(Flashback continues...)

Did she just try to kill her own child?

Her heart stopped as she looked down at her hands, still clutching at the red pen. One stab, and her baby would have been in danger. Memories of how her mother killed her sibling was still running fresh in her mind. Did she want that?

No.... She did not want to do that. Not to her innocent kid especially.

The logical part of her brain kept telling her it was wrong, but the emotional part of her was overtaking her whole body.

Clutching her head, she realised that she was doing a crime.

The door suddenly opened, revealing a lady in her late twenties. She looked at Sona with shock and came forward to help.

"Hey are you okay? Do you need help?" her voice finally brought some relief to Sonakshi's heart.

"Um yes... thanks." She smiled and slowly got up. Closing her eyes, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. She promised to herself that she would never think about causing any harm to her child ever again.

Little did she know...

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

"Sonakshi Agarwal! I understand that you are late because of your state. But your practical exams are suffering as well. Do you remember that tomorrow, you are accompanying Doctor Thomas during his cardiology operation?" Her mentor chided her as she walked in with great difficulty.

She was in her fifth month, but her stomach was already so huge. She had difficulties walking long distances and submitting her reports on time. She looked weary and her eyes lacked sleep. Her mentors were so strict that she couldn't even expect them to understand her turmoil.

"Look Sona, I understand that you are in great pressure. But see, if you fail to be present tomorrow.... You will have to repeat this whole year! I am sorry" he shrugged carelessly and walked away.

Sona clutched her stomach and sat on the nearest bench. She mentally noted to do extra revisions that night. Studying while being pregnant was probably the worst thing anyone has to ever go through.

Ever since Sona found out about her pregnancy, she was very casual about it. She almost felt like she didn't care about her health. She never went for hospital check-ups or even took medicines to stabilise her health. Despite Elena's insistence, Sona was more focused on her goal than her pregnancy.

She collected her belongings from the bench and quickly walked out of the place, only to be met by a handful of guys who were playing football. She tried to ignore them and walk away, but stopped when the ball exactly landed at her feet.

"Woah fatty, please pass the ball." One of the guys commanded. Sona gritted her teeth angrily and walked away, ignoring that guy's nasty comment.

"She's pregnant bro. Go easy on her..." a guy mocked while the others laughed together.

However, the next moment he ran next to her and captured her wrists.

Sona stumbled and almost missed a step. Luckily, she stabilised herself before she fell flat on her stomach. Her heartbeat skipped and she dropped all her books that she was holding.

"How dare you?" she glared at him, but he only smirked at her.

"Awww come on, don't worry. Pregnant immediately after break-up...huh? Impressive. I heard that you were living in with Dev for a year.... And now that he threw you away........" he dragged eyeing her from top to bottom.

Sona's blood boiled at the mere sight of the guy. She struggled to pull her hands free, but that guy was stronger.

"I could give you a place in my house. You can stay with me one year... and I absolutely don't mind a pregnant girl! Oh wait. One year with each of my friends here too..." he laughed filthily and the next thing he knew, Sona's palms connected with his cheeks.

The blow was so harsh that the guy almost lost his balance and fell down. Sonakshi's eyes was bloodshot as she took the penknife that she kept inside her pocket and shoved it on his face. People gathered around there to see the chaos while the boys stared at her with fear.

Sonakshi kicked the guy from the ground and sneered.

"Guys like you are meant to be placed in a zoo, not here. Why don't you ask such questions to your mothers or sisters?" she spat and bent down to his level. Throwing another harsh slap on his face, she walked off bravely like a fierce lioness.

But her heart was at war.

His words affected her too much than it actually should. She tried not to think about it, but it was harder than said. His words stink deep inside her heart. She was in so much pain again.

Pregnant after a breakup...huh?

Her footsteps got louder as she ran to towards Elena's apartment. Sweat beads rolled down her forehead as she clenched on her bag and pushed the unwanted thoughts away from her mind.

I could give you a place in my house.

His laughter gave her chills. She felt the chill run up her spine, disgusting her.

Sona decided.... That would be it. She rushed inside her apartment as fast as her legs could take her. She had to put a full-stop to this torture. She wasn't going to let everyone call her names. She was not a slut. She was a person who had pride inside her. Although she came from an abusive family, her mother had always given her good morals.

She deserved respect.

She was not a toy to be passed around. She was a human being who had self-respect. She was not going to continue living this filthy life anymore. She hated it. Her mind screamed to end her torments.

She was going to end her life!

She knew it. No words could convince her to go back. Nothing could repair her broken dignity. Nothing! Not Dev... not Elena...

Not even her mother's words could stop her this time. Her hands shook in fury and mentally, she was breaking down bits by bits. Elena wasn't at home and that just gave her more access to the items at home.

She looked at Elena's nail polish and her thoughts went haywire. There were plasticisers in nail polish that could kill people.

And that's the first time, her mind encouraged her to self-harm. Even while she lived with Sanjay, she never experienced suicidal thoughts... But now, toxic thoughts were the only thing running inside her mind.

Little did she know....that it was her brain's manipulation. It was a natural defence ordered by the brain to stop hurting her physically. Sonakshi was just too disillusioned to understand what was happening to her...

And this time, she blindly believed her coping mechanism.

Taking the nail polish bottle in her hand, she emptied it in a glass of water and slowly brought it to her lips. Tears poured down her cheeks as she thought about her decision again.

Don't do it Sona....you will regret it.

But her pain over-shadowed all the positive thoughts that ran in the back of her mind. She pushed her thoughts aside and sipped the first sip.

Before the drink could enter her throat, her hand which was resting on a chair, slipped and her body gave away. Before even she could process what happened, her body lost balance and she fell back completely on her back.

Her perception of time distorted, everything slowed down until there was nothing, only her and the ceiling above. Her back hit the cold tiles and her hips twisted in pain. A loud thump was heard and the glass she held, scattered into pieces around her.

There she laid, lifelessly among the shreds of glass.

(Flashback ends...)

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO" she yelled, as she woke up from the chair.

Why? Why did she have to remember this again? Why couldn't she just forget that day? Why was her brain recollecting so many memories? Why did she choose this path? Why was her life so fucked up?

She jolted up from her chair and screamed out loud. Her emotions went from a mixture of sadness to anger.

Why didn't she die yet? She wished she had died the moment she experienced that drastic fall. But she didn't.

Tears of anguish flowed down her cheeks and her palms automatically touched her stomach in regret. Turning around, she saw the large mirror displaying her own reflection. Her eyes enlarged as she saw her own identity reflecting there.

The person who was staring back at her was a monster. A cruel witch..... She looked ugly and disgusting. She was infuriated of her own image. Sonakshi couldn't bear to see the person whom she had become.

That's when she heard the voice again...... The sound of a child's cry...

"Maa..."

When she turned around, she saw a small infant wrapped in a towel, wailing loudly.

Sona felt as if her heart was leaped out of her chest. She felt her drumming heartbeat block all the sounds from her ears. She knew it was fake. It had to be a hallucination.

"No.....this is not true. Go away..." she walked behind, seeing the child still laying down in the middle of her hall. The hairs on her arms stood at attention, freaking the hell out of her. She looked to her side and noticed a glass vase there.

Without thinking twice, she captured the vase and threw it on the ground towards the child image. The glass vase scattered into pieces just like her heart.

"GO AWAYYYY...JUST GO AWAY. I AM SORRY......I didn't mean to kill youuuu" she collapsed on the floor and cried as if her heart was being shredded. The feeling of her turmoil crashed louder than any natural disaster she had known.

Her dreams were extinguished in a second and she couldn't even do anything about that. She became a murderer.....someone who didn't even give a thought about her child. She was ruthless.... And she deserved every bad thing that was happening to her. She felt like she was nothing better than her father.

She became a murderer like him...

Covering her face, she cried so loudly until her ache lessened. But that process was so hard. Her petite frame shivered uncontrollably as she sat there and sobbed her heart off.

"Sonakshi?" a sharp gasp was heard in the doorstep that almost made her flinch in fear.

When she looked up, she saw Dev standing there with alarmed expression. Her face was contorted in stress. Why was he here whenever something major happened? Was he spying on her?

"Why are you here? And w-who gave y-you permission to open my door?" she panted, wiping her tears hastily.

Dev looked around and saw the scattered glass pieces on the floor. He roughly predicted what must have happened and it pained him to see her tears yet again. He hesitantly took a step infront, but Sonakshi's rage stopped him.

"Stop right there before I scream and make a chaos! You have no idea how angry I am right now. So instead of fuelling my anger, leave. Better leave this place!" she yelled, making Dev a little nervous.

"Sonakshi I am here t-"

"Are you spying on me?" she interrupted him, making him stunned.

"What?" he asked, internally hoping that she didn't find out about his men surrounded there. He knew that there was no way she could find out...but there was still a fair chance of her suspecting. Every time she had a problem, he was there miraculously.

She wasn't dumb.

"Don't lie.... You are still lying to me. Tell me.... What's going on?" she stood up and marched towards him. But before she could reach, she suddenly felt a dizzy spell taking over her.

She stopped and held her head, trying to balance herself carefully. The triggering memories started playing in her mind on a loop, continuously making her weak. Not being able to bear the pain, Sonakshi fell down on her knees...

Falling down suddenly, she failed to notice the glass pieces that was shattered in the hall. The moment her knee touched the sharp glass, it pricked through her skin and her white pants started to soak in burgundy colour.

Blood oozed out of her knees, but Sonakshi was oblivious to that pain. She clutched her head in agony and rubbed her eyes continuously. She wanted her hallucinations and nightmares to stop... Once again, she started seeing the small child again.

Her eyes started to tear and heart clenched in pain.

"Pleaseeee..... leave me alone. Don't haunt me again. I didn't mean anything I did.... I am sorry" her weeping, caused Dev to freeze in his position.

Who was she talking to?

Dev wiped his sweaty palms against his pants and walked closer to her. Sona was now curled in a foetal position. Closing her ears tightly with her palms, she was trying to block some noise around her which Dev didn't understand what it was.

"Hey sweetheart..." he softly whispered while he saw her crying to herself.

Sona was not in her proper state to reply to him yet. She started shuddering profusely, and when she opened her eyes, her orbs drilled at Dev with confusion.

"Leave! Leave me. Please leave. Go away! Let me suffer alone.... Let me grieve alone. I killed someone." She stated, making Dev's world crash infront of his eyes.

He felt like someone just stabbed him right into his heart. His love was breaking apart and he could do nothing but stare at her in pain.

"Sonakshi! Come on. Let's go to the doctor..." Dev panicked and instantly hugged her sideway. Using his hands, he tried to remove the glass piece that was stuck in her leg. But Sonakshi didn't allow him to touch her.

She shrieked away as he came closer. His touch burnt her harder than any fire could.

"Go away!!!!!! Why have you come now? What don't you just disappear from my life? Why do you keep appearing in front of me? Why?" she cried and Dev closed his eyes painfully.

"Stop saying things that you cannot take back Sona. Please..." he pleaded.

But Sonakshi's eyes turned cold and anger resurfaced again. She was so angry that all she wanted was him to be out of her sight. Rising up to her feet, she tried her best to push him away. But Dev was stronger than that. The more she tried to push him away, the more Dev stood strong and faced her with confidence.

"WHY WON'T YOU LEAVE?" she held his collars and pulled him harshly. But Dev just looked at her blankly and sighed.

"Because I promised your grandfather that I wouldn't give up on you."

His calmness only her fury increased. Rage blocked her vision and she started to act like a wild elephant who's gone rogue. She slapped his hands away and threw the nearest item she could find on the table.

Ignoring all her attempts, Dev came down and hugged her again, making her cry harder.

"Dev, leave.... If you don't, I will do something that you will regret." She struggled and cried harder.

"No Sonakshi. You are hurting yourself... please stoppp" he held her down, but her struggles were emotionally overwhelming for him too. His eyes started welling up with tears as he failed to control her successfully.

"Stoppppp" she slapped his hands away, but he gathered her in his arms again.

In the heat of the moment, Sonakshi grabbed his folded arms and pushed him away with all her might. When Dev fought back, she took the nearest item she could find on the table and stabbed him through his biceps.

Dev winced loudly and moved back. He looked down and was shocked to see his arms drenched in blood. Sonakshi was stunned too.

She took longer time to process that she actually caused him hurt. Slowly dragging her eyes to her palms, she took a look at the item she was holding. The moment she saw it, all air left her lungs.

She felt emotionally bankrupt.

It was a knife.

The nausea swirled unrestrained in her empty stomach and head swarmed with regrets. She just caused another person hurt. She felt like she couldn't feel her arms and feet anymore. She just proved him that she was capable of hurting others physically.

And that realisation made her loathe herself even more.

"No....no" she whispered in a daze. Dev was quick to notice that regret in her eyes.

He knew what was going inside her mind and the doctor's words immediately sprung in his memories.

"Sona is capable of hurting not just herself.......but also the people around her. If she doesn't seek treatment on time, I am sorry to say......... she will definitely try harming herself. She's very suicidal, Dev..."

"Oh my god..." she gasped, dropping the knife in dismay.

"Sonakshi......it's okay." He spoke in a whisper, holding his arms from bleeding further.

"No.....it's not okay. I just hurt you." She dragged her eyes to his wound. She looked traumatised and guilt ridden.

"No Sona... it was an accident. You didn't do it on purpose. I know-"

"It's not an accident..." a choked sob left her lips and she bowed down in humiliation.

"It was an accident Sona. It's not even painful. See..... I swear." He tried convincing her. But when he took one step infront, her eyes enlarged in fear and she moved back.

The fear in her eyes made his stomach flip uncomfortably. Why did she fear him?

"Sonakshi..... it's not your fault. It's okay..."

"I could have killed you!" she covered her mouth with her palms. Fresh tears sprung in her eyes and she breathed in harder like someone was choking her.

"No sweetheart. That's not true."

"You are lying. You always lie! I tried hurting you....." she cowered behind like a scared kid and sat down with a thud. Her back was glued to the wall and she hugged her knees closer to her chest.

Dev was clueless on what to do next. As he was standing there, a sudden knock on the door grabbed both their attention. Sona's eyes jolted up and she was shocked to see the person outside.

"Hey guys! Everything okay? I heard some crazy noise upstairs......" Vikram stood at the door with an awkward smile.

He didn't know what happened. But from the way the house looked, he could predict a fair share of what could have occurred. What stunned him the most was Dev's presence in the house. He was truly surprised to see the famous singer Dev Sharma in Sona's house.

Every day he saw Dr Sha, he learnt a new thing, and today....it was Dev!

"Everything's okay. You can leave." Dev gave a tight-lipped smile. Vikram was taken aback when he saw blood dripping from Dev's arms. When he tried peeping further, he saw Sona scooted far away from Dev and seated in a fearful manner.

"Dr Sha, I hope you are okay.... Do you need help?" Vikram asked suspiciously. He was doubtful that Dev could be bothering Sona and wanted to make sure she was alright.

"Y-yes, e....e-everything is okay...." Sona composed herself and hid her tears smartly behind her hair.

"Who are you?" Dev frowned and stood face to face with Vikram.

"I am Vikram. Dr Sha's friend." He proudly introduced himself and forwarded his hand for a handshake.

But Dev was just too shocked by the introduction that he even forgot to reply back.

Sona's friend?

"Uhrmmm" Vikram coughed and Dev slowly composed himself. Forwarding his bleeding hand, he just shook it firmly.

"I am D-"

"Dev Sharma. Of course, I know...." Vikram grinned while Sona grimaced silently.

"I am Sona's husband." He said in a possessive tone, making all the colours from Vikram's face fade away.

"What?" Vikram's jaws dropped.

"You heard it the first time. Doctor Sonakshi Sharma's husband.... Dev Sharma!" he completed.

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

Vikram sat there with silence as he saw Sonakshi silently sweeping the mess in her house. She had asked Dev to leave the house politely and surprisingly, he left without another word.

Vikram sat there analysing how the things in her house were. The mirror was slightly broken, chairs pushed away, flowers placed in the vase were scattered and entire house was in a mess. He offered to help her clean it, but Sona sternly refused him. With no other option, he sat there with his eyes glued to her petite frame. She looked so different from the person who he had seen outside.

The Dr Sha he knew was a person who could beat up ten men just with her looks. She had a strong aura around her. But this was not the Dr Sha he knew. She looked so vulnerable and weak at home. It was a huge jump for him mentally to see her like this.

"Why didn't you tell me that you were married?" he asked accusingly.

Sona stopped whatever she was doing and looked at him with confusion. Out of all problems she had, she didn't know why she was still entertaining Vikram's nonsense.

"What would you have done, if I told you earlier?" she asked, making him speechless.

Exactly, what could he have done? It was not like he was going to marry her anyways.... He just felt annoyed that he didn't know such a big truth.

"Wow... I thought I knew at least some things about you. But you are like a mystery box Dr Sha. Now don't tell me you have kids too." He chuckled at his own joke.

"I have a one-year old daughter!"

"What?" Vikram's jaw dropped in shock.

"What? I have already told you...... you are not my friend or well-wisher. I am not even close to you. Why do you expect me to tell you everything?"

"Um... it's just that.....you don't look like a mother yet." He swallowed heavily. He still couldn't register Sona's words as he gawked at her unbelievably.

"Uhuh...now you know, right? Stay away, because I am taken." She answered bluntly.

"Woah....don't have high hopes okay? You could have at least told me that your name was MRS Sona whatever! Damn, I looked like a fish thrown out from the sea when he introduced himself...... I am actually surprised that Mr Dev stayed here all the while when you were creating this mess. If it was me, I would have ran away the minute you threw the vase!" He joked, but Sonakshi wasn't in the mood to laugh at his jokes.

"And I still don't understand why you're here. I chased that guy out an hour ago....but you! You are still chewing my brains." She huffed.

"Oh hello! Excuse me, I thought maybe I could help you cook or clean the house. You looked like you were going to faint when I came down. I am not as heartless as I look. I actually do help people." He lifted his collars, making Sonakshi shake her head tiredly.

"Fine... cook for me whatever you can make. The kitchen is there!"

"I said I can cook. That doesn't mean you can treat me like a maid. Okay?" he stood up and frowned. "By the way.... I am ordering food for myself. Want to help me order for you?" he asked, flicking his phone out.

Sona looked at him and thought for a moment. She was too tired to cook and it has been a long time she had someone to join her for dinner. She was emotionally drained and she didn't mind taking Vikram's help.

"Fine..... I would like some Italian. Thanks..." she smiled warmly and Vikram couldn't help but smile back.

After all, Sonakshi's smile was really contagious.

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

Dev felt numb throughout the drive back home. There was no music, no phone calls and no interruptions. Even if there was, he was too distracted to give importance to other things.

It was already late night and the road was dark. There was not much cars on the road.

But something felt eerie to him. Maybe because it was too late and his mind was not completely out from the mission yet. He felt nervous for no reason. His sixth sense was alerting him of a danger ahead.

As he stopped at a traffic signal, he looked out and a sudden bright light blinded his vision. His senses quickly went on a high alert mode. He turned around and looked for his gun in his car. But it wasn't there....

His heartbeat accelerated and he rubbed his face dryly. He felt he was being watched... he slowly took note of his surroundings. The trees swayed in the air and everything around him seemed normal. But he knew nothing was normal.

He was being monitored.

After working so long in the intelligence, he could no longer feel the 'real' him. Before he was getting into the skin of being an undercover cop, he used to be a guy who was carefree and Casanova. He used to date girls, party around, sing his songs, flirt around and be genuinely happy being himself. He was confident about himself and he had a strong persona which threatened people.

But everything changed in a few years. He had started taking his job too seriously and his brother's death ruined a large part of him. Now the mission he sighed up, was life threatening and even a small mistake could risk his family's life.

He was holding on to a lot of stress inside him. Moreover, Sonakshi's state bothered him too much. He sighed and clutched his hair in frustration. Without giving much thoughts, he quickly drove back home.

"Dev?" Tara called him when he stepped inside.

"Yea?"

"I prepared food for you.... Your favourite pasta." She smiled and Dev smiled back.

"Is Simi asleep? And where's maa?" he asked, removing his watch.

"Yes, Simi jaan is asleep. She was actually missing you a lot. But Asha maa took her to her room and made Simi sleep with her."

Looking around the house, he searched for Arjun.

"Where's Arjun?"

"Your friend is inside the kitchen, clearing up the mess he made! In fact, he was the one who taught me these dishes." Tara giggled and Dev gave her a lopsided grin.

"Really?....Hmm... So what's the occasion? Anyone's birthday?" Dev enquired.

"No, I just wanted to learn how to do some Italian dishes. Arjun told me you love them." Tara bit her lips nervously while Dev looked at the dining table with awe.

"Looks awesome. Thanks sweetheart." He threw her a flying kiss.

Arjun walked out with a plate and groaned.

"I deserve some appreciation, okay? I was the one who taught her these wonderful items. God knows what she learnt when she was married. The same rice, dhal, beans, lady-fingers, paneer butter, dosa-" as he was about to continue, Tara playfully punched his shoulders.

"Ouchh..." he whined while Dev chuckled.

"Fine... I am hungry. Let's all eat. Okay?" he said. Arjun took off his apron and immediately joined Dev at the dining area.

Seeing Dev sit there quietly, made him a little uncomfortable.

"Everything okay, Dev?" Arjun silently whispered.

"Yea..... it's just that...... Sona loves Italian too. Wondering if she ate or not." Dev exhaled dejectedly.

Arjun felt his heart constricting inside his chest. He placed his hand on Dev's shoulder and gave it a little squeeze.

"Don't worry. Grandma is a better cook than all of us. She must be eating a twelve-course meal everyday." Arjun joked to which Dev chuckled amidst his pain. He still recalled how Sona cooked so many varieties of dishes everyday in their house.

Those days will never return.

"So tell me Dev, how's the pasta?" Tara joined in, with her plate.

"It's really nice of you Tara. By the way....you are a fast learner." Dev complimented.

"Aww thanks Dev. It's just that... I am a great student. That's all." Tara flipped her hair dramatically.

"Nope. I am a good teacher. That's all.... By the way, I am always good with first timers. Am I not, Tara?" Arjun winked and Tara's face flushed.

She glared at Arjun for his stupid double meaning dialogues while Dev just controlled his laughter.

"Okay....now I don't want to know more about that. Can we eat please?" Dev laughed, making Tara blush a hue red.

Soon Tara finished her dish and started clearing the plate. But Arjun sat back at the dining table, and stared at Dev. They really had a lot of things to talk about.

"Dev...about the mission-"

"Someone's following me." Dev cut in. Arjun's eyes enlarged into saucers.

"What? How?.... I mean how did you know?"

"I can feel it Arjun... and today, I found out that my gun isn't in the car." Dev stated calmly. But that information itself made Arjun jump out of his seat.

"What the fuck? How is that possible? Do you want me to put you under the security control p-"

"Woah...Cool..." Dev quickly shut Arjun down before the others get doubtful. Looking around, Dev relaxed as he saw Tara still washing the dishes in the kitchen quietly.

"Don't panic Arjun. You know that our anxious state is always our enemy."

"But how can you be so cool about it dude? Are you nuts? We have to inform Jordon now and-"

"What are you going to get? Scolding again, right?" Dev asked. Relaxing back in his chair, he gazed at Arjun and composed his mind.

"Look Arjun, I understand why you are nervous. But look, if the person wanted to kill me...he could have done that the moment he stole my gun."

"But Dev.....that's not my point. That guy's intention, is not my business. I am only worried about your safety. Look, you are not going anywhere without me next time. Understand?" Arjun warned with a serious face and Dev just nodded.

"Fine...." Dev agreed and Arjun finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"By the way... how's Sona?" Arjun asked and Dev instantly tensed. Looking down at his palms, he fiddled with his fingers anxiously.

"She's not okay..."

"Why not?" Arjun was genuinely concerned.

"Her condition is getting worse......." He bit his lips.

"But there's nothing you can do right?" Arjun replied back, feeling helpless.

"No... There is something I can do right now." He replied as his eyes were still closed. Arjun stared at him with mixed emotions.

Whenever Dev took decisions in stressed state, they were never correct. Now, he was going to do something like that too.

But before Arjun could call him, he was too lost in a memory of his own.

(Flashback)

"Sonakshi? Sona.... Are you listening? I am talking to you for so long?" Elena screamed, breaking all her thoughts.

"Uhh.... Yes?"

"Sona? What's wrong with you yaar? Why this decision of moving house? Are you not happy here?" Elena questioned, making Sona nervous.

"No Elena.... It's just that...my....my university is so far from your place and I find it hard to travel from here. Plus in my situation now, I find it hard to walk up the hill-station." Sona gulped.

"Is that the only reason why you are moving away? I hope it's not because of Dev....?" She asked hesitantly.

Just as the question left her lips, the door knocked.

Again...

Sona knew that it had to be Dev. Ever since he found out about Sonakshi's stay at Elena's house, he had been visiting them regularly much to Sona's frustration. She hated the fact that she had to feel the presence of that one person who hurt her beyond beliefs.

Elena opened the door and stared at Dev's composed state.

"Why are you here again, Dev?"

"I want to meet Sona. I want to talk to her." He had been giving her the same replies for the past two months.

"And she has made it clear that she doesn't want any type of communication with you. Damn, that's the only reason she even threw her phone away!" Elena exclaimed.

"Ele, you were wrong the moment you hid Sona in your house without telling me. I was searching every corner of London...like a mad man! Despite you knowing me, how could you do this?" he asked, feeling betrayed.

"Look Dev. I like you as always. Even now, our relationship didn't change. But Sona is my friend too. She needed help and I offered her my house. I promised her that I won't tell you about her whereabouts and I am just keeping my promise."

"But now....You are doing nothing to solve the problem. I want to see her, Ele!"

"How many times do I tell you.... Sona doesn't want to meet you. She's in a delicate condition, Dev. And if you want to help her.....then please leave her alone. She's had enough of your anger and resentment. You have finally managed to do what you have been waiting for.... Despite all our advice, you proved your point at the wedding hall clearly! So why are you back again? Wasn't your statement infront of the world enough?" Elena asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Ele...."

"No Dev. She's bearing the consequence of your actions! Your rejection created a Tsunami in her life. Do you know what people question her every day? Do you even know how she's being mocked in her university? You know every single day......she's wearing a headscarf to her university, so that the media would not recognise her? DO YOU?" she yelled, making Dev's shoulder slump in defeat.

He was truly ashamed... for the first time in his life, he hated that he was a celebrity. An innocent person had to suffer because of his wrongdoings. He didn't regret it when he gave Sona over to Ricky. Because he knew that he was going to save her permanently from troubles.

But now, he was so embarrassed to see his own face in the mirror.

Yes, he hated to admit, but he could not turn back times. A moment of anger, truly turned his world upside down. Only if he had listened to his mother's words and married Sona...... maybe his life would have been so happy today, with his pregnant wife.

He could have overcome the pain of his brother's death...

But nope...he just had to spoil it.

"I am truly sorry for that Elena....and I am willing to do whatever it takes to bring her back. I just want her to know that I am really sorry. I do mean it from the bottom of my heart. I want to make things work. But that can only happen if I talk to her. Please...." He literally begged.

Elena's eyes softened, but she was not the victim there. She could only advise Dev that much. After that, it was all in Sonakshi's hands. She wished Sona could forgive and let Dev clear the mess he had created.

Hoping for some change, she walked inside the room and looked at Sona, who's back was facing hers'.

"Sona.... Dev's here." Elena mumbled quietly. Sona's back stiffened and her grip on the window grills tightened

"Did you tell him......that I don't want to meet him?" Sona asked softly. Her throat tightened and chest pained, while she spoke to Elena.

"Yes, I told him. But he said that he would like to have a few words personally with you." Elena convinced. Sona's frame shook with anger but she supressed it and inhaled a deep breath.

"But I don't-"

"Please Sona.... I know that you are angry. But at least hear what he has to say. After that, if you don't want to meet him, I can totally understand. But at least.......hear him out once. You may never know...it could be something important." Elena said, hoping she didn't intrude too much into Sona's personal space.

When she saw Sona silent, she just sighed and moved away, letting Dev enter the room.

When Dev walked in, the room was so silent. He stepped in and only his footsteps could be heard. Sona felt his presence in the room, but she was too numb to react. Her insides shrunk and her emotions felt empty. Her posture tensed and her fingers coiled themselves around the window gate.

"Sonakshi...." Dev's voice was barely a whisper when he saw her. He still couldn't see her face as her back was facing him.

It was hard for him to decipher what she was thinking without looking at her expressions. He wanted to know whether she had some kind of feelings for him. He was desperately trying to reach out to her through his words, but the situation was so tensed that he kept losing his mind.

"Sonakshi..... I am really sorry." His voice choked and for the first time, he wanted to know that he was in pain as much as she was.

"I know that I cannot justify my actions, but please.... Just please forgive me. I was emotionally unstable and I took a decision which was against my morals... you know I wouldn't hurt anyone like that. Tarun's death made me blind.... It made me numb and weak. I didn't have enough time to grieve... and I know that whatever I did in the wedding hall was stupid. Thinking about that now, makes me feel so ashamed of myself. I want to make things right Sonakshi, only if you give me a chance. Please?" he wiped his tears and walked forward.

He anticipated some kind of reply from Sonakshi, but she said nothing.

"Are you apologising because.... Now you know that I pregnant?" she asked, stopping him from going further. His feet froze and eyes widened. He didn't expect her to ask that the least...

"What?"

"You heard me."

"Of course not! Sona..... what? Why? How could you think like that?" he gasped.

"After whatever you did, I can't think of anything else."

"Sona-"

"Please leave." Her voice was drained and she sounded like she wasn't even up for a sane conversation.

"Please listen to me once-"

"After everything that happened, I don't think I am strong enough to wake up and see your face without feeling humiliated. I don't think you can repair the damage which has already been done..... Moreover, I don't think I can trust you anymore." She uttered with her back still faced towards him.

"Please leave me alone....... If you really loved me once." a choked sob left her lips and Dev wasn't even strong enough to fight back with her in that state.

So he decided to leave.

Not because he wanted to give up on her... but because he loved her too much, to trouble her repeatedly.

(Flashback ends)

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

Very very long chapter! I hope you all are not getting bored. It will take some time to bring back romance and lovey-dovey chapters. Until then, things will be a little intense and heart-breaking. Hope you guys stay strong and heal along with Healing Jewel.

Love- Shana