her.

"Just give her some time now, she's still recovering," Riya said.

I can't accept it, I really can't, I just got her back and she's telling me to keep my distance!

"I am not going to leave her here, whatever you say, I am not going back without her," I said firmly.

"Of course, we will take her!" Riya said.

"Okay, take her out of here then," I said.

Riya slowly helped her out of there.

"Rohan?" Nivin was still waiting near me.

I waited till Riya and Naina were out before dragging her Uncle up by the collar again.

"Who gave you money for this? Who told you to play this new game?" I growled at him.

He looked worried now. I grabbed his neck, "tell me everything or I am going to kill you," I said evilly.

"It's... It's him... The ex CEO of Aldricks corporations." His wife started to say now, "he said he... he will reward us... If we move her today," she stopped.

"Sebastian!" Nivin whispered. "It was a close call, Rohan! If we were even late for a minute!" he said and then turned to her Auntie.

"So it was all a lie! You lied to her about taking her to the hospital?" he said and I raised my hands again, in anger.

"They will be here soon," her Auntie croaked and I stilled. "The people who are going to take Naina away, they are on their way," she said, probably wanting us to leave quickly.

"Let them come then, I will wait here, I would like to talk to them too-"

"No Rohan, we should move-" Nivin said and I cut across him.

"NO! I would like to teach them a lesson, Nivin, they are Sebastian's lapdogs!"

"Do you want to do this when Naina and Riya are with us?" Neev said firmly, "we better move them before Sebastian's men reach here." he added.

I know I should be practical, but it still got me mad to leave her Uncle and Auntie like this.

I punched him again one last time, and then turned to them.

"Police will come here and you will tell the truth, or else, I promise you, I am going to kill you, do you understand?" I said with fire, I do mean what I said.

They both nodded; 'yes', looking worried.

"If you ever try to run or keep your mouth shut, I will track you down, I won't talk to you the next time we see face to face," I stressed once more and walked out before I lose control.

Neev followed me out. I kicked the door shut in frustration.

"Rohan, please calm down,"

"Why? Why's Sebastian so bothered about Naina?" I asked deadly, "of course, if she ever recovers her memories, she will remember him trying to kill her," I said to myself. "He was the one who pushed her down the stairs," I nodded.

"It's much deeper than that," Neev said slowly.

"What do you mean?"

"Priya was staying with Riya's Dad all these time, I think Anil Ragunad must have rescued her from the graveyard while following Sebastian's men, anyways there's high chance that she knows all the secrets," I said. "Anil Ragunad was collecting evidence against Sebastian and almost all the evidence is destroyed by Sebastian, now the only remaining witness is Naina," I explained.

"Which means, she's in danger, his men can come at any time," I said.

Neev nodded, "and Naina was in that car with Anil Ragunad during the accident that killed him, if she ever recovers her memories, She will know what exactly happened that day, but Sebastian will go any length to stop her from speaking up," 

"He will come after Naina for sure," I stated.

"What do you think we should do now?" Nivin looked at me.

"We need to figure out a way to trap him," I said. "But for now, we will keep Naina close, don't let her know all these, let her feel safe," I said and Neev nodded.

"Rohan-"

"Before you start it, I can't keep my distance, it's not possible for me, I want to keep her safe," I looked at Neev, "what would you do if something like this happened to Riya? Can you stay away from her?"

Sebastian.

"There's no need to worry, with Joseph Aldrick still hospitalised, everything will go fine, and everything is in our favour,"

"I know, but I don't trust Dev or Nivin, they are not going to give up without a fight," I said. "What about Julia? did you find her?"

"No, she's not in any of the places you mentioned,"

Where the hell did Joseph hide her then? Wasn't he trying to trick me when he asked me where Julia is? Did someone really kidnap her for real?

Apart from Joseph Aldrick and myself, there's no one who would do that!

Then where is Julia?

"Search all the areas that Joseph Aldrick has hold before, There's no way a third person would move her, We need to locate her before Joseph Aldrick wakes up," I ordered.

I need to destroy her before Joseph get's up. I am not like him, Instead of taking revenge in a twisted way, Instead of playing games with them; I would feel much happy if the enemies are gone- forever.

Like James and Anil...

"Yes sir, we will recheck all the places once more,"

"The shareholder's meeting is tomorrow evening, less than 24 hours now, nothing should go wrong,"

"There's high chance we would win this time sir,"

I nodded my head, "Keep on watching Nivin, he's an Aldrick, I don't think he will simply let me take the ownership of the company,"

I underestimated him before, but now I know that I should be worried about him, there's something powerful about him just like James, he knows how to convince people and he's talented.

I never expected it from him, especially as he was wasting away his life before, so the Asian project came as a big shock and I know he's James's son, who knows to turn a minor possibility to his advantage.

I was always the topper academically, but when it comes to the true battle in the company, James had often surprised me, he was born for the job and it looks like Nivin has this gene handed down from his father.

But since I have dealt with his father, I know I can deal with him too. Both of them are weaker when it comes to relationships. They would give up anything in order to protect what they supposedly call their "love".

And that's their biggest and weakest disadvantage ever.

They are predictable, and I am going to use it to my advantage tomorrow.

My phone started to ring again.

"Hello?"

"Sir, Riya Mehra's locker is ready to open; she can take those documents anytime she wants,"

A lightning flashed through me, the final board meeting is tomorrow evening and this has to happen now!

I was deep in thought when someone knocked and entered the room.

"What is it, Philip?"

"I have news... about Atharvas, The President and her family are back in India," he said and I raised my eyebrows.

"They are in India? Are you sure about this?" I looked at him deadly; my mind was already doing its calculations.

"Yes," he handed me his phone, "It's the new MD of Atharva corporations, and he's the grandson of Parvathi Atharva,"

"Nikil Atharva?" I read slowly, I know I have to be very careful now.

"Does Dev know about it?" I asked, it's going to be too risky if Dev is aware of them too.

"I don't think so, but it's a matter of time," Philip said.

"Yes...time..." I nodded. "We are not going to wait anymore, nothing should go wrong at the shareholders meeting, I need to open that locker first," I said slowly.

"Riya is the only person who can open that lock-"

"I know," I nodded again, "Get all of our men ready, we are going to see it to the end."

"But Riya-"

"She will come, I will make her, don't worry about that and prepare the rest," I ordered.

Riya Anil Ragunad, All of this started when you reached the Aldricks, now everything is going to end with you too...

"And..." Philip hesitated.

"What is it now!?"

"We... we couldn't get Naina today," he looked down.

"What!? I told you to move her today!" I jumped up from my chair.

"By the time we reached there, Rohan Aldrick has already taken her; he attacked her Uncle and took Naina with him,"

"What! Call her Uncle now! They took all my money and he can't even do it right!?"

I can't believe what I am hearing now, Rohan took Naina away? In spite of watching her every move all these time, she escaped with Rohan!?

"Sir... he... he is hiding, we have been trying to get hold of him."

What the hell is happening! Everything was going well until now! How did they know about her? How the hell did they know about her identity?

No! I can't let them do it, I can't let them destroy me after all the efforts I took to reach here!

"Call everyone for a meeting, I need to win this time and I am ready to do whatever it is necessary," I said firmly.

I know it's my last chance, the last chance to save my world!

"Track down her Uncle now, we should get her back at all costs,"

If that girl opened her mouth, everything is going to crash down!

Was she acting all these time!? She seemed really ignorant! It's my mistake not to take care of her first!

"Tell her uncle to file a case against Rohan Aldrick for kidnapping his niece,"

"But she won't come with us now-"

"Her guardians can easily take her away if she's mentally not stable! Find her uncle and tell him to get a report from her doctor, stating that Naina is not mentally capable of making decisions on her own, we should deny her right to take the decision,"

"I understand sir; I will find him right away."

"Tell him that there's no need to live in hiding, tell him that I can protect him from Rohan Aldrick as long as he's loyal to me," I added.

I can imagine why he would stay hidden, Rohan has information collected on him from the past.

Whatever it takes, I want to win the company back and I can't take any risks even if Naina doesn't have any memories.

I gritted my teeth.

They will expect me to chase Naina and they will hide her, I know it would be difficult to find her before the shareholders meeting.

I need a plan to trap them, something they wouldn't even guess...

It's do or die... so if I am going to die, I am going to take all of you down with me.

I don't want to live anymore if everything's taken away from me.

Nivin.

We reached Sachin's company apartment since we couldn't take Naina home or to our place, if her Uncle ever goes to the police station, it would be the first place for them to come searching for her.

All the five of us- Sachin, Rohan, Naina, Riya and I were waiting anxiously for Uncle Dev's call.

Rohan wanted to ask Uncle Dev about legal matters regarding this. He was still restless and angry and Naina is not even looking at him.

"Can I take her inside?" Riya asked as Naina looked uncomfortable and scared.

"Yea... here," Sachin moved to draw the curtains to his room. "Let her take rest," he said.

Riya supported a still shaken Naina inside.

I looked at her; she was consoling Naina, hugging her and murmuring sweet words.

I need her now!

I tried to look away from her, but it was difficult.

Rohan's words were still echoing around me.

"What would you do if something like this happened to Riya? Can you stay away from her?"

It's been so many days since I got her all alone. Everything has come one by one and both of us were too busy, I was practically living in my office for the past week!

I can't believe it was only a few days since that board meeting. It feels so far away!

And that date I planned, it was all ruined!

I had arranged everything meticulously on that night I was elected as the CEO, But Riya slept early that night, I was forced to leave her at the family house.

I couldn't even apologise to her! She must be thinking about our contract!

I have to tell her soon, that I can't live without her now... that she means the world to me!

I snapped out of my world by an angry Rohan, who was pacing up and down the room now.

He was still angry. I can't blame him after all the things he went through.

"I mean, how's it even possible? She doesn't remember me? Naina? We were going to get married and-"

"Rohan," I sighed, "she's under shock, give her some time,"

"I know! I know, but I am not going to leave that bastard- Sebastian!" Rohan said angrily, "and I should have taken care of that asshole before, Philip; He went back to his master like a loyal dog he is!"

It's a shock to me too. I hated Philip with everything before, but I never would have imagined him to be Sebastian's lapdog! Grandpa trusted the wrong person with his family!

"I still can't believe it!" Sachin said from the couch, shaking his head, "Naina has been with Riya all these time!?" Sachin said, "I even talked to her in that ball!" he got up and poured all of us a drink.

"And she was supposed to be my date that day!"Rohan said.

"Right, now what are we-" I stopped as Sachin's phone started to ring.

"Yes Dad?" he started to talk while we listened.

When the call ended, Sachin turned to us.

"What does Uncle Dev think about it? Can we protect Naina?" Rohan asked, looking at him.

Sachin slumped down to the settee, "Dad was busy with the company matters now, but he thinks there's a chance you are right, Rohan," Sachin looked at him.

"If they approach the court, her Uncle and Auntie can take her away, they are her only relatives,"

"What f**king law is that! She is not even a minor! They were mistreating her all these time," Rohan exploded.

"We don't have any evidence Rohan, and she doesn't remember anything too," Sachin looked at him. "You know Sebastian, just like he trapped Grandpa with a psychological problem, He will convince her Uncle and Auntie to prove that Naina is not mentally stable," Sachin took a sip of his drink, "They might even use her Amnesia as a weapon."

"What the f**k!" Rohan said, "I have evidence against her Uncle and Auntie too, I blackmailed him to get Naina out of his house last time, I have this power over him," Rohan said.

I remembered the cute little house that Rohan had locked himself up. Apparently, he rescued Naina from her Uncle and Auntie before and Naina was staying there after that.

"It might take time to prove all of that in court, knowing Sebastian, he would try to hurt Naina before that," I said.

"I am sorry to say this, but there is one more thing, guys," Sachin said, "We have another problem,"

"What's it?" I finished my drink and looked at him.

"Dad thinks we can't make it this time, Sebastian may get elected as the chairman,"

"What the heck is that supposed to mean!? We have already finished our new project to compete with them!"

"Everyone supports our team, well... most of them do, but the company's future depends upon the Asian project now," Sachin said.

"So they are going to support Sebastian because Nivin already handed over it! That's... that's so low!" Rohan said, "We can't allow them to win; we have to do something,"

"So what happens to the new project that we were troubled to finish? Is it useless then?" Sachin looked angry.

We had a lot of trouble with our new plan since it was an international one; all the three of us had a hard time clearing the difficulties and formalities that came along with that.

We were so sure to beat Sebastian's team.

We have even prepared the one-year-plan to convince the shareholders!

I sighed.

It's hopeless.

The only thing we can do now is hide Naina, so even if the police come for her, they can't take her back.

"Everything is already out of our hands," I said slowly "Uncle Dev was right, that bastard Sebastian is too sharp, he has it covered, he knows everything,"

"And he's been in this field for long now, he even double-crossed Joseph Aldrick and that's a lot!" Sachin said.

"Guys, everything is not over yet," Riya walked out of the room.

"Naina-" Rohan started.

"She's sleeping," Riya said as she sits beside me.

"What do you mean everything is not over?"

"I have a plan, we can trap him," she said.

"Riya, don't start with one of those ideas of yours," I took her hand. "Please just be safe, we will take care of it no-"

"Just hear me out, okay," she said firmly.

"Okay, let's hear your plan first," Sachin said.

"We have two problems at hand, Sebastian might convince Naina's Uncle to get her back through law, and..." she raised the second finger, "Sebastian might win the company,"

"And what's the solution?" Rohan asked.

"Media,"

"And how do you-"

"Let me tell you," Riya raised up her hand.

"We have a perfect solution with us now-Naina."

"We can't drag her to this-" Rohan started again.

"It's just a trap, Rohan; we just have to make Sebastian believe that she got her memories back," Riya said. "She's the only witness for all his deeds because she was staying under my Dad's protection, so she's supposed to know everything about Sebastian,"

"But-" I started

"That's... that's actually brilliant, Riya!" Sachin said. "We can also add the confessions from those security officers who were ordered to bury Naina." Sachin said, "so that we can prove that Naina's story is not fake. Sebastian tried to kill her to prevent her from speaking up,"

"And the guy from graveyard who knows that Naina was rescued by Anil Ragunad, let's find him and make him confess about how he was paid by Sebastian to bury Naina," Rohan added. "We will add all the details on her Uncle and Auntie too, if public opinion turns against Sebastian, he can neither win the company nor take Naina away,"

"Okay, We have Q TV with us," I said slowly. "And the gang, they can all help,"

"But do you think they will help you? I don't think they will admit their crimes publicly," Riya looked at us, talking about the security officers and the other guy.

And the three of us turned to her.

"We will talk to them, Riya, Don't worry about it," Rohan said.

And Riya slightly winced understanding what "talk" really means.

"You will be surprised to know what we could actually do if we put our mind to it, Riya," Sachin said.

"I can't believe you are talking about threatening and blackmailing people like this! Without any care in the world,"

"They are people who deserve it" I assured her, "we are not hurting innocent people,"

"The thing is, we don't have much time for the shareholders meeting, it's tomorrow evening," Rohan said. "And once Sebastian gets elected as chairman, we can't stop him,"

"Which means, we should start now," Sachin said.

"I will call the gang and talk, I will tell Amy to get reporters from Qtv," I said and everyone nodded.

"Okay then, I will take care of the graveyard guy," Sachin got up.

"Riya..," I looked at her.

"Pri...Naina is sleeping, I will stay with her," she said.

I am getting frustrated with this girl now!

"Let her sleep it off now, the doctor said she wants complete rest," I reasoned.

That was true, Naina was too shocked and we stopped by the hospital on our way. The Doctor gave her Anti-anxiety drugs and sedatives.

"I am staying with her, Riya; you can go home," Rohan said.

"But she doesn't... I mean... she will need me-" Riya started.

"She's under sedation, there's no need for you to get worried about her waking up," Rohan said firmly.

"I can't just leave her here-"

"Riya please," Rohan looked at her, "I need to be with her today, please..." he whispered, his voice was cracking, "I promise, I will disappear if she's scared or uneasy because of me,"

He sounded hurt and Riya's face softened.

"Call us if Naina needs her, we will come back to pick her up," I said, now relieved.

Riya was still looking confused and I grabbed her hand in mine.

"Stay with me today," I said, I couldn't control it anymore. I think I will go crazy if I can't stay beside her today.

Riya stilled, looking at me in shock, it might be my voice and the sincerity in my eyes; she nodded slowly.

"Okay," she said, then turned to Rohan, "take good care of her and call me when she's waking up, don't mind the time,"

"Thank you, Riya," he said.

"Don't thank me; I am still not sure about this," she said.

"We will meet tomorrow morning at Naina's place, tell your gang too," Rohan said.

"That little house?" I looked at him.

"We can use Naina's studio to record our interview,"

"Okay," I nodded.

"I am still worried about her," Riya said.

"I will stay beside her, don't worry," Rohan reassured her and I just grabbed her hand and walked out.

Riya.

Neev was still not letting go of my hands. He just dragged me out of there.

Five minutes later, we were in the parking lot.

Nivin opened the passenger door for me.

"I will drive," I said

"I can manage," he said

"You are drunk Nivin,"

"I am not!" he said stubbornly, "It takes more than a glass of red wine to get me drunk,"

He doesn't look drunk, but he's acting weird!

He even told me to stay with him! That too, in front of Rohan!

"I am going to drive and that's it!" I said adamantly.

Neev sighed.

Neev.

I watched her drive, a heavy silence hung over the car. I thought she will be mad at me, but she looked calm.

She was looking beautiful; her hair was slightly swaying in the wind. I couldn't tear my eyes away, and at that instant, I knew.

I knew what I wanted.

She was pulling to our parking lot.

"We are here," she stated, probably to break the unbearable silence.

Screw the fancy restaurant and flowers, I can't wait any longer.

I unbuckle my seat belt and leaned to her side.

She looked shocked at my advance, her eyes widened and she let go of the belt.

"Nee-"

She couldn't even complete it; I covered her lips with mine for the first time in a long time. It was the most wonderful feeling for me, it's really a wonder how I am getting affected by her, I felt settled and complete.

Riya tried to move and I moved my hand upwards, from her slender neck to the chin, trapping her and I deepened the kiss.

I could feel her taste and the raging storm inside me calmed a bit. Riya was still trapped in her seat; her seat belt was making her stay in place.

"Neev!" she exclaimed when I let go of her, she looked shaken, her face was flushed and her voice shook.

I looked deep into her eyes.

"I love you, Riya."

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