A/N: Happy Ugadi you lovely people! Hope you had a great day!

|MEERA|

|One month later|

Things haven't been that great. Sister Brenda's health is deteriorating. The environment at home is always glum. Don't get me wrong I love being here with all of them. Meeting my parent's friends and their kids after a very long time. It's all fun even though this is a hard time until Veer happened.

He manages to get under my skin even when he's not trying to. It's horrible, it's not like he's here all the time but it just gets overwhelming. He only appears for breakfast and disappears for the rest of the day. Then all of a sudden he comes back for dinner and on some occasions, he shows up during lunch.

I wonder what he's up to because he always seems to look tired and worn out. Like he's doing something secretive. That's not it, he's been freaking out. This is so unlike him because he's always so cool and composed. I don't think anyone else noticed it. Which is understandable with everything that's been going on.

None of them might have noticed this but I definitely did. He's been more jumpy and particular about security. Most of us usually hang out at Viraj Uncle's place and what's suspicious is that Veer is placing officers around the house.

Such things can't be done unless there's is a valid reason for it. No one has noticed because he's made sure that the officers blend with the others. So they mainly blend with the others like normal people but really aren't. They're watching over the house every single day.

Of course, they take turns. How do I know this? That is because I followed the great Captian Veer Gupta one night and saw him talking to one of them. I'm not guilty of doing so. I still need to know what has him on the edge, because it's driving me insane.

I was once again jogging around the perimeter of the nearby park. By hook or crook, I will find out what's going on with him. He is so discreet about it but I'm not going to give up. I'm determined to find what's been going on.

"Boo!" Someone shouted near my ear. I shirked and got ready to punch his face. I relaxed and smiled when I realized it was none other than Kabir. I shoved his chest as he laughed loudly. "Kabir! What the hell?"

I panted trying to get my breath under control. "Hi, beautiful!" I slapped his shoulder shoving him away once again. The asshole hadn't even called me since the day we had rescued Tanya. Speaking of Tanya, our parents still don't know that she was kidnapped that day.

Neither do Veer, Tanya, or I talk about it again. I know Veer feels like it's all his fault and has an impeding amount of guilt. I tried comforting him about it but as usual, he pushed me away. I swear one of these days I'm going to confront him or better yet I'll follow him and there's nothing he can do about it.

I snapped out of my thoughts when Kabir snapped his fingers in front of my face. "Ahem! Where are you lost pretty?" I rolled my eyes shaking my head. Once again I remembered he hadn't called me at all.

I glared at him, while he gave me an innocent smile. I hit on his arm repeatedly. "Ass! You didn't even call me since the last time we met with each other. That wasn't exactly a social visit was it?"

He frowned swatting my hands away. "Meera, I'm sorry but I figured you would be busy so I didn't want to disturb you." I snorted rolling my eyes. I began walking and he fell into step right beside me.

"By busy, you mean sulking and waiting for the worst to happen then yeah I have been busy!" Kabir frowned at me and held my shoulders to halt me from walking. "What's wrong? Is Sister Brenda not getting better?"

I shook my head as tears glistened my eyes. "No, she isn't. At this point, it's almost like we're waiting for her to pass away. That's how bad it is." I could barely keep myself together as I informed him. He doesn't know that I'm adopted but he does know that Sister Brenda was very close to me.

The only friend who knows that I'm adopted is Sheena. "I'm so sorry to hear that Meera. I know how much you look up to her." I took a deep breath and settled on the nearest bench. He sighed taking a seat beside me.

I shrugged my shoulders and let out a shaky breath. "It's okay! There's nothing any of us can really do. I'm still trying to get used to the idea of not having her around. I don't think I ever can." A stray tear fell from my eyes as I remembered all the values she had instilled in me. If we lose her there'll always be a hollow space in my heart.

"Hey, don't cry! Come on!" Kabir wiped the tears away and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. He laughed lightly and shook my head. I glared at him and raised my brows. "What the hell are you laughing about? Shut up!"

I screeched when I realized I had never let down my guard in front of anyone especially with the people I work with. This was really embarrassing.
"I'm sorry it's just that I have never really seen you like this. Without your you know stoic face."

I scoffed punching him on his shoulders. "Ugh! Shut up!" Kabir laughed once again I couldn't help but feel a smile. "Yes! That's the smile I want to see! Meera this sad face really doesn't suit you. You should either be angry or happy never sad. That doesn't suit your personality."

I clicked my tongue trying to brush away his comment. "Kabir! I'm after all just human! I'm entitled to have all these feelings. But, I swear if you tell this to anyone I'll kill you! This isn't a warning I'm serious, I will hurt you!"

Kabir threw his head back laughing loudly. I rolled my eyes and cursed under my breath. I'm usually really good at holding my emotions at the bay but lately, everything has been mounting hence my sudden outburst.

"I'm very serious! Stop laughing!" He chuckled once last time and raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, I'm sorry! I solemnly swear that I'll not tell anyone about this breakdown. Seriously though it's nice to see that you aren't made of rock and are actually mushy."

Mushy? Really? I couldn't help but laugh after a few seconds he laughed along with me. "Okay stop! Hey, why don't you come home now for breakfast? Mom will be happy to see you. She's been hounding me to call you ever since I told her you were in town. At least she'll get off my back for some time."

I love my mom but lately, it's like she's spying on me. I can't take it. She analyses everything that I say and asks me about a million times in a day if I'm okay. My Dad tries to rein her as much as he can but we all know she's the dominating one. I really appreciate her concern but I do need my space.

"Uhh, are you sure?" I smiled at him and nodded my head enthusiastically. "Of course! She'll be happy to see you, so will Dad and Andy. I think Andy will especially be happy to see you. He wants some girl advice!" I quoted girl advice with my fingers as Kabir chuckled.

"Really? Who's the lucky girl?" I bit my lips trying to control my laughter. "It's Tanya!" He raised his brows as a huge grin spread over his face. "Damn he has some balls! I wonder how Mr. Veer will feel about that?"

I couldn't help but laugh. Veer has been watching over Andy like a hawk so I had to agree there. "Yeah well, what can I say Andy likes to learn things the hard way." Kabir chuckled and shook his head.

"Well, then it'll be my pleasure to help him. After all, he needs to be strong to endure whatever Veer throws at him. So, I'll come." I rolled my eyes shaking my head. "Oh come on Veers just overprotective! Stop exaggerating." I knew Veer was more than just protective but I didn't like it when someone who doesn't know him makes such assumptions about him.

He was surely lost but he isn't a bad person. Kabir tilted his head giving me a weird look. Suddenly, his lips morphed into a huge smirk and he wiggled his brows.

"You would know!" My mouth dropped open as I gaped at him. I shoved his chest and stood up. "What is that supposed to mean??" He shrugged his shoulders the smirk still intact on his face and stood up.

"Well, don't get me wrong but whenever I asked you out on a date I genuinely meant it and I did feel bad when you rejected my offers." I was about to state my reasons when he held his palm asking me to let him finish what he wanted to say.

"Hold on let me finish. I never understood why you didn't want to go out with me or any other man for that matter of fact. But, as time passed by I could see that you have already given your heart to someone. I could see it in your eyes and I still can. So, I let it go eventually. I realized that person was none other than Veer. Am I right or am I wrong?"

I was shocked. When the hell did he observe so much? What in the world was going on? I cleared my throat and shook my head. "That's funny because everything that you just said is false. I do not agree! What made you think that something is going on between Veer and me? That's crazy not to mention hysterical."

I let out a nervous laugh trying to joke about it but deep down I knew that he was right. No now is not the time to think about this crap. I scoffed at him and began walking towards my house he chuckled and jogged to catch up with me.

"Oh come on! Am I not your friend? Why can't you tell me? I swear I'll never judge you! So, if you are reacting this way can I take the answer as yes for the question that something is really going on between you and Veer?"

I halted my steps and whipped my head to look at him. "NO! That is far away from the truth! I don't know what made you feel that way. Maybe because Veer and I have been friends since we were in kindergarten. Yeah, maybe that's why you felt that way."

He whooped and let out a triumph laugh. I closed my eyes cursing under my breath. What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I even justifying myself? Seriously, did I have to tell him that we were childhood best friends?

I breathed through my nose and pointed my finger at him. "That was something personal and you didn't need to know that! Now, will you shut up and walk faster. That's enough! Not another word! It's none of your business!"

I warned him but Kabir just smirked at me. "Okay fine! My bad I'm sorry! But, I'm only trying to help you! I know you don't need it but still!" I glared at him. "I will kick you if you say that one more time. Come on let's go!"

"I apologize for being so upfront about it! But, I know it's the truth and so do you!" I scoffed, I decide to ignore him. It's better that way. We reached home in ten minutes. I entered the living room and was shocked to see that everyone was there.

Andy, Tanya, Sameer uncle, and Isha Aunty's son Ankit, Neel Uncle, and Indu Aunty's daughter Ira and Shail Uncle and Neena Aunty's son Harish and their daughter Nisha. I didn't know everyone was going to be here. "Woah! Looks like the entire Brady Bunch is here!"

"Pff! Haha very funny!  Why are they all here? That is the real question. Let me go find my Mom! Just stay right here!" I laughed at his nervous expression shaking my head. "God! Loosen up! They're not going to eat you up! I'll be back in a minute. Andy! Look who's here!"

I called for Andy who came running from the couch where he was seated beside Tanya. "Hey!!! Kabir Bhai! It's so good to see you!" They fist-pumped each other and did their weird handshake.

"Andy! Where's mom?" He was already busy talking to Kabir. "She's in the kitchen!" I nodded my head and sprinted towards the kitchen where the whole lady clan was present. God, I didn't want to meet all of them together. They can be so overwhelming and not to mention purely evil.

"Mom!" I called for my mother who was busy laughing with Naina and Isha Aunty. "Hi, Meera!" Everyone except my mom replied because my Mom was busy laughing. It was so good to see everyone this happy.

"Hello everyone! I'm going to borrow my Mom just for a second! Excuse me, Ladies!" I gave them a sweet smile and pulled my Mom towards the other side of the kitchen.

"Mom! Why is everyone here? I hope you know that we're not here for a get-together!" Mom smiled at me and caressed my face. "I know and so do they. We've been in the same town for almost a month Meera and only meet when we go to see Sister Brenda so I thought it would be nice to call everyone here. Also, Viraj has been feeling really low. Naina told me that he's not even sleeping properly and has been going on and on about how there's no one for him. So, I arranged this to remind him that we're all his family and will always be there for him."

I smiled at my Mom, she was always so giving. She knew the pain of not having a family and that's why she valued family above everything. "That's really sweet of you Mom! Okay, so I do hope you don't mind another guest?"

My Mom raised her brows asking who it was. "I bought Kabir!" She clapped her hands and shrieked while I laughed at her antics. Kabir had definitely charmed my Mom, my Dad ok the other hand was never too amused about that. "Ohh that's great! Now go shower and get dressed. Ask Kabir to take a shower in Andy's room and I'm sure your brother will be happy to hand him some of his clothes for now."

I nodded my head with a smile, she placed a quick kiss on my forehead and pushed me towards the living room. I asked Kabir to take a shower in Andy's room and sprinted towards my room. As usual, the men as in my father and his friends were in the home theatre lounging, watching some matches and cracking jokes. Veer wasn't here yet, for the first time I'm really thankful for that.

I quickly showered and dried my hair.  I pulled on some skinny blue jeans and a simple full sleeve shirt. The wound on my neck had finally healed. I glanced at myself once more in the mirror and brushed my fingers through my hair. When I was satisfied with my appearance I walked towards the dining hall.

The first thing I noticed was Veer's presence. Why do my eyes always try to find him? "Because you're hopelessly in love with him?" Bloody hell why can't my stupid subconscious mind shut up when it needs to. I shake my head trying to clear my thoughts and set my head straight.

My Mom on the other hand was fawning over Kabir. I don't know if I was imagining it or not but Veer was definitely glaring at Kabir. I don't understand what the hell his problem was. It's not like Kabir ever did anything to him. Besides, Kabir saved his sister and he has zero gratitude.

I scoffed and sat beside Kabir who facing Veer from across the table. Veer sneered at me while I gave him a warning look. He served himself a little harshly than necessary while I smirked at him with satisfaction. It's good to see that he envies people who spend time with me.

The food was delicious, my Mom had outdone herself as usual. The conversation around the table was airy and light. I smiled when I noticed Viraj Uncle finally relaxing and smiling. Kabir was busy talking to Andy while Ira who was seated to my left was filling in me about her college life and experiences.

She was only nineteen and had decided to follow in her mother's footsteps. She was studying music and dance which was rare but she was talented. I do not doubt that she can pull it off.

"Umm Di! What your friend's name?" Ira asked shyly glancing at Kabir and blushed like a tomato. I chuckled under my breath, Ira had a crush on him. Oh my god! This was adorable. Kabir is way older than her. But, I could have some fun.

"Why Ira? Are you interested in him?" I wiggled my brows and asked her. She was always the reserved type, never discussed boys, and always focused on her career. She was a very simple girl and I loved that about her. Which was shocking because Neel Uncle was always so mischievous. She took after her mother. So, for her to ask me about a man was a very big deal. I'm definitely going to have fun pulling her leg.

Her eyes widened at my question. She shook her head vigorously denying the fact. "No Di! Not at all! Um uh, I was just curious that's all." She played with her spoon on the plate and mumbled.

I laughed shaking my head. She's so adorable. I bumped my shoulders with hers and gave her a wink. She frowned at me. I smirked at her and turned to look at Kabir. I tapped his shoulders when and Ira started coughing immediately. She drank some water and fiddled with her fingers.

"Yes, Meera? What can I do for you?" He gave me a charming smile and once again from the corner of my eyes I  could see Veer fuming but I could care less. "Kabir! I want to introduce you to someone!" I leaned against my chair so that he got a clear vision of Ira.

I pointed at Ira. "This is my friend Ira Singh and Ira this is my friend and my teammate, Kabir Shetty." Kabir's mouth fell open as he stared at Ira. After all, she was very pretty but she's also very young. I pinched his arm when he hissed glaring at me.

"Kabir behave! She's only nineteen!" I hissed at him. He shook his head trying to clear his mind, gulped, and nodded his head. "Right sorry!" Ira didn't hear my warning as I had whispered it to him. "Hi!" She waved her hands slowly. Kabir forwarded his hands for a handshake.

She gladly reciprocated and blushed even more. After the brief introduction, we went back to eating. "So, Meera who's your boyfriend?" Neel Uncle shouted from across the table. My spoon fell on the plate with a cluttered sound and my Mom slapped her hand on her face.

Great, he's going to take revenge for what I did with his daughter even though he doesn't know what exactly I did. Alas, Karma does exist. My Dad cursed under his breath much like Veer did, he moved forward eagerly waiting for my answer. "What? Neel Uncle he's um not my boyfriend! He's just my teammate and a good friend! That's all!"

Neel Uncle laughed shaking his head. "Meera you don't need to be scared to tell your parents. You can tell me if he's your boyfriend!" I sighed shaking my head. Indu Aunty slapped his arm.  "Neel! She already told you! He's not her boyfriend! Let it go!" My dad warned him while I nodded my head vigorously and so did Kabir. Neel Uncle finally got the message and put a stop to that discussion.

Veer wiped his mouth with a napkin and threw it on the table. "I'm done! I'm heading out! I have some work!" Viraj Uncle sighed but nodded his head. I glanced at him until he was out of the main door. The rest of the breakfast was spent in awkward silence.

Kabir stayed back for a few more hours. He spoke to my Dad and my Mom. Meet the rest of my family. Yes, even though my parents were just friends with them they're my family.  We spend more time with them than we do with our real relatives so it's given that we're close.

My parents insisted that he stay back for lunch but Kabir said he had to get back home soon so he left the place after promising he'll definitely be present here for lunch one fine day. I sat on the couch with the rest of them and eagerly waited for Veer's arrival. This time I'm definitely going to follow him to wherever he goes. I hope he comes for lunch today. I need to know why these guards are here.

Exactly at 1 pm, Veer returned. I frowned when I saw his battered appearance. He went directly to the guest bedroom of our house. I couldn't stop myself from going after him. I made sure no one noticed my absence.

I peeked into the room to see Veer hissing and removing a bandage. I winced when I saw a deep cut on his right palm. He searched the drawers for the first aid kit. Unable to control I knocked on the door.

Veer whipped his head and glared at me. "What do you want?" He gritted out, I could feel the tension rolling out in waves from his body.

"Nothing! I just um wanted to help you! The uh first aid kit is in the third drawer of that cupboard." He scoffed and opened the third drawer. My mom had made sure to keep first aid kits in every room. She's paranoid like that because Andy and I used to get hurt a lot when we were small. Besides, there nothing wrong with having a first aid kit in every room.

He removed the kit and scrambled through the contents of the box. He cursed under his breath when he couldn't find the things. Taking a deep breath I walked towards him and took a seat beside him.

I pried the box out of his grip. "What are you doing? I can help myself!" I gulped and stared into his black pools.  Always the stubborn one. "I know but um let me just help you!" He scoffed and pulled the kit away from my grip.

"I don't need your damn sympathy! I can take care of myself!" What the fuck is his problem? Sympathy really? "Oh before you run your mind a million miles ahead! I got hurt while I was practicing with some knives! I mean training! So, you don't have to think or worry about me!"

He spat out his sentences with so much malice in his voice. Asshole. My nose flared as I felt anger bubbling through my body. I snatched the kit from him before he could protest and poured some Dettol on the cut.

"Fucking hell!" He hissed cruising loudly. Then before he could protest I cleaned the wound and tied the bandage around it a little tighter than necessary his flinch indicated that it hurt.

"There was that so hard!?" I asked him as I cleared all the contents on the bed. I closed the lid and walked away to keep it where it was taken from.

He scoffed and stared at his hands. Now that he's fine! I'm out of here. "Is that Kabir your boyfriend?" Veer asked me and I halted in my tracks. Why the hell does he think this? Didn't he hear what my answer was?

I whipped my head around to face him. His left hand was in a tight fist. I crossed my arms across my chest and glared at him. "Even if he is what is it to you huh?" Veer closed his eyes and breathed through his nose.

"Of course why would I care I was just curious! That's all! Now leave!" I wanted to shout and scream at him. I wanted to ask him why he was like this but I pushed my emotions away and left the room before I started bawling.

I leaned against the wall as a few tears cascaded down my face. I wiped it away harshly. I won't let him affect me. Also, I need to find out what's going on and what he's up to. I can grieve about this later. I need to do this after lunch. I can only hope he's not doing something stupid or risky. This was ironic because both the words are perfect adjectives to describe Veer Gupta.

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A/N: Ohh the tension is too much! I can't take it anymore. I'm sorry to say this but all of you need to endure this a bit more *laughs like a maniac*  I'm evil like that 🤣😏

What is Veer up to? Will Meera find out soon?

What do you think about Kabir and Ira? Aren't they cute? What do you guys think about Kabir in general?

Hope you liked this chapter! If you did please do vote and comment! I would love to know what you guys think!