"Ahh Dev....Ouch oh yes... ahh" Sona's nails almost drew blood from his flawless skin.

Dev sucked the skin below her pulse as she thrusted himself deeply inside her. He felt relieved when he was balls deep inside her. She was so accommodating and warm to his protruding length.

The sun was not even fully out and their hot morning make-out had started. Since Dev and Sona had dozed off early last night, their sleep barely lasted till four in the morning. Few minutes after they were awake, they had started sucking each other's life out.

Dev's control snapped when her hands found her way down to his pants and worked their wonders down his weakness. She was a wild wife whenever she needed him desperately. He already punished her a day ago by leaving her high and dry. Now she could no longer bear with the torture. She was so needy and touchy until Dev eventually gave in.

Their clothes were discarded and they were literally fucking like rabbits. They both hunted on each other like hungry predators.

Dev chuckled when her hips raised on her own to meet his deliberate thrusts. She was too eager and annoyed when he denied her the orgasms. She wrapped her legs around his waist and looked at him with hoody eyes.

His thrusts started to get sloppy and hard. He rotated his hips seductively and saw her eyes roll up. Her nails dug on his back while her toes curled up in pleasure. She never felt so much of overwhelming pleasure all at once. If this built up pressure was her prize for her patience, then it was definitely worth the wait.

"Tell me those words Sonakshi..." Dev whispered, biting her earlobes. Sona yelped when he plunged deeply and hit her g-spot repeatedly. Her mouth parted in pleasure as he made her entire body flow with intense ecstasy. Her body shivered with the rush of blood flow when he pounded himself with all his strength.

"Ohhh god, just like that. Please don't stop... Just don't." Sona was overly demanding now. Gone, was the old Sonakshi, who was shy and timid. She was now purely his wild-wifey who desired him unconditionally on bed.

Sona was breathless as she watched Dev's hazel eyes drinking every single expression on her face while he fucked her. She grinded her teeth harder as his thrusts became harder and faster. She loved every bit of the intercourse when he was in such perfect sync with her moves. It was as if he knew what she wanted. Despite becoming breathless, she did not want him to stop. Not now..... He was giving her exactly what she wanted.

"Should I punish you again for doubting my love?" Dev loved to mess up her mind at times. It was just so fun to earn her reaction.

Sona's mouth parted in shock as she was in the verge of screaming at him. But another hard thrust made her bite her lips with such an intensity. After a few harsh pushes, Sonakshi closed her lips as she was unable to form any proper sentences. He was such a manipulator towards her body. He exactly knew what her body wanted. When he saw her pleading eyes begging him not to stop, he genuinely smiled. She was too adorable.

"Goddd.... Please Dev. Don't torture me again.... I need to get off this time." She leaned up and Dev closed the distance for their kiss. It was just passionate and too good to feel such divine feelings.

"Then tell me the magic words." Dev insisted and Sona moaned loudly.

He was being unfair. This was the hundredth time she was saying it.... Yet, he wanted to hear it again and again.

"I love you Dev.... I love you so much." She kissed his muscular shoulders as she felt his length swell inside her. He really got turned on when she confessed her love.

He was so close to coming... So was she. His animalistic groans turned her on and it made her extremely wet for him.

When he picked up his pace, Sonakshi held on to him for her dear life and screamed her life-filling ecstasy. This was going to be her third orgasm, but it still felt like the best one for that day.

"Harder....harder please.." she begged, knowing how deliberately slow he was pounding inside. He loved torturing her.

However, after a few minutes of teasing, Dev could not hold it together too. He was very close and he wanted to give his wife what she wanted.

"I am going to cum inside you..." he warned, seeing her eyes widen largely. This was honestly a bad time to warn. He should have told her earlier. But Dev being Dev, didn't really care about what she was thinking. He just wanted to do it bare without protection and he didn't mind it even a bit...

"Dev... don't" she rolled her eyes when he brought his fingers below and played with her clit. He was really nasty.

Sona's brain was also too occupied to worry about the consequences at that moment. Right now, all she cared about, was her bodily needs and her body's biggest need was him! Period.

She closed her eyes and perfectly moved in sync with his hips.

"I am close, baby" Dev groaned in her ears.

"Okay..." she breathed out, soft enough for him to hear. It was definitely a green signal from her side.

Dev took that as a cue and fastened his pace, like it was his maddening desire. His breaths became uneven within seconds and his palms tightened around her wrists. Sona's fingernails dug harshly on his back when the third orgasm ripped out of her body. She screamed loudly when she felt the warm liquid fill her insides. It felt so good that she could no longer carry her limbs.

Dev's mouth found her bosoms and soon, he left an animalistic groan when he found his euphoria. He pumped in so much of love inside her while watching her beautiful body shudder to his moves. She was so sensitive that her moans never seemed to cease even when he touched her all over again. She was addicted to him as much as he was into her.

It literally took a few minutes for Dev to ride out his orgasm. It was one of the best love-making they ever had. When Dev laid down next to her, Sonakshi automatically scooted closer to him. She seemed content when she placed her head on top of his chest.

"So...?" Dev started his questions and Sona looked up at him with a cheeky smile.

She glowed with so much of radiance even in that dark. Dev's lips curved upwards as he saw that beautiful smile on her face. He could die to see that smile all day long. She was in fact the most desirable woman he ever met in his life. That definitely made him insatiable when it came to Sonakshi.

"So what?" she asked again, feeling confused at his question.

"So... second child then, huh?" he teased, making her chuckle.

Honestly, Dev had imagined her to rile up and be angry when he took this topic. He thought that she might be sensitive to the child issues. But things weren't as bad as he had imagined. She was taking things lightly and going with the flow. Anything that she was uncomfortable with, she was always brave enough to talk it out to Dev.... That was something he recently started noticing with her.

"Actually, I am not against the idea of another child. But maybe.....Right now I feel like I have to work a lot to mend my relationship with Simi. Maybe after a year, another child? Does that sound reasonable?" she requested and Dev was genuinely moved by her words.

He loved at how she was voicing these thoughts out clearly to him. Previously, there was always a communication barrier between them. But now, that barrier had decreased and Sona's thoughts were crystal clear to him, making his life much easier.

"Hey.... I was just teasing you! It's alright if you don't want a child. It's a mutual decision." He kissed her hair lovingly.

"Well.... I thought that it was important to let you know. Looking at Simi grow up, I somewhat started loving the idea of becoming a mother. It's overwhelming when a child calls you 'maa'.... It just feels so good..." she smiled and hugged him tighter.

"Uhuh..."

"And if we are having a kid, it better be a son." She reprimanded, making Dev roll his eyes.

"What if it's a girl again?"

"No, I want a son!" she argued as though she was really pregnant.

"Whatever! We shall see when you give birth." Dev smirked.

"Hmm.... Let's see. Maybe after a year!" she brushed off and snuggled near his neck.

"Then you better start taking your pills. Because I am not going to wear any fucking protection, Mrs Sonakshi Sharma!"

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

Weeks passed by and everything was going perfectly in everyone's life.

Dev started to work again and everything started to fall back in place. Sonakshi no longer needed Dev by her side for everything. Most of the times, she was just capable of handling everything by herself.

The relationship between Asha and Sona eventually got better. They didn't really come close like they were before. There was definitely a rift in their relationship. But at least it got better with time. Asha gave Sona a lot of time with Simi to make their bond better. She could see how hard Sonakshi was trying to adapt to this role. Motherhood was new to her and she was really doing a good job. Whenever she was unsure with something, she was sure to find for Asha.

Dev started attending his usual star-night shows. His music albums released and soon, he was breaking the charts for being one of the top artists. His popularity increased and suddenly he was the talk of the town again. With new music albums, his stardom raised again. He became the popular singer and businessman again.

However, there was no clumsiness in Dev's attitude anymore. Yes, he was happy whenever he was with his family. But Sonakshi noticed that he wasn't the same as he was before. He lost something in him which she hard time identifying. Maybe a little bit of child in him was really gone.

Previously, Dev used to be so happy and jovial. He would always tease others and play around enthusiastically. He had a strange light in his eyes whenever he came back home. Even when he had a tiring day at work, he would come back home with so much energy.

It almost felt like he lost his purpose in life.

One fine morning, Dev was silently munching his sandwich on the dining table. His mother came there and chatted with him. That's when Arjun joined the table, rushing for his work. He was so tensed that it made Dev so worried.

"Any problem?" Dev voiced out.

"No... I am just late for work today. Have lots of shit to deal at work!" he grumbled while stuffing a small bread piece in Simi's mouth. Simi was actually sitting in the chair next to him, expectantly looking at his food. Feeding Simi naturally came to Arjun like it was part of his job. The first piece of his food always went to Simi before he ate. It was like a normal routine for him.

"Oh.... I thought we always used to go for work late?" Dev chuckled dryly and Arjun rolled his eyes.

"That was when you were working with me! Now, things have changed. I have a new boss and things have been bad!" Arjun complained like a kid, making Dev smile faintly. Dev shook his head and continued eating like he did not care about that anymore.

Sona who was listening to their conversation, observed everyone silently. Asha joined the conversation and soon Tara was also there. Tara was extremely sick for the past one week, so she didn't really take part in any family activities. She only came out of her room to eat. Even then, she rarely touched any food.

Arjun was really worried with Tara's health. She had lost lots of weight the past month, making him so stressed. He was low-key feeling guilty for not having enough time for her. His work was making him so crazy that he felt annoyed at his own self. When he saw Tara sitting tiredly, he caressed her face and fed her a morsel of food.

"Nawwww Aajuuu!" Simi pouted when she saw Arjun feeding Tara. Sona's eyes widened and she shook her head in distress. This child was really becoming a spoil brat.

"Simi..." Sona glared at her and Simi's pout grew bigger. Arjun couldn't control his smile. He really loved Simi to another dimension. He could understand if she was possessive with Dev. But him? Seriously?

She was literally possessive with everyone in the house. If he even showed a little more affection to Tara in that munchkin's presence, that was the end of him. He had to give bigger explanations to Simi than anyone else.

"Simi, Tara is Arjun's wife. You can't do this baby..." Asha chuckled and Simi started crying vigorously.

Tara who was sitting quietly all this while, starting giggling to her own self. Tara naturally loved Simi so much like she was her own. She could understand why the tiny little one would feel so possessive over Arjun. It was Arjun's nature.... Anybody would fall in love with his warmth. He understood everyone better. Be it kids or adults.

"Are you okay, Dora?" Arjun stroked her cheeks and she just nodded in pain. She was feeling so much of ache all over her body.

"Why don't you just see the doctor?" Dev asked with a little bit of irritation. He could see that the usual chirpiness of Tara was gone and she was now turning too weak. His natural brotherly instincts kicked in and he hated the fact that Tara was taking her health lightly.

"I told her the same fucking thing! What's the point of being a doctor if you can't fucking listen to an advice!" Arjun cursed and saw Asha's eyes throwing daggers at him.

"Fkkkkinnnng aviseee" Simi repeated, making Sona choke on her drink.

"Simran daughter of Dev Sharma!!!!!" Sona gawked while Tara controlled her laughter. Simi just made the serious conversation into a hilarious one.

"Simi jaan, you shouldn't say that." Dev intruded before Sonakshi frightened Simi with her firmness. Sona looked at Dev and raised an eyebrow at him.

"Dev?"

"What??? She's just a kid, sunshine..." Dev pacified her while Asha glared at Arjun again. Arjun was quickly offended.

"Maa, I don't think she picked up from me. She must have learnt it from Dev." Arjun scowled and Asha just shook her head tiredly. She didn't know why but she found the entire scenario so funny.

"Fkk fkk fkk" Simi giggled, making Sona grind her teeth angrily. She internally cringed, hearing Simi blabber without knowing the meaning behind those words.

"Simi... last warning! No using that word! I will really spank you!" Sona pointed her finger sharply, making Arjun grin ear to ear. He would love to see chipmunk getting a handful once in a while.

Arjun admired how Sona managed to discipline her daughter effortlessly. Dev could never do that with a straight face. One way or another, he would end up giving Simi was she wanted. He was definitely the loving and pampering dad. But Sona was not like that. Sonakshi was definitely the stricter parent in their relationship.

"Okay guys... I am leaving now. Already got late." Arjun said as he finished up his last bite. Just when he was about to move, Tara held his wrist and prevented him from getting up.

Arjun was startled as he looked at her questioningly. Not being able to speak much, Tara laid her head on Arjun's shoulder and exhaled heavily. She was very weak and fatigue was killing her slowly. She initially thought that she was suffering from exhaustion due to continuous workload. But it failed to be true when her state worsened last night.

She couldn't even get out of the bed without Arjun's help. She started swaying like a drunkard woman even when she was walking to the toilet.

"Tara.... What's wrong sweetheart?" Arjun asked with a bit of nervousness in his voice. He was adamant on bringing Tara to the doctor last night. But his stubborn wife convinced him she was okay and did not need a doctor. She looked nowhere near the word 'okay'.

"Arjun, can you please stay with me today. Don't go to work." She whispered and Arjun froze at his position. Asha and the others around him heard her request as well.

Dev's face changed and he looked terribly disturbed. Sonakshi noticed how his face dulled at Tara's appeal. She couldn't understand what was so wrong about it?

"Arjun?" Tara spoke again, when she didn't hear his reply.

Arjun sighed and touched Tara's face tenderly. Her skin was really cold and pale. His heart tightened in his chest as he recalled how Tara never really requested anything from him before. Today was the first time she actually asked him something. But he was stuck in a difficult position. Today's work was more important than any other day.

"I have an important meeting today, Tara,.... Maybe I can request to come back earlier? Are you okay with that?" he asked and Tara's face dulled.

"Arjun, I can't do this..."

"You have so many people here, darling. Sona will be here too.... She will take care of you while I am not around." Arjun said, looking at Sona for help. Sona nodded happily and smiled at Tara.

"Of course, Tara. Let him go.... I will stay with you and take care of you better than him. You know I would, right? With the treatment you receive today, I am sure you would recover from whatever you're going through in less than a day!" Sona cheered her up while Tara smiled faintly.

"Tara... we all are here. I am also here darling! You don't have to fear to be alone... If your health doesn't get better, I will accompany you to the doctor myself." Asha added with a small smile.

Tara nodded meekly, but from her looks, Dev could tell that she was not willing to let go of Arjun. Her eyes expressed some unseen agony. He could emotionally feel Tara's pain. Somehow, it just disturbed him so much.

Arjun really felt half-hearted to leave Tara behind in this state. As he peeled himself away from her and stood up, Asha also stood up with him. He saw Tara composing her looks and staring at him with a defeated look. His heart broke to leave her there so vulnerably. Bending down, he carried Tara in bridal style, shocking the hell out of everyone.

Tara was out of breath as she gasped loudly. Asha who was standing next to them was taken by surprise too.

"Arjun!" Tara squealed as everyone eyed them with surprise. Dev smiled while Sonakshi gaped openly. Of course, the most disappointed one here was Simi. Her doe like eyes enlarged as she looked at Arjun and Tara curiously. Her small mind couldn't absorb what was happening to her favourite Arjun uncle.

Arjun walked to his room and gently placed Tara on his bed. Kissing her head, he combed back her hair behind for her. He inhaled her scent and kissed her again on her cheeks till she turned crimson. Tara's cheeks blushed as she looked at him shyly.

"Arjun..."

"Shh... I will be back in no time. Okay?" Arjun asked and she meekly nodded. She loved him so much that she could not stop him any longer. She had never stopped him when he went for work. Today was the first time.

Even then, Tara did not know why she was stopping him. She felt like she was ill and something was happening to her. Tara seldom fell ill. She often considered herself as the healthiest person in the family since she never fell sick in a long time. Even when she was ill, she would usually recover quickly.

However, this time her sickness was messing with her mind. It destroyed her emotions more than her physical strengths. She just needed her husband around for no reason. She wanted some attention... More like, she craved some attention.

After Arjun left, Sona noticed Dev's face wilting sadly. He looked lost and dull.

"What's wrong with you?" Sona asked and Dev's head snapped upwards.

"Urmm... nothing much. Just feeling a little off. Was thinking about Arjun...." He replied, gazing at his food again.

"What about Arjun?"

"Tara must be feeling low, because Arjun went for work. It may seem like he's heartless but only I know what kind of hurdles he is facing there..... It's really difficult to choose at times. I feel bad when I see him. Also...." He paused when he realised what he was going to say next.

Sona narrowed her eyes at him and listened carefully.

"Also?"

"Umm... nothing. I was just feeling a bit moody. That's all." He looked to his food with a poker face. Anyone else in that position would have believed his statement, because his face was really stern and convincing.

But Sona knew he was hiding something. She could just feel it.... However, she chose not to ask further. He was already looking dull and she didn't want to add up to his mood.

Asha noticed the conversation getting thicker between them, so she silently picked up Simi and left the place after giving Sona a small smile.

Sona woke up from her chair and looked around the house carefully. Walking behind Dev's chair, she looped her arms around his shoulder and bent down till her chin rested on the curve of his neck.

"Do you want to talk to me about anything? I am here to listen." She kissed his cheeks, making Dev smile faintly.

"Thank you so much for asking.... But there's really nothing sweetheart." He touched her arms and pulled her closer to him. Her scent calmed his tensed nerves and temporarily washed his worries away.

"You sure?" she bit his ear lobes, making Dev's eyes widen. She was really becoming too bold nowadays.

"Very sure Mrs Sharma..." he kissed her palms before resuming back to his work.

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

"Vikram, are you sure about this?" Dev spoke over the phone as he walked to and fro in the room.

Today was probably the most anticipated day in Dev's life. His friend was getting married and he had to bring Sona along with him. Knowing how unpredictable Sonakshi was in crowded place, Dev did not have the heart to call her along. He was really nervous to make any more stupid mistakes in life.

However, after Vikram's constant assurances Dev finally decided to try this out. Vikram apparently gave Dev the green signal to bring Sonakshi outside.

"Don't worry Dev... Sonakshi has attended two sessions so far and things have gotten better. Compared to her first session, her palpitations have decreased and her anxiety levels are balancing out. She seems more composed compared to any other times. I suggest you bring her out and just do your normal routines... But just be careful. Don't push her so much. If she doesn't want to do something, then let her be. Don't force her unless she does it willingly." Vikram spoke while Dev mentally took notes of the advices.

After listening a five-minute lecture, Dev took his phone away from his ears only to drop it down on the floor with a loud thud. The scenario that unfolded infront of his eyes was just too much to take.

Sona's head snapped and she looked up at him with a weird stare.

"What?" she snapped as she looked at his phone dropped on the floor. Little did she realise the effect that she had on him.

Sonakshi walked out from the washroom, looking extremely sexy with a very messy saree. Her hair dripped with water while her saree was loosely draped around her body clumsily. Her tight blouse which outlined her petite frame, gave him a delicious view of her bosoms for his bare eyes. Dev gulped down really hard as he felt his adrenaline rush throughout his body.

"Sonakshi..." he exhaled with a longing look. How he wished he could skip his friend's wedding and stay with her.

"Yes?" Sonakshi replied oblivious to her husband's state. While answering him, she stood infront of the dressing table and tried to tie the saree properly.

Dev carefully observed her as he watched her trying to get her pleats right. He hated how his hands itched to grab her milky waist which was teasing him from the moment she walked out of the bathroom. He had to admit that she was one hell of a sexy woman. Her body was to die for and she pulled of the saree-look elegantly.

Whenever she wore the saree, it did a number of things to his heart. Dev could never get used to the feel of his heart fluttering like this.

"You look gorgeous..." he complimented as he walked near her. Every step he took urged him to envelope her with a rough hug and chaste kisses along the slope of her neck. He had to hold himself carefully and remind himself that they had to hurry up.

He walked behind her until his chest almost brushed her back. Sonakshi felt his strong presence behind him and fiddled with her pins nervously. Although she had become comfortable enough to dress up infront of him, she couldn't deny that his strong presence always kept her on her toes.

"Dev... stop looking at me. Go do something else." She clicked her tongue, making Dev chuckle.

Despite her refusals, Dev slid his hands down her body and rested his palms on her bare stomach. Sonakshi had to suck in a deep breath to stabilise her heartbeats. His warm palms on her set a fire inside her heart.

"Dev please..." she moaned as she felt his peppery kisses down her neck.

"Shall we stay at home instead?" he asked and her smile widened immensely.

"We just made out today morning!" she tried reasoning, but Dev was not in the mood to leave her.

"I am insatiable when it comes to you!" he bit her neck, making her squeal.

"Dev, stop giving me hickeys. Now I have to apply make up to cover this!" she pushed him away and rubbed her skin softly.

Dev's bites were no longer soft and sensual. He found his way to act rough with her. Slowly exploring different fantasies together, he found out that Sonakshi was not really a fragile person. She could go to larger extents when she wanted to.

Approximately about half an hours later, Sonakshi and Dev were both out from their room. Asha gave them a sceptical look, but this time she decided to keep her opinions to herself. She played with Simi and asked Simi to give her parents a goodbye kiss when they left.

When Dev sat on his car, he looked at Sona and gave her a thoughtful look.

"You okay?" he asked while she was busy shuffling with her saree.

"Yup." Her answer was short and Dev could not predict anything from it. She looked really normal and he preferred to just think like that.

The car journey was usually silent. The wedding hall was out of town, so it took them almost an hour to get there. When Dev reached the venue, he could see the crowd gathering till the gates. The exquisite decorations and flowers gave him so many feels. So many damn memories....

When he looked over at Sona, she seemed very calm. Too calm that he was starting to suspect his own abilities to read people. Dev carefully stepped out of the car and noticed that they had a number of audiences watching them. Wearing his sunglasses, Dev walked over to the other side of the car and helped to open the door for Sona.

When Sona was out, they heard a number of gasps around them. The flash lights of the camera blinded Sonakshi for a minute. For Dev, it was just another normal day out.... But for Sonakshi, it brought her back to the nightmares.

'Is this child Dev Sharma's?'

'Are you linked with Dev's brother's death?'

'Did you cheat on Dev Sharma?'

Sona jolted from her thoughts and took a deep breath. She kept telling herself that it was the past..... She needed to do this for Dev. All this while, Dev had provided her with so much of love. Now, all she could do was help him back the same way he did for her. She agreed to attend this wedding only because it was important for him.

Her responsibilities did not finish after that. She had to prove that she could change and be happy. She wanted to show Dev that she could do this without making him worried.

Looking at the cameras, she forced a smile out of her lips. It was initially hard, but she convinced herself that she could go through this. Her hands automatically tightened around Dev's arms, finding some support from his hold.

Dev was prepared for this moment. He calmly placed his palms on the small of her back and guided her inside the hall with the help of a few bodyguards. He was amazed at how composed and elegant Sona carried herself unlike the previous times. She had improved on displaying herself to the world. All the while, she had a small smile on her face and she was genuinely trying to look happy.

Not very long later Dev and Sonakshi were seated on their respective places, the ceremony started. The place was filled with laughter, joy and lots of commotion. For a change, Dev started to feel very uneasy. The minute the bride and groom walked up to the aisle, Dev's face paled. His fingers started trembling and he started recalling the day of his marriage.

He never knew that he was capable of feeling so weak. He felt vulnerable for a flick of seconds. He felt as though tons of pain was injected inside his cells. His body ached unbearably and he clenched his eyes shut for a few seconds.

That's when he felt it...... Sonakshi's palms slowly covered his fingers and she squeezed them comfortingly. Dev's eyed jerked open as he stared at her with a stunned face. He did not know what she was thinking, so he raised his brow with a questioning look.

However, instead of answering him, Sona flashed him a tight-lipped smile. Moving closer, she placed her head on top of his shoulder and looked at the couple standing infront of the crowd. Dev left a deep exhale and rested his head on top of Sona's. He felt tired and weak by just looking at this.

More than his agony, a small part of him was afraid of what Sonakshi was thinking. Was she thinking about their broken marriage too? He was afraid to even think about it.

"Dev..."

Shit... not now.

"Let's talk later." Dev cleared his throat as the vows exchange started between the couple.

"Are you upset... Your hands are so cold." She whispered in a small tone. For a moment, he was really amazed at how composed Sonakshi seemed.

She was asking him about his state instead. Was she for real?

"Are you okay, Sona?" he asked back, earning another generous smile. He had to agree that her smile was the best thing about the day. It lit up his heart brighter than any other thing could.

"Of course, I am okay... Stop looking so tensed. It doesn't suit your handsome face." She gave him a lopsided grin, making him perplexed.

Dev gazed down at her and looked at her sceptically. Blinking a few times, he breathed out a sigh of relief. She really seemed cool. He mentally smacked himself for overthinking. He should let it go just like Sona.

That's when the priest voice from the front echoed loudly.

"Do you... Fredrick son of Hanny, agree to marry Sara?" Dev's shoulders stiffened when he heard that phrase as his mind revolved back to the days, where he was asked the same question.

He imagined how devastated he was when he stood in that position.... His brother's death took a toll on him and he was emotionally drained. In that chaotic crowd, he was incapable of seeing Sonakshi, his mum, cousins nor Arjun.... All he saw was his brother. Only Tarun....

Thinking about it now, still left him with a tinge of pain. It was so painful that he could never come out from the damage. He did not know about the other, but for Dev... He still remembered the last image of Tarun as a corpse. It stuck on his brain like a nightmare.

"Don't be too hard on yourself..." for the first time, Sonakshi's voice sounded so different. Her voice gave him tremors. He could not believe that it was his Sona...

When he spun and looked at her, she gave him an apologetic look.

"It's not your fault Dev.... Unfortunate things happen. They give us life experiences. We all grow and learn to leave it behind." She whispered, making Dev's mouth open wide.

If her behaviour earlier didn't shock him, this questions blew his mind off. She spoke almost as if she understood what he was thinking.

This can't be true...

"I am not thinking of anything, Sona?" he defended his thoughts. Sona blinked at him a few times and nodded. However, her hands which were looped around his biceps tightened protectively.

After that, there was no words exchanged between them. It was awkward to speak to each other when they knew what each other were thinking. Their thoughts pained them and they were afraid to speak to each other.

Dev breathed out nervously and looked at Sonakshi who looked very uninterested. Her eyes were etched on the couple lifelessly. He knew that she was trying her best to not think about anything. On a positive side, he was happy that her mental state had improved so much towards such situations. But he would be dumb if he convinced himself that she wasn't hurting...

"What are you thinking?" he asked even before he could stop himself.

"I am thinking about what would have happened if you had said a yes." She spoke and Dev's heart halted.

He did not know what came over him but he was pissed. He quickly stood up from the chair, making Sona alarmed. Thankfully most of the crowd were already out from their seats. Hence Dev's actions did not grab any unwanted attention.

Sona's pupils dilated as she quickly stood up from her chair and followed behind him. His steps were wide and she found it difficult to keep up with his speed.

"Dev, stop.... Where are you going?" she called out as he already reached the backyards.

"I need some fresh air." He huffed and kept walking until Sona grabbed his wrists. Dev stopped in his tracks and gritted his teeth so hard to control his anger.

"Dev, please listen to me. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just-"

"You don't have to say anything. I just need to be alone, Sonakshi..." he blurted and Sona immediately sealed her lips. He was taking her full name, meaning he was really serious.

Sona folded her hands across her chest and watched him helplessly. She gave him the time he needed and wanted him to know that she wasn't going to leave him anywhere. When he started walking to and fro like a restless man, she started becoming worried.

Walking in front of him, she placed her arms on his shoulders and stopped him from moving further.

"Not now Sonakshi-"

"I know that your brother's death has not been easy on you. I am sorry." She spoke too quickly, taking Dev by shock. Dev sucked in a sharp breath and looked at her cluelessly.

"What?" this time, his gaze was hard and cold.

He looked murderous enough to kill a person but Sona was unfazed. She knew Dev well enough to understand that he wouldn't hurt her. Even if he did, she was mentally strong to accept it now.

"I am sorry Dev..." she walked closer to him and cupped his face. He looked angry, furious and everything that screamed danger. But nothing stopped her from getting closer to him. When she touched his face, she sensed the anger that radiated from him.

He was angry because she knew him.... He didn't like the fact that she could see through him.

"I will hurt you Sonakshi.... Leave. Right. Now."

"I didn't come back, to leave you. I had promised that I will stay and I am exactly doing that." She replied softly, making him even mad. He was hurting so bad and all he wanted was to be left alone.

However, Sonakshi was making it difficult for him. He wasn't used to showing his pain to others. After so many years, bringing out his pain in front of someone else, felt so strange. He was scared that he would hurt Sona in the process of collecting his broken pieces.

"Sona, you are pushing my limits. Don't force my hand-"

"I am sorry Dev." Her eyes turned glassy and this time, it was Dev's turn to become tongue-tied. He couldn't understand why she was apologising.

"W-why are you asking sorry?"

"I am sorry for not understanding you." She pasted her head on his forehead and looked at him defeatedly. Her lips quivered and she slightly brushed her nose with his rough stumbles.

Dev totally stoned while his stiff shoulders softened by her touch. She looked at him so delicately that it melted his demeanour.

"I am sorry Dev.... I am sorry for not being by your side when you needed me the most. I am sorry that I couldn't understand your pain. I was so dumb... It didn't hit me. I was a fool to ignore your pain. I never understood the love you had for your brother... It's my fault that I left you instead of trying to understand what you were going through... I am sorry Dev. I am really sorry.... Now I am able to see you clearly..... I have done so many wrongs. It's unfair for you Dev. It's unfair of you to take all the blames, when all you have done is goodness... Don't hate yourself. It kills me."

With that, her words slashed his heart completely.

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

Story took a different path suddenly. However, this was much needed at this point of time.

My sentence structures and grammatical errors can be all over the place. Deepest apologies, because I have no time to do sanity checking. Upcoming chapters might be a little messy too. Hope you guys understand.