✨CHARACTERS✨

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12:45 AM

The clock read.

Kaira leaned back on the couch resting her eyes but sleep seemed far away. She was waiting for him to return home although she knew it didn't matter to him anymore. A lot of things have changed between them in the past few months. Although they married each other because of love now that reason seems to fade away with each passing day. Now there was less love and more fights between them. Not a single day went without fighting and him leaving the house only to come back drunk at night. But she still waits for him and he still comes back home to her.

This was not the first time, it has been the same routine for the past few months. She got used to the waiting and the loneliness that filled her heart and the house. She got used to his anger and their fights but she never got used to the strange feeling she gets every time he is late to reach home. There's a certain fear that takes over and she drowns in concern for him. She opened her eyes to look at the clock, which she did quite often while waiting for him.

1:00 AM

She let out a deep sigh. He didn't care, she didn't expect him to. Not anymore. But she was too worried about him and it was affecting her very badly. Every night she stayed up waiting for him and he came whenever he pleased to come. No calls were made nor did he answer her calls.

A tear slipped from her eyes, sliding down her soft cheeks which he used to flaunt with kisses. She missed her Vivaan. She wanted him back. She still hoped for a better tomorrow with him and that was the only reason she was holding on when there was nothing left to hold on to when things were getting worse between them when fights were becoming their only interaction.

Vivaan changed drastically from the caring, loving and protective one to egoistic, alcoholic and aggressive one. He always had a temper problem, she knew it when they started dating and he himself told her about this. He has always been honest with her, never hid anything from her. He loved her and respected her, he was protective and possessive of her. What more could she ask for? He was everything she ever wished for. He was the most handsome guy she has ever laid her eyes on. Most charming and charismatic. He always had his eyes on her, loyal to the core.

Every girl envied her and she loved that he belonged to her. She loved the fact that only she could calm him down and she's the only person he found to be worthy enough to apologize for his short temper.

But now things have changed... He no longer made any effort to mend things between them. She stopped trying to turn things back to the way they were. It seemed impossible to understand him now but she still waited every night for his return.

She wiped her tears and told herself not to cry for him but the traitor tears kept pouring out of her eyes as she waited for him...

6 years ago

Kaira squeezed herself through the crowd towards her best friend, Sona. She was getting them a drink and it seemed impossible to move through the crazy dancing crowd.

It was a Friday night and they were at a party thrown by Sona's new boyfriend. They just recently met and started dating. The place was not so familiar nor was the people but she loved the party and meeting new people excited her. Besides she needed to chill after a long tiring week at work. This was the best way and the drinks were also free.

With much difficulty, she reached the table where her best friend was sitting a few moments ago when she left to get the drinks. She let out a deep sigh.

'Must have gone with her boyfriend.' Kaira thought as she finished her drink in a gulp and finished Sona's drink as well.

She took out her phone and scrolled through her Instagram feeds, she didn't feel like going into the crowd this soon. So she sat back on a stool as she laughed at few memes on her feed.

"Hi!" She heard someone say. She took her eyes off from her mobile screen to look at a guy standing right in front of her with a charming smirk on his face as he looked at her.

"Umm...Hi?" She gave him a confused smile. He smiled back at her wholeheartedly.

"Do you mind?" He asked with the smirk still on his face.

"Do I mind what?" Kaira asked raising her eyebrow giving him all her attention trying to suppress her smile. She thought of playing along with him a little as she was bored to death anyway.

The boy's smirk deepened as he went ahead, "For now hmm... Me disturbing you a bit?"

Kaira laughed a bit as the smile on his face widened too.

"What if I mind? Will you go away?" Kaira asked in challenging tone raising her eyebrow.

"I will of course. I'm well behaved you see." The guy said making a face at her which made her laugh again.

"I'm bored to death that I can go along with literally anyone, so yeah I don't mind you." She said sighing and smiling at him. He smiled back at her as he adjusted himself on the stool beside her.

"I don't think the party is that boring." He said looking around and back at her.

"Well of course but I don't know. My best friend ditched me for her boyfriend." Kaira said making a puppy face which made him smile instantly.

"Okayyy!!! So why don't you go along with yours?" He said raising his eyebrow with that smirk never leaving his face.

"I'm pretty sure you might know by now that I'm single," Kaira said rolling her eyes. He just chuckled.

"I'm more interested to know how and why you are single." He asked again sipping his drink.

"Maybe I haven't found my true love yet," Kaira said in a dramatic tone which made him laugh.

"It might be right in front of you? Who knows, right?" He said winking at her.

"Yeah right?" Kaira gave him a look and shook her head a bit as she went ahead. "You have to try a little harder as it won't work on me Mr. And yes I assure you that I'm not like any of those girls who can go along with anything you said just because you are good looking." She finished and gave him a smirk.

"Chalo, at least you admitted one truth." He said as he went ahead. "And yes I knew it won't be any easy when I approached you first. And I like challenges. So, I'm well prepared." The guy said in a low voice tilting his head and coming a little more close to her. Kaira couldn't help but blush while she made sure to move a little back to maintain a safe distance between them.

"By the way, I am Vivaan." The guy said extending his hand. Kaira chuckled but shook it.

"Kaira."

"So, Kaira. What do you do except for partying?" Vivaan asked again.

"I work... In IT." Kaira said.

"Oh god! I'm sorry." Vivaan said with a bit of laughter shaking his head.

"Why? I enjoy my work." Kaira said in a defending tone. "And what do you do? Except for flirting?" She asked further in a challenging tone. Vivaan looked at her with amusement.

"Right now working for someone else but soon I'm going to set up my own business." He said shrugging his shoulders.

"That's really cool," Kaira said with a smile. "How come you don't have a girlfriend?" Kaira smirked as he looked at her.

"Oh, so you are finally interested in me, huh?" He asked trying to suppress his smile and playing a bit.

"Oh please..."

"Actually my girlfriend left me a few weeks back," Vivaan said shrugging his shoulders.

"That's not her fault. I can totally understand her." Kaira said in a sympathetic tone and gave him the most innocent smile. Vivaan just rolled his eyes.

And she laughed yet again. The night seems to go faster and they didn't realize the time as they were lost in their world.

Talking to Vivaan was easy, there was some comfort and trust that she felt towards him. He was a stranger she just met but she felt like she has known him for a long time. She has never felt so connected to anyone before in her life. She has always been a social person, she loved talking and making friends but she has never felt such a strong connection with anyone else. He was nowhere like her, in fact, they were poles apart but she enjoyed his company, she enjoyed his stories, she laughed at his jokes, she felt happy in his presence. It amazed her as much as it scared her.

"Viii!! Where were you, man!?" A voice came interrupting them.

"Hey!" That's all Vivaan said with a bored expression plastered on his face as he looked past her. She turned her head to take a look at the intruder.

"Kaira?!"

"Adii?!"

They both exclaimed as they looked at each other.

"You both know each other?" Came the confused voice of Vivaan.

"Of course!" Adi said with a wide smile looking at Kaira. She got down from her stool as she stood on her toes, hugging the big guy.

"It's been a long time..." She said as he picked her up making it easy for her.

"Yeah!" He put her back on her feet and smiled down at her. "What are you doing here?"

"What kind of question is that? We're at a party so...I'm here to party." She shrugged her shoulder at him.

"Yeah I know that but..."

"I came with Sona, she's dating Avinash," Kaira explained before he could complete his question.

"Oh...kay! That explains." Adi said still in thought.

"You know him? Avinash?" She questioned.

"Yeah! He's one of my friends, actually both of our friends." Adi said gesturing towards Vivaan who was silent the whole time. "By the way, how do you guys know each other?" Adi questioned further.

"We just met now," Vivaan answered to which he earned a smirk from Adi. Vivaan rolled his eyes at him in annoyance. Kaira stood there watching the two boys communicating through their eyes. She chuckled a little to herself.

"By the way Kaira, I would suggest you stay away from this jerk," Adi said giving a playful smile to both of them. Vivaan rolled his eyes at him while Kiara looked confused.

"Shut up, man!" Vivaan said in a little-irritated tone which made Adi chuckle further as he turned to confused Kaira.

"By the way, he is my lovely brother. Actually cousin brother but is closest to me anyway." Adi said putting his hand around Vivaan's shoulder.

"Oh really? God, I didn't know that." Kaira said smiling with an excited voice.

"How do you two know each other?" Vivaan asked looking at Adi and then Kaira. They both looked at each other smiling.

"Well, she is my very good friend. So you better not try anything here buddy." Adi said patting Vivaan's shoulder as he rolled his eyes again.

"Don't you have anything else to do?" Vivaan asked in an irritated voice crocking his eyebrows which made Adi and Kaira chuckled.

"See. You are already changing, Vii" Adi said making hurt faces. Vivaan let out a deep sigh at him.

"Will you stop calling me that? It sounds like a girl's name." Vivaan said like a complaining child. Kaira burst into laughing hearing those words so did Adi which made Vivaan irritated even more.

"It... does Adi," Kaira said in between her laughter.

"That's why ...I like to call him that." Adi said still laughing. Vivaan just watched them as he stood there getting more irritated.

As the night went ahead the party got even wilder. And even though Kaira was a party freak still, she preferred to stay with her new found friend, Vivaan and talk to him. They spend the night talking loud through heavy music, drinking, and dancing. She got to know that Vivaan was an engineering graduate working in some private company soon going to set up his own startup company. He was passionate as he shared his ideas with her and she was glad to give some input as well. She got to know that he was the only child to his parent and was pampered by his mother. Although his father was strict but he can be friendly too.

As hours went by, she learned a lot of things about him and she was liking it all. She liked him. She couldn't deny it and she knew it was mutual by the way he looked at her.

"I think I should get going now." She told Vivaan with a heavy heart. It was getting late and she couldn't find Sona anywhere. So she thought of making her exit by texting her though she knew Sona won't even remember that she came with her 'best friend' till the very morning.

Vivaan, who was still by her side offered to drop her home and she didn't mind it. In fact, she was happy getting to spend more time with him.

"Are you serious? We are drunk so we can't drive home." Kaira stood in a parking lot throwing a glare at Vivaan.

"That's why I'm trying to book a cab?" Vivaan said taking his mobile out and showing it to her.

"No!! Let's just walk." Kaira said with a little smile. Vivaan looked at her for a few moments thinking she might be joking but no she was pretty serious about it.

"Ky, you live far away?" He asked trying to change her mind. But before he could say anything further she cut him right away.

"It's just half an hour walking, Vivaan. If you don't like my company then you don't have to come." Kaira said turning around as she started walking. Vivaan sighed as he put his mobile back in jean's pocket and started walking fast trying to keep up with her.

"I don't understand how can you girls blackmail so much," Vivaan said in a playful tone trying to irritate her further. Kaira just rolled her eyes.

"I don't understand how can some people be so lazy." Vivaan just chuckled at her.

They walked on those empty streets of Mumbai chatting and laughing the hardest, having the best time of their lives. It's been a while Kaira felt this comfortable or attached to anyone, in particular, any of the boy. Of course, she dated previously but being with Vivaan was something different. She felt connected to him which she never felt with the other guys she dated before and so her previous relationships never lasted long. He was different, she just knew it.

Finally, it was time to say goodbye. He walked her up to her apartment. They stood outside the door as she took out her key to open the door to the apartment which she shared with Sona. She unlocked the door and turned to him. He stood there, looking at her with his hands stuffed to his jean pockets. After a few moments of silence, Vivaan spoke.

"Alright then. Good night?"

"Yeah! Good night Vivaan." Kaira said looking at him, pressing a smile.

"Hope to see you again..." Vivaan said with his ever so charming smile. Kaira smiled looking back to him.

"Me too..." She said in a low voice as the two stood there. Vivaan gave her nod with a smile as he turned around to leave.

"Vivaan..."

"Yeah?" He immediately turned around to look at her as if he was anticipating for her call. She didn't say anything but started walking towards him until there was no space left between them.

Before Vivaan could process anything, he felt her lips pressed against him and without giving him a chance to kiss her back she disappeared behind the door of her apartment.

He just stood there, dazed. It was just a peck but it felt magical and unreal. He wanted it to last a little longer but too bad, she was already inside her house.
Vivaan just smiled thinking about it as he made his way to his house thinking how can he meet her again.

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

Present

Kaira was brought back from her thoughts when she heard the door getting unlocked as her heart started beating faster. She raised from her seat as her eyes moved towards the door. It was him. It was Vivaan looking miserable yet again.

He shut the door behind him with a loud thud and threw his keys on the table beside. With uneven steps, he finally reached the couch on which she was sitting a few moments back and let himself fall on it. She could smell alcohol from where she was standing. This was every day for her. She turned to go to her room as they no longer stay in a room. He slept in their room and she occupied the guest room. Now she could sleep, at least he's back home, she doesn't have to worry about something bad happening to him.

Kaira took a small step towards her room, her mind consumed with thoughts. She has to talk to him. How long is she going to bear this? They needed to take some decision. They needed to talk but it seemed to be impossible now. As Vivaan would get up and leave for his job early in the morning and come back home dripped in alcohol.

She stopped in her track, changing her mind. They need to talk and there won't be any perfect time if she keeps waiting for it. So she turned around towards him gathering all the strength she had in her.

"Vivaan..." Kaira called him a little aloud so that he can hear her in the state he was in. He didn't respond and stayed where he was.

"VIVAAN...!" She made her voice a little louder and shook him from shoulder.

"What??" Vivaan said in a lazy yet irritated voice.

"We need to talk." She said determinedly. Vivaan let out a deep sigh.

"Talk?" Vivaan let out a little laugh as he got up with a great effort and sat before her. "About what? Are you going to lecture me about how should I act again? Huh?" He asked further with sarcasm clearly visible in his voice but she ignored him.

"Look we need to figure a way out of this..." Kaira was trying to stay calm because she really needed to mend things between them. She wanted to make him understand that she is still there with him, for him. And both of them together can get through this.

"We? I guess it's more like 'I' need to figure a way out of this shit. Because I think you are doing best in life and are in a happy space anyway." Vivaan said looking at her with a mocking smile as he came little forward.

"Stop talking to me like that, Vivaan. I'm just trying to help you here." Kaira said through gritted teeth trying her best to stay calm.

"Woh Woh!!! Help me out?" Vivaan said letting out a laugh again as he raised his eyebrow at her. "No Kaira. You are not helping me out, it's more like you are showing me that YOU have more power over me. You are showing me how crap I am and that I can't do anything by myself."

"How can you say that, Vivaan?" She was stunned by hearing his words. That's what he thought about her all the way? A tear rolled down her cheek. But the man sitting right in front of her was least bothered by that.

"Then what else do you want me to tell you?" Vivaan asked getting up from his seat. "Tell me Kaira? Should I thank you? Or..."

"NO!!! I'M NOT ASKING YOU TO THANK ME VIVAAN KAPOOR!! And I don't even expect that from you. But..." She finally lost all the control over her. Tears started rolling down her cheeks even when she tried to hold them back. She turned around to leave, regretting her decision to talk to him, but he held her hand stopping her.

"BUT WHAT?! Do you think you have got all the power in the world that you are working in a top company with an amazing post? Huh? Tell me what is it? Do you think I can't do anything without you or your dad recommending me? I'm just tired of hearing your rants all the damn time. So stop telling me what should I do and what not. It's none of your business what I do in 'My' life." Vivaan said making his voice louder. Kaira didn't say anything. All the words said by him felt like a thousand knives piercing through her heart. She couldn't believe that he, out of all people could think of her like that. He just doesn't believe her. He has become blinded by his ego to see her love and concern for him.

What was the point of holding on to him? Will he ever be the same Vivaan again who used to love her madly? Who used to care for her limitlessly? And most importantly who respected her and her every decision and always stood by her.

She just stayed there with tears flowing from her eyes. Vivaan jerked her and made her look at her. She shivered in his tough hold.

"What is it? Are regretting marrying me?" He asked still holding her shoulders tight, looking down at her. "You must be, right? Tell me Kaira, what is it? You wanna leave me?"

"JUST STOP!!!" Kaira said jerking his hands away from her shoulders. She wiped her tears as it were of no use. Nothing is going to change now. "I'm done with you, Vivaan. No matter how much I try to mend things between us but it seems impossible now. After all, nothing is going to change with just me trying all the time..."

"Oh right!!" Vivaan let out a laugh while clapping his hands, mocking her. "I see now. So it is my fault again... right?" He raised his eyebrow at her. "Wow Kaira, you always find a way to blame me in the end while you just get safe with everything. Even my brother who never went against me has started taking your side. Just wow! How amazingly you made every person in my life go against me. My friends, my parents and now the latest addition to it, Adi." He finished with more claps.

"How can you say that?" She said in a low whisper as a fresh set of tears left her eyes. She didn't know what to say anymore.

"Why? Did I say anything wrong?... When?" Vivaan asked acting innocent.

"You know what? JUST GO TO HELL!!! I don't even want to see your face or talk to you." Kaira said as she made her way towards her room. Talking to him might be the worst decision but if you look at the brighter side at least she got to know what importance she held in his life at the moment. She couldn't believe the person for whom she went against her own parent would turn his back on her. She never in her wildest dreams thought Vivaan would hurt her or be the reasons for her tears.

"That's what you have always wanted anyway. I just gave you more reasons. Use them wisely." She heard him behind her as she walked away and closed the door to her room. She leaned on the door closing her eyes. She let out a deep sigh as she sat on the floor bringing her legs close to her chest, hugging them and burying her face and freeing the tears which she was trying to hold back.

On the other hand, Vivaan stood there staring at the door to her room, hoping she would open it. Minutes passed but the door remained close. With much difficulty, he dragged himself to their room, where he slept alone. He entered the room and closed the door behind him, the darkness engulfed the room and he was alone. This is what he feels every second without her. This is what he feels fighting with her. But the sad part was no matter how much he wanted to mead things with her, his ego and anger never lets him.

He was struggling with his career, he didn't have a stable career like her. He lost most of his job due to his anger issues. Kaira knew it when she married him. She fought with her family to marry him and what did he give her?

He couldn't keep his promises to her. He promised her he will control his anger, stay in one company where he was working at the time of their marriage. He couldn't keep that promise for too long. He lost that job when their marriage was 2 months old. But that didn't change anything between them, they were stronger than ever. But things changed as it was getting harder for him to control his temper and stay in a single company. He found himself out of job often and applying for job interviews in different companies, only to get rejected. He had to depend on Kaira for his basic needs, that was hurting his pride although she never complained or refused. When she tried to help him, he could only see that as an act of sympathy towards him and felt worthless.

He laid on his bed, looking into the darkness as tears left his eyes. He hated himself for hurting her, for making her life hell just being in it. He wanted her to be happy but he just didn't know how to make her smile. It seems like he forgot his past self as he has completely changed into a cold-hearted person. The old Vivaan wouldn't have to think how to make Kaira smile, he could just do it in a blink of an eye. He knew how to make up to her after every fight they had. But this new Vivaan never tried to make things right and his ego won over his love.

He wiped his tears closing his eyes only to open his mind to the good old days he had spent with his Kaira. To the days when his heart was only filled with love for her.

Flashback

Next weekend wasn't far away, but it was for Vivaan as he was getting more and more reckless to meet Kaira. He already took her number from Adi and was planning to surprise her while praying in the head that she hasn't changed her mind about him.

"You think she will like it?" Vivaan asked nervously walking around Adi's room.

"What if I say no?" Adi said least bothered by him. Vivaan stopped in middle hearing that changed his expression to horrified one.

"Is she going to hate it?" He asked with a concerned face sitting right next to him on the bed. Adi threw him a glare.

"What the hell is wrong with you Vii? It's not like the first time you are going on date?" He said with an irritated voice.

"Yeah I know it's not but I don't know. She is driving me nuts!" Vivaan said sighing a bit. Adi sat straight looking at the miserable state of his cousin cum best friend.

"Just relax. I'm sure she will love it. I know Kaira for years and she is the type of girl who will like everything if you are doing it wholeheartedly for her." Adi said patting Vivaan's shoulders with a smile.

"Really?"

"Yes. Just trust me. You are going great till now. But remember, break her heart and I'll break you upside down. Understand?" Adi said in a serious tone making Vivaan laugh.

"Dude, you are acting like her older brother."

"Yeah, whatever." Adi rolled his eyes at Vivaan. "But dude, are you planning to tell her about the temper issue? Ishika already broke up with you after facing your wrath. I know you loved her Vii," Adi couldn't help but ask and he saw his face fall.

"Yeah. That's in past Adi. I don't want to think about that now. And if Kaira is interested in me then yes, I've to tell her." Vivaan said in a serious tone, lost in his thoughts.

"Stop worrying about it. If she's the one, she will understand and choose to be with you. Stay positive, man! For now, focus on how to win her heart." Adi passed him a bright smile accompanied by a wink.

"Thanks, bro! I really hope she is the one." Vivaan smiled at him, a weak one.

"Of course! And I do think she's interested in you. I know her, she's not the girl to go around just flirting and kissing any random person she met in a party. So I think you have a good chance."

"Really, Adi?!" Vivaan jumped on the bed, turning to face Adi who was sitting with the laptop on his lap.

"I know you are excited but I'm not gonna repeat it again. Just get the fuck out of here and stop eating my head." Adi said in his irritated tone as he got back to his work.

Vivaan didn't stay for more enquiry, he had to start working on his plan to surprise her and hopefully win her heart.

***

It took Vivaan a lot of efforts to make Kaira agree to come with him for the date. And finally when she agreed she wouldn't stop being stubborn and keep on asking about the plan and giving conditions that she will go only if she knows the whole plan. But on Adi and Sona's insistence, she agreed.

"Will you please tell where are we going?" Kaira asked being reckless in passenger's seat. Vivaan chuckled looking at her as he shook his head a little.

"Just calm down woman. Can't you just sit quietly?" He said looking ahead as he drove little away from the chaos of the city.

"NO! I don't trust you yet." Kaira said again looking out of the window and then at him. Vivaan let out a laugh at that.

"Really? And you still got ready to go with a stranger?" He said looking at her for a brief time raising his eyebrow.

"I should have listened to Adi when he first advised me to stay away from you." Kaira said more to her than him but he heard it anyway as he let out another laugh.

"Yeah, you should have. But it's too late now." Vivaan said dramatically and started laughing. Kaira just rolled her eyes as there was nothing else she could have done.

The rest of the ride was mostly silent or Vivaan talking to her. Kaira has always been stubborn and knew what she wanted but what she didn't know at that time was Vivaan was equally or even more stubborn in making things the way he wanted.

"And we are here..." Vivaan said excitedly as he pulled over the car to the side of the road.

"I am not getting down. There is nothing around here." Kaira said looking around. "You said we are going for dinner."

"Yes we are." Vivaan said shrugging his shoulders. He knew he was testing her patience but he loved that.

"On this street? Really?" Kaira said in an irritated tone.

"God! Kaira, just come out already. You'll see it once you get out of this car." Vivaan said getting out of the car and opening Kaira's door for her.

"Not gonna happen. Tell me where are we and what it is." Kaira said setting in her seat folding her arms on her chest, still being stubborn and refusing to move from her place.

"You are just making it much more difficult, lady." Vivaan said. "It is a surprise. Besides, remember how you kissed me without my permission. How about that?" Vivaan said as a smirk found its way on his face. Kaira's face turned red.

"Well, why are you bringing that up now?" She said looking everywhere but him. Vivaan chuckled at her behavior.

"Yeah? That's not acceptable, you know."

"So what are you gonna do now? File a complaint?" Kaira asked in an irritated voice.

"Oh, no honey." Vivaan leaned down going close to her and before she knew she was in his arms.

"What hell are you doing? Put me down Vivaan else..." Kaira shouted at him but he was unaffected by it.

"Else what? You kissed me too without my permission." Vivaan said like a complaining kid.

"Alright... fine, I'll come with you. Just put me down!!!" Kaira said making a puppy face. Vivaan just chuckled at her.

"Nope! That's not happening, lady. I don't trust you too." He said with a smirk and she shook her head in despair, thinking what she has gotten herself into. It was pretty obvious that Vivaan was more stubborn than her but she liked that in him.

She let him carry her to the dinner destination he has planned for them but surprisingly it wasn't any fancy restaurant or anything. He took her to a house by the beach. The sea as a view, the calmness of night, she in his arms and the full moon made the atmosphere romantic. But the surrounding was deserted which did scare her a bit but she trusted him to let that fear stay for long.

"And we are here!!!" He declared finally as he put her down in front of the beach house. Vivaan opened the door for her.

"After you." He said gesturing her and she couldn't hold her laughter by seeing how instantly he changed his behavior from being a jerk to a total gentleman. Kaira shook her head a bit as she entered the house.

She loved the house, it was big yet gave a cozy feeling. She moved looking at the interior of the house. Vivaan lead her to the deck which faced the sea.

"This..." Kaira looked ahead as a beautiful smile spread across her lips. She looked at Vivaan who already had his eyes planted on her with a curious smile. He knew she loved his surprise from the way she smiled but he still anticipated for her words to clarify his thought. "This is beautiful, Vivaan!" Her voice came out as a mere whisper as she looked at the beautiful sea that laid before them and the small table arranged beautifully in the middle of the deck with delicious food waiting for them to devour. The moonlight that shone down on them compensating for the lights.

"This is Adi's beach house. Well, I couldn't book the whole restaurant for you so I just did this instead." Vivaan said rubbing his neck with a sheepish smile. Kaira smiled widely looking at his innocence and nervousness. Kaira was not just another girl for Vivaan. She was special and the fact that she was from a rich background actually made him nervous while planning the surprise for her. He can't woe her with expensive gifts or dinner in some big restaurants because she can have that any day she wanted. He wanted to do something special, he wanted to make her feel special which he did accomplish.

"You made all of this? That too for me?" She asked again not believing someone could actually do this for her. For the first time in so many years, she felt special like she was important to someone else except for her parents.

"Umm... Well yeah i guess as I don't see any other person here." Vivaan said smirking. Kaira rolled her eyes and gave him a glare to which he chuckled.

"Shut up!" She said punching lightly on his shoulder as her smile faded lightly. Vivaan raised his eyebrow with concern asking her if was okay.

"Well...Sorry for how I behaved and Thank you for this beautiful surprise. No one took this much effort for me before." Kaira said genuinely.

"Really? That's surprising." Vivaan said as he came closer to her. "So? Shall we madam? Or should we fight a little more?" He asked winking at her to which she just chuckled at him.

"Let's just keep that for later?" She asked raising her eyebrow with a wide smile. Vivaan let out a laugh at her.

"Sure why not!" Vivaan said as he pulled out the chair for her.

That night they got to know each other more. They ate, chatted, laughed, watched a movie, put on karaoke singing their favorite songs with wrong lyrics. And when Vivaan offered her to play games Kaira didn't shy away too. Unlike other girls, she was all ready to play and even defeat Vivaan in his video games. They went out for a walk on the beach with comfortable silence in between when he asked her for a dance.

"Really?" She chuckled at him. He just nodded his head at her in reply.

"OK!" She put her hand in his as they danced to the rhythm of the sea. She couldn't stop smiling at him as he looked down at her with so much love in his eyes. Their little moment was interrupted by her phone ringing. It was Sona asking her to return home soon as it was too late at night. With that, they decided to call it a night.

"So?" Vivaan asked as he and Kaira walked back to the car.

"Umm... So??" Kaira repeated the question making Vivaan roll his eyes at her.

"Aren't we going to meet again?" He asked again being unsure. Kaira was tough and unpredictable so he couldn't tell at least now tell what she was thinking. That was the exact reason he was drawn to her. She wasn't this typical rich kid who depended on her parent and servants to get things done for her, in fact, she was the most independent woman he has seen. She had a proper job and she lived in an apartment which she shared with her friend. She didn't depend on her parents for anything. So it wasn't really easy for him and he wasn't fully sure if she is liking this whole thing or just agreeing to meet him on his insistence but if that was the case he needed to stop.

"Hmm... I don't know. You tell." She said playing along with him.

"Well, Ms. Kaira Nanda. You are too stubborn that it was the toughest date of my life," Vivaan said truthfully which made Kaira laugh which automatically made him smile.

"Don't worry Mr. Kapoor, be ready as you are going to have a harder time ahead." She said poking his arm with her elbow.

"Really? And why is that?" Vivaan asked being confused which made her smile further.

"Well if you are planning to make me your girlfriend then you should be ready for this, right?" She asked raising her eyebrow.

"Girlfriend?" Vivaan asked making his eyes wide that they could have popped out any time. This girl was truly different in all the way and he was just liking to be with her as he was getting to know her more and more. "Okayyy. I didn't know it was that easy."

"Do you really think I just kiss any random guys? Huh?" Kaira asked again folding her arms and cocking her eyebrow.

"Sorry madam that I couldn't get you. My fault." Vivaan said smiling wide accepting his defeat. Something he never did all his life. But still, he didn't mind doing it for her.

"That's fine I forgive you," Kaira said dramatically.

"Thanks!"

"So?" She asked again after a short pause.

"So what?" Vivaan asked being as confused as ever.

"Aren't you supposed to give your girlfriend a kiss before the date ends?" Kaira asked in an irritated yet low voice.

"Huh?" Vivaan just looked at her dumbfounded. 'What did she just say? Did he hear her right?'

"Do I need to take a lead every damn time, Vivaan? It is really embarrassing you know." Kaira said in a complaining tone taking Vivaan out of his thoughts. He started laughing at her which made her face turn red. Well, you can say with both embarrassment and anger.

"I'm really sorry. But it is the first time I'm hearing this so couldn't believe it." He said in between his laughter making her even angrier.

"Yeah, whatever. Just go to hell." She said as she turned away to get into the car. Just then Vivaan held her by her arm and pulled her into his arms. He held her close as his one arm rested protectively around her slender waist while the other caressed her soft cheek. He looked into her eyes as she held on to him with their faces inches apart.

"Sorry, Ky. I'm really sorry." Vivaan whispered just for her to hear, without breaking the eye contact. "But you know, you don't have to be this embarrassed, not in front of me." She just smiled at him and without wasting time he captured her lips in his. The kiss was slow and passionate, unlike their first kiss. They pulled when they ran out of breath. He pressed his forehead against hers as he said the words he was longing to say the whole time.

"I love you, Kaira."

"I love you too." She whispered back calming the storms inside him.

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

Present

A loud voice of the door broke Vivaan's sleep. He got up and sat on his bed trying to open his eyes. His head was hurting like hell as after effect of alcohol. Even though he has been drinking for some time now, he wasn't still used to its aftermath.

"Here..." Kaira came and stood in front of him.

"What is this?" Vivaan asked with irritation as he looked at the glass she held in front of him.

"Medicine for your hangover. Just take this and hurry up. Else you will get late." Kaira said in a cheerful voice to light up the mood.

"Why do you care?"

"Because I do and I can't help it." She said shrugging her shoulder as she looked at him with concerned eyes. "Vivaan, we all do care for you. Can't you understand this?" She finished, placing her hand above his.

"Are you bored? You are starting early today?" Vivaan said casually taking the glass and the medicine from her.

"Will you seriously stop throwing that attitude towards me? What did I do to you for you to behave rudely with me?" Kaira asked making her voice a little louder as she lost her cool again.

"Well, what can I say Kaira, I found out that I made a big mistake by loving a wrong girl. You didn't deserve me. I gave you my everything. I loved you with all my heart and what did you do in return? You couldn't even stand by me when I needed you the most? You turned your back to me?" Vivaan said shouted back gritting his teeth.

"When... When did I do that? Vivaan I was and I am still here for you..."

"NO!! No, you are not Kaira and you never were. You just used me until I was fine but then what?" He said making his voice even louder. That's it. Kaira couldn't hold anything more now.

She had all intentions of making things right when she woke up this morning. She thought Vivaan was drunk yesterday that's why he said all those things to her but no! Even that excuse of her for him wasn't working right now. He was sober and yet he was treating her the same.

She couldn't take it anymore. She can't just keep making excuses every time for him. She was hurting herself more in the process. She kept aside her ego and self-respect for him, for them. But not now. She isn't weak. She never was but for him, she put everything else aside. But not now. Not anymore. She has to take a stand now. For herself, for her pride. He just can't keep breaking her over and over again. He wasn't the Vivaan she loved.

"I don't believe it. I just don't believe you are saying this. I was the one who gave you shelter when your parents threw you out, remember my dad gave you a job when your boss threw you out but what did you do? Huh? You screwed it there too. Do you know how your bad behavior affected my dad's reputation? NO, you don't because you never cared. Still...still my dad didn't say a thing. You know why? Because he loves me and he knows I love you." She said shouting at top of her lungs with anger, frustration and many other emotions which she was holding in her for all this time. Tears started flowing down her cheeks.

"You better stop right there Kaira. Else..." Vivaan said glaring at her through gritted teeth and clenching his hands. He was trying his best not to let out his worst side. But she was unstoppable today.

"Else what? I'm not afraid of you Vivaan. I have had enough of you but not anymore. I have always thought one day you would come and talk to me but NO! you never came. It was always just me and I'm still the only one who is trying. What? Did you find anyone else? Then just tell that? I'll clear your way once and for all. I'll stop right here."

"Just stop talking..." Vivaan yelled at her to stop but it was of no use. She was holding everything in her for the longest time and now she wasn't going to stop until she clears every other thing that was eating her up alive. She was trembling with anger, hurt, betrayal and what not!

"No, I won't today! You have to hear every single thing I have to say. Haa, where were we? Oh yes, you and your mannerless behavior. Do you even know how much jobs you have lost till now because of your stupid temper problem? No, you won't because why would you care? You have got a stupid wife who loves you unconditionally and unseen your behavior but not anymore. Your parents were right when they said that. You know where you would have reached with your knowledge till now if you wouldn't have ruined everything with your temper and that stupid idea of business which doomed even before it started because you just couldn't keep people with you. And I'm really happy about that as they deserved much better than staying with a person like you..."

"JUST ENOUGH KAIRA!!!" She felt a stinging pain on her cheek and tears left her eyes in silence. Vivaan stood there not believing what he just did. He looked at her in pain, she was hurt more due to his behavior than the slap. His fingermark was visible on her cheek and that tore his heart into pieces. He never wanted this to happen, he never wanted to hurt her like this. That moment he realized the beast he has become. He harmed the only person he wanted to protect in the entire world. He wanted to apologize and hold her in his arms but his ego didn't let him and so he walked away as tears left his eyes.

Kaira expected him to wipe her tears and hold her tight in his arms but what she saw his walk away from her without a second glance. This was the first time Vivaan hurt her physically, they fought a thousand times before but it was never physical, they never went out of control. After every fight he would come to her and slip his hands around her waist from behind and pull her into him, whispering a sorry and telling her how much he loved her to hold on to the stupid fight they had. And she would turn around hug him ever so tightly as he would plant a kiss on the top of her head. She was expecting him to do that now, maybe after this violent act, she thought he'll realize and mend things but no, instead he chose to walk away. That gave her the realization she needed. Things have changed, he has changed completely to someone she never knew. It broke her heart to finally accept that things are never going to be same again and she was never getting her Vivaan back again.

***

As night fell, Vivaan returned home in his usual self, drunk and unconscious. He was expecting Kaira on the couch waiting for him as she does every day but she wasn't there. Today he was drunk more than usual because of what took place in the morning. He was thinking of apologizing to her but something inside him stopped him. He just couldn't do it like he did before. He skipped his work that day and went to the beach house, cried his heart out and drank till he passed out, and when he woke up it was already past midnight. Throughout his way to home he was only thinking of how to make up for what he did. It was killing him, he hated himself for raising his hand on her. It has always been one of his fears which became true.

Vivaan went into her room to check if she was there but she was not. He checked the entire house but no sign of her, he took out his phone and rang her number but she didn't pick up. He didn't try after that as it pissed him off a little bit. Also, because he knew she must be with Sona. His thought to apologize quickly vanished. He was irritated and pissed at her at that moment. 'How can she leave me like that?' He could only think that. He went to bed hoping to see her the next day and ask her why she went without informing him.

*********

Next day he woke up a little late and went to the kitchen to find it empty, then it stuck him that she was not at home. He had an urge to call her but his ego didn't let him, so like always he let his ego win and got ready for his work. The thought that she was not at home was disturbing but he tried to ignore it and made his way to work. He felt weird the whole day, like something missing and he could only think of her the whole time. He badly wanted to call her, hear her voice but he didn't have the guts to make a call. He thought of calling Sona but he decided against it. He was so sure that she'll be with Sona that he wasn't concerned about her safety or something happening to her. With great effort, he pushed those thoughts aside and tried to concentrate on his work.

"Vivaan, you have a courier. Collect it from the reception." Akash, one of his colleague said to him. Vivaan was confused. Who would send him a courier that too to the office? He didn't remember purchasing anything from online too.

He walked up to the reception still in thought. "Kavya, Akash told I have a courier..."

"Yeah, here." She handed him a letter with a smile. He thanked her as he took it from her hand and went back to his place. He sat down on his chair and opened the envelope, he took out the paper inside it. He felt his vision blur as tears filled his eyes. With shaking hands he held the paper as his eyes stuck to the two words written in bold letters on the top.

"DIVORCE NOTICE "

He didn't have to read further. That's why she left... and she isn't returning.

To Be Continued...

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Hope you like it till this. The one shot was getting too long so have to cut it in two parts.

Second and final part coming soon. Till then vote if you like it and tell us what you think about this one. :)

Love, Kritika and Ammu. ❤️