"Why am I not surprised?" she rolled her eyes and he immediately hugged her. Sonakshi was taken aback by his sudden move. She stood frozen by his side when he tightened the hug.

"You are going to be the death of me Sona!"

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

"Leave me...." She gently pulled away from the hug.

"Why?"

"What are we even doing...I am so damn tired of this Dev." Sonakshi said and Dev frowned at her.

"I don't get what you are saying...."

"I am saying...that this," she pointed towards the space between them, "Has to stop!" she said sternly.

"And what's this?".

"This hugging or kissing can't continue. You have to understand Dev.... I am still depressed and all this isn't helping me!" she said and sat on the bench.

"But you seemed to be comfortable?"

"Because I am dumb! Okay? I am truly dumb.... Whenever someone hugs me, I become paralysed. For now, I just need to be away from all guys. Especially you" she said which made Dev just shook his head.

The silence caressed her skin like a cool summer breeze, smoothing her soul, taking away her jagged edges. It had been one hell of a rough day and being with Dev only made it worse for her. She couldn't even figure out what she was feeling. Angry, terrified or sad.....she didn't know. It was like a mixture of emotions.

"You are scared..." he said, taking a seat next to hers'.

Sonakshi's eyes widened. Her head snapped in an instant and faced him surprisingly.

"What?"

"I said.... You are scared"

"Did I say something loud?"

"No..... I just guessed that."

"Scared of what?"

"You are scared of feeling scared. You are terrified about developing feelings towards anyone. Be it friendship or love. You are too soft to even hurt people. Maybe all you need is someone to roughen you up"

"You know something? I am a doctor.... I am not so stupid okay. Sometimes you make me feel like I don't even understand my own self and you are the one who's teaching me every single feeling." She vented as he just smiled at her.

"I didn't say you were stupid...." He bumped her shoulders playfully.

"I know... it's just......"

"Don't think too much. I know you are hurt and you are trying to come out from it... but before you leave this house, I want you to become strong. Not physically, but mentally." he winked.

Taking his things from the floor, he walked quietly towards the house. But before his figure could fade away, Sonakshi's voice hit his ears.

"Sorry Dev..."

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

Next day was a hard day for Sona. She gave up on the idea of learning how to fight but she really loved the way Dev taught her defence. He made it seem like fighting wasn't really a difficult job after all. He tried building the confidence in her and she really appreciated his help.

She didn't know when she was going to leave him....but before she left, she had to build back her confidence. She had to do something to escape her horrifying life in India.

She finished her practical classes and rushed out to check the anatomy models. When she was about to leave the operating room, she was blocked by a huge frame. The moment she looked up, words chocked in her mouth.

Abhi...

She was dumbfounded to have seen him again. She tried her best to avoid him fir the past two days, but she wasn't lucky after all. He was finally here and she had to face him. She didn't know what to feel about Abhi though.

She couldn't ignore the spark that she once felt for him. She couldn't just throw that away.... She didn't know what others called that. They may call it anything. It could have been infatuation or attraction. But to her, it meant something and Abhi destroyed it.

It was one of the reason why she never believed in love. The more she tried to find genuine love, the more she failed. This time, she had no one to blame but herself for trusting Abhi..... what if she had just died the night? Would he have left her alone?

Probably yes....

And just like that, he gave her one more reason to not believe in love.

"Sona.........are you okay?" Abhi asked shaking her shoulders lightly.

"Yes I am alive now. Thanks for your concern Abhi.... I need to leave" she answered bluntly and pushed pass him. But before she could take a few steps, Abhi pulled her back.

"Sona....wait. are you angry at me? Look... what could I do at that point? I wasn't even at home. I was at my relative's house and we had a gathering there. Wouldn't my parents panic if I leave them suddenly? And my place was extremely far from Dev's residence. Even if I had decided to come, it would have taken an hour or more. That's why I asked you to adjust. What's wrong with that?" he heaved a heavy breath.

"What's wrong? What if I had died that night? Would you still come up with excuses to say why you weren't there?" she retorted.

"But nothing happened to you right? I would have definitely came if I knew the seriousness of the situation Sona.... Please trust me. I am sorry" he begged.

Sonakshi didn't know what to say. She was disturbed and she didn't want Abhi to confuse her more. She was scared that if she kept standing there, she would be convinced by his talks. She was frightened that her stupid heart would betray her and just the thought of that, made her shiver.

"Abhi please......... for god's sake. Leave me alone for some time. I can't deal with so many things. Go back to your classes." She tried to free her hands from his but Abhi looked desperate.

"Sona, I love you so much. You know that right? I have even told my parents about you.....and guess what? They too want to meet you. I have been trying hard to open matters at home Sona. That's the reason I wasn't with you..... I am sorry. Please don't be mad."

"Abhi, my dad has asked me to come back to India...... there's nothing I can do now. I have to return in another two weeks....... I..... Just leave please. You deserve someone better" she whimpered, pulling her hands away.

If she thought that she was hurt before, then the feeling now was worse. She thought she was strong enough to overcome her feelings for Abhi. But seeing him in person made it so difficult for her to move on. This was the time she truly missed having a friend.

"Are you fucking serious? You can't leave like that Sonakshi. I love you! I always have" Abhi screamed, attracting the attention from the nearby students.

Sonakshi felt crushed and ashamed. The look on his face somehow bothered her too much. She felt like she was a murderer for accusing Abhi. She couldn't judge him from one incident, but things cannot be complicated. If she accepts Abhi again, it would be a huge mistake because there's no way Abhi would survive her father's attacks.

"Reality is far more scarier than what you have dreamt of Abhi..... We came up with too many plans to escape my cruel fate. But it won't work..... They have spies around me and if you try anything, they will harm your life."

"So what? Not like I care.... And I don't think your pathetic family cares about you that much! London police are more powerful than what you think. If your father is threatening you, then come with me. Let's file a case together and get married right now! I will bring you to my parents place and you will be safe there. We can apply for a joint loan and you can still continue studying........."

Dread and nausea curled in her stomach at the thought of imagining Abhi's idea becoming reality. She wished it hadn't affected her but a part of her wondered whether he really meant what he'd said.

"Abhi....this is-"

"I am really serious Sonakshi.... You said that I wasn't there for you right? Fine, I will prove you now! Come with me and let's get married" he said with an authoritative tone. Sonakshi looked at him with wide eyes and shook her head. 

"You don't need anymore protection. Just come with me and I will prove you that I can save you with all my life." He said with desperation and pain in his voice.

Sonakshi felt her eyes blurring with tears. She looked around and saw a group of girls staring at her. She still had two hours of classes left so she decided to dodge Abhi for that moment.

"Abhi, I have a class next. I need to leave. Please excuse me!"

"No Sona, you don't get to leave me without giving me an answer. Yes or no?"

"Yes or no to what?" she shrieked.

"Marriage?"

"What is wrong with you Abhi? Why are you suddenly rushing for marriage..... you used to say that you weren't ready last time?"

"Because you don't have a place to stay currently and you won't stay with me if we aren't married right?......... that's why I am asking for marriage. Just imagine Sona, your whole life will get spoilt if you leave London. You struggled almost a year for this. Don't tell me you want to give up this dream!"

"Abhi....I..."

"Take your hands of her dude!" someone's voice echoed behind and Sonakshi was astonished to see Arjun there.

What was he doing in her college?

"Who the hell are you to tell me that?" Abhi sneered.

"I am her.....um....friend" Arjun said, raising his eyebrows.

"Sorry we are having a conversation here! Come back later"

"I don't think she looks like she wants to talk to you. So back off and leave her alone!" Arjun said in an intimidating voice. This time Abhi was really furious. He pulled Sonakshi closer towards him and glared at Arjun. 

"If you are not leaving her, then I may need to raise my hands on you dude" Arjun said moving forward. His hands raised and clutched Abhi's collars.

This time, Abhi gulped and reluctantly left Sonakshi's hands.

"Sona let's leave..." Arjun convinced and gently pulled her away. Sonakshi's feet were glued to the floor. She felt too overwhelmed with the situation that she was afraid of falling down if she walked further.

"Sonakshi..... I will be waiting for you later. Please come back..... I love you" Abhi screamed again, making Sona numb.

His words rocked her mind, leaving it moving in foreign ways. Ways that she have become unaccustomed to. It was just an echo, but one with the power to tear down walls that she had built high and deep all these years.

Without another word, Arjun pulled her away and walked her out of the main exit. Sonakshi immediately got inside the car behind him and started crying.

"God! Stop crying.... He's gone and there's no need to panic over his small threats" Arjun said in a robotic tone.

"What else do you think needs to happen? It's all over! I am sooo damned...." She wailed. Her hairs covered her face when she sobbed.

"Hey come on, it's not your fault. When there's a beautiful woman, lots of man will queue for them. You can't help it sometimes Sona...." Arjun sighed.

"I think I judged Abhi too fast........"

"WHAT?" Arjun gasped.

"I need to give him a chance to explain himself..."

"Tell me that you are not going to fall in that trap again!"

"It's not a trap Arjun..... He's as human as you guys. Why would he lie to me?..... Maybe that night he was really busy. He had spent his time convincing his parents.... I can't be so selfish and expect him to save me from trouble all the time......" Sona screamed.

"Dev won't like this..." Arjun mumbled softly.

"I know..... But it's not his life either. He is going to find his wife soon right? So what's the point.... He will get married and move on but me? I can't be staying in his house and live as a burden.... I am going to regret this chance if I lose Abhi like this!" she said between her sobs.

Arjun blinked repeatedly to register her words. She clearly knew what she was getting into and she was ready for it. He was glad that he came there before Dev to manage this situation. If it had been Dev, then Abhi would have been buried alive under the school compound.

"If you would just accept Dev.... Then things could have been easier! Don't you think so"

"I wish it was that easy..... but how do I accept Dev when I don't even love him? I respect him..... I do like him as a person.... But there's no love!"

"You are fooling yourself Sona-"

"Please Arjun..." she pleaded and Arjun decided to keep quiet.

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

Arjun and Sonakshi walked inside Dev's house. As they entered Sona spotted Asha serving food to both her son and a few more friends joining them. The hall was crowded with friends and relatives of Dev. They looked like classy people from different countries... The entire house was on a festive mode. There were colourful trays arranged in the centre of the hall. Dev and Tarun were already digging into their food while the servants brought plates with sweets and settled on the table at the hall.

Light shone into the grey painted room through the sashed windows that left some fresh air inside the house. Sonakshi looked around and felt stunned with the sudden change in their house. Once Asha saw them coming in, she walked towards Sona with a smile.

"Hey.... Finally, you guys are back! Have your classes finished Sona?" Asha asked as her eyes narrowed. She knew that Sonakshi's classes had to be longer than that. Seeing Sonakshi at home earlier, made her worried.

"No...actually I wasn't feeling well. So, I had to return earlier..." Sona said and Dev instantly raised his head towards her.

"What happened?" he asked with a straight face.

"Nothing Dev.... Now can you guys just eat so that we can leave earlier. We are getting late" Arjun interrupted eyeing Dev.

"Where are you all going?" Sonakshi quickly asked Asha.

"Oh that..." Asha shook her head tiredly, "Didn't Arjun tell you? Finally this house is going to be filled with some girls. I am so tired of dealing with guys all the time...." she laughed.

"Oh..." Sona mumbled awkwardly.

"Yea.... We are going to see a bride for my handsome son-"

"Okay that's enough now" Arjun interrupted and covered Asha mouth. The entire crowd in the hall started laughing at that.

Sona looked at Dev, but he was busy typing in his phone. She could see the smile in Asha's face. She was extremely happy...... she understood Arjun wasn't lying or pranking the day before. They were really going to meet a girl's family that day. There was a sinking feeling in her heart. She couldn't understand why Dev asked her to marry him when his family has already selected a girl for him?

She silently walked towards the kitchen when Dev walked in behind her.

"Is everything okay? Did something happen in the college?" Dev questioned.

"Why didn't you tell me that your mum already chose a bride for you?" she snapped, and Dev was taken aback.

He was stunned for a moment after analysing her face.

"What?"

"You could have told me that they were selecting a bride for you right? Why did you unnecessarily propose to me yesterday huh? So if I had said yes, you could bullied me after that...right?" she asked angrily while Dev just stood with a straight face.

"No" he answered calmly.

"What no?"

"I wouldn't have done that. If you had said yes... I would have definitely married you the next second" he replied. Sonakshi was even more stunned with his reply. She didn't know what he was even thinking about himself. Anger rose inside her, as all she felt was frustration.

"What about this bride hunt then?"

"Look, from start.... You didn't tell me a proper decision. So, I just let my mum do her work. It's not my bloody fault okay"

"Yea whatever" Sona said and faced away. She had a hard time finding a glass in that kitchen. She was so distracted with the conversation till she didn't realise that she was clumsily going to throw a spoon in the dustbin.

Dev walked closer and held her shoulder from behind. Sona tensed but she didn't turn.

"Tell me one word. Just one word and this entire thing will be cancelled..... do you want to marry me?"

Her emotions swirled like ocean currents, deep and strong. Her heartache was like a glove of ice, encasing her heart like the cage keeps a tropical bird. Her heart longed to fly again, to stretch it's wings and soar, and see the vast possibilities of life laid out before her. But it stayed locked up in it's frozen prison, afraid to pick the lock or try to break the bars.

"I......no" she looked down, embarrassed at her own coward self.

"There you go! You have a bloody unstable life and a pathetic family. But your ego is so great that you won't just let anyone help you. You know what? I am sick and tired....... This is getting too annoying. If you are planning to act like a great saint and damage your life, then go ahead! Who the hell am I to stop you......" he whisper-yelled as Sona gasped.

Her eyes were wide and hands flew to her chest. Dev's words were harsher than his anger.

"You have your own answers Sonakshi..... Sit back down and see your life getting destroyed. I have tried my best" he spat and walked out.

Sonakshi eyes brimmed with tears. His voice still echoed in her ears even after he left. She clutched the counter and held herself from falling down.

'Sit back down and see your life getting destroyed. I have tried my best'

Living with vulnerability was the worst thing on earth. All her life, she had been running away. Running, screaming, crying and watching cruelty. Sometimes.....almost all the time, she wondered how it would be to have friends, to scream in happiness and live like a normal young girl. But unfortunately, there was a seventy year old woman trapped inside her body, not letting herself to explore the happiness outside.

Dev was indeed right. She was seeing her life getting destroyed right infront of her eyes. But she felt that it was better than seeing someone else dying for the cost of her mistake.

"Sona darling... do you want to follow us?" Asha's sudden voice interrupted her thoughts. Sona didn't know when she walked inside the kitchen.

"Um....no it's okay." Her voice was dull and she quickly wiped her tears. Asha's face changed.

"What's wrong dear..... is there something I should know?"

"No. nothing.... I am just not well. Plus I have a test tomorrow. Need to study for it"

"Are you worried about the test you failed in?" Asha asked caressing her face. Sona's face filled with grief. She couldn't even look at the eyes of Asha. She was guilty..... guilty of a crime that she never committed.

"No.... it's just........ I need some time alone." Sona spoke as Asha just nodded.

"Don't worry. I am always here if you want to speak. Okay?" Asha asked as Sona forced a faint smile.

Everyone were finally prepared to leave the house. Sona couldn't understand why everyone were so hyped about seeing the bride. It looked like they were all prepared for the wedding instead of a small function. She just stood outside and saw them leaving the house.

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

There were two cars split between Dev's uncle family and friends. Dev had only one paternal uncle who resided in London. He was the only advisor and family they had. He was the most jovial and funny person.

As the car moved Dev's uncle started cracking jokes. Arjun was driving the car while Dev just remained quiet beside him.

Dev was in deep thoughts about his anger towards Sonakshi. Something didn't feel right. He shouldn't have thrown words on her face like that. She was already stressed up and he made it worse. He knew that she was sensitive....yet he gave her another reason to hate him.

Arjun noticed Dev's face dropping and tapped him on the shoulder.

"What?" Dev grunted as he was annoyed with Arjun's jokes.

"Stop thinking about Sona for now..... at least for me and your mother's sake!"

"I am not thinking about her! She is no fucking queen! Why would I give so much importance to her when there are thousands of girl behind me? She is destroying my mind..... such an annoying girl" he groaned in frustration and Arjun immediately smiled.

"Chill dude.... I get it. But what can you do when she's really in love with another guy?"

"Yea with that pathetic boytoy! Wonder what black magic he did... such an ass!"

"Remember that you were the one who were chasing her. When I warned you, you never listened and said that you loved challenges. What happened now? When things are not happening your way, you are getting pissed? You can't blame her for her mistakes.... She is suffering the most amount of pain amongst us right now."

"You don't support her Arjun! You don't know shit about situation..."

"Leave her then! Just like how you used to throw all the previous girls.... Throw her out and she will leave you forever! What's so difficult here?" Arjun snorted as Dev fumed at him.

"You know why she's important right?" Dev asked, and Arjun's face immediately changed.

"You won't-"

"I am."

"I pity Sonakshi though........ she wouldn't understand why you are doing this. At the end of the day, it's all going kill her. Because everyone's using her for their own benefit! Including you..."

"Shut up and drive. One more word.... And you are going to land in an accident!" Dev warned, and Arjun immediately kept quiet.

"What are you guys talking about?" Dev's uncle suddenly intruded.

"Nothing mamaji... we were just discussing how the bride should be" Dev said while Arjun stifled his laughter.

"Awww as long as she's like Asha, I am satisfied!" he said as they finally reached the destination.

"Yea.... My mother is the best. I would approve any girl like her." Dev's smile widened as he threw a flying kiss to his mother through the front mirror.

"Aww... She is my mum too. Right Asha maa?" Arjun frowned.

"Of course! You are always my first child Arjun........ my favourite out of the three" Asha laughed.

"Noooo I am mum's favourite" Tarun hugged her from behind and everyone started laughing.

Sona's POV

The headache was getting worse and I couldn't concentrate on my books anymore. I wished I could talk to Dev right now.... I am sure I had hurt him too much. I just want to apologize and see him smile again. I hated it when he's angry. He had never spoken to me so angrily before.

From his point of view, he was totally right. He's been trying his best all the time...but I had never reciprocated his love back. I was so dumb and selfish. I was just emotionally blind to everything and it wasn't fair to anyone.

Today, everyone looked so happy and normal. I can't imagine everyone looking this happy if they were coming to meet my family. I owe Dev and his family a lot.... I can't even imagine anything happening to them.

Even Dev looked like he was okay with moving on with another girl. This should be it. He would eventually be over me. I just hoped he did...

I walked around the house like a ghost. It was so empty and huge. I wondered how long it took for them to build such a huge house. Dev's room was my favourite though... he had a beautiful balcony behind which had an angelic view.

However, all these days, I acted like I was least interested because I didn't want to give Dev more hopes. I hated going inside his room and facing him after knowing his intentions. Hurting him was the last thing I wanted to do...

I walked slowly towards his room and opened it. I was surprised that it wasn't locked like the last time....I mean who locks their room door? I just wanted to stand near his balcony and stare at the view outside. But before I could reach there, I tripped over his coffee table making me land on my knees.

I winced as the sharp edges of the table cut my fingers. A huge folder fell down next to me, making the papers scatter on the floor.

"Oh god..." I mumbled softly trying to pick up the papers.

But the next thing I saw, made my breath hitch on my throat. My eyes enlarged, and fear gripped my chest. I tried reading it again and again but the contents didn't change. My heart started aching as every sentence in that document made sense.

A lone tear traced down my cheek, and just like that, the floodgates opened. This isn't the truth... I tried telling myself, but the truth was staring at me right on my face. I wiped my tears and stood up.

I started searching his table and bed but there was nothing I could find to prove my doubts.

I tried opening the wardrobe but to my dismay, it required a password. Now I understood why he was so secretive..... I quickly shut it and turned to the file on the study area. There was a large file with a lock in it. I didn't care anymore..... I took a sharp object nearby and started breaking that lock. After a few minutes of attempt, it opened. I hastily opened the file and saw the picture of a beautiful girl.

My heart constricted in my chest as I quickly folded it and shoved in inside my pocket.

I kept reading the contents inside and grief started filling my heart. Why haven't I seen through him? Why? How was this possible? Dev.....the person whom I thought was my saviour wasn't really a saviour. He was someone else...

Why did he do this? Why me?

It is a cruelty of life that a heart can keep on beating even after it has been broken in two. It can feel as though it is being gripped in an ice-cold vice and ache as if it will implode in your chest, but still the lup-tup sound continues.

"Excuse me mam, you aren't supposed to enter Sir's room" a stern voice came from the door and I stood numb.

Nothing can shock me anymore. Nobody can fool me.... This was it. If he was playing a game with my feelings, then I will show him what I can do!

I slowly gave a forced smile to the servant outside and left the room as fast as I could. Dev's room was left in a mess, but I didn't care. I was least bothered about him finding out right now. I ran towards the place where the house phone was placed and called the only number I remembered at the moment.

"Hello" the voice answered, and I inhaled a sharp breath.

I can do this....

"Abhi.....let's meet tomorrow at 10"

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

Be prepared to see a big turn in the story. Sona's life is going to take a huge turn from here and it's going to become a 360 degree change.

What do you think she saw in the file?

I have started my Clinic trials from last week so it's taking me long to write updates. I hope that I do good justice to this story by the time it ends.... 

After two more updates, it's gonna enter the phase 2! Get ready for an hectic ride :)

Comment!!!!🙏🏻