Heylo darlings,
I am back with another quick update... Wattpad has clearly gone crazy as many of you didn't get notifications. I don't know how many of you will be getting notif for this... I have tried updating the app but it didn't help much.
Hope it gets resolved soon.
Happy reading☺

****

Vaidehi was surprised to see the man in front of her. It is true that her heart yearned for him. And his thoughts lingered around all the time. But since when she started hallucinating? She wondered. She was sharing her childhood stories with Gautham and the father asked her to go to his room as someone awaited her there.

She felt her breath getting stuck at her throat. Blinking her eyes rapidly, she gasped. And looked at the tall figure again to confirm she isn't dreaming.

The man in front of her was also in the same state. It has been 9 years since they met. This moment would be totally different if not for such a situation. Neither Arjun nor Vaidehi could decipher what was happening.

The realization hit Vaidehi. They are finally together after years of separation. She couldn't think of anything or anyone at that moment.

She ran to his arms and hugged him like there is no tomorrow. He was taken aback and couldn't think straight. The world stood still for him.

He badly needed it; her warmth, her presence! And he couldn't hold back anymore. He reciprocated the hug with the same intensity.

They were two inseparable souls and their hearts longed for each other. It reflected in their hug. Vaidhehi couldn't control her tears. It was her way of expressing immense happiness. She pressed her face in the crook of his neck. She was on her toes and he lifted her off from the ground.

"Aju..." She whispered. And that hit him. He shot open his eyes and saw the third person who was looking at them in awe. He was slightly embarrassed and pulled away from her. Feeling separated from his hold, Vaidhu looked at him with teary eyes. She held him from collars and made him look at her.

"You idiot, stupid monkey face! When did you come? Why didn't you tell me??" She punched him on his chest slightly. Arjun was happy that moment seeing her antics. She was still that 6-year old girl who fights with him. He smiled at her.

"Aju... I missed you" She hugged him again. Like the first one wasn't enough. He gave a brief hug back and turned to Gautham.

It was then Vaidhu realized the presence of a third person. But she wasn't affected. Gautham gave an understanding look.

"Aju, This is Gautham; my teammate." She held his shoulders and introduced Gautham to him. "And Gautham, this s Arjun! You know, my bestie, my lifeline." She said with a sly smile.

Getting the hint, Gautham forwarded his hands and they shook their hands. Arjun was surprised at that comment but didn't dare to decode what she meant by that. His mind was already messed up. Yet, he pretended to be ok.

Though he was confident when he decided to confess his love for her, he also wanted some time to sink in. He was away from her all these days and needed to confirm whether she reciprocated his feelings. But Father's words and Vaidhu's happy face with Gautham ruined his plan. He lost his confidence.

Father Fernandez came to them. He was happy to see his children finally together. He has seen how Vaidhehi used to break down at times while he was away. She missed him a lot and Arjun too would have gone through the same, he knew. And today, their prayers have been heard. The position they are in their career shows that.

"Arjun, you came at the right moment. Gautham is here and now you can let this girl know your opinion. I hope at least now she will decide something in this matter." He patted his shoulder and Arjun smiled hesitantly.

"Children, he just came back. Let him go and freshen up. It must have been a long journey. Till then, you can continue your chatter. "Father teased. Gautham and Vaidehi exchanged looks. And Arjun didn't miss it either.

He felt like an unwanted presence between the duo. He could feel his heart shatter into pieces and it was more than what he could take. Excusing himself he rushed to his room taking the luggage.

Arjun had a much needed long shower and felt a bit relieved. Coming out of the washroom, he looked around and found his room neat, and just as it was when he left. Vaidhu would have kept it like that, he thought. And again the thoughts kept coming back. How he is going to face the reality? He wondered. How is he going to witness her being someone else's lady love? And most importantly how is he going to hide his feelings from her when she knows him more than himself? She would easily catch if he does that, he knew it well.

He was tired, clueless. Why did he even come up with the idea of returning? The physical distance would have been much better. He rubbed his temple and stared outside the window not knowing how to proceed. He was being the same Arjun; grumpy and devastated. Once he lost everything and Vaidhehi was an angel in disguise and a ray of light in his dark life. That person who made him believe in love and life. And right now, life has brought him to the same place. He is forced to leave her too.

He stood in front of the mirror. What does he have with him? Other than the privilege of being her best friend or lifeline as she mentioned! He lacked a family. Also, her life will be in danger if she sticks to him. Father's words kept echoing in his mind. He thought about everything; except her feelings. Gautham seemed to be a good boy. Still, he must know him before taking any further steps. His Vaidhu should be in safe hands; No matter what! After about half an hour, he came up with a way. Ignore her and pretend that there isn't any sort of feelings for her in his mind. It will be hard but there isn't any other option. He could use the nine-year of separation as a reason for his change if she asks.

He came out to meet the couple and the kids. As expected, Vaidehi was with them; teaching them through stories. She loved kids.

He smiled at her and waved a Hi. She waved back and could feel butterflies in her stomach seeing him around. She was waiting for him impatiently. She had many things to share with him. All those things they missed till now. She wanted him to ask about her. But he disappointed her.

"Gautham?" He asked.

"Mm, he is gone. He got a call from someone." She replied with a forced smile.

"Oh. I missed talking to him. Sorry!" He felt bad for taking too much time to come out.

Vaidhu frowned at his words. She sent the kids to play and tapped next to her asking him to sit beside her. He thought for a second and sat hesitantly. Her presence could make him change his mind, he feared. She was the only woman in his life. And his heart bled at the thought of leaving her for someone.

"Aju..." She called him lovingly.

"Hmm..."

She turned to look at him. But unlike his usual, he tends to avert her gaze. She smelled some change in him. And she thought it might be because of the time gap. They were away from each other. But nothing changed for her. She wanted to let him know that. So she placed her hands on top of his. He flinched at her touch but tried to look cool. She stared at his face for a few seconds and tried to initiate a conversation.

"How are you?" She asked.

"Good... I am good." And he went silent. His tone was different. She sensed.

"Sorry! I took much time to freshen up and missed meeting your Gautham. Hope he isn't offended." He tried his best to sound normal.

Vaidehi didn't like his choice of words. "Your Gautham?" She scowled at him.

"It is ok. You can meet him later. There is no urgency. You tell. Why didn't you inform me about your arrival?"

"I thought of surprising you, idiot. What else!"
He didn't say it out. For some reason, he couldn't be her Aju.
She is someone else's wife to be. That single thought revolved in his mind which made him behave weird.

"Err... Ahh, I was about to tell you. But ... I have forgotten in a hurry." He was careful so as to not get caught. Vaidhehi was surprised at that.

"You forgot? Forgot me Aju?" She was disappointed. He cursed himself for those words.

"No. Not like that. I was in a hurry. And there were some complications in availing leaves. So..." He tried to cover up.

"Leave that. You tell. How is your job? And how is everyone here?"

"Good!" She gave a one-word reply and kept a grim face.

Arjun noticed that he didn't know how to proceed. He would blurt out the truth if he spends one more second with her. He was sure.

"I have to meet Father. Couldn't talk to him properly when I came. And the kids too. Hmm... You were here making all of them happy. I will have to introduce myself and make a space in their hearts. You sit. I'll see you around. And yeah, tell my regards to Gautham if he calls." He made an excuse to be away from her and headed to meet the father and the kids.

Arjun was surprised to see the kids assembled at the prayer hall holding rose in their hands. The room was filled with black and white balloons; their favorite colors. At the center, there was a cake, and his eyes traveled to the wall.

"Welcome Arjun" It was decorated with a hanging.

"Welcome, Arjun Anna..." The kids said in unison and they came to him one by one in line and gave the rose. It was his favorite white rose. He was surprised. And he looked at the last person in the queue. It was Father. He gave him a hug.

"Your Vaidhu is such a smart girl. She arranged this for you in short notice." He pointed at Vaidhu who was watching the scene from distance.

Arjun stared at her with a flushed out face. The kids called him to cut the cake. He did that and turned to her to give a piece. Before he could do that, she went from there. He was stuck not knowing what to do.

Arjun was happy to know that he s already familiar with the kids even before he introduced himself. His Vaidehi made sure everyone knows about him, he knew. After spending some time with them, he went out to meet some of his college friends. In reality, it was a mere lie to escape from her.

Vaidhu was frustrated. She expected him to come to her when she barged out of the prayer hall. She wanted to make him happy and assure that she was there all this while not letting his absence a barrier for people to know him. She anticipated thanks at least. But she came to know that he went out to meet his friends. Really? What about her then? She was his best friend, wasn't she? She had enough of all this drama. He is definitely up to something and she decided to confront him.

Vaidehi waited for him to turn out. Much to her dismay, he wasn't there for dinner too. And she skipped it. Somehow, she understood that he is doing this purposely. Or did he really change? To that extend where he started avoiding her. But, No! He was her Aju until the last phone conversation they had. Then what happened to him?

She felt a miss and went ahead to execute her plan. She knew he is a grown man. And hence there was an obvious hesitance in barging into his room like they used to do years ago as teens. Things have changed. So did the feelings. Yet, nothing stopped her. She was sure that he would avoid her again and she didn't want it to happen.

He came back by about 11 pm. As expected, everyone retired for the night. He glanced at her room. It was dark. He sighed in relief for the time being. But how long could he do this? He didn't know. All he wanted was to lie down to calm his mind and think about his next move.

His thoughts were full of her. He knows that he has hurt her; the last thing he ever wanted to do. Thinking about her, he opened his room and switched on the lights only to get a shock. He saw a sight that never expected.

His Vaidhu was curled in his bed. Her nose was red and her eyes slightly swollen. It was evident that she was crying. Arjun's heart cringed at the sight. He immediately went to her and placed hands on her shoulders. She shot a glare. Her almond eyes were questioning him.

"Vaidhu..." He called and she gave him a bittersweet smile and Arjun couldn't decipher its meaning.

"Oh, so you remember my name? Glad to know!" Arjun kept mum.

"Why Arjun? Why are you silent now? You didn't expect me here right?" He couldn't utter anything. He himself knew that he was at fault.

"What happened to you all of a sudden? What wrong did I do?" She was on the verge of breaking down. His heart shattered to see her tears. He tried to hold her cheeks and she yanked it away.

"No! Don't touch me... Answer me first. Who are you? I no longer know this man right in front of me. This is definitely not my Aju." She cried and he was silent which irritated her further. How would he say that it isn't her fault but his broken state which forces him to be away from her?

"You mister, look at my face! Where are you running away? I have been noticing you since you returned. You behave like I don't exist at all. What are you hiding from me? This is not my best friend. What is wrong? Answer me, you idiot." She was frustrated with his stupid behavior.

Vaidehi shook her head in frustration seeing Arjun moving away from her. His silence was getting on her nerves. He stood near the window. His gaze was directed towards outside but his eyes were hollow. She went behind him and pulled from back making him face her.

"Are you deaf? I am asking you something. Is this how we planned our meeting? Tell me why you messed it up? We always wanted to celebrate your homecoming. Right? And how did it turn out? You even forgot me!! Wahh Vaidhu! Great... You were a fool to wait for this guy all these years." She hiccupped in tears. Arjun closed his eyes and tightened his fists. It hurt him more.

She took the support of the wall and cried.

"You have changed a lot, Aju. You asked about everyone except me. You didn't even want to know how I am! Not even for a split second, you thought about me. My existence doesn't matter to you, right? Ok, good! I'll not disturb you anymore. But before that, I want to know one thing. Why did you come back?"

"You... For You!! Only for you..." He burst out losing his last straw or patience. Vaidehi was shocked. She gawked at him.

"It is for you Vaidhu..." he broke down. She understood that he is in deep pain. But, for what? Why? She couldn't understand his silence.

"Aju..." She held him by his shoulders. This time he didn't respond to her touch.

"Go away from me Vaidhu. Leave me alone for a while."

"NO!" Came her instant reply.

"Please Vaidhu. I can't think straight now. All I am asking is this night. Let me have some peace of mind." He literally begged her.

But he was dealing with Vaidhehi, who was hell-bent on getting the truth from him. She simply shook her head and sat on his bed with her arms placed across her chest. He realized her state of mind. He very well knows that she won't back off from this until he spits out what's in his mind.

"No Arjun. I won't go until I know what's bothering you. Especially now that I know you are suffering, I can never leave you alone. Even if you have forgotten the promises of sharing joys and sorrows, I'll never break it. As far as I know, everything was fine until our last conversation. I told you about Gautham's proposal and I need your take on that. And what did you do after that? You came here straight and started ignoring me. And what do you expect from me, Mister? To tolerate this nonsense without any complaints?? Do u even have the slightest idea of what I am going through right now? What am I supposed to do with my life?" Vaidhehi was fuming.

Arjun took it in half sense and blurted out.

"What Vaidhu? You don't have to worry about your life. Neither mine. I met Gautham. He is smart, good-looking, and is from your same field. I got to know about his family's love for you from Father. So, yeah I am happy for you. And if you need my opinion on this, you can take that as a Yes. I am ok with this alliance. Your future will be set. So go ahead. Happy?"

Vaidhu looked at him with a blank face. "Do you think I am bothered about this proposal? Then listen, I have already told him my decision. And for your information, it's a No from my side. I don't want him as my life partner."

It was Arjun's time to get shocked beyond belief. "Wh... What?"

"Yes! I rejected his proposal."

"Why?" He wanted to know the reason.

"Reason is already explained. I'll repeat it to you. I can't love him and I don't ever intend to make him as my life partner." She said nonchalantly.

"But, you seemed to be happy with him. And even his family accepted you. It would be nice to be a part of a big family." He tried to reason.

"So? What's there to accept me? My title as an orphan? And what is this 'being part of a big family?' Aren't we a family here? Also, I am usually happy with most of the people around me. There is nothing special about him." She explained.

"Vaidhu... It is not like that. We are all a family. I agree. But a real family with different relations like parents, cousins and all is totally a different feeling. Why are you ignoring it? Gautham seems to be a good boy. You both look good together." He cursed himself.

Vaidhu's face lost colors at that statement.

"Really ARJUN? Do we really look good together? Do you want us to become a couple?" She held his chin and made him look at her face. He tried to avert. But in vain. He simply nodded his head in yes.

"You are lying!" She stated. After all who knows him better than her?

"No, I am not." He tried to defend. His lips quivered and it hit the right chord for Vaidhu. She saw a glint in his eyes which screamed his possessiveness and love for her.

She smiled from inside. So this was the reason for his strange behavior.

"Yes, you are! Anyways, what if I say I have already found a better man who loves me more than anything in this world. Perhaps more than he loves himself." She challenged and Arjun was surprised at her words.

"Who?"

She approached him reducing the distance between them. She slowly cupped his cheeks and looked at him tenderly.

"Say it out Aju... For once. I want to listen to it from you." She was dying to hear it.

Arjun lost his mind at that moment.

"Say what Vaidhu. What are you talking about?"

"I can read your eyes. And I got the reason for your stupid behavior. But why are you silent now? Confess it please." She requested again. He didn't reply.

"Okay. I'll do it then. Aju, that man whom I am talking about is the one who is right in front of me. My best friend, my love, and my lifeline. It is you... My Aju! I love you..." She didn't take eyes off his intense black ones.

Arjun was taken aback by her sudden confession. He could feel his eyes tearing up. He longed for this to happen. Her voice had such depth. He knew she said it from inside and he could feel it right. But is it the right thing? Doesn't his Vaidhu deserve a normal risk-free life? He was confused.

She shook him not getting any kind of response from him. Saw him thinking deeply. He looked at her ever charming innocent face and felt like kissing away those tears. But he pulled himself back and distanced from her.

"No Vaidhu. Don't! I am not the right one for you! ... You deserve someone better. Someone who could give you a happy carefree life. A better future."

Vaidhehi frowned at him. "What are you talking Aju? No... None can be better than you. What sort of reasons are you stating? Don't you love me more than yourself?"

He didn't utter a word back.

"Yes, you do! You place me above everything else. I know it and I don't really need anyone to prove that. Even this 'distancing and ignoring drama' is a part of your possessiveness. You can't see me with anyone else. Can you??" She asked and he couldn't answer.

"Aju, you have always been there for me in my life. You have seen my ups and downs and the only one who shared it all with me. You have fought for me against all odds, given me all the love. I am selfish about it Aju. I want this lifelong... Until my last breath and beyond... And I want to cherish and celebrate US. I won't allow any third person to come between us. You are mine and I am yours. Give me this one chance. Trust me; you will not regret it ever. Please..." She saw tears falling out mercilessly from her eyes.

"Vaidhu... I understand you completely. But please... I can't do this. I am from a risky background. And you will always be in danger if you choose a life with me. I can't lose you ever. You are too precious for me. And my weakness. I can never forgive myself if something happens to you. Please back off at least for this. You are playing with fire." He tried to make her understand the seriousness. But, what he forgot was love is blind.

"You have taken a part of my soul when you left me for your job. I bear the pain as it was your dream and I made it mine too. All this while, I was holding on for your return. I do understand the risk involved. Aju, I'll never be a weakness to you. But will be your strength, I swear! And believe me, I can't back off. Please... Please don't break my heart. I may not survive this time." She gripped his shirt tightly and placed her head on his chest.

And he lost it there. Hugged her back. He didn't have the strength to see any more tears in her eyes. He was speechless by her confession. He never thought that his Vaidhu would take away his worries just like that. All he remembers was pulling her close to him and pressing his face in the crook of her neck.

"I won't ever do that Vaidhu. I love you, my girl. I love you with all my heart, soul, and life." He confessed and she could finally feel her heart healed in no time. They were at solace. That was what they exactly wanted; Each other!

It was a moment of sheer happiness. Arjun felt like he has won over the world. And so did his Vaidehi. They were always meant to be.

Gautham was a genuine guy and Vaidhehi told him about her love for Arjun and he backed off respecting her feelings. Father Fernandez was at first surprised at their decision but was indeed happy. And he apologized to Arjun for his confusing words.

The wedding was finalized to be conducted within a year and they got engaged in a small ceremony. His colleagues attended it through a video call. Ashutosh was the happiest having his own reason.

On the day of engagement, Gautham too came with his family. His parents were not so happy giving her away. But Gautham was.

He went to Arjun and Vaidhu. Held his hands and looked at Vaidhehi.

"I am so happy for you two. You know Arjun; you are the luckiest man in this world. This girl, she loves you like anything. Anyone would easily fall for her. But only a blessed man can get her love back and God had chosen you. Cherish it. I never realized the depth until I felt it myself. Once after I proposed, she let it all out. Her conversations started and ended with your name. And the day you returned, she was ecstatic. Almost gone crazy! You saw her happy face as she was sharing your childhood stories with me. I only want you guys to be happy. Be with each other. God bless." Arjun felt the genuineness in his voice and nodded in yes promising to keep her safe and happy. He looked at his side only to find his ladylove smiling at someone.

He only wished to see that smile in her face. Always forever... if only it lasted...

***

"We were the happiest beings at that time. Vaidhu never was a nagging partner. She always respected my privacy knowing the seriousness of my job. She was right. She wasn't my weakness but my pillar of strength." Arjun was proud to say about his wife and Mohini saw a different spark in his eyes.

They heard his phone ring and Arjun excused himself to attend the call. It was from David. They were in need of some details about Pratap and his dealings with AJ. And Arjun had to leave for office to retrieve it.

"Mohini. I have to leave for the office now. I'll be back in an hour. Please take care of yourself. Don't open the door until I come back." He was in a hurry.

Mohini nodded her head though she was irked with the interruption. But she understood his situation.

****
Arjun equally felt bad for stopping in between. But he had to do his job. He finally told her their story. But deliberately cut off the conversation he had with Ashutosh. It was the only thing which he hid from his Vaidhu also. On his way to the office, he recalled the meeting he had with Ashutosh before he left for meeting Vaidhu.

It was the first time; Arjun saw a different kind of emotion in his mentor's face. He never thought Ashutosh is about to give him a hard blow.

"I don't know what's bothering you Arjun. But I am noticing you for a few days. I won't ask you what it is. But I know it's your personal life that's having a cross over with your professional life." He waited for Arjun's reaction.

Ashutosh always treated him like his son more than his subordinate. And he was sure Arjun would share his thoughts with him. But the guy needed a push. As expected, Arjun shared his dilemma with him. Unlike what Arjun anticipated, he saw Ashutosh smiling. And what was that? A glint in his eyes. Was it tears? He was surprised.

Yes! He was right. Arjun stared not getting any clue. Ashutosh hugged him.

"Arjun. My son... I am so happy for you."

"Sir?"

"Yes. For the first time in many years, I am happy today. Happiest in fact. God had finally heard my prayers. Arjun, I have something important to tell you. And I hope you won't misunderstand me." He nodded his head though he was clueless.

"Arjun, you know everything about Vaidhehi. Except for one truth about her." He paused.

"Truth?" He asked.

"Yes, the greatest truth of her life. That...She isn't an orphan!" He gave him the biggest shock.

"She has a family. Her father. Very much alive but the most unfortunate one who couldn't even let her know about his existence." He closed his eyes for a second and said.

"She is my daughter!" Arjun looked at him in horror. He was too shocked to react.

Ashutosh told him his life story. How his world turned upside down when his wife left him with their newborn. And how hard it was for him to keep her safe away from the risks and dangers of being a RAW officer's daughter. At first, he thought it was the best for her. But gradually he felt guilty of hiding the truth from her and lost confidence in revealing his identity. He was scared of her reaction. It was only through the calls he made to the orphanage as her sponsor, he knew about her growth. Ashutosh was even scared of asking Arjun about her when he came to know that he was his daughter's best friend. But he was always happy with the bond they shared.

For the first time in his life, Arjun saw the tender side of Ashutosh. He was a man of qualities who always prioritized his duties over anything else. He never assumed that this man would give a huge blow one in his life and will be so important in their lives. It took a while for Arjun to let it sink in. And he shared his worries with the father himself.

"I know that you love Vaidehi more than anyone else. What else would a father need Arjun? I am sure that she will be safe in your hands. Once I made the mistake of leaving her and I am still bearing the brunt. I don't want it to happen to you. So, don't think too much. Listen to your heart. And let her know your feelings. I am sure she would reciprocate your love." He assured Arjun and gave him confidence.

He still remembers how happy Ashutosh was to know about Vaidhu's confession. He was proud of his daughter who was clear about the relations and meaning of love. it is only that Arjun couldn't keep his promise. He couldn't keep her safe with him.

Arjun still blames himself for the mishap even when Ashutosh didn't believe so. A teardrop fell from his eyes out of guilt, though it wasnt his fault!!

****

That is it for today. Phew, the longest chapter of the story! 5300 wordss...

I wanted to make you all familiar with Vaidhehi. And the bond Arjun and Vaidhehi shared. I hope I did justice to the characterization.

Please let me know your comments as it motivates me in writing.

Pic credits: respective owners :)

Also, please do vote and comment.

- Love Apz ♥️