PEOPLE AROUND PALAK ANAND

Girish Anand (Father)

Prakash Anand (Brother)

Dr. Rohit (Senior)

Tina and Veer (Co-workers)

Sandhya (Brother's Ex (Di))

PEOPLE AROUND DAVID MATTEW

James Anthony (Brother)

Jasmine Anthony (Sister)

Mrs. Anthony (Mother(Mattew is maternal surname))

Satish (Manager and Friend)

Harsha Gode (Family friend+Doctor(CHIEF))

Mrs. Gode (Same and very small role for now)

Ruksana (CEO of his agency)

Shruthi (Ms.X)

*Palak Pov*

"Palak!" I shifted in my sleep hearing his voice and replied with a sound to let him know I am not completely asleep.

"I need to go to work now. Are you going to take leave today?" he asked, caressing my hair and I slowly opened my eyes to see him sitting on the bed completely ready.

"I will take a half day leave after calling my chief and just hope he will accept." I replied, closing my eyes again while he sighed making me frown.

"I really have an important meeting today. Otherwise, I would have stayed back." I shook my head hearing his explanation understanding what he is feeling right now.

"There is no need. And I understand how busy you are to handle the both things at a time. Don't worry about anything else and do your best for this meeting." I assured him but he didn't move at all.

"Why don't you take leave for a whole day?" he asked, but I shook my head.

"I am really fine and I can't skip the evening scheduled ones without prior notice. You just go and let me sleep." I mumbled really wishing to go back to sleep.

"Fine! Don't forget to have some food after getting up." After that I didn't feel his hand anymore caressing my hair which made me realize he already left but suddenly I felt his lips touching mine.

I smiled into his kiss and he finally left, locking the door on his way while I drifted off into sleep. I woke up after some time not able to sleep anymore and immediately got freshen up realizing I need to call the chief right now before it's too late.

To my luck, he immediately accepted and now I am alone in my room just sitting on the bed without nothing much to do. I remember one thing I am skipping everyday though.

I need to do this even though I am not ready right now. I took a deep breath while unlocking my phone and scrolled through the contacts before stopping at his name.

Should I or should I not? But I have more than one reason to contact him right now. I know all that, but is it a right thing to do? On the other side, how can I hide all this when I am at this stage in my life.

I immediately dialed his number and as expected, it is switched off and I don't have the number he generally uses while in abroad. Well, he just needs to know and I can wait for him to contact me, right?

'I am getting married, Dad. Contact me immediately when you return. And don't involve Dr. Rohit in our family issues anymore.'

I added a few more words to say I kind of miss him, but I immediately cleared it, not wishing to say something like that right now when I am still angry at him.

I am not wishing for him to meet David and his family just because he has to. They are still my family no matter what and I can't ignore that fact.

Wait! Even I have to meet his family, right? Oh god! I didn't think about that at all. He too didn't say anything about it. Is it because I am thinking way too ahead?

Ugh! I wish I can talk to someone and ask details regarding all these matters. How relaxed my mind was before meeting him and now every day I am thinking about a new complicated issue.

Maybe I shouldn't have started dating at all to have peace in my mind. What a day to think such thing, I thought, chuckling and shook my head, realizing there is no way I can go back from all this and I can only move forward with him.

****

I glanced at my VIP patient who seems not so rigid like everyday which pause me while walking beside him towards the gardens like every day.

"Are you going to accept what I asked, Mr. Anthony?" I asked, clearing my throat and he didn't even pause hearing my question.

"No!" he simply rejected and I sighed, following him, but stopped again when we heard Chief calling my name.

"How are you feeling now, Dr. Palak? I thought of asking you earlier but didn't get a chance. You should have taken leave for the whole day." He asked reaching us.

"Er... I am fine now, Chief. It was a slight cold." I replied sniffing, which I have not done until this moment while hoping my patient will not bust my lie.

"Okay! And you need not inform me next time. You can just leave the information near the reception desk." He informed and I gave him a nod.

"I used to call either my co-worker or Dr. Rohit. I was not sure whether I can do the same. I will not disturb you from next time." I assured him smiling while he just waved off.

"I had a few talks with Dr. Rohit and he keeps on mentioning you. He seems to be very concerned about you." He asked, still smiling while my smile slipped.

"Yes! I will go now, Chief. Otherwise, he will cut off the minutes from the therapy for sure." I placed the whole blame on Mr. Anthony before gesturing him to continue while he frowned at me.

I sent a few prayers hoping he will not mind my words and just continue moving otherwise I really don't know how to control my emotions while talking about Senior as I still need some more time.

Maybe I shouldn't have worried in the first place as he never reacts to anything. After giving Chief a nod who is looking at me in shock, I walked along the chair and not behind now.

After we reached the place, I immediately started saying, "I am really sorry about earlier, Mr. Anthony. I hope you don't..."

He just cut me off saying, "It doesn't matter to me at all."

"Right! And about my cold..." I started already knowing well he will cut me off again and he didn't disappoint me at all.

"He shouldn't have asked." Even though he didn't surprise me by cutting off my words, he definitely did with the words he used.

"Some people are very interested in other people's matters." He continued while I calmly placed the rocks under his feet lifting them not wishing to disturb his words.

"They just don't know there is something called personal space at all. They feel that they know everything about others more than anyone. As if!"

Wow! He is definitely shocking me today and I thought I would hear this number of words from his mouth after one month completion when I combine everyday's.

Actually, the chief was not that rude to me. He just asked me casually, but seems like it struck him somewhere. It is better if I don't stop him or even support him.

He was silent after that and usual silence spread everywhere while I stared at my watch in between thinking whether I will be able to meet him today after he finishes his work or not.

I know he is busy but I wish we can at least talk once again with so many doubts still in my head. They are not serious doubts, but mainly about next steps regarding meeting families and everything.

It's not like I want to rush this marriage, but I don't want to punish my mind with all these unanswered questions. But will they accept me? What things they think to accept the person their son loves?

"Uhmm... Mr. Anthony! If I am not disturbing you, can I ask something?" I asked, turning to stare at him and he opened his eyes before turning his head to stare at me.

"Don't worry! I will not be poking into your private life, but will be poking into my own." I assured him when he frowned at me.

"What is it?" he asked after a few minutes.

"I am really sorry for disturbing you with the doubts I am going to ask. I am supposed to be a working woman with maturity and everything, but today I am suddenly feeling like a teenager. So, I really hope you don't mind." I continued to lay a safe path but in turn he got irritated.

"What does a family with their own company wish for in the partner their son or daughter loves and wishes to marry?" I asked casually but he stared at me for a second before turning away.

"Fine! I heard you are also an owner of a company. So, I just thought of asking." I added and he finally sighed.

"People owning companies doesn't get categorized into specific species. Everything depends on the people itself." Hearing his words I immediately slapped my forehead.

"Damn! I am really behaving like a person with no brain. I will just ask my boyfriend what his family is like." I shook my head, looking away from him to stare at the wall which we are staring everyday.

I heard a sound and immediately turned to see him moving the chair. I immediately removed the rocks asking, "Is something wrong, Mr. Anthony?"

"I think it is enough for today. I am leaving." Saying that he called his driver while moving the controls on his chair.

"But not even half time passed." I followed him, but he is not stopping at all.

"So?" that's all he said and just left like that while I stayed back in shock.

I sighed, finished the paperwork I was keeping for the weekend and left for home realizing there will be days like these in future too and I shouldn't think much about it.

To top of this, David messaged me to apologize as he had to leave for a photo shoot immediately and I will not be able to meet him for a week. Great! Everything has to happen like this today, right?

****

"Oh god!" I groaned, sitting back on the bench after my patient left before closing my eyes.

It's been one week and he is not even allowing me to use the rocks now. It's like we are back to square one. I thought the treatment can be increased, but now there is nothing at all.

"Why? Why are you doing this to me?" I asked whom I don't know, but I guess asking god would be the nearest answer for that.

I got startled when I heard a sound from the place he just left to see that he returned. I immediately stood up realizing how I was reacting just now and he must have heard.

"If you are feeling that tired about all this, just change the patient." He advised and turned the chair around after picking up the phone he placed on the bench which I didn't see at all.

"Damn! I shouldn't have come to this city because of my stupid boyfriend at all." I mumbled, turning around feeling anger towards him right now.

And that anger is not because of my patient at all. What is his fault in that? I am angry at him for not contacting me during this whole week except for a few messages here and there. I can't call him when he is that busy too.

Why did I give that suggestion to him in the first place to combine his company work and even continue to be a racer along with not leaving celebrity status at all?

Will it be the same after marriage? I rubbed my forehead and turned to leave but got startled for the second time.

"Is something wrong, Mr. Anthony?" I asked looking at him.

"He is nagging me too much. Just continue the therapy." He replied, clearing his throat after a minute pause.

"Er... sure!" I mumbled and started the so called therapy, but it is at least something rather than nothing.

After a few minutes of silence, he calmly asked, "So, I heard you are quite efficient at the hospital you came from. Why are you here?"

"Oh!" I mumbled, feeling surprised to hear his question.

He never started a conversation except that day when he vented his anger. And suddenly he is asking me some personal question. If he had heard my words just now, he would have already known the reason.

Maybe I was not that loud. Still, should I actually reply to him or something? I cleared my throat before saying, "My boyfriend is here. So, I took the chance as I rejected a few times before."

After that he didn't say anything and left in silence after the time slot is done. This time I made sure he actually left, before mumbling, "Why the sudden change from the past few days?"

I sighed finishing my other works before returning home only to stop in my tracks near the entrance. He smiled looking at me while I just stood there.

"What is it?" he asked in a worried tone when I didn't move at all.

"I... I missed you." I replied honestly and hearing that he stood up before walking towards me.

"And I missed you too." Saying that he pulled me into his arms hugging me tightly and I hugged him back coming out of my shock.

I didn't expect him to be here and just thought I would again just end the day like normally. I brushed the tear away that silently escaped before smiling.

"Let's go out for dinner." He suddenly proposed, but I shook my head.

"I am really tired. Let's postpone it for tomorrow." He nodded, smiling.

I immediately ordered us some food as I don't want to prepare anything right now. He started talking about his photo shoot and suddenly took my hand in his.

"When do you want to get married?" I stared at him in shock.

"Uhmm... we still didn't meet each other family." I pointed out and he immediately stilled.

"Even you are nervous about that, right? I thought of asking tips from you but seems like we both are lost." I added seeing his reaction.

"My family consists of only my Dad and brother. Other relatives are not important or close to us to think about. I know you have one little sister and an elder brother, right? I really hope your Mother likes me." I continued while he just listened to me.

"Do we have to?" he suddenly asked.

"Do we have to meet them to get married?" he added when I frowned at him.

"Do you want to elope with me or what? Are you already thinking they will object because of religion and other factors?" I asked but he just glanced away.

"We didn't even meet them. Why to think of the result by ourselves?" he just gave a nod after I shook his hand to make him listen to me.

"Let me meet your family first then." He suddenly proposed and I gave him a nod smiling.

"Sure! I will learn how to behave by experimenting on you then. And we need to wait until my Dad return from abroad, though." I explained and he just nodded.

I thought it would take some time before he meet him, but that night I woke up hearing my phone ringing and lifted up without checking the ID only to sit up.

"Dad?" I asked to make sure I am not dreaming.

"How can you get married without our presence? Don't tell me you already got married. Who is he? And what about his family? I didn't expect this from you." He just continued and I gripped my phone tighter listening to his tone.

"Why? Should I have just gone along with your plans?" I asked back and he finally stopped talking.

"You want to meet him? You can meet him tomorrow." I added before hanging up and groaned, realizing what I just did.

I didn't even discuss about this with him and said tomorrow he can meet David. He is sleeping peacefully now, should I wake him up? I thought, staring at his face.

I shook my head before lying down on the bed, but couldn't go back to sleep at all thinking about the way Dad just accused me.

Even I wish to get married without involving them mainly my brother knowing well, it will be a disaster, but I trust David to understand me because he knows what I am.

It took some time before I drifted off into sleep, keeping in mind to inform him tomorrow morning itself regarding this meeting.

However, he already left, leaving a note behind talking about some meeting he has to go immediately. Why is he busy the moment he returns from one work?

I shook my head and called him, but it is switched off as expected. And then I found a message from Dad about the venue and time where he wants to meet him.

It is a good thing that he chose a restaurant and not our house. David can escape from meeting my brother and just concentrate on Dad.

I forwarded the message along with adding my own message to him, hoping he will see it when he gets the time. But I need to take leave hospital way early today.

It took some effort, but I finally passed one of my patients to one of my coworkers while Chief said he will call Mr. Anthony to not come at all as he can't be passed to another doctor.

"I am really sorry about this, Chief. It is kind of a family emergency." I mumbled clearing my throat.

"It's okay!" he mumbled back not even glancing at me.

I finally got a call from David during afternoon while I was contemplating cancelling the meeting when I didn't get any reply from him and I couldn't even call him.

"What is this message? I am meeting your Dad today?" he asked in a shocked tone.

"Yes! I was trying to call you from morning. I got a call from him after you fell asleep. He misunderstood my message and thought I already got married. He was kind of angry and I just rushed with these words. Will it be fine?" I asked, closing my eyes tightly, hoping he is really fine with this.

"Fine! I will be there. You will come directly?" he asked after a few seconds pause.

"Yeah! Let's meet there." I hung up feeling relieved and now all he has to work his charm so that Dad will not be completely against.

At the same time I hope he likes my Dad too. No matter what, it will have some impact on our relation because of the result of this meeting.

After freshening up in the restroom, I finally left the hospital before reaching the restaurant before everyone. I sat down at the table Dad already reserved while messaging David.

"He is not here?" I glanced up only to freeze.

"Why did you bring him?" I asked, glancing at my brother.

"He is your brother and needs to meet your boyfriend too. He is still your boyfriend or already husband?" Dad asked, sitting down and my brother just smirked before sitting beside him.

"Your daughter actually managed to screw up, Dad. What will you say now?" he asked, raising his eyebrow while is at in silence.

"He is still my boyfriend but will be my husband." I assured Dad and also made sure to state that there will be no change in my plan to marry David.

"Where is he then?" he asked frowning.

"David!" I called when I saw him and immediately waved him over.

"David?" Dad asked, staring at me.

"Don't talk about religion right now." I whispered in a pleading tone while David walked over our table and he seems to be kind of rigid. He seems to me more nervous than I thought he would be.

They just introduced each other, after which I immediately ordered juice for all of us and some snacks. I wish we were meeting during the dinner time where we could have passed time with more eating.

My Dad started asking him general questions and he mainly talked about the racing career, but didn't about the new work. We can just talk about that later and if he starts talking about company they may just drift away from the main topic for sure.

"What about your family? What do they do?" Dad asked the question I wish he doesn't right now and I paused my hand from passing the snacks to David.

However, before he can open his mouth after glancing at me, we all heard a new voice and glanced up to see a woman walking towards our table with a smile.

"David! What a coincidence? If we had known you were coming here too, then we would have come together." She just gave out a sentence before glancing at us taking her gaze away from David.

"Oh! Did I disturb your important meeting? I will just go then. By the way, you can come with us while returning. Jasmine will feel good to spend some time with you publicly. You have your mask, right?" she asked still smiling.

"Jasmine?" Dad asked before I can question the same in my mind.

"She is his sister." She replied politely.

"Okay! You can go now." he dismissed her not saying another word.

"Sure! Sorry again for disturbing your meeting. I will let your Mom know that you are busy." She turned around to leave but my Dad's voice stopped her.

"His family is here? Why don't we extend the meeting with them?" he asked, but he is actually not asking us but just staring at her.

"Let's keep it between us for now." David stopped her from replying.

Yes! I am not ready to meet his family right now at all. Let him pass the questions my Dad is throwing right now before I face them.

"Why? When they are already here, let me meet them." Dad just insisted.

"Dad! You are here to meet him. Meet them later and just respect his wish too." I mumbled frowning at him.

"Decide on something! I am not that free to get stuck in this stupid matter." Suddenly my brother complained.

"I will call them over and I didn't know what kind of meeting this was. It is better if they are here too. And by the way I am his family friend. You can call me Shruthi." After introducing herself, she started walking off.

"Wait!" David said, standing up, but she just walked away ignoring him.

"Are you hiding something, Mr. David? So, she really screwed up, didn't she?" my brother asked, laughing while I frowned at the mess I am seeing at present.

"Oh god! Don't be nervous, David. I am already doing that for both of us." I whispered, holding his hand under the table while he held my hand back tightly which shows how nervous he is.

Who wouldn't be? I mean he must not have informed them about me at all which could lead to disaster if we meet suddenly now like this without prior information.

I want to throw my brother away from this place while I want to make sure my Dad doesn't make this any more awkward. I even want David to not worry much about this change and I don't want to worry myself with the thought of meeting his family in a few seconds.

*James Pov*

"What happened? Why am I receiving this pleasant surprise?" she asked, raising her eyebrow when I reached her house after leaving the hospital.

I want to make sure that she didn't go this far for her planned revenge or something. I really wish I was wrong with my thoughts right now.

"Did you involve her boyfriend in your plan?" I asked, looking at her and she gave me a confused look.

"What?" she asked and I felt a relief realizing I am wrong.

"Oh! You are talking about your consultant Ms. Palak Anand?" she asked, folding her arms and I looked around to find no one present.

Looks like her parents are not at home and that could be why she sat on the couch freely without any worry.

"You didn't involve her boyfriend, right? Do you know how much of a mess it is? They are going to get married." I shouted at her not able to stop myself.

"Wait! She is getting married?" she asked, staring at me in shock before laughing out loud.

"Oh god! Their lives are really going great. Her brother is going to get charge of the whole company soon and their company just got an international contract which is like huge. Now, she is getting married." She shook her head in disbelief.

"How are you able to say such news with normal tone? Were you feeling glad for her after hearing that news?" she asked raising her eyebrow.

Glad? I didn't want to exchange a single word with her and made sure to not let her do any therapy too wishing that could take her away from my sight. But to get information from her, I had to continue the therapy, but from tomorrow I will not even meet her. But she doesn't need to know about all that.

"If you involved him, then let him go." I warned her before leaving the house lost in my thoughts.

While I was contemplating on how to inform the hospital that I will not be coming the next day, I got the call from there itself informing I need not go today at all.

After having frequent meetings in the morning, I returned home early with no therapy session to go to. However, the thought of having a peaceful evening got ruined with her entrance.

"Aunty! I heard James doesn't have therapy today. Why don't we all go out today? Jasmine wanted us to go out and have some ice cream." She said smiling at my sister while I frowned at her.

"Call David then, Jasmine." Mom said, smiling at them.

However, he informed them that he is going to an important meeting making Jasmine disappoint. I sighed, turning to go to my room, but Jasmine stopped me before I can reach my room.

"Bhai! At least you come with us. You have to come with us no matter what. David Bhai is busy because of you only." She started her statement from the request to the guilt trip by the end of it.

"Fine!" I mumbled, turning the chair around and we left the place in two cars.

I don't travel with them anymore as the car I am using is comfortable for me and they never try to accompain me in this vehicle too.

"Aunty! I just saw David and he is asking us to go there." She said smiling at us after returning from the washroom.

"Really? Then let's go!" Jasmine immediately stood up while Mom and I followed them.

I should have known... I should have known these days there is a reason behind each action of hers. This time I can't open my mouth to reprimand her too after seeing David with that family.

It doesn't need a genius to figure out what is happening. David is just staring at us in hesitation while Palak's Dad and brother are just staring at us in shock.

I gestured Jasmine to hold Mom and she immediately shifted to hold her hand. Suddenly Palak cleared her throat and she is already standing with a smile.

"I know this is kind of a surprise, but let me introduce myself. I am Palak Anand!" she stared at Mom saying that and shifted her eyes at other people and stared at me in shock.

I know she was just staring at Mom all this time and even at Shruthi and Jasmine but as I stopped a little far from others, she didn't see me at all.

"I... uhmm... please sit down. I will... I will order something for all of us." She composed herself while smiling at others, but her eyes kept shifting towards me still in shock.

"Anand? Don't tell me he is Prakash Anand. Oh god! He is! Why was I not able to recognize him?" Shruthi asked herself by placing a hand on her mouth.

"You know him?" Palak asked while each and every one of us stayed silent.

"Of course! Why wouldn't I know him?" she asked back, shaking her head.

"The judgement is already given, Ms. Shruthi. You shouldn't talk about me in this way." Her brother stood up in anger.

"Why shouldn't I? You put him in this state and you expect us to just forget everything?" she shouted back and I closed my eyes, hearing her words but opened them when we heard a crashing sound.

I saw Palak's glass shattered on the floor and her gaze didn't leave Shruthi at all. Then she slowly turned towards her brother and then glanced at me.

"What?" she asked in a whisper before glancing back at Shruthi.

"It's been more than a year when your brother crashed his car with James. Do you know that he lost his wife in that accident and he became like this? And you want to marry James's brother?" she shouted glaring at Palak without hiding her hatred this time.

"Mom!" David and Jasmine suddenly shouted and I immediately turned to see her body shaking.

"Mom!" I shouted, moving forward, but he already moved to hold her before she can fall down.

"Bhai! Call our driver." David asked me and I was already pressing the call button.

He took her out and we followed her out knowing well she needs to rest to come out of the shock. It always pains us to see our strong Mother to be like this and this is the second time we saw her like this.

Once was after the news about my paralysis and now... it must be when Shruthi talked about marriage. I turned to find Palak stood in the same place looking at the place where we were before not moving at all while her Dad calling her out and her brother just turned to leave them.

Shruthi! What have you done? Wait! I forgot the main thing in all this. What is with David? He never knew about them at all and we all closed off the news about all this way before. Did Shruthi involve him into her plan?

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

it is a big chapter for sure but was it a mess to read or fine? So, the woman was shruthi...

And i really miss the days when i used to update daily and even double updates suddenly but then they were kind of short updated too... really sry to took this long to update... hope it was not too confusing...

how is the chap?

comment plz and vote...