Sonakshi took out her mask and took a deep breath of the fresh air outside the room. She just wanted to get the smell of blood out of her system. It was after a long time she entered the surgery room. As usual, the surgery had been a successful and everything was fine. People praised her and they threw lots of compliments at how good she was in doing her job.

Honestly, none of the compliments made her happy. It was just like fulfilling another duty of hers like a robot. She realised that she did her job well and she was good at it. But she just couldn't seem to appreciate herself of enjoy the little appreciations she was receiving.

After a point of time, she couldn't find what gave her real happiness. She was once happy and content with life.... Even when she was in London, poorly treated by Natasha, engaged to Karthik and living in a strange fear, she recalled herself only being strong and witty. She lived in a bubble where she still laughed at the silliest things. But on the way down the road, she had completely lost that part of her.

The part which was strong, soft, caring, empathising and fragile... She somehow missed that innocent part of her. She wanted it all back. She wanted to be happy again and she did not know what was stopping her.

"Dr Sha... patient's family members are waiting to see you." The nurse beside her spoke. She tried smiling to the nurse and took the forms from her to sign it.

A change was what she needed.

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

"Dev, eat some more. Don't be so stubborn." Asha persuaded but Dev seemed to be so moody and dull ever since he woke up. Doctors have checked him up fully and certified that he was fit to go back home once a full test was taken.

Asha was so relived and happy that Dev recalled all his memories. Although he was weaker, she was happy that he was out from the coma.

"Maa, please... I don't want. I don't feel hungry at all." He said tiredly.

"Of course, you won't feel hungry. But you have to eat, Dev.... You have lost so much of weight the past few months, you know? Come on Dev. Don't let me chase you like Simi."

"Well, it's common to not have an appetite maa..."

"Yes, I know. All this while, your body had been functioning only with fluids. Now, you need real food. I know that it's difficult for you to eat a handful of solid food now, but at least try to eat slowly." She whined.

"Maa.... I know you want to make me eat. But look at my state. I may get fat." He chuckled, making Asha roll her eyes.

"These generation children... I tell you! Is the worst.... You only care about your six packs and don't get to enjoy tasty food." Asha smiled.

Asha was trying so hard to at least make him eat a spoon full of porridge. But Dev was so adamant on not even having a sip. It only made Asha concerned than earlier.

"Of course, now I have a better body than him... Dev, you have lots to catch up!" Arjun winked just to irritate Dev more. Dev sighed heavily and looked at the door again. It had been twenty-four hours since he was awake.

Sonakshi had been there the first few hours. She had broken down infront of him when she saw him the first time. After that, he had been dying to see her again, but she just wasn't there.

Ever since he opened his eyes, his mother, Arjun, Tara, Elena and some of his colleagues were all constantly keeping him occupied. They all flooded his ward room constantly, but the one person whom he needed the most wasn't there. No one seemed to care or talk about Sonakshi as well. Dev pondered on asking, but one way or another, her topic just got diverted.

Simi was slightly sick, so she was left under a care taker at home. Just that piece of information was already frustrating for Dev to hear. He wanted to get a glimpse of his baby... he missed her and he was sure as hell, his daughter missed him. After all, he had been unconscious for a long period.

"Maa, can you ask someone to bring Simi over?" Dev requested and Asha looked at him with concern.

"I actually wanted to bring her Dev.... But the storm was so bad and I was scared that she would fall ill. I mean.... She was already having slight fever last night. She cried till late nights and-"

"Sona?..... Was Sona with Simi?" Dev did not even wait for Asha to complete. He was restless.

"Yes. Sonakshi was there taking care of her. I don't even know if Sona slept last night... that's why I said, it's not so safe to bring Simi anywhere. Sona had given her medicines and rest is needed. Anyways, you will be discharged too. You can see her once you're at home." Asha smiled comfortingly.

"And where is Sonakshi now?" Dev asked again.

"She said she had a surgery early in the morning. She should have finished two hours ago.... But I don't know where she went now." Asha looked worried as she looked at Dev's face. She knew that he had thousands of questions and prayed that he just doesn't bombard them on her.

"Maa?"

Asha looked up at Dev and raised her brows.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, his face scanning his mother's disturbed expressions.

"Y-yes.... Everything is perfectly fine." Asha smiled genuinely.

"Uhrmmm" someone cleared their throat. Dev's lips curved upwards when he recognised the familiar voice.

He looked at Sonakshi who gracefully entered the room with a small smile. Dev swore his heart skipped a beat when he saw her again. No matter how many times he felt this way, he couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same way as him.

She wore a simple white colour dress which touched her toes. He could see that she had lost a lot of weight than the last time he had seen her. More than weight, she just looked weak.

"Sonakshi?" Dev's voice was hoarse as he looked at her longingly.

Sonakshi looked at him and all she could remember was her crying on his chest like a baby. She cringed at how childish her act was. She did not know why she was so vulnerable and emotional whenever Dev was in the picture.But she definitely did not regret the words she told him.

Everyone around her somewhat saw a stronger image of her. People around either knew her as rude, arrogant or irritating. Some of them, thought that she was proud and high-headed. Some others thought that she was a pathetic lady with a pathetic background. But for Dev, she was always the cry-baby who was constantly weeping for one thing or another.

He saw the real her.

She never gave the satisfaction of letting anyone see that vulnerable side of hers, but Dev had always been an exception.

Sona walked near him and saw the porridge that Asha brought, being untouched. Picking it up in her hands, she looked at Dev with a genuine smile.

"How are you feeling today?" she asked and Arjun laughed from behind.

"Stop asking your routine doctor-questions grandma... He heard this twice from two nurses before you." Arjun chuckled and Dev smiled as well. Sona turned around and glared at her ever-annoying friend.

"Arjunnnn" she said in a warning tone.

He was back again in his full form. Arjun was in his worst states before Dev woke up. Although he never really said it, Sona started understanding his way of grieving. He never really said anything and still ran the house like a pro.

There were days where Arjun would come to her room and sit with her just to chat for some time. Although he hurt her during a crucial time, he also was her support. She really appreciated his help at those times. Sonakshi could never forget all the help that he has done for her in this short period of time. He was an amazing friend and he always had her back without any expectations.

"Sonakshi.... How was your surgery?" Dev asked, taking a deep breath. He did not know how to even start a normal conversation with her.

"It went well..." she spoke, while scooping a spoonful of porridge. She automatically raised her hands and forwarded it towards his mouth.

Asha who was witnessing, watched the scene keenly. She was pretty sure Dev was not going to accept it. After all, she tried feeding him for a whole one hour and he did not even take a proper spoonful yet. But the scene which unfolded was the opposite to what she expected.

Dev opened his mouth obediently without even protesting a single word. His mouth opened like he was programmed to do it. It was almost as if they were doing this for years. Asha gaped widely when she realised that Sonakshi did not even have to try hard to feed him. He was so accustomed to her that it made Asha feel so hurt.

She felt so pained. She knew it was so stupid of her to feel such way. Earlier, Dev and Sonakshi's bond did not hurt her so much. But why did it hurt now?

Swallowing the feeling like a bitter pill, Asha left the place. To worsen her turmoil, her disappearance completely went unnoticed.

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

"Thank you so much Vikram. I have no idea what I would have done without you." Dev spoke through his handphone while walking to the sheltered car park. Arjun was the one who was sitting on the driver seat. Finally, all the discharge papers were signed and Dev was brought outside the hospital.

Dev felt the rainy storms breezing at his face. Somehow that weather only cooled his heart. He loved the fresh air despite the chillness it brought to his body. He loved the rains and weather. It spread positivity in his mind. He felt fresh.

It was a little hard for Dev to walk suddenly. His legs felt like they have rusted on their place. His entire body was in extreme pain. The was a needle-pinning pain in every joint. He cursed under his breath as he eventually took his seat inside the car.

"Don't worry Dev... we have a long chat to catch up. Especially about your strong-headed wife. I will see you in a few days. Until then enjoy and rest well." Vikram spoke on the phone and Dev smiled at his words.

"Yes, please come here someday. We need to talk." Dev smiled and cut the call. Arjun was still looking at him with the weirdest looks ever.

"Spoke to your psychiatrist friend? You never told me you had such strange contacts? We were always together, right?" Arjun asked ghastly.

"Well.... Vikram was my friend when we were training. Due to family circumstances, he moved out of London. While we were training for the intelligence, you and I were separated into five different batches. Remember?" Dev asked and Arjun nodded.

"Yup, that's when I found him. He's a handful to deal with....In fact, he's worse than you." Dev chuckled and Arjun rolled his eyes.

"Yeah...he's horrible." Arjun smiled and started the vehicle.

The car journey was so fun. After a long time, Arjun and Dev had a long chat that they had missed out for so many months. They spoke about almost everything, with mostly their mission as the main topic. Arjun was completely thrown aback when Dev expressed his interest of leaving his job.

At first, Arjun thought that Dev was making the decision in a bad state. But now, Arjun sided with Dev's decision too. He could no longer imagine Dev's life being at risk. The job was too dangerous and it was high time, Dev focused on his own life instead.

"So, when did Sonakshi move in?" Dev asked, a bit alarmed. A lot of things were slowly revealed to him and he found it too hard to absorb in. Although his coma period was only a few months, he felt like he needed to know a few years of history.

"She moved back in when you lost your memories and became a Ghajini."

"Who's Ghajini?" Dev frowned.

"Movie name. The actor loses his memory in that film too." Arjun joked.

"Hahaha very funny!" Dev mocked and Arjun laughed harder.

Arjun just couldn't contain his happiness. He did not know why, but Dev's presence meant a lot to him more than anything else. With Dev by his side, he felt like he could achieve anything in the world.

"Dev... you know something?" Arjun's voice suddenly changed with seriousness.

"What?"

"Your presence is my strength Dev... In these few days where you weren't with us, I lost everything in me. The confidence, strength and courage..... I completely lost myself and...a-and it was so difficult to even smile to others. It's so hard and that's when I realised lots of things in life. I realised how hard it is to do even the slightest job without you. I am not complaining because the tasks are difficult." He paused while Dev looked on.

"I am just wondering how you pulled all this pain off without complaining... I mean, you were just going on and on without saying a word. You did your work, loved everyone selflessly and even took the responsibilities of being a father. I always thought that you were pulling a straight face because you didn't feel anything. I was so wrong...." Arjun stressed with every word.

Arjun did not even say what he wanted to say fully, but Dev understood his main point. He was indirectly talking about Tarun's death. Dev smiled to himself and placed his hands, on top of Arjun's shoulder.

"It's not about complaining, Arjun... Sometimes, we need to train ourselves to handle pain. If we start expressing it outside, it may hurt more than one person. We tend to hurt others in pain and that's what I was always avoiding. People say that I mask my emotions. But no one realised that I was always masking my fear and pain only.... I have never hidden my happiness to others before. Whenever I express my pain or hurt to others, it always comes out wrongly. I would blast off like a time-ticking bomb and it always hurt people around me." He spoke patiently while Arjun breathed heavily.

"You are right.... I hurt a lot of people while I was hurting. I did a lot of mistakes this time too. But..." He said and Dev's eyes sharpened in curiosity.

"Continue..."

"But being transparent is a must Dev. You can't hide a pain behind your eyes and blast your anger to others. Instead, try speaking about why it hurts and what we can do to help. Because of your masking abilities, half the time we are left wondering what's wrong with you. I mean..... it's not like we would chase you away?" Arjun huffed, feeling so tired.

"I am working on it... I no longer mask anything. You guys know everything now."

"And why didn't you share with me all these earlier....?"

"I did share with you Arjun.... You know me the best." Dev explained and Arjun sighed with hurt clogging his heart.

"But you never told me about the mission. You risked your life, Dev....... That night, I was the one who called Jordon and asked him to save you." Arjun looked at Dev with sorrow-filled eyes. He was feeling beyond guilt.

"I.... I am sorry." Dev looked down. He knew that this time, it was his fault. He should have alerted Arjun earlier. If only he did that, Arjun would have solved many things for him.

"Jordon came there because-"

"Jordon did not come because of your call. He was there earlier than that. You shouldn't blame yourself Arjun...."

No matter how many times Dev emphasised it, Arjun could not seem to forgive himself. He felt so gloomy to know the harsh truths. What irritated more was Dev's compassion towards Jordon's family. Dev was being so nice towards Jordon even after knowing how cruel he was.

"Whatever..." Arjun said sadly and drove the car silently.

However, Dev could not keep quiet. He was so stressed and tensed thinking about Sona and her arrival back. He wanted to know how she's been after she was back. Nobody was telling him anything. They were all behaving like robots.

"Arjun... you didn't tell me anything about Sonakshi at all. Is she okay? Did Simi gel well with her when I am not around? Was she feeling okay, when she was back in the house?" Dev asked, sounding very distressed. He wanted to hear Arjun speaking more about Sonakshi.

However, strangely none of them took her topic to him. Not even Tara... What were they trying to hide this time? He was afraid that something unpleasant happened again...

"Sona is alright.... Simi is growing well with her too. She even calls Sona as maa.... It's cute to watch them."

"Oh..." Dev kept gazing at Arjun, expecting him to continue. But Arjun didn't say anything more. Dev sighed and diverted his eyes back to his lap.

Arjun knew that Dev wanted to know something more about Sona. But Arjun was at loss for words. He had nothing good to brag about Sona. If there was anything, then it was all about the conflicts and heartbreaks. If he spoke about the conflicts, then it was completely a waste of time. Moreover, Dev was just being discharged and Arjun didn't want to make him upset so fast.

He was going to let Sonakshi do the job. If she wanted to let Dev know about all the battles that happened at home, then it was her wish.... But Arjun wasn't going to do that. He vowed that he was going to try his best to make Dev happy. Nothing more, nothing less.

By the time Dev reached home, he was so tired and drained. Sona must be at the hospital still... she had told him that she would end later.

He looked around and was relieved to find Simi brought down by his mother. Simi's eyes widened for a fraction of seconds and Dev was quick to recognise that look. His poor baby was shocked.

"Pappaaaa" she squealed and pounced on to him just like how she did all the time. It seemed like nothing changed in the past few months. Simi's hair grew a bit longer, but his daughter still loved him unconditionally.

Dev carried his baby in his arms and cradled her. He did not know why, but she suddenly started crying when he held her. She hugged him tightly and she started wailing hysterically.

Dev felt her temperature still running high and softly kissed her hair. His heart pained to hear her cries all of the sudden. However, her hands were still looped tightly around his neck protectively. The cries that left his daughter's lips told of the pain and confusion in her little heart. Her skin craved the comfort of her father.

She just needed the scent, the movement of his body and the feeling of his feet leaving the ground for the safety of her arms. He was her only hero.

"I am here sweetheart. Don't cry... What's wrong baby?" Dev spoke when he realised that her cries decreased and her breathing was still ragged.

"Gosh.... Both mother and child have the same reaction." Arjun smiled as he sat on the side. Dev smiled and looked to his side, seeing Simi safely confined in his arms. Asha smiled lightly but she was just occupied with deep thoughts.

Sona too entered inside the house silently and looked at Dev holding Simi. She was amused to see them cuddling on to each other like their life depended on the hug. Finally, things were getting back on place and she felt calm.

"Hi everyone.... Dev? Was it long since you're back?" Sona asked with a wide smile. There was so much of elegance and beauty in the way she carried herself inside. Dev felt like he had travelled in a time machine 3 years back.

This was how Sonakshi looked the first time he met her in the roadside. Elegant and pretty with every word she spoke.

But as fast as that thought came, his face fell. She looked around and kept her bag neatly on the dining table. She looked at the maid and requested for a glass of water. Her actions wasn't something that bothered Dev. But it was the kind of tone she used.... It was just too formal. Dev knew the real Sonakshi. She was either too soft or too hyper. Being this way just felt too forced. She was always holding herself back for some reasons.

Dev noticed how carefully she avoided everyone's stares and walked towards him. She always had a genuine smile, which he couldn't tell if she faked or not. But at least it looked genuine at the moment. She looked at Simi and back at him with concern.

"Urhmm..." she cleared her throat at him. "So... when did you come? Was she crying again?"

"I just entered the house... and Simi's been lovely. Just that, she's cranky a little bit." Dev smiled and kissed Simi's forehead again. Sonakshi's lips curved upwards as she eyed Simi with adoration. Something that Dev always wanted to see.

"I see.... She still has the fever." Sona extended her hands and touched Simi's forehead. Her shoulders were drawn back in dejection. Nodding her head to herself, she looked up at Arjun and spoke something to him. Dev looked around feeling awkward. The atmosphere was just too tensed.

"Sonakshi... Do you need to be back at work again?" Dev quickly asked, when Sona faced him.

"Um, no. I just requested for a half day. But I may go back to get medicines for Simi.... Let me get changed first, okay?" she smiled and walked to the other side. Dev watched at how she entered the guest room and locked it behind her. Guest room? His body slightly tensed, but he maintained a calm look.

He tried pulling away from Simi, but she was just too scared to be separated away from him. Poor child must have been traumatised, thinking that Dev was going to dump her again. He enveloped her in his arms and slowly stood up from the sofa.

"Let me carry her Dev.." Asha stepped forward.

"No maa... she's crying if I put her down. I will carry her to my room first. Just ask Sona to come up, okay?" Dev smiled warmly and gently lifted up Simi in his arms. He carefully analysed how Asha's face wilted when he mentioned about Sonakshi.

Something was definitely wrong.

Asha tried talking to him but she just couldn't bring herself to speak. She did not know what she exactly had to say. Everything in her brain and heart were all messed up and she started looking like a bad person to her own self.

"Wait... So, what's the menu for today?" Tara waved, sitting next to Arjun. She was currently the busiest person at home since everyone were outside most of the times. She had lots of work to be done and right now, cooking was the top most priority.

"Anything which maa cooks.... I am craving for her butter chicken" Dev winked at Asha.

"Wow, that means I am on leave today. Thank goodness..." Tara chirped playfully, making Dev smile.

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

Dev placed Simi on the bed and checked her temperature. She was still having high fever, but she was fast asleep now. He waited for Sonakshi to come back to his room. He had so many things to share with her, yet there was still some nervousness inside him. He wanted to hug her again and speak so many things.

He knew that they can't exactly go back to their old ways until they cleared things out. Sona's voice, actions and smile may prove that she has overcome those pasts. But Dev was ninety percent sure that she was not over it. She was holding in many things and as far as he understood Sona, she never forgets things easily.

For now, the fact that she moved back with them was a huge step and he was happy for that. However, he wanted to make sure that moving in was solely her decision. Not forced or threatened.

Although Sona seemed fine with the changes in life, Dev could not help but wonder how Sonakshi's panic attacks have been. As per Vikram's report, he just told him a one-word answer.

'She is okay Dev!'

How was he supposed to understand that one sentence? He really wanted to see Sona and ask her about her health. He was too impatient to know what happened the past few months.

Apart from all his negative thoughts, Dev was just eager to get more time with Sonakshi. He had so much to say and convey to her. When she first spoke to him the time when he woke up, he was at loss of words. Nothing was shared between them. Only apologies and painful cries. No words were exchanged.

But now, he had so much to say. He wanted to be physically near her, feel her and enjoy the little moments in life together. He needed that space away from his family. Just him and Sonakshi for some days.

He wanted to convey to her how sorry he felt for hurting her and most importantly..... The truths he found out after Tarun's death.

When the door knob clicked, he turned around so fast that he almost sprained his neck.

"Sonakshi, you're back-" he instantly sealed his lips when he saw his mother coming in. She looked alarmed and taken aback when he almost squealed out. Asha's face shrunk like thousands of arrows just hit her.

"Looks like you weren't expecting me....huh?" Asha's tone was very subtle. She looked like the calm before the storm.

"No maa.... I just thought Sona was here...." Dev murmured, in an embarrassed tone. He was thankful that he didn't blurt anything out in haste.

"It's okay. Seems like you are no longer going to miss me. You have your wife back." She said, walking closer and handing him a pile full of clothes.

"Why do you say so?" Dev frowned, hearing the pessimism in her voice.

"Yeah... I mean, Sona is here. Now, Simi will move in too. You will get busy and-"

"And I left my job maa.." Dev stopped her. "Which means I am going to spend more time at home with you and the family. Life isn't that hectic anymore and it's all going to be good." He convinced her but her head was still tilted downwards.

Dev walked closer and placed his finger under her chin, tilting her face upwards. The view he saw there, made his heart flip uneasily. He did not see the mother who was strong and courageous any longer. Instead, he saw a vulnerable lady who was dependant on him.

"Maa?"

"I have become too weak Dev... I don't know what scares me more. You leaving me or you hating me." She voiced so softly, making Dev's eyes enlarge.

"What makes you think that I will hate you?" he gasped.

"I don't know..... maybe something you may not like." She swallowed heavily. Dev shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose tiredly.

"No maa.... Nothing in this world is going to make me hate you. Even if you did something wrong, it's not going to make me hate you. I can never bring myself to dislike you.... You are my life and soul. I am nothing without you. You know right?" he asked her with an exasperated look.

He did not know where these words were coming from. He was so confused.

"What are you hiding from me, maa?" he asked just in time for the knock to interrupt in the door.

Dev looked back and saw Sonakshi standing outside.She looked puzzled at the moment.

"Am I interrupting something?" she asked and Dev just shrugged. Sonakshi was there when he least expected it and it took a few minutes for him to digest that she was physically there. He blinked and controlled himself from taking her into his arms.

Asha waited to see if Dev was going to say anything. She looked up at him longingly and waited for as long as she could. But when he didn't open his mouth, she just left his side and turned her back on him.

"No, you are not. You can come in.... I am leaving anyways." Asha answered and quickly walked away, not letting Dev answer for her. Asha's behaviour only confused Dev all the more. He was jerked out from his thoughts when Sonakshi casually stepped in.

"You called for me?" Sona raised her left eyebrow with question. She had a hint of playfulness in her tone. Now that's new...

Dev was simply speechless. He just stood in the middle of the room, feeling like an absolute fool. Before Sona walked in, he was missing her like crazy. But when she was there, he did not know what to do. He did not know if he should make the first move and screw things up.

Sonakshi smiled and walked away to check on Simi.

Dev on the other hand was just clueless. His eyes narrowed in dismay. When did he fear about making first moves? He was freaking Dev Sharma! The playboy, the lover, arrogant boss and someone who knew how to control people. He never cared about what others thought. He did what he believed was right. He believed in taking charge and he knew his job well. Dev closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He was going to do what his heart told him.

Fuck the people around!

Taking long strides up, he held Sonakshi by her upper arm and flipped her around forcefully. Not hard for it to hurt, but there was an oozing possessiveness and dominance in his grip. He felt the want all for himself.

"Oh my god. Dev, what are you doing?" Sona shrieked as he gripped her hardly and slammed her against his chest. His hold was still too strong for a guy who just woke up from coma. He was indeed ten times stronger than her.

Sona's hands slide up his shoulder blades for support as he kept gazing at her. His eyes darkened as he brought his face closer to hers. Sonakshi felt her pulse beating madly with every advance he made. She thought she had an upper hand in this. She was so wrong.

"Dev...."

"Tell me the truths.... Why are you back here Sonakshi? Did you move here because you wanted to, or because of force?" he asked, in his deeply husky voice. Something about his voice gave her chills all over her body.

"Be...B-because..."

"Because?" his tone was rougher as he gripped her waist hardly and brushed his nose along hers. His one hand brushed across her neck and slowly held strangled her neck.

Sona closed her eyes and breathed harder. She did not know what she was doing...but she allowed herself to be intimidated. She allowed herself to be touched by him however he wanted. She strangely did not feel like complaining. She liked it.

"Because I wanted to be with you. I wouldn't come by force..... and you know it." She answered, trying to relax herself down. But with such an intimidating proximity, Sona couldn't seem to take deep breath at all.

"Did you sign the divorce papers?" his voice almost came as a whisper and his lips traced on her cheeks while he spoke those words. Sonakshi swallowed her saliva multiple times and tried to only concentrate on his questions. But the more she tried, the more she was losing herself to his ways.

"I asked you something, Sona." His voice grew dominant. His palms on her neck tightened, making her choke for a second.

Sona's eyes widened and she left the hand on his shoulder to grip his large palms. She got scared for a second. Was he really trying to strangle her?

"N-no...."

"Why didn't you sign it?"

"B-because...." She breathed harder as Dev traced his lips around hers, slowly teasing her. What was he doing?

Her eyebrows frowned in confusion. He still had one hand secured around her waist like he owned her. She was again seeing traces of the Dev she knew. The Dev, who was dominant, possessive and marked owned his territory.

"Because I love you Dev.... I love you so much." She confessed, feeling like a weight taken off from her chest. She felt his eyes were showing so many emotions. He was holding himself back from unleashing his beastly self.

"No... you don't." He kissed her nose softly and pasted his forehead to take a good look at her eyes. She was just reading him silently like how she used to all those days. But this time, she was calmer and more matured. She did not fear him or breakdown infront of him.

"Dev.... we need space now." she expressed wholeheartedly and saw his expressions changing into shock.

"What?" he asked with despair. The light in Dev's eyes literally shut down with her two words. Space?

Sona licked her lower lips nervously, observing how he did not really appreciate her words. But she had to be open to him.

Her eyes softened when she saw the war he was going through. Suddenly being woken up from a coma wasn't as easy as how people perceived. He was trying to get back at where they stopped. There was more hurt in his eyes than anything other emotion. He was not seducing her. He was just avenging his pain...

He was seeking for closure from her.

Sonakshi stretched her hands out and cupped one side of his jaws.

"Dev.... I love you. I love you so much. Please don't do this to yourself.... Let me explain. I-"

"Did you just ask for space again? Space? Do you always feel like you want to be away from me?" the sorrow in his eyes deepened and Sona shook her head furiously.

"No Dev, you-"

"You left me!" he spat, his grip once again tightening unconsciously against her jaws. Sona's eyes naturally teared up, and she looked at him in agony. She was not hurt because of his actions. But his words and his eyes that looked at her with gloom, pained her more.

"You left me when I needed you the most. You knew that you were my only survival.... I loved you so damn much and you tried separating yourself away from me. Asking for space was MY mistake. Are you trying to punish me again by doing this? What did I do to gain so much of hatred from you?" he gulped the clogging tears in his throat.

"Dev.....you are hurting me." She slightly panted when his grip on her throat got harder. Her tears pooled down her cheeks as she constantly looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Let it hurt..." he spoke softly and saw her lips parting away. He wanted to provoke her and see if she made any first moves. But she did not. She did not even pull his hands away. Dev slightly leaned to her sides and bit her ear lobes. Slowly biting them, he let his sorrows flood down.

"It hurts more here...." Dev pointed to his chest as he looked up at her eyes again. He left her throat and used both hands to cup her cheeks. He brought her face so near to his that Sona could feel his hot breaths fanning against her cheeks.

He had so much to speak, but he just couldn't put them in words. He felt his walls breaking down just by being near her. She brought down his entire empire that he had built within him.

Seeing her expressions, Dev slightly loosened his hands only to pepper slow kisses down her throat. His hands slid up to her jaws and he cupped her hard enough to leave marks. Sona's eyes constantly stayed on him as she tried reading what he was doing. His actions created sparks and pain at the same time.

This wasn't the Dev who was strong, flirty, intimidating and witty. His guards broke and his eyes watered without a barrier. The last string in him broke when he saw the droplets of water falling from her eyes as well.

"Why...." A strangled sob left his lips. "Why did you leave me when I needed you the most Sonakshi?" he pulled her closer, making her look at him with panic. She did not want him to break down. His mental state was her top most priority.

"Dev...." Her eyes softened.

He did not answer her. Instead, he kissed her this time. Kissed her harder than he had kissed anyone in his life. He kissed her to save himself from another set of pain that was going to wash him down. This time, it was Sona's turn to pull away. She felt the kiss being too violent and forceful. She thrashed in his hold until she was set free.

She pushed Dev forcefully away and tried to breathe steadily. She was panting for air when she realised what he did.

"This is not the way Dev...." she hiccuped, tears rolling down with the same quietness. He sighed, wiping his own tears, before walking away from her. He slowly walked past the balcony and wandered there with curiousness.

"I know.... But I don't know any other way to tell you. It's hurting me...and this kiss is only five percent of that hurt. If you can't handle this, then I don't think you can handle the real me. I am more afraid of hurting you than hurting myself right now. I just want a closure Sonakshi..... If you really love me, then you can't just leave me and go away. " He expressed with his back facing her.

Sonakshi stoned.

"Your point?" she asked with bated breath.

"Stay with me only if you can handle me... I am like this. Difficult, honest, moody and troublesome. But I will always love you... If you see yourself leaving me again, then don't do this. I am giving you an option." he wiped another tear, making Sona numb.

"What option?"

"Leave now if you can't do this.... When you leave this house, you can take whatever you want as a compensation of hurt that I have given you. You can take Simi, my wealth, my power, my influence... whatever you feel it's worth your pain. I would not trouble you ever after." He said with a heavy heart.

Sonakshi could see how difficult it was for him to utter every single word. He was drained and he was fighting a lot. This was the real battle and Sonakshi braced herself for it. She was ready with her answers. She knew her answers even before he asked those questions.

She knew the journey of healing was going to be difficult. But she was prepared to face everything after this. There was no pain higher than what she had already gone through. Her eyes lit up and she slowly walked towards him.

He was still facing the empty sky with no hope. Although he didn't hear Sona's reply, she was pretty sure he felt her presence behind him.

Sonakshi looped her arms around him and pressed her lips against his broad shoulders. She just felt the desperate urge to comfort him, even if it meant to hurt her terribly. She chuckled beneath her salty tears when she felt his muscles loosening up.

"I am going nowhere.....Even if you want to get rid of me, I am not going to leave you and this is a promise that I will keep forever. I made this decision with a straight mind and I will keep it." She spoke against his shoulders.

"I don't care if you are hard to deal with, difficult or whatsoever. I will always stay and never leave you in peace." she chuckled amidst her tears.

Dev wiped his tears and let the breath that he was holding for so long. He knew she would somehow say this, but the fear of losing her clouded his vision for a moment. He did not know how he got emotional so fast.

He turned around and held her hands tightly. Sonakshi leaned in and placed her lips softly against his.

"So deal?" he asked, his breath shaky.

"I guess so..." Sonakshi chuckled, making him smile in content.

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

A difficult chapter with mixed emotions. Path of healing is painful than the path of breaking. So many things happening in Sharma mansion. How things are going to evolve, is something interesting!

So stay tuned! Next update will take very very long. Until then, hold some patience.❤️️