Sonakshi felt like she had lost her voice. Her eyes widened at his blunt statement, surprised to discover how much her body reacted to his words. Her stomach was in knots as she pictured herself as the woman he imagined her to be. Her body was glued to the seat as her mind processed whatever he just told her.

"D...dev"

"I love you Sonakshi"

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

I love you Sonakshi

I love you Sonakshi

I love you Sonakshi

I love you Sonakshi

The words kept repeating in her ears as she squeezed the orange harder against the juicer, venting out all her frustrations and anger in the kitchen. She was thankful that Natasha wasn't there to witness her madness.

She never believed in the term called love. She hated it. The only love she knew was the love of her mother. But even that was short lived. There was nothing called true love in real life. She wished she could preach that to the world. She had witnessed how horrible her mother had suffered in her marriage. There was no love.... Only pain.

She had seen how teenagers in her village were caught in their puppy love, going through relationships and breakups! She hated it. She hated to see how students were caught in their little bubble, ignoring the truths of life and choosing to see the false. She hated how everyone were living in an illusion that life would be a honeymoon ride with your loved ones!

But she knew...... She knew life didn't work that way. She had never experienced love at all. She hadn't had much time with her mother to know what love was. Her grandparents had little time with her while the rest only showed her hatred.

She was not new to a guy's attention. She had every guy's attention in her high school, but in the wrong way. They were just lust or just mere infatuation. The guys in her village were scared of her father so none of them approached her directly. Even her friends used her for their benefits and her marriage was a freaking business deal!

What was love?

Abhi was the only guy who managed to change her views about guys in that short period of time but even then, she didn't know much about him other than the short time they spend after college hours.  

Professor Asha was right! Dev Sharma was a freaking disease.... He was infecting her mind and thoughts. The more she thought about him, the more she found herself procrastinating in her studies. She sacrificed so much to come to London and didn't want everything to go as a waste.

She needed to study and that was her first priority!

Her decision was made!

With lots of willpower, she took out her phone and typed the message.

Sona : I am sorry to say this.... But I can't meet you anymore! Thanks for everything....and goodbye

Sent!

Sonakshi had never felt this relieved in her life. She was so pleased with herself for stating her decisions strongly. Now all she had to do was to concentrate on her studies. Just when she was about to turn away, her phone beeped.

Dev : What? Seriously? Are we back to that again?

Sonakshi rolled her eyes and replied him.

Sona: I can't keep meeting you, after knowing your intentions! 

Dev: And what are my intentions?

Sona: I would rather not reply that! Goodbye!

The minute she replied him, her phone started ringing. Frustrated with his childish attempts, she angrily answered the call.

"What do you want Dev? Can't you leave me alone? Have I not made myself clear to you? Why are you so adamant?" she pleaded.

"If you ask me so many questions at once, which one do I answer first?" he asked as she rolled her eyes.

"You know what I am saying..... I have already lots of problems to worry about. Don't pester me anymore. You need to forget this and move on. Just imagine that this date never happened. Let's pretend you never said anything."

"Pretend? Do you even hear yourself when you talk? I can't Sonakshi. I can't simply move on like how you expect me to... how can you say this so easily? I mean.... Why? I can't find a reason why you won't love me? Give me a proper reason!" he said as his voice was rough and stern.

"You promised me that you would leave me after this date! Now what are you doing?" she questioned angrily.

"I am trying Sona....but" He gritted as there was a painful sigh behind his tone, "I really don't want to give up.... I have never proposed to anyone in my life.....and you.....you are my first-"

"Enough Dev. Please I beg you. You need to seriously stop this. I have a feeling you are going to get both of us in trouble....."

"Sonakshi..... I am sorry but I don't think I can forget you.... I really love-"

"I am putting down the phone Dev! Please leave me...Bye!" she said and immediately disconnected the call.

She really didn't know what she was doing. Love can't be forced out from a person. She never felt those kind of feelings towards Dev ever... the kiss was a mistake and those close moments were her weakest moments. She had tried her best to avoid him in a nicest way possible but he wasn't having any of it. Now she had no choice. She had to be mean....she had to!

At one moment, all she felt was anger and disappointment but the next minute, her heart broke for him. Maybe a little....just little.

And that's when the phone started ringing again. She heard her heart beat in her ears. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as all she felt was anger.

"DEVVVVV" she answered furiously when she answered her call.

"Who's Dev?" Karthik's voice bloomed in confusion while Sonakshi froze.

All her anger faded away until it left a pit in her stomach. Blood drained out from her face. She slowly gulped her nervousness and tried to come up with a normal voice.

"Who's Dev Sonakshi?" his voice echoed again.

"D...Dev...I mean....M...mm...Mahadev (Lord Shiva)" she uttered as she heard Karthik grumbling.

"Are you praying or something?"

"Yeah...kind of" she said, praying that Karthik wouldn't find out anything suspicious.

"Anyways, why didn't you call me for so long?"

"I.... was having some projects Karthik.... I was busy. I am sorry..." she said as she tried to engage in a normal conversation with him. After all, she needed to bear his calls in order to survive in London for another few years. She had to try adapting to his weird ways of conversing, no matter how hard it was.

"Sona....your dad has lots of business deals in London. You know right?" he asked as Sona's eyes narrowed in confusion.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't pretend like you don't know..." he huffed.

"I really don't know what he does Karthik.... I know it's something illegal but...nothing in elaborate" Sonakshi said.

"Ermm....illegal, yes. But I never expected you to be so oblivious." He chuckled.

"He sends stuff outside India baby......even to London... he have clients there. So I was thinking......" his voice trailed as Sonakshi feared for the worst.

"Yes?"

"I am kind of missing you... You know it's almost 7 months..... so I wanted to follow his clients to London and visit you... maybe we can have some fun you know?"

Sonakshi felt like a pail of hot water was thrown onto her. Every inch of her skin burnt in fear and disgust. She knew what it meant if Karthik has to come down. Being with karthik alone would be her worst nightmare. All her options were shut and she felt like she couldn't breathe.

Dev's POV

Dev: Sonakshi are you there?

There was a long pause before her reply came.

Sona: I need some time alone. Please do not disturb me.

Dev: Wait.... I need to tell you something!

*Sonakshi is offline*

I threw my phone away and slumped on my bed with frustration. I just couldn't deal with this girl anymore. She drove me mad to a point where I just felt like kidnapping her and tying her down on my bed.

Why can't she just understand my feelings?

I have tried everything. This was who I am. Impatient and stubborn. I am not those lovey-dovey guy who plans a romantic date and does sweet talks but I even tried that... for her! Why wasn't she like normal girls? Why can't she just fall for me already?

Was she holding herself because of her fiancé? Or that bastard Abhi? Well, I don't know and I didn't want to know! All I wanted her to know was that I needed her! She had been driving me nuts and I wanted this feeling to end. Damn, this is no fun.

After lots of turmoil, I told her that I love her.... Trust me! That was the hardest thing I have ever done. Of course I have said a casual 'love you' to many girls, including my mum but that was different. It happened during the heat of the moment or the relationship was different. It didn't have any meaning back then.

But Sona was different. When I confessed to her, it felt like more than just three words. I didn't regret. It felt so right...... so right when the girl was Sonakshi. And what did she do? She ignored me! She fucking rejected me!!!!! I took lots of effort from my side and I can't believe she could say a no like that.

How dare she insult me? I have never been ignored in my life... So much of attitude! But nevertheless, she was going to be mine at the end of the day. If being a gentleman doesn't work....then I know what would.

A small smile crept through my face when the thought passed by.

Mine!

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

Today my brother was going to return from overseas so Arjun and I had to receive him from the airport. But as expected, the media people were all over the place and Arjun had a hard time handling them. Sometimes I just hated being so famous.... It came with a huge price!

"Hey bhai!!!!!!!!" Tarun screamed as he made his way out. My smile widened as I saw my brother coming out from the airport with his luggages.

He was a grown up muscular man, with good looking features and a great personality. He loved travelling and had lots of friends around him. Unlike me, Tarun was extremely pampered and playful child. Both my mother and I loved him so much that we never denied him anything for him.

Being the eldest child I worked hard in the company and gave my brother everything he wanted. No matter how much he grew up, he was still my baby brother.

"How was your journey bro?" I enquired as he slumped back on the car and started messaging someone in his handphone.

"It was great bhai! You should travel with me next time.... Italy was such a fun country!" he exclaimed as I chuckled.

"Yes please bring your brother somewhere! He is being a pain in the ass to everyone here" Arjun grunted as he settled the bags behind the car.

"Shut up Arjun! Don't worry Tarun. Let's plan a holiday soon... this time we shall bring mum with us too!" I giggled as his face paled.

"What??? Mum? No way! She would start world war 3 if she knew that I was hanging out with girls during the trip. You know about mum right? There would be no fun if she is there" Tarun spoke as I frowned.

"Why not? If you are dating a girl, mum would never oppose that!"

"Bro, you know everything is not just about dating right?" he asked as I stayed silent.

"There's something more fun than that?" Arjun interrupted.

"Of course Arjun bhai! If you want I can introduce some girls to you too" Tarun winked as Dev rolled his eyes.

"Don't spoil my friend Tarun." I said.

"What do you mean by spoil? I never had a life when I was with you! At least let him do something nice for me" Arjun growled.

The constant bickering between Arjun and Tarun didn't put my mind at ease, so finally I decided to ask Tarun what I had been thinking all the time.

"Tarun.... So that girl with you just now......in the airport......Um...you guys are just friends right? Or...."

"Of course not Dev bhai.... When has it been just friends? She was just a pastime till we were in Italy....." he huffed as I kept driving. I didn't say anything because I didn't know how to put it straight. Tarun had always been open to me about his girlfriends and life but sometimes, I just felt like he was taking things for granted. I didn't like how he was treating girls at his age. He needed to know how to get hold of things.

"What do you mean pastime? Is it like friends with benefits?" Arjun asked confusedly. I didn't know how he was still my friend!

"Partially yes.... It just means...... being your girlfriend temporarily!" Tarun winked as Arjun's jaw dropped.

"Tarun..... When are you going to find a girl and date seriously?" I asked. His hands stilled on his mobile phone while his gaze met mine.

"Why bhai? Did mum say anything? Come on..... You should get married first you know? Then I shall think about dating seriously. Until then, I want to enjoy my life" he winked

"Enjoy life means?" Arjun asked scratching his head.

"Means...................more temporary girlfriends" he said as both of them started laughing. I just shook my head tiredly.

When will he start taking life seriously?

*End of POV*

Few months passed...

"Sona...... you know how much I love him right?" Natasha asked while she was laying down on the sofa.

Sonakshi stared at her for some time and breathed in. She was getting tired of Natasha's whining all these days. She really felt sad for her but there was nothing that she could do to help her. She had more problems in her life then entertaining her friend.

"Nats, the examination fee payment's due date is next month 14th! Are you listening....." Sona said while Natasha was busy looking at her phone.

"Yaya I am.... I will pay the fees before that!" she huffed.

"Please don't forget it. I can't write my exams if you don't pay it on time..." Sona said but she wasn't sure if Natasha was listening or not.

Natasha had been trying to contact Dev for nearly a month while Dev royally ignored her. Sonakshi had tried her best to make Natasha understand that he wasn't good enough for her but Natasha was adamant. She was hell bent on making Dev Sharma to fall for her.

"If he really wants, he will call you Nats!" Sona said while cleaning the house.

But Natasha being Natasha, she decided to call Dev again. Sona gave her a look of sympathy as she hoped that Dev really answers her this time. She wanted Dev to at least answer Natasha and tell her off properly, instead of cutting her away abruptly. While Sonakshi was busy gazing at Natasha, her phone buzzed from another side.

"Hello?" she answered hastily but froze the moment she heard his voice.

"Sunshine....I missed you" Dev's voice brought an unknown fear in her heart. She quickly switched off her phone and looked around the house. Her palms started sweating while her gaze shifted to Natasha again.

"Sona!!!! I can't get through the line again..." her voice softened while she looked at her phone defeatedly.

"It's okay Nats, he must be busy!" Sonakshi mumbled as she clutched her phone tightly.

"Anyway.....who called you?" Natasha asked as Sonakshi inhaled a sharp breath.

"No one....just a wrong number"

"Ouh....Okay then. I guess I will try calling Dev after a few minutes...." Natasha said and walked inside her room.

The minute the door closed, Sona sat on the sofa with a thud. Her heart squeezed with guilt and pain. Karthik's phone calls, Dev's annoyance, Natasha's bickering and her exams were pressurizing her! Abhi was her only escape but even he was busy with studies recently.

After the date with Dev, she spoke to Abhi about all her feelings and fears. She explained how dangerous a relationship with her would be. Thankfully, Abhi didn't judge her or get upset. Instead he understood her feelings and her fear of her family. Abhi didn't ask her much as he didn't want to bother her more so he dropped the topic and started behaving casually. Sona was thankful that he understood her. She also told him that she rejected Dev and Abhi was more than happy to hear it. He assured her that he would be with her all the time.

The coffee shop became their usual spot and that became an addiction to Sonakshi. She started liking her time with Abhi. With him, she started experiencing things which she hadn't seen from her childhood. He was there when she needed someone the most, when she needed a listening ears....and a good friend. He valued Sonakshi so much that it created a respect in her heart. He made her believe that he would find a way to help her escape from the disastrous marriage which was planned.

She believed him.

She trusted him.

She respected him.

And just like that, the respect on him increased everyday...

But life isn't like how we plan....

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

It was a tiring day for Sonakshi at school. Studies were getting tougher and she couldn't deal with the amount of stress they were giving. She had to study late hours and fear of failing the exams increased. Wrapping up her work she started walking out of school. Abhi was too busy these days to accompany her so she decided to walk alone on the quiet street. She enjoyed travelling alone as it gave her the opportunity to clear her mind.

That day the weather was horrible and she decided to use the longer way to get home. The cold onshore breeze blew right through Sona's sweater and she bowed her head to one side, closing her lashes to keep out the harsh sting. The dampness of the road was making its way through her skinny jeans while she hugged her knees close. Her hair fell loose on her face, tousled and tangled. Under the fading sun it appeared brown as the honey blonde streaks lost to the night.

But that night wasn't a peaceful one anymore.

A huge car screeched and stopped beside her. Sonakshi tried to ignore it but the moment Dev walked out, her whole body trembled. He walked fiercely and blocked her way near the roadside. She hadn't seen him for nearly a month and she was struck again anew by his fierce looks. His brows creased and face tensed.

"You have been ignoring me?" was the first words that came out from his lips. Sonakshi stood still, digesting the fact that he was still in front of her. She didn't know what to feel but her mind was clear.

"You have been ignoring Natasha's calls too!" She answered firmly as she saw his jaws clenching.

"Natasha isn't someone important to me!" he retorted.

"So are you! You are not important to me too!"

"What has Natasha got to do with you ignoring me? I don't see a link..."

"Oh yes I am sure you don't! You know how upset she was? She was devastated and hurt when you didn't pick up her calls.... The way she tried to hide her disappointment was so damn painful to watch! Why did you give her hopes in the first place?" Sonakshi's teeth chattered while she took in his disheveled appearance.

"What the hell Sona?" his voice sent shivers down her spine while he gripped her shoulders.

"OH MY GOODNESS.....DEV SHARMA! Is that really you???? I can't believe this" a few girls walking on the road nearby ran towards them. They already had their phones in their hands while they were secretly capturing Dev's pictures.

Sonakshi took this as a good opportunity to leave, but Dev immediately clutched her wrists and pulled her closer to him.

"Don't touch me!" she spat but he ignored and pulled her away.

"Dev....can we take a picture with you pleaseeeeeeeee" the girls started pleading as Dev just gave them a warm smile.

"Sorry... I am rushing somewhere urgently girls. Not now...." He replied softly while Sonakshi was shocked with his sudden change in behavior. Without wasting any time, he dragged Sona to the nearest sheltered-booth and held her close.

"Sona....listen to me please"

"No Dev. You have to understand this.... No matter how much you plead, my mind is not going to change. Just like how you can't accept Nats, I can't accept you! Why can't you just make this easier for us?" Sona sighed tiredly.

"Is it because of that coward boyfriend of yours?" he asked as she gulped.

"You have no rights to talk about Abhi like that!"

"Leave that guy Sona!"

"You can't order me like that! And don't hold me like this.... Let go!" she struggled and he took a sharp breath.

"You-" he jerked her closer and a gasp left her lips. "-are mine", he completed as his voice was low and dangerous. It scared her because the seriousness in her eyes wasn't a lie. And that was the moment she realized how scary he was. She wasn't the brave girl anymore. She felt like the same coward-Sonakshi back again.

"You.....need to go away..." she stuttered.

Dev moved closer to her and cupped her face tenderly. "I have tried sunshine.... This one month, I tried so hard to forget and move on but I just can't. Every time I see a girl, I am reminded of you! In fact, in this one month, I realized how significant you became in my life... I don't know what this feeling is. You can call it madness, obsession or anything you want. But I really, really need you!" Dev spoke as he moved closer so that their lips were only inches away.

Sonakshi stood frozen on her spot. She fisted her palms hard, feeling dominated by his strong presence. She didn't know what to do to make him understand. The weather was adding up to her misery as she unconsciously clutched her jacket closer to her body. That's when she saw a small smile on his lips.

"Why are you smiling?" she asked as he looked down at her.

"You are still wearing my jacket you know?" he smirked while she shivered, "Did you think about me when you wore this?" he huskily whispered.

"No....I......I.....um...don't have any other jackets" she said looking at the ground, embarrassed with her confession. Dev lifted her chin by his forefinger.

"I can provide you with natural warmth for your entire life..." he winked causing Sona's eyes to pop out of their sockets. He bit his lower lip and tried to control his laughter but failed miserably. Sona shook her head and looked away. He will never change.

"Bless my ears." She mumbled under her breath.

"I heard that!" he said and she rolled her eyes.

"Saw that eye roll too!" he chuckled.

"Okay, are you done? Because I have to leave..." Sonakshi said, ignoring the nervousness in her heart.

"I want to talk to your fiancé" he suddenly spoke and her eyes widened.

"What? Are you crazy?" she gasped.

"Yes I am....I know that bastard is your fucking problem right now! Don't worry, I will deal with him in my way.... Just give me his number!"

"No way... I can't Dev. He will kill you! You have no idea how dangerous he is" Sona panicked but before she could complete, Dev grabbed the phone from her hand and scrolled through her call log.

"I am sure you have his number here right?" he asked as Sonakshi jumped and reached for his hands. But before she could reach his phone, his hands wrapped around her waist and he pulled her closer.

"Stop!" she tried.

"Give me a kiss and I can think about it!" he said as she clicked her teeth in annoyance.

"If you do this, I will hate you more than I am hating your right now!" she gritted.

"You already hate me.... So this doesn't make a difference. Come on........ I am waiting" he said tightening her grip.

"If you are thinking I would listen to you....then you are wrong! I would ne-"

"So....it's Karthik right? Yea.... Found it!" he said as blood drained from Sona's face. Her lips trembled and eyes became moist.

"Please don't......... don't hurt me...." She spoke as Dev's eyes immediately softened. His grip on the phone loosened while he held her closely.

"Sona.... I will die before I hurt you" he spoke as her eyes locked with his. Sonakshi couldn't deny the butterflies in her stomach while they shared a brief eye-lock.

"Tell me that you love me.....I just want to hear it once........even when it's fake" Dev said softly as she blinked at him. Was he serious? His face was so close to her while the sound of the cars blocked any other thoughts running in her mind.

"I don't think...." As Sona's voice trailed, Dev left her and started walking behind on the road. Her breathing got hitched as her hands weren't fast enough to pull him back. The cars were driving from every direction and Dev didn't seem to mind. He kept moving behind...

"Tell me Sona..."

"Dev this is not funny!" Sona said as the bag from her hand dropped and she moved forward. Her heartbeat fastened when she realized what he was doing.

"Oh god no....."

"Come on Sona.....you can do it baby" he shouted as he just missed a car hitting him. She flinched as she felt like a pail of cold water was splashed on her. Tears flowed through Sonakshi's cheek as fear consumed her entire body.

"Devvv..." she swallowed as her heart thudded loudly against her ribcage. She couldn't speak further when she saw a car driving at an insane speed towards him.

"DEVVV please.... Stop. Fine I love you!!!!!! Please come back!" she screamed at the top of her voice.

She could predict that he heard it because his eyes lightened up. He stopped moving further and looked at his sideways carefully to check the cars. He jumped away from the dangerous road and stared at the traumatized girl. He knew that he took a stupid decision, but what could he do? Love makes everyone stupid.

Without delay, he rushed his way towards Sonakshi and engulfed her shivering body into a hug.

"Idiot! I hate you" she chided as she cried on his chest. She still couldn't come out from the trauma he gave her. Dev regretted it the most but the selfish part of him, knew that he was just doing fine! He held her tightly and kissed her on her forehead.

The situation was so serious. Both of them were indulged in their own miseries, problems and banters. They were fighting like kids, but for people who were watching it, it looked like a friendly banter. Maybe more than a friendly.....a cute banter!

They were so busy fighting, hugging, crying, blaming and screaming that none of them realized that a pair of eyes was watching them from far.

A pair of eyes.....burning in rage.......eyes that could destroy the life of Sonakshi's forever.....

Natasha....

****************

Precap : Natasha's angry avatar!

Target : 340

Thanks for the immense support. I will be going on a long holiday, will try to update the next chapter soon❤️