Dev woke up lazily, feeling the weight on his chest with every rise and fall. He looked down to see Sona head resting on top of his chest. It was after a long time he got to see the kind of scenario in his life. For a change, this time they weren't on their bed. They were securely cuddling on the floor half naked.

The harsh weather could have killed both of them if Dev didn't drag Sona from the balcony last night and bring her inside the room. After Sona had her share of bites on the left side of his neck, they started to make out openly on the balcony.

Dev pulled her inside the room and started making full use of his hands. Both of them were too occupied making out, that they didn't even have the time to shift to the bed. They kissed, made out had explored various ways of sexual pleasures by aggressively biting each other in places which brought them over the edge. By the time they were done, they just fell asleep on the floor, with the comforter covering them cosily.

Dev actually recalled the previous night vividly. The fact that Sonakshi initiated to explore his wildest fantasy, was kind of hot. He never expected it from her.

She was always full of surprises.

"Come on babe... wake up!" he tapped on her shoulder and heard her groan lazily. Sonakshi had the best sleep the past few days after so long. With Dev aside, she had a peaceful sleep and she refused to wake up from that.

"Five more minutes." She whined.

Dev smiled and shook his head. Some things never changed.

"You can sleep for an hour if you want! But I can't... My back is stiff from sleeping on such a concrete surface. Sona... are you listening?" he brushed his nose on her cheeks.

Instead of answering, she just hummed and snuggled closer to him.

"Sona, I am talking to you jaan!"

"Please... let's sleep some more." She hugged him tightly and almost crawled on top of his torso. Her legs intertwined with him, making it harder for him to move around. Dev exhaled and looked at the time.

He looked at her and went into deep thoughts. She was absolutely a normal at home and there was no difference from her behavioural manners. She was so normal that he couldn't even tell if yesterday's insanity was a dream or not. The problem only started when she has to face the outside-world. If Vikram never alerted him about those questions, Dev would have never found out.

Dev peeled away from her secured hands and adjusted her blouse. Picking her up from the floor, he scooped her up like a baby. Her sleeping position could easily sprain her neck and he didn't want that. Sona groaned like a stubborn child when he picked her up in bridal style, but she soon succumbed to the sleep that forced her eye. She slept on his chest while he walked and placed her carefully on the bed.

"Devvvv" she whined, making Dev roll his eyes.

"It feels like I am putting Simi to sleep." He laughed and went back to take the comforter from the floor. Neatly straightening it, he covered the tiny frame of his wife on the bed. Brushing her hair back, he kissed her forehead.

"Dev, hold me please..." she asked while her eyes were still closed. Dev didn't know if she was mumbling in her sleep or she was really requesting it. But he just took her palms in his, and caressed them.

"Dev.... Don't leave me" she mumbled again in her sleep. Dev sighed and moved closer to her.

"I got you, love... I got you." He whispered and laid on the pillow next to her head.

One thing that Dev had learnt from Sona in the past, was her habit of getting too comfortable with him while she was asleep. There was something behind those cuddles that he still wasn't sure of. Her personalities jumped around so fast that he couldn't predict which was the real her.

It was not just a random habit. He learnt that it was her defence mechanism and her way of seeking comfort and security through physical means. There were days where she would not cuddle him and there were days where she would hold him tight enough to break his bones.

She was still living in a delusion, thinking that Dev would be unaware of her thoughts and emotions.

It was true. He told her that he was not going to read her mind again. But that doesn't mean he didn't know she was miserable. Last night when she entered the room and stated that she wanted to have a conversation with him, he knew something was wrong.

Yes, she was smiling. Yes, she was laughing. Yes, she was initiating the first move. But there was something more...

Sona to him, was talkative radio in the past. She used to be a chatterbox and Dev had to shut her off every single night in order to focus on his work. She loved to start petty arguments with Dev. She used to be very vocal about her feelings and emotions. Be it tantrums or affection, she always showed it openly. But now, she was far from that person.

Now, whatever she was thinking was only known best to her. He could never figure out if she was really happy or she was faking any emotions to make him happy. She was in her own world, giving Dev only whatever answers he needed. She almost stopped saying the word 'no' to him.

To Dev, relationship was based on freedom. He had always given Sonakshi the freedom to express her opinions loud and clear. Be it hatred, disapproval or anxiety. He always was a listening ear to Sona. But now, her lack of expressions bothered him.

When he was sure that Sona had dozed off, he woke up from the bed to resume his morning chores.

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

Tara scanned the files that piled up on her desk and sat there with a foul mood. Her work has slowed down and she was having a tough time to cope with the people around. She looked back at her phone and saw that no notifications were there, as usual.

She wished Arjun would message her. At least for once... but no. Nothing was there. Sonakshi was now in a surgery and Tara didn't want to disturb her friend too. She didn't know a way to let her stress down.

With no other option, she started to type an email to let her boss know about her half-day leave. She could not work in peace without thinking about so many things.

After typing her mail, Tara packed her items and left the hospital in a hurry. She quickly took a cab and went over to Sonakshi's hospital. For now, the conversation she was going to have with Sona was the only thing running on her mind.

Sona just finished her surgery, when her assistant arrived with her phone. She quickly took it and placed the receiver without seeing the caller-id.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Dr Sha? We are from Rimo Bakery... I hope you remember the order you have placed for tomorrow. Can I confirm the timing?" a young lady asked, making Sona sigh in relief.

"Yes, sure. I will collect it myself. Thanks a lot..." Sona answered and quickly handed back the phone to her assistant. She was very tired and she wanted to go back and check Simi at home.

She was already upset when Asha had refused to send Simi with her last night. But she did not want to be act rude or behave like an ungrateful person. She understood that Simi was always closer to them, but Asha was making it hard for Sona to bond with her. Whenever Sona was at home, Asha would always bring Simi outside or keep her inside the room.

Sometimes Simi herself would cry, wanting to be carried by her grandmother. Sona would think that Asha would deny at least that times when Sona was around. But nope! Asha would always carry Simi at the first chance she gets.

"Dr Sha, someone is waiting for you outside your cabin." The young doctor spoke, making Sona squint her eyes in confusion.

"I don't take appointments now, Jessica. Ask them to leave." Sona waved her hands with annoyance. Jessica gulped down hard as she saw Sonakshi wearing her ring back and throwing away her surgical cap into the bin.

Sonakshi single sentence had the power to terrify the doctors and nurses working under her. The nurses would not try to mingle with Sona because they were aware of how strict Sonakshi was. She would never take breaks during her work and she expected hundred percentage from the others too. When they aren't able to match with her speed, they would be in deep trouble.

"But I think it's someone whom you may know Dr Sha.... Wait." Before the doctor could finish, Sona walked away. The sound of her ticking heels echoed in that silent corridor.

When Sonakshi reached her cabin, she gasped at the sight of Tara.

"How long have you been here?" Sona gasped and saw Tara who had a pale expression.

"I am sorry. I hope I didn't disturb your surgery?"

"No... You didn't. But why are you here? You should be at work now, right?" Sona raised her eyebrows questioningly.

"I wanted to talk to you......." Tara sighed sadly. Sona just nodded in understanding and opened the door for her friend. She somehow was prepared for the conversation that was going to happen.

"Sona, did you ask Dev about the mission? Did he know anything? Are you-"

"Woah... wait wait. Patience." Sona chuckled and pulled out a chair for herself. "First of all, tell me one thing. Is this the first time Arjun is going for a mission?" she asked.

"No. Of course not. He has gone before... but not this long. Usually it's only a few days long. This time it's more than a week. Moreover, he's not back within the stated time. It's just getting me more worried. The worst part is that I can't even call him. It's like being in a dark... I don't even know if he's alright." She stated in a single breath. Sona breathed out and pinched her temples.

"See Tara, Dev told me that missions getting delayed is totally normal. If you ask me, then I would advise you to not stress yourself. I will talk to Dev again. Just relax, okay? By the way, did you talk to your dad?"

"I did." Tara rolled her eyes. "He told me that he warned me earlier about marrying a cop! I don't know why, but he's always hell bent on rubbing that on my face." Tara complained.

"Your dad seems like the one who annoys you a lot?"

"He does.... He told me that he doesn't know anything about the mission. I am just so.... Urghh" Tara clutched her hair.

"Hey come on. Look. I had similar experiences like you in the past and trust me. It's scary every single time. So, I know that none of my counselling will work. No matter what, nothing can bring down our nervousness till we see our husbands right infront of our eyes. It's like that. The feeling will stay, but trust me. Arjun will be back safely in a few more days. I am very sure it's a delay and he's stuck somewhere. Plus, he can't call us too."

"Did Dev tell you the same thing too?" Tara asked hopefully.

"Yes, he did. In fact, last night I came to tell you this. He said that he will help you check if he's not here by tomorrow. Happy?" Sona smiled and Tara's face lit up in happiness.

"Thank you so much Sona. You should have told me this news last night. I was sleepless the whole day." She frowned and Sona grimaced.

"I tried. But your mother in-law was so protective of you. She didn't even let me step in." Sona joked while she took a paper and wrote some notes. Tara gazed at Sona and scowled.

"Asha maa?"

"Yes." Sona confirmed, still not looking at Tara.

"Oh, I spoke to her last night. She must have thought that I was crying...." Tara smiled softly and Sona just waved to her, signalling that it was okay.

Tara looked at Sona's exhausted face. She noticed that Sona had resumed her work once she stepped inside the office. She was not even giving herself a small break. Tara noticed how Sona's office was neat and tidy. She had so many surgery files piled up in a corner, which meant that she had many people who requested her as their personal specialist. Tara couldn't help but feel proud of Sona's achievement.

But what shocked her was the certificates that were discarded on a box near the trash can. Tara's eyes enlarged like saucers.

"Is that your golden achievement award? Oh god.... Silver academy trophy???? E.B Wilson medal?" Tara's eyes were in tears as she rushed there and scanned the awards one by one.

Sona looked at her with an emotionless face and resumed back to her work like nothing happened. Tara's hands flew to her chest as she brushed away the dust from the medal.

"Do you know that the E.B Wilson award was my dream?" Tara asked unbelievably, still staring at the medal with awe. She caressed the words printed on the metal plate, feeling so overwhelmed. Sona just looked at Tara and shrugged carelessly.

"It's just an award, Tara.... Nothing else." She said and kept writing. Tara felt so angry that she felt like killing her friend with the same medal. Did she even realise the value of it?

"Why did you keep it near the bin? You should place it on top of the shelves!" Tara huffed and Sona just shook her head tiredly.

"What's the use of showcasing when you are never perfect in the job?" Sona answered dryly.

"Never perfect?" Tara asked shockingly.

"Yes, never perfect." Sonakshi placed her scan reports aside and took a fresh piece of paper to write her report notes.

"When will you be satisfied with what you're doing, Sona? Do you know that you're doing a phenomenal job today??? It's not easy to be where you are now. The position you have reached today, is many people's dream!!!"

"A dream which comes with a cost. To be here, I have lost my everything Tara." Sona closed her book and stood up, not wanting to talk further.

"Come on Sona. You didn't really lose anything! Maybe you did. But wasn't it all temporary? You have everything now, right?" Tara mumbled confusedly as she kept digging inside the box full of certificates.

Sona looked at Tara briefly. Her face was clear of emotions when Tara said that. But she did not show like it affected her. Because in real, it did affect her. She looked at a tiny envelope laying on her table and opened it while Tara was busily exploring her office.

The black and white image of the ultrasound was the only memory she had of her demised son. It hurt her and she could never forget that loss in her life. No matter how hard she tried to move on, she could not. She received so many awards, but nothing could pay the price for her loss.

The day she was given her degree, she had lost so many things in life. Her sanity, soul, liveliness and child. Everything was gone...leaving her with a few pieces of worthless papers.

"OH MY GOD!!! Scientific Achievement award??? When the hell did you get it????" Tara squealed, making Sona turn around. She quickly placed back the scans inside the envelope and kept it away.

"Tara, stop digging there."

"You betrayer! You didn't even call me for any functions? So many awards?" Tara dug into the box again, making Sona smile.

Sona was happy that Tara's attention was finally diverted from Arjun. Her eyes sparkled with interest as she explored Sonakshi's cabin like a small kid. The things inside her cabin fascinated her and she started having a fun time.

In the meantime, Sonakshi quickly wrapped up her work.

"Shall we head home for lunch?" Sona finally asked, closing her books.

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

"Simi.... Stop running!" Sona ran behind her, until Simi almost slipped near the stairs. Sona's heart jumped a beat and she flinched.

Ever since Simi started walking, Sona was having a hard time matching up with her speed. Now, with her upgraded long strides, she was ten times faster than Sona. It was just another day after work when Sona was trying to feed Simi.

Sona quickly aided to Simi who was crying loudly on the floor. While playing around the house, she accidentally fell on the floor and her legs slightly brushed against the wooden surface. Sona sighed and sat next to her baby girl.

Looking at the crying child, she took a look at the redness on her knees. It was a mild brush....

"It's nothing babydoll.... A small bite. My Simi jaan is strong, right?" Sona smiled and rubbed her knees softly. Simi's eyes widened when she realised that her mother wasn't making a big deal about her pain. Her doe-like eyes stared at Sonakshi with confusion and her cries subsided.

"Mammmaaa" her tears flowed down her chubby cheeks and she raised her hands to be carried by Sona.

"I will carry you. Just give me a minute, baby..." Sona tried putting away the phone which was buzzing for a long time in her pockets. But seeing the phone, Simi's eyes enlarged and she squealed, trying to reach for it.

Sona's eyes widened and she glared at Simi warningly. She pulled away the phone, but Simi somehow managed to catch hold of it. What happened next was so fast that Sona didn't even have the time to register it.

Simi threw the phone aside, making her gasp ins shock.

"SIMI???? What was that? Is that how you throw phones?????" Sonakshi yelled as her anger reached its peak. The call must have been from the hospital and there were millions of data she had stored inside.

Anxiousness got the worse out of her. She panicked and quickly reached the phone in distress while Simi stood up clumsily. Due to some misfortune, she slipped again and fell on the same knees again.

Asha who came there, narrowed her eyes at the scene and gasped.

"Oh lord, what happened?" she gasped, making Sona flinch.

"Nothing maa. She fell down and hit her knees-" before she could complete, Asha interrupted her.

"She fell? What were you doing till then? I left her with you for five minutes, Sonakshi! Five minutes." Asha emphasised and Sona gaped at her unbelievably. Was Asha seriously doing this to her?

"Well... I was doing what every mother should do. Trying to feed their daughter?" Sona answered doubtfully. She didn't know what else she should say.

"Feed? I saw you screaming at her! And wait... I gave her cereals to eat just an hour ago! What was there a need to feed her again? Didn't I put her to sleep a while ago? Why did you bring her out of the cot?" Asha gritted with an angry expression.

"I was just giving her mashed fruits... it's no harm-"

"I have raised two kids, Sona.... You shouldn't overfeed children like this. Why don't you ask me before doing something? And what's this? She fell...and you're not doing anything?" Asha said grumpily, lifting Simi from the floor.

"What do you expect me to do?" Sona's voice was as calm as possible. She was literally clamping her hands together to relief her tension.

"I seriously don't expect anything from you right now, Sona.... Now that you have brought her out of the cot, you have no idea how hard is it to make her sleep again." Asha pinched her nose and sighed with frustration.

"If that's the issue.... Then I will bring her to sleep with me. Anyways, Dev is also wanting to set up a nursey, where you can stay stress free from looking after her all the time." Sona spoke, in an attempt to assure that Asha doesn't have to take care of her all the time. But the way Asha understood the sentence went totally wrong.

"Oh yes, I heard that from Dev too! Listen now. I don't want to let my Simi sleep alone and uncared by anyone. She has parents and a grandmother who is alive. If you both can't take care of her, then I know how to take care of her. She is not a burden here." She said sharply, making Sona wince.

"When did I say that she's a burden?" Sona's heart felt heavy. She felt as though her lungs were filled with water.

Tara came there after listening to the loud chaos in the house. Asha's face was on a panic-mode and Tara could understand why she was that way. Asha was always protective and she overly-pampered her granddaughter. But for Sona, it was new. Sona just looking at Asha with unknown expression.

Sona did not know what happened so badly that Asha had to react this way. Wasn't she allowed to do anything with her kid? Was it a crime she took Simi out from the cot to spend time with her before her bedtime?

"It's a small bruise. I have no idea why you are so stressed." Sona expressed with a strained voice.

"For god's sake, she is crying Sonakshi." Asha snapped and Tara's eyes widened.

"Do you even know the basics about growing up children? If you did, then you would know what to do when a child falls! This isn't how you behave.... She is crying hysterically. With the looks of it, you must be able to see what's wrong. You should maybe apply ice or something to ease the pain if it's getting worse. Not just sit here like it's no big deal." The sharpness in Asha's words cut through Sonakshi's internal organs one by one.

"I am sure that you learnt how to become a mother on your own, right? Did anyone take classes for you? I am sure you did not go special classes for this.... How will I learn if you just won't let me do anything?" Sona stated with a firmness, making Asha choke heavily.

Asha felt so much of pain by just arguing with Sona. She did not know why Sonakshi could take a little argument positively. She always was finding a way to fight. Moreover, the scene of Simi crying her tore her into pieces. Seeing Sona yell at the small soul, broke Asha's tolerance limit.

"Learn? Sometimes having an emotional intelligence (EQ) is important Sona. When I became a mother, I had one...which is missing in you now." Asha's blunt words, hit Sona at the right chords.

"Maa... relax." Tara intervened. "Sona was here when she fell, right? I am sure she knows what she is doing. After all, she's London's best doctor." Tara joked to lighten the atmosphere. But the jokes were never heard as Asha just shook her head tiredly.

"I don't know Tara.... I am handling so many things and to top it off, putting Simi to sleep is so hard. All Sonakshi does is come back in evening and-"

"You are failing to realise that I have a job!" Sona exclaimed unbelievably. She couldn't understand what Asha was uttering?

"Then let me do my job. Just like how your job is your priority, family is mine." Asha glared at Sona, making Tara gawk uneasily.

"Priority? I have always prioritised Simi before myself."

"Oh really? Do you know what time she eats and sleeps? Do you know the kind of habits she is used to?" Asha retorted.

"What are you trying to say?" Sona asked in a whisper.

"I am just saying that looking after a child is not a part-time job. It needs your full energy and commitment." Asha emphasised, making Sona even worse.

"I don't understand how conveniently you forget that it's my child that you are holding. I have been giving you the honour to look after my daughter without complaining. I am sorry that I come back late and disturbed her sleep... Because if I don't see her now, then you may just occupy her evenings without showing her face to me. The child was once separated from me and taken to a different house. But now, despite living in the same house, I don't feel like a mother." Sona said with a straight tone.

For once, Tara was shocked at the tone that Sonakshi used. It was sharp, strong and intimidating. Her voice did not even falter or shake for a second. Her words did not stutter and she did not resemble like the weak. She reacted like a lioness, which was unlike her.

"Sona... please..." Tara held Sona's shoulders, requesting her to calm down.

"Okay fine. Thank you so much Sonakshi. Thank you for letting me have the privilege of spending extra time when you weren't there for your daughter. Thank you for allowing me to take care of Simi while you were grieving alone." Asha said with angry tears and Sona's eyes enlarged.

"Maa?? Please... What are you doing?" Tara asked in a stressful tone. She did not know what transpired between them to lead into such a big fight.

"I am sorry that I am the trouble maker now. I was just concerned and nowadays my concern is acting as a hindrance. I am deeply sorry." Asha folded her hands and stated to Sona with a shaky voice.

Sona opened her lips to say something, but Asha left before she could even speak. Why was she always the culprit? Whatever happens in the house, Asha always made it about her. What was her anger on Sonakshi? Sona could not decipher what possessed Asha.

Simi who was sitting there, gazed between her mother and grandmother cluelessly. She was as confused as Tara... Sona sighed and picked up Simi with a heavy heart.

Little did she know that this was just a teaser.

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

Sonakshi woke up with a heavy groan, feeling a strong weight on top of her stomach. She squirmed uneasily and lazily opened her eyes only to watch the blessing of her life.

Dev was sleeping with his arms wrapped around her while Simi was cuddling on to his neck. A low chuckle left Sona's lips as she watched both of them in awe. Both the dad-daughter duo had the same expression when they were asleep. They held the cutest pout with a peaceful look on their faces. They must be jailed for being so adorable.

She did not know when she slept last night. She was very tired doing silent preparations for Dev's birthday. She was cutting cards and decorating her tiny collage which had random pictures of them from their Mehendi function. She tried to make the most out of their memories and write a soulful poem. She knew she wasn't as good as Dev, but she tried.

Seeing Dev in deep sleep, Sona took her forefinger and traced his lips seductively. Dev groaned feeling the teasing fingers on his face and lips. Her fingers didn't stop when they reached the starting point. Instead they lowered down and circled his Adam's apple.

"Just kiss me, Sona! I know that's your motive." He scowled in his sleep, making her laugh.

Leaning closer, she kissed his lips slowly. Even in that fake-sleep, Sona felt his lips moving in sync perfectly. His hold on her waist tightened, making Sona smile in that kiss. She freely let her hands travel up to his neck and pulled his closer

"I love you..." she said and Dev cursed under his breath. He loved every bit of her charm.

"If this is the way you want to wake me up every day, then I am fully onboard!" he joked, waking up to her face.

"Gosh...I love your beard... It looks so hot on you." she commented, lazily drawing patterns on his jawlines. Her fingers caressed his face lovingly, making Dev smirk.

"Looks like you're obsessed?" Dev joked, making Sona grin cheekily.

"When did you come back, last night?" she asked, slowly untangling herself from his strong grip. She yawned and stretched her hands to relief her stiffness.

"I was back very late.... By the time I was back, I noticed that you were fast asleep."

"I am sorry. I tried to wait for you, but I don't know how I fell asleep." She mumbled apologetically.

"Hey come on, why are you apologising? I know that you had a long day at work. You don't have to say sorry."

"But I wanted to wait for you... I realised that it's been long since I cooked dinner for everyone in the house."

"No Sona, it was already past midnight and I don't advise you to stay up that late. And cook? Really? Come on, you're not expected of all these. When I was back, this cutie pie was unfortunately awake next to you. So, I brought put her to sleep and then slept together too." Dev said and Sona looked at him keenly.

"Oh.... Did you eat last night?"

"I did, sweetie... Did you?" he asked and Sona nodded meekly.

"Dev, I think I will take more off-days next week. I feel like maybe I am not spending enough time at home. I am sorry... I thought of cooking for everyone last night, but when I came back home, my back was aching. I am not giving excuses but-"

Dev's eyes squinted in confusion. He quickly shushed Sonakshi and shifted up to a sitting position too.

"Sonakshi..." Dev took her palms in his and caressed them softly, "You have been doing a great job at managing the house and your hospital work. It's not easy to do that.... I have seen woman struggling a lot. Even my mother had so much on her back in the past, and thankfully I was there to help her those days. Seeing you, I feel so proud. You go early in the morning, work without breaks, come back before seven, feed and bath Simi, prepare dinner, clean our room and do so many other things for everyone. You even take care of Simi the rest of the day. I don't even see you giving any time for yourself.... You have been doing nothing but the best." He chuckled and Sonakshi's eyes glowed for the first time.

That's when she realised her weakness. She was strong enough to handle hatred and taunts, but she couldn't digest the appreciation that Dev told her. Her throat clogged and tears of hurt brimmed on her orbs. Dev's eyes widened and he hugged her sideways.

"What's wrong Sona?"

"I don't....t-think I deserve all this appreciation." She choked in between her words.

"Why do you say so?" Dev frowned.

"Because I know they aren't true..."

"Oh, just shut up. You're the best Sonakshi.... Just because you want to hear lies, I can't lie to you." He smiled and those words just slammed the last nail into her wound. She did not cry, but the ache in her chest was getting unbearable.

"I think that I have to work on spending more time at home... I feel like I have never really stayed at home with Simi. Whenever I am back, she's put to sleep already. I can't blame anyone else for that except me."

"If you stay at home, then what will happen to your patients? Every day when I am back home, you're always with me. You are doing everything you can and I don't even see a single thing to complain about. What nonsense?" he shrugged, making Sona chuckle.

She immediately wiped her eyes and pecked his lips. Dev who was holding her, felt her lips tease him again. She was a tease.

"So, Sona...... do you remember what day today is?" Dev asked, unable to contain his impatience.

Sona internally smiled. How could she forget his birthday? She wantedly did not wish him yet. She wanted to create a small special memory for Dev in his house. Something which she could do for him and also for herself. By making this event memorable, Sona wanted to feel worthy of her own self.

The eagerness of redeeming herself in Dev's eyes was everything she wanted. Although she knew that she didn't need to do that, she wanted to.

"What day? Oh yes... I remember! I forgot that I need to renew my car license. Thank you so much for reminding me, Dev...." She smiled and Dev's face dulled in a second.

"Sonakshi!" he groaned angrily.

"Yes?"

"Sona.... You really don't remember today's date? It's my-"

"WAITTTTT. I know, I know...." She stopped him and quickly stood up from the bed.

"Know what?" Dev's eyes brightened again.

"I know that today, Arjun is going to return from his mission. Right?" she grinned and this time, she noticed Dev's ears turning red.

"Sonakshi I can't believe-" before he could say something, Sona rushed inside the bathroom as fast as she could.

Closing the door behind the back, she giggled childishly. She did not want to be the cliché wife who wishes their husband at 12 midnight. She wanted to do something different. Something that would surprise him and may be something that he could remember for a lifetime.

Finishing her household chores as fast as possible, she was prepared to leave for work even without bidding goodbye to Dev. Sonakshi couldn't contain her excitement to herself. Before she left, she saw Tara sitting inside the kitchen quietly.

"Tara.... Aren't you leaving for work?"

"No Sona. I am actually on leave today? Are you going to work?" Tara asked and Sonakshi happily nodded. She was literally jumping in excitement.

"Sona... but you told me that you're celebrating Dev's birthday?"

"Yes, I know. And I haven't wished him yet too.... I told you about the surprise, right? Please don't let him know, okay? I will collect the cake and gifts and be back as soon as possible. And one more thing. DON'T COOK. I will buy dinner for everyone. If Dev leaves anywhere, message me immediately, okay?" Sona quickly said and walked out.

"What should I say if he asks me for you?"

"Tell him that I left urgently!" Sona screamed from the lining area, rushing to the doors.

As she reached her workplace, Sona quickly changed to her lab coat and placed her personal belongings inside her locker. She was totally detached to the outer world for the whole five hours of work. She even skipped her lunch and ate a few biscuits to subside her hunger.

Her desperation to finish the work was driving her enthusiasm. She found herself happy after so long. Now she understood why people enjoyed planning events and celebrations for others. It was tiring, but the excitement and anticipation of seeing their loved ones happy was the main joy! More than the main person, it was always the planners who has the full blast!

When the last patient left the door, Sona sprinted off from her desk. She almost tripped on her way to reach for the bag. When she took her bag and unlocked the phone, she found no messages, which meant Dev was still at home. She sighed in relief and quickly rushed outside.

"Dr Sha? Are you leaving?" a shocked gasp left Dean's lips as he saw her walking to the counter with her bags. Dean had never seen her leave so early in her entire career there. This was a first.

"Yes dean... I finished my appointments early. Bye..." Sona waved happily and dean's eyes squinted in confusion. Was she possessed?

"Leaving so early? Are you getting married again?" Dean joked and Sona rolled her eyes.

"I am celebrating my husband's birthday today. Heard that? I will be with him tonight while you deal with all the surgeries alone! Feeling jealous, right? Too bad... Byeeeee!" Sona giggled as she jumped outside like a kid. Dean gaped at her and looked around the hospital to check if anyone else was looking at her madness. Was this really Dr Sha?

Dean pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head with a small smile. He was just happy for her.

Dropping at the bakery, Sonakshi quickly collected the customised cake. It had a beautiful look to it and it was decorated with Dev's favourite colours. Placing her items on the car, she collected the watch that she had pre-ordered and some fresh flowers to compliment it. She prayed that Dev was positive about it.

Frequently, she kept checking the time to make sure she wasn't delaying so much.

The last stop was the food. For a change, she ordered Arab cuisine. Dev was an international food-lover. Researching from his hotels, she had learnt that he loved Italian and Arab food the most. She wanted to order Italian food that day. However Italian food tasted best when they are consumed immediately.

So, she finally ordered Dev's favourite Arab cuisine and packed them all in a huge paper-bag. She made sure she ordered enough for everyone at home, before leaving the store.

Finally, exhaling in relief, she hurriedly drove home. The journey took approximately fifty minutes that by the time she reached, she was tired.

Parking the car aside, Sonakshi tiptoed inside the house, carrying the cake, gift bags and food. But what she saw there, made her heart shudder.

Tara was sitting on a corner crying while Asha was next to her with a depressed face. Sona looked around and saw how the entire house was dim and dull. Dev was nowhere to be seen too. What was happening?

"Tara...." Sona wetted her lips and walked inside slowly. Asha looked at her and her eyes drew together in confusion when she saw Sona with so many bags.

"Sona.... what's all this?" Asha was the first to ask.

"Maa.... this is for Dev. I mean.... I just....p-planned this. Nothing so great, trust me. Anyway, why is Tara so upset?" Sona quickly placed her bags aside and walked near Tara.

"Tara? what's wrong? What happened?" Sona's voice grew concerned when she saw a numb expression.

"The news....." Tara hiccuped through her words.

"What about the news."

"There's a bomb blast in the east wing of the tower and two Interpol officers have died in that blast today afternoon. The news stated it.... but they still haven't released the names." Asha said coldly and Sona sucked in a sharp breath.

Her eyes grew wide and she became tongue-tied. Her hands clasped the material in her chest and she looked at both of them repeatedly.

"I.... I am s-sure....ttttt-that's not...Arjun." Sona stuttered, her heartbeat hammering vividly.

"So what? What if it's anyone? Why do you seem so concerned? Out of all these, you only saw Dev's celebration, right? You never care about other people, Sonakshi!" Asha stood up from her chair and cried out, making Sona's eyes brim with unshed tears.

"I.... I didn't know maa. Even now, I am sure nothing would have happened to Arjun. Please don't get stressed." Sonakshi shook her head and Asha just chuckled bitterly.

"Stressed?" Asha asked in disbelief.

"Where's Dev?"

"DEV IS NOT HERE! He is gone....to god knows where!" Asha screamed her lungs out, making Sona wince. Sona stepped back while Tara just buried her face in her hands and cried in silence.

"G-gone?" Sona breathed.

"What's all this Sonakshi?" Asha asked pointing to the gift bags and flower bouquet. Asha's angry tears ran past her reddened cheeks, and eyes spewed fire at Sona.

Asha felt pain all over her body. Despite warning several times to listen to them, Sona never gave any heed to her advice. She was more upset that now Sonakshi was planning to celebrate Dev's birthday and hurt Dev with her childish acts. She had gone all the way to buy these things even after knowing that Dev's father died two days later. She did all this despite knowing how Dev would be grieving!

"Maa.... I had told Tara earlier that I was planning all this for Dev.... Didn't I tell you, Tara?" Sona turned to Tara, but Tara was too hurt to even reply to both of them.

"Tell what, Sona? You told her that you were going to plan a secret party for Dev? And what did you expect her to say? That I am sorry, I can't take part in your little celebration, because I am worried about my husband's life? Did you expect that from Tara? Of course, she didn't say anything to you. Didn't you realise that she was grieving silently for the past four days??? Were you oblivious to your friend's hurt too?" Asha shrieked, making Sona paranoid.

Tara looked up and clenched her eyes shut in agony. Her teary eyes pleaded to Asha to stop.

"Maa, please don't...."

"No Tara, she has to understand that not everyone would cry openly like her. There are people who grieve silently too. She has to understand that we are not like her. We can't be robots and act like however everyone else likes. We have our worse days, Sonakshi. We are upset too. We get hurt too.... I always had dreams to celebrate my son's birthday too. Do you think I am heartless? Why do you think I don't acknowledge it?" Asha squat down and cried in agony.

Sona's tears fell on her cheeks and she stoned at the place. She did not know why god was being so harsh with her. Why couldn't her happiness extend a little longer? Why did her every little step backfired? Didn't she deserved to be happy?

"I thought you would be at least understanding towards Dev's emotions. His birthday always reminded him of his past, which is why none of us celebrated it. This week is the darkest week in our lives. Dev and I always visited Manoj's grave on this day.... I can't believe you are so inconsiderate. I understand that you're trying to do something and I applaud you for that. But I am sorry...I can't keep seeing all this and act like I am okay." She sobbed.

Sona's eyes suddenly swarmed with another fresh set of tears while she hurried to scrub them off her face. She knew tears would lead to sympathy, and sympathy would lead to more tears. She never felt so pained in her life. Everytime she thought that she had faced the worse, fate proved her wrong.

"I just wanted to celebrate Dev's birthday...... I didn't mean anything bad to anyone. Not to you or Dev especially..." Sona said in a soft whisper. She was so scared to even voice out the words which were in the tip of her tongue.

"Please don't Sonakshi... don't tell me that you didn't know. You knew about Arjun's disappearance. You knew about Dev's father's death! You knew and still.... This cake, flowers...." Asha looked at the things in disgust.

"I just can't digest your acts today. Just like how you failed to see Tara's agitation, you fail to see Dev's miseries." Asha said in disappointment.

Sona could not hold herself strong any longer. Tara looked up at Sona and felt her heart sinking. But she was crying and too weak to even say something at the position. Sona quickly took the bags and threw them on the kitchen counter. Taking the gifts along with her, she immediately ran to the room.

She didn't hear anything or anyone behind. The grief blocked her ears and she went deaf to all the sounds. She ran as fast as her legs carried her. When slammed shut the door behind her, she just sat leaning against the door.

She was no longer crying. She was just staring at the space, trying to block the words and thoughts. She didn't want to let anything get inside her.

"You are wrong... you are wrong.... You are wrong... you are wrong...."

And just like that, she convinced herself.

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

If you teach a child to walk on thorns, they will never learn how to walk because it's nature's reality. – Shana Geoshini

Precap: Dev back at home.......with Arjun.