Karthik made a detour to his house to pack his clothes. He is not sure if he will find Sindhu in Goa but he wanted to try. He informed Tulasi about his idea and started for the long journey in his Hyundai i10 car.

He didn't want to wait until he found a bus or flight; he didn't have that much time.

When he opened Google Maps, he was surprised to know that the distance between Hyderabad and Goa was about 670 to 680 kms; he thought it would be minimum 1000.

And thus began the most boring journey he ever had. Though he was enthusiastic about finding a clue, he still is not sure if he'll find her there. Unlike last time, he didn't have a solid proof that she is there.

But the more he thought about her being in Goa, the more it made sense. She would never go to an unknown place and he didn't know about her aunt until today. May be she went there knowing he won't find her location. Not just that, Goa had beaches which a romantic person like her would love to be at; not that she is on a holiday but still, it can be a preference.

He drove for hours stopping only twice; once for dinner and once to fill the petrol tank. When it was 1 AM, he couldn't control his sleep and stopped the car as his eyes were threatening to close on their own accord. He found a nice spot to park the car and set an alarm for 3 AM; two hours of sleep will be enough to refresh him.

When the alarm buzzed at 3 O'clock, he woke up wearily, brushed his teeth and washed his face before starting the journey.

It was almost 9 AM when he reached the given address; though his GPS helped, he had to ask a couple of pedestrians about the address.

It was an independent house in a peaceful locality that didn't have many houses around. His heartbeat quickened feeling his quest has come to an end and that he has to wait for the end result now.

When he knocked the door, a woman in her late forties opened the door; she resembled her daughters very much from the pic he saw in Sindhu's room.

The woman's eyes widened in panic seeing him and he hoped it was a good sign. If he didn't find Sindhu there, he is not sure he'd ever find her.

"I am Karthik" he introduced and the woman nodded slowly.

"I think we are not properly introduced at my marriage. I am Sindhu's husband" he said slowly, giving a casual smile.

The woman cleared her throat "Yes, I know. I am Padma, Sindhu's aunt. So, what brings you here?"

Though she asked it casually, he detected a hint of fear in her voice.

"You know why I came here auntie" he mimicked her casual tone and her eyes widened in horror.

"I don't think so"

"Oh, I think you do" he said confidently though he was shivering inside.

"Can I come in?"

She nodded slowly as if thinking about something disturbing.

He was soon guided to a chair and he didn't waste a second asking "Where is Sindhu?"

"Why would she be here?" she shot back.

"I know she is here. I can feel it" he said, trying to sound honest.

The truth is, he didn't have any idea of her. He just wanted to persuade this woman into giving any information that might be helpful to him.

The woman looked lost for words and he continued "Look mam. I believe you have two daughters, right? What will you do when one of them comes here from her husband just because of a small misunderstanding! Will you let her stay at your house or advise to solve her problem?"

"I love my wife. All I need is a chance" he pleaded.

Padma looked satisfied at his words as she said slowly "But, she is very hurt"

He grinned "Really?" Ugh... The woman's looking like why this idiot is happy knowing his wife is hurt.

He quickly added "I am sorry. I am only happy knowing she is here"

The woman had an amusing smile on her face seeing his reaction but he didn't care if he came across some love sick puppy because he is.

"Where is she? And how the hell is she?"

Her smile disappeared "She is.. um---devastated; the first day. Now, she is fine; a lot better than the day I saw her on my doorstep"

His chest tightened as a grimace filled his face "I am sorry I couldn't do anything"

"Its fine. It is between the two of you"

"Thank you. Where is she? I wanted to see her this instant" It's been six days.

"She is in the terrace" she answered, showing him the path of stairs leading upstairs.

He quickly ran in that direction, skipping a couple of steps on the way and finally reached the terrace.

He looked around and found Sindhu sitting on a pillar, in a corner. She was looking at the faraway sea with a blank expression on her face and it pained him seeing her like that.

He took slow steps, staring at her profile as he called her name in almost a whisper "Sindhu.."

When her gaze turned to him, he forgot everything around and observed her as a cool breeze touched her face, highlighting her features.

He was pulled back to reality, when her eyes blinked a couple of times; he understood that she was trying to confirm if he was really present.

When she finally gazed at him in shock, realizing that he is there, he got a chance to observe her face closely. She has dark circles under her eyes and looked very weak like she hasn't had food for a week.

"W-What are y-you doing here?" she stuttered, looking sad and confused at the same time.

He closed his eyes painfully hearing her voice. It's been so long since he heard her and he didn't know what he wanted to do first; pull her into his arms or kiss her senseless or make endless love confessions.

When she didn't hear a reply, her eyes widened as if she understood something making him frown in confusion.

"You came for divorce, didn't you?" she asked painfully, as tears filled her eyes.

His eyes widened at her question and he shook his head furiously.

"Then why are you here?" she asked softly, looking lost.

Say something, you dimwit. Tell her that you love her.

The truth is he couldn't find his voice. Seeing her like this, lost and broken was killing him and knowing that he was responsible for her pain isn't helping.

She sighed heavily "Oh" and stated as if she figured it finally "You came to invite me to your wedding"

Where the hell does she get these ideas from?

"No" he blurted when he finally found his voice "No. I-I didn't.. I mean I --- I woul- wouldn't"

"Are you going to make yourself clear because I don't understand a word" She said firmly as she bit her lip to stop herself from crying.

He sighed heavily as he gathered courage to face her questionnaire "I am a married man. Why would you think I am going to have another wedding?"

"You are not?" she asked in a hopeful tone.

He shook his head "No, I am not marrying anyone"

"Then? Tulasi sent you? She is one stubborn woman. Why doesn't she listen to--- "

"I Love You" His words broke her rambling as her eyes widened in horror and the tears in her eyes finally spilled onto her cheeks.

"W-what?" she asked, looking at him in astonishment.

Karthik smiled shyly "I am in love with you, idiot"

After a couple of seconds of calm and silent staring, Sindhu said uncertainly "R-Really?"

He pulled her by her waist and replied firmly "Yes"

"Then what about Tulasi. I heard you love her--" He put his finger on her lips silencing her as he gazed into her chocolate brown orbs.

"Do you love Hemanth?" he asked slowly.

"Yes. Why is this any way--"

He intervened "I love her the same way"

"Really?" she asked, looking hopeful and scared too.

He nodded, rubbing her cheek with his thumb "Really"

"What about---"

This time however, Karthik silenced her by sealing her lips with a kiss. He lifted her a bit and angled her head for better access as he moved his lips against hers. Her lips were so soft, like he always anticipated. Heat seared through every pore of his body as the kiss became more deep and passionate, and he was totally lost in her.

Both of them were breathless when he pulled away from her; it was then did he notice her clutching his shirt like her life depended on it.

He pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes feeling happy for having her with him now.

As he was enjoying their private moment, he heard Sindhu's calm voice "Karthik?"

When he hummed in response, she said slowly "Have you—um—ever kissed Tulasi like that?"

Tulasi again? He groaned inwardly.

He opened his eyes slowly "No, I have not. I am not the kind of a guy to touch a girl inappropriately without marriage"

"Really?"

That same question again?

He nodded "Why do you bring her into every topic?"

"Because she is so damn perfect" she replied in a sulky tone making him chuckle.

Why don't you see how perfect you are?

"But, you are perfect to me" he replied smiling.

Her eyes gazed at his lips before turning to his eyes "You look good when you smile"

"I have been told" he boasted with a smirk as he pulled her close, pressing his forehead to hers again.

"Karthik?" When he hummed in response again, she asked "Are you sure you love me? I thought you hate me for coming between you and ---"

"Sshhh" he said, silencing her lips by pressing a finger "Why do you have so many doubts?"

Fresh tears filled her eyes as she said slowly "Do you really love me or did you just say that so I'd come back with you?"

He pulled away from her face, noticing her tears "What? No. Why would I do that?"

When she shrugged in response insecurely, he took her hand "I know my actions lately are not something I am proud of but I would never lie to you about that. I really love you"

"Why?" she croaked out, still feeling doubtful.

Why doesn't she believe that I am capable of loving her?

Because you treated her like shit. Remember?

"I don't know why" he replied frankly "I know you are stubborn, stupid, sometimes dumb, sometimes patient and sometimes impatient but, you are all mine"

When her eyes softened, he continued "And I am all yours" and added in a teasing tone "And I am sure I can find ways to show my love in the days to come"

She blushed and he laughed heartily.

He hugged her making her wrap her arms around him as he said slowly "I missed you so much"

"I missed you too" Her voice was almost a whisper.

"Don't doubt me again. And don't ever leave me. Please" he said softly, remembering the pain he had to go through; in the days of her absence.

"I won't"

This time it was his turn to ask her "Really?"

"Yes"

He pulled out of her arms and observed her face as a tear dropped on his cheek "You mean it, right? That you won't leave me?"

Seeing him like a scared child saddened her and she wiped the tear with her finger "I will NEVER leave you again"

He looked satisfied "Good. I can't bear another heartache"

---

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I hope you are happy with the chap. Did it reach your expectations?

There won't be an update for another week because I have an exam next Sunday. My parents wanted me to prepare for it since last two months but I am so busy with this story that I didn't touch a single book .

My cousins are also writing this exam and I don't want to be the one with least marks. Yes, I am sure I will fail but I want to do it grandly. Doesn't make any sense, right? I am crazy.

Ok.. So, they kissed... Finally!!!! Ufff... What a huge relief, isn't it? 

It's Sunday guys... Have a happy weekend.. And (belated)Eid Mubarak to everyone.

- JANAKI S