Dev's POV

I walked back home in a dilemma. Part of me was dancing in happiness while another part of me was just feeling numb. I was happy when I heard Sonakshi's voice after three freaking months. Those three months were worse than the three years of separation we went through.

But the happiness was not long-lasting because Sonakshi didn't even recognise me.

Damn....That's cruel. I would have been happier if she has given me two slaps instead. I wasn't expecting her to forget me though. God why me???

When I reached my house, I stopped and looked at it like I didn't recognise the place anymore. How long has it been since I came here? It was strange, being here again after so long. I spent too long in my office and hospital that I almost forgot that I had a house here. Despite the time I had been away, I still remembered everything about the place. The same place where I abandoned her...

The blue rose plant planted by Sonakshi in the front yard, the soft tinkling of the wind chimes that reminded me of windy evenings, when me and Sonakshi would sit in the balcony and have our cup of coffee, the fresh smell of winter where Sona loved to sit and wait for me....all these memories were worse than death. The blue paint had faded since the last time I had last seen it, but I still recognized it. It looked like the colour of the sky before a bad storm.

Everything was there except Sona.... I missed the days when she used to come running down just to welcome me back from office. It was such a lovable gesture. The times when I was embraced in her tight hug, the way she scolded me when I returned late, the way she claimed my love..... I missed everything. Now, without her, it didn't feel like home. It just felt like another hotel.

I walked down, drowning in my own thoughts when I heard someone clear their throat. I looked up and was shocked to see my mother sitting near the dining table. She was seated there amidst the darkness with a small lamp which showed her restless face. I tried to walk away ignoring her, but it was too late.

"Dev.... Please stop. I want to talk to you. Just once. Please....listen to me once. Let me explain myself to you at least one. We never had a heart to heart conversation ever. You just accused me and went off. Don't I get a chance to explain myself?" she asked as my anger was building up vigorously. It was like a volcano erupting.

"I don't have the time for you anymore and I don't think you deserve any chance to explain yourself." I said rudely.

There wasn't any guilt or hurt in me. There was just fire.... The fire which was ready to burn down every single person who came in front of me.

"Dev.... Just once please..." she pleaded as I turned and looked at her.

"You have five minutes to explain yourself." I spoke calmly while she looked at me like she was offended. Nevertheless, she continued.

"Dev.... Look, three years back, I got to know that you were in love with Sonakshi through Nisha. Your mami and I already had dreams to marry you with Nisha. After finding out that you were in love with someone else, we were shocked. We tried to manipulate Sonakshi to leave you.....I agree the path we took was wrong. I am totally ashamed for what I did. But I just thought that you guys were immature at that age and the love.........was all just infatuation. I thought.........you would get over it and move on in your life." She paused. Half of her story was already enough for me to lose my temper. But I still waited for her to continue.

"But after you came back, we kind of gave in to you.....right? We succumbed to your wishes, Dev. We are not that mean. I was never after her life. I agree that I tried to separate the both of you. I created the doubt in your mind....It's true that I wanted you to separate from her. But I swear I wasn't after her life. Please forgive me Dev. I heard she is awake now..... Please let me see her once and ask for her forgiveness..... Please don't punish me like this Dev. I can't take your silence anymore.... It's killing me." she cried as I stood still, absorbing her long story.

"What? Punish you? Which punishment are you talking about? I am not even punishing you yet... And what else did you say? You were never after her life? What about the time you poured the oil in the kitchen? Did you even realize how dangerous that injury could have been... Can you imagine anyone doing that to Neha?...............Did you say you agreed to my wishes suddenly? It was ME who stubbornly married Sonakshi. You were never by my side! NEVER. You hated her with passion! And....you destroyed eventually destroyed her!" I snapped, taking her by surprise.

"Dev-"

"And yes thankfully she is awake, but guess what? She has completely forgotten you. So, don't worry.... Your cruelties won't be in her memory anymore.... All thanks to you and your gang! And lastly, you are not allowed anywhere near my wife! Get that?" I spat harshly and walked to my room.

I walked to my room and looked around. It felt empty. It felt as if the years have passed and the only memories of the house were horrible nightmares. Sona's pain, tears and agony were all that I saw. I didn't see her smiles. Instead, I saw her tears. I didn't hear her giggles... I heard her screams.

I didn't want to step in this house anymore. This house was the place that played a huge role in our ruin. This house destroyed my Sona. She had struggled so much to get out of the dark phase in her life. But what did she get in return? This misery? It was not fair. She didn't deserve any of this. I wanted her back. Her normal self.

I will bring you back Sonakshi...

*End of POV*

Two days passed. Dev visited Sonakshi in the hospital. He tried to have a normal conversation with her. But Sonakshi didn't even have an eye contact with him. She was too self-conscious and fearful. She only talked to Asha and Pooja freely.

Pooja brought Ayaan with her and surprisingly, she was able to connect with the kid more easily. One evening, Jatin walked in to her ward and sat down in the chair near to hers.

"Hi.... These are for you!" he said giving her the flowers that she used to like.

"Hello....thank you." She said as she took the flowers and placed them near her bed.

"Hmm....I have been visiting you for some time... Guess you know my name? " he grinned as she stared at him curiously.

"J...Jatin...right?"

"Yes....actually..........I have a secret to tell you. Actually, it's more of your secret." He said as her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"What's that?"

"You remember...you stole an expensive chocolate from a shop when you were twelve? Then you stole your mother's savings just to pay back the shopkeeper?" Jatin asked as Sonakshi's eyes widened.

"How.....d...do you know?" she gasped as she pointed a finger at him.

"You told me.... You know, I didn't even share this with Pooja till now! I am just wondering... She is your best friend, right? Why didn't you tell her about this?" he asked putting his fingers under his chin.

"God...She will definitely blow it up to my mother one day. That's why I never told her... And I am still confused at how you knew these things. I didn't even write this in my diary." she pouted, making Jatin laugh.

"Be my friend again.... And I promise that I will keep this as a secret forever!" he winked and negotiated. Seeing him, Sonakshi smiled.

"And how can I trust you?" she asked.

"You can give it a try?" he smiled as he forwarded his pinkie-finger.

She smiled and forwarded her finger slowly. She still couldn't move her hands and legs freely like she used to. So Jatin woke up and extended his hands into for a firm handshake. Jatin was happy that she was at least trying to get comfortable with everyone. Unlike two days back, she did not jump and get scared whenever she saw random strangers entering her room.

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

"NOOOOO" Sonakshi screamed as Asha glared at her.

"Sonakshi.... This is my last warning to you. Now stop acting like a child and behave like a matured adult. I am trying my best to be patient and here you are, testing my patience." Asha huffed in annoyance at a trembling Sonakshi.

Finally, Sonakshi was discharged from the hospital after one week of observation. After completing lots of procedures and on her insistence, she was moved to her parents' house in Delhi. But for the past one hour, she was adamant that she wouldn't move in with Dev and Asha was getting irritated by her behaviour.

Dev was totally heart broken. But he knew that she wasn't in her normal state. She was totally lost. To her, he was completely a stranger and she felt frightened even to be accompanied by him. He tried talking to her. But Sonakshi just kept denying him. Her face gave him a pleading look that made his heart sink. He had no heart to force her so he just sat in the corner, waiting for everyone to take a decision.

"Maa.....Please understand. I want to see baba. I will come with you.... Please." Sonakshi pleaded as Asha massaged her aching temples. She was tired of making Sonakshi understand.

"Sona...How many times should I repeat? Doctor has advised that you SHOULDN'T travel at all. You should be completely resting at home. You get it?" she huffed as Sonakshi shook her head and wiped her tears.

"Maa, I will stay in this house by myself then. If I can't move in to another place, then I don't think I will be comfortable anywhere else...." She choked as Asha sighed and looked at her stubborn daughter.

"Umm...if that's what you want, then I can accompany you here....in this house...." Dev negotiated and looked at Sonakshi.

However, she looked pale and shook her head vigorously. Sona desperately tried to hide how fearful she was. She could control the tremor in her voice to a degree, but Dev could easily tell how frightened she was.

"I.... am sorry. I really can't....I am scared" she stuttered to Dev as he could sense the desperation in her voice.

Waking up one day, suddenly being informed that you can't stay at your parent's house and being forced into some stranger's house is completely insane for any girl. And for a girl like Sonakshi, it was really difficult.

She wasn't stubborn. In fact, she was trying. The way she looked at Dev, he could tell that she was trying to make an effort. But the fear that she felt was real. By the movement in the corner of her eye, he could tell that she didn't know where she was and what's happening around her. It was the desperation in her lips, the panic in her eyes and the fear in her tone. Everything screamed of the pure, unadulterated terror.

"Dev... Can you please convince your wife!" Asha said emphasizing on the word 'wife'.

"Umm... Maa why don't you stay here for a few more days?" Dev tried convincing.

"Dev.... How many days? How long can I leave Bijoy alone there? He is still unwell and I need to be there. It would be difficult for Elena to manage alone there. At least there's so many of you here for Sona! Now it's your responsibility to convince her to come with you." she replied sternly while Dev gulped.

"Maa-" he pleaded but was cut off when he saw Asha glaring at him.

"Maa, why don't you understand. I can't... I need some time. At least a month to get mentally prepared." Sonakshi pleaded as her voice sounded weak and exhausted.

Jatin and Pooja who were witnessing this argument were really confused on whose side to take as everyone were right on their view. They knew that Dev had no heart to force Sona. But now, she wasn't in the condition to be left alone since her mother had already booked her train tickets.

"Ok I have an idea..." Jatin grinned as he sat infront of Sonakshi. Everyone looked at him and waited for him to continue.

"Ok so Sonakshi..... Staying with someone you know would make you feel better, right? Why don't you come to my house then?" he suggested as Dev's eyes widened. He wasn't expecting Jatin to ask this though. When the question was thrown, Dev expected Sonakshi to say no, but Sonakshi just remained quiet. She looked like she was considering her options.

"Uhm....but..."

"Look, it's just a suggestion. Since you know Pooja, you won't be feeling uneasy. In the day time, I will be gone for work too. You can stay as long as you want and once you think you are comfortable with moving with Dev, you can go there....Right?" he asked and Sonakshi immediately looked at Dev as if she was asking for his permission.

But Dev remained calm and composed. He wanted her to be with him, but looking at her condition, he knew it wasn't possible for now. Jatin's place wasn't a bad idea either. Since Pooja would always be there to take care of her, Dev had nothing much to worry too.

Dev also knew that Jatin's place was somewhere he could visit often. He smiled at Sonakshi and gently nodded signalling that he was okay with that idea.

After being convinced, Sonakshi finally agreed to stay over at Jatin's house. However, Asha was still not persuaded. She looked at Sonakshi and sighed helplessly. After they were done with their packings, Asha brought Sona to a quiet place and spoke to her in private.

"Look Sonakshi, I am not forcing you and I truly understand your condition. The way you look at Dev is like you are looking at a stranger. I know it's not your fault but don't you think that it would hurt him if you stay at your friend's place instead of his?" Asha asked as Sonakshi stood there feeling disappointed with her own self.

"Maa, I swear it was not my intention to hurt him......But I don't know anyone in his house. If I need any help, I won't be able to approach him like how I approach Pooja. I am trying.....I just need time..." she spoke feeling helpless, as Asha understood the pain and agony in her eyes.

"Take your time beta..... But just remember one thing. Home is where your husband is. This fact can't be changed. There are certain things that you can never ask your friends for help.... But you can to your husband. I hope you get that on your head soon." she smiled as Sonakshi stood there confused over her words.

What are things that I can't get my friends to help?

After Asha left, the house became quiet. Pooja slowly helped Sonakshi to pack her stuff.

"Why are most of my clothes missing?" Sonakshi asked.

"Because they are all at my house" Dev replied monotonously as Sonakshi looked at him with guilt. She felt dumb for being inconsiderate and selfish. She didn't even talk to him much after she was conscious. All the while she didn't even tell him what she felt like. Ignoring the pain, Sonakshi continued packing while Jatin pulled Dev away from there.

"What's wrong with you?" Jatin whispered to his annoyed friend.

"Why the heck does she talks to you better than me? She looks alive when she is with everyone else but me, Jatin! Why??? I have been trying my best not to pressurize her and stuff. But she is not even ready to move in to my house." he expressed his worries with his voice full of hurt.

"Dev.... Look whenever I talk to her, I am being myself. Not like you... You are completely different when you are with her man. You need to be yourself if you want her to be closer to you."

"What do you mean by myself? I am freaking myself-"

"Stop your bullshit! You are treating her like a stranger Dev! I have seen it.... Do you always treat her like this before?" Jatin asked as Dev stared at him like an alien.

"Of course not. But.....she is different now. How can I behave like that? She is hyperventilating even if I sit a little close to her. I think even a handshake would make her faint!" Dev huffed as Jatin stifled his laughter.

"You never know till you try Dev. I agree she is shy and reluctant but she is not naïve. You just need to make the first move." he said and walked off as he heard Pooja calling him.

Finally, after the long packing, Jatin helped to take Sonakshi's suitcase to the car while Pooja followed him outside to give the couple the much needed privacy.

Dev took a deep breath before he pulled out a box from his bag and passed it to Sonakshi while she eyed it curiously.

"This is for you..." he said.

"What's this?"

"It's a handphone for you. Yours broke yours in the accident... So, I got you a new one. And I have stored my number in it for you. Call me if you need anything." He said as he kept looking at her.

"Or......." he slowly started to close the distance between them.

"Call me if..............." he came closer to her ears and whispered, "You miss me...." he said as Sonakshi's heart skipped a beat. She smiled nervously and looked at the phone. Then her gaze slowly fell on him.

"Thanks.......and sorry..." her voice stuttered.

"Why?" he breathed.

"I know......you must be upset...... I just need some time" Sonakshi started but Dev placed his fingers on her lips, startling her.

"Shhhh....It's ok...... I understand. Not your fault..." he smiled as Sona's breathing got hitched in her throat. She had never seen him smile genuinely ever since she met him. Before she could reply anything, Jatin came in and asked her if she was ready to go as it was already getting dark.

With the help of a wheelchair, Sonakshi managed to leave the house and got inside the car. After settling inside, Sona turned to the side to bid goodbye to Dev before closing the door. But before she could say anything, Dev pulled her into a gentle side hug, knocking off all her breath. Without any warning he pressed a small kiss on her forehead causing her eyes to widen larger in shock.

"Remember....Call me if you need anything, okay?" he whispered and winked as Sonakshi who just blushed when she realized how close he was to her. She had never been in such a close proximity to any guy before or that's what she thought.

Pooja gawked at Dev while Jatin suppressed his laughter. They knew that Sonakshi was uncomfortable with Dev. But the fact that she wasn't pulling away shocked them too.

"Okay..." Sonakshi whispered after clearing her throat. She started feeling nervous under his scrutinizing gaze. Dev closed the door but his intimidating gaze made her squirm uncomfortably on her seat. Soon they were on their way to Jatin's house.

But Sonakshi's thoughts were all about Dev. She was still in a haze. She couldn't believe that she allowed a guy to hold her in such a way. She couldn't say that she didn't like it though. She felt conflicted with her own feelings.

Once she was at Jatin's place, both Pooja and Jatin made her feel comfortable. But her mind wasn't at peace. However, Sonakshi felt a bit relaxed when she saw the environment lit with Jatin's humour and Pooja's annoyed expressions. Their banter was so fun to watch.

After a long dinner, Sonakshi was moved to her room where she had almost settled everything she needed. Pooja told her that she would sleep next to her to accompany her. But Sonakshi felt that it was too much to ask. Moving in their house was already too much and now, she didn't want herself to be a burden on them.

"No Pooja... I am good alone. I think you should go and sleep with Jatin and Ayaan!" Sonakshi said sternly and Pooja sighed.

"Okay.....But if you need anything, I am just a call away or you can knock my door anytime. Remember ....ANYTIME!" she screamed near her ears as Sonakshi slapped her arms playfully.

Once Pooja was gone, darkness filled the room and there was an unknown fear filled in her heart. She tried to shrug it off but she couldn't.

Sona's POV

I know I am childish when it comes to sleeping with someone. But what could I do? Except my house, I have never slept anywhere else alone. It was some kind of fear that prevents me from falling asleep.

Eleven o'clock morphs into twelve and then one. The time trickles by, marked only by those changing glowing numerals. My mind was blank. My mind... A place where there should be dreams is now a heavily occupied with blackness. My eyes were as stationary as the silhouette of my bedside lamp. When the sallow glow of the street lamp behind it became white, I know my night is over. My mind flickers to the cupboard and the sleeping pills the doctor had prescribed. I don't want them. I don't want the chemicals to modify my body. I closed my eyes and felt the almost-sting due to opening them for too long.

Don't be stubborn Sona.... Just sleep. I tried convincing myself for the nth time. But my body wasn't listening to me. Just then my gaze fell on the phone on my night stand. I pulled it out and looked through the features.

After lots of self-argument, I came to the decision and decided to send a message.......to the number saved as Dev Dixit....

To Dev (01:02): Goodnights :)

There was no reply for a long time. Just as I was about to place my phone back, my phone buzzed creating a jittery feeling in my stomach. When I looked at the phone, my eyes almost popped out from their sockets!

From Dev (01:10): Goodnights darling! Love you...and...Miss me😘😘😘

This feeling was so strange. It stretches throughout my whole body. It's overwhelming, yet made me feel complete. I felt as though someone was watching me yet it didn't feel creepy. I felt safe and warm..... Either way, it was a magical feeling which caused me to shiver in complete pleasure and ecstasy.

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

Precap : Sleepless nights....and devakshi convo!

Spoilers: If being passionate was his madness, then he never wanted to find his sanity.