A/N: Target votes: 55

|MEERA|

|1 day later |

Pain coursed through my body. I felt something heavy attached to my left hand. I tried to open my eyes my eyelids were heavy. I tried shifting my body but it was like I was stuck to the bed.

With all the strength that I have I finally blink my eyes open. The first thing that I notice is dim light blinking down at me. My entire body hurt when I turned my neck to the left side. I could hear the beeping of some monitors, the wall to my left was blank.

I manage to lift my left hand to see an IV attached to it. That's when it struck me that I was in a hospital. The last thing that I remember was Veer removing my ties and carrying me up the hole.

Wait! What? Did veer come for me? He even sounded concerned. Which was too much for me to handle but I didn't think about it that time. If he's the one who saved me and brought me to the hospital? Where is he now?

I turned my head slowly to scan the entire room. I gasped lightly when I saw Veer sleeping uncomfortably on a chair that was to the right side of the bed. Veer was here the entire time? It wasn't just that time? It wasn't just my imagination? Veer was there to save me and he is still here.

I sighed and buried my head further into the pillows. Veer was snoozing away, with his mouth slightly ajar and a piece of his hair flopped over his forehead. I don't want to admit this but damn did he look handsome. The thirteen-year-old me would have been gushing because he cared enough to stay here. Does that mean he cares?

That's right, I have had a crush on him since he was thirteen and gradually it evolved into something more. Something, then I remembered how he threw that vase near my head and screamed at me to go away. I remembered all those years of agony and pain that I had to endure.

I remembered all the times over the past few years when I tried to talk to him and the way he pushed me away. I can't forget all of this just like that. I don't know what's gotten into him since the day we had that moment in the park. I'm choosing not to acknowledge that because acknowledging it would only make the relationship that we share more complicated.

I was lost in my thoughts while staring at the ceiling when someone cleared their throat. I turned to see that Veer was now awake and staring at me with a blank expression. Why am I not surprised? He can switch expressions like a pro.

"Hey! How long have you been awake? Why didn't you wake me up? Hold on let me go call the doctor!" Veer frowned glancing at his watch. I held his hand before he could leave. "Wait! How long have I been unconscious?" Veer cleared his throat shaking his head.

Veer sighed and scrubbed his hands across his face. He looked tired. He immediately pushed the button that was next to one of the machines. I'm guessing that button was there to call the doctor or a nurse. I was still staring at him waiting for an answer.

"You have been unconscious for almost a day. To be precise thirty hours. How are you feeling?" He asked me with a blank face but there was concern in his voice. I could make that out but with Veer uncertainty is always the way.

"I'm fine! Just tired, drowsy and it hurts a bit!" I grunted trying to sit up. Veer immediately rushed to my side while glaring at me. He arranged the pillows to support my back and gripped my shoulders to support me. After I was comfortable he let go of me and took a few steps away from the bed.

The doctor along with the nurse entered the room right at that moment. "Hello, Ms. Raichand! I'm Dr. Lokesh Hope you're feeling better now?" He looked like a young doctor, he could be an intern cause he appeared to be in his early twenties. I gave him a strained smile shrugging my shoulders. " Okay, then let get you checked!" He did a routine check-up and asked me some questions.

"I do have a headache and my body kind of hurts!" Dr. Lokesh nodded his head jotting down all the points. "Not to worry! I will prescribe some more medicines for the pain and you should feel better. You're lucky that you didn't have a concussion even after being knocked out twice."

I wanted to roll my eyes but I didn't. He seemed like a nice doctor but I wasn't really in the mood to talk to anyone. I just wanted to go home. "Yaay me! So, can I go home now?" Veer was still glaring at me. What the hell is his problem?

The doctor once again browsed through some of the papers and then finally nodded his head smiling at me. "You're good to go! I'll get the discharge papers in order." He looked at Veer and gave him a curt nod while Veer nodded as well.

"Thank you!" I was happy to go home. I am sure that Mom and Dad are worried about me but I hope Veer managed to cover it up. "Pleasure is all mine!" Dr. Lokesh grinned at me. Veer looked like he wanted to kick him. Was he jealous? You know what I don't care. My head hurts too much and I have no time to contemplate as to what Veer thinks.

"Right! Thanks!" I muttered and tried to ignore his sweet smile. The doctor left the room after removing the IV and of course, sensing the obvious awkwardness in the room and  Veer's anger. Veer sat on the stool and texted away on his phone. "Did Mom and Dad call? What did you tell them? Are they worried? I hope you made up a good excuse! I don't want them to be worried!"

Veer sat down on the stool and stared at my face. I shrugged my shoulders. "What? Is there something on my face?" I patted my face trying to check if there's something stuck on my face. I must look hideous. Not showering for days together isn't something new but I still feel weird. I don't want to admit it but it was definitely because of Veer.

Veer shook his head and leaned forward. He had a guarded expression on his face. "Calm down Meera! I took care of it. Told them you're out with Sheena, having a spa day. They were of course surprised to hear that but Sheena had one picture from your previous spa day or whatever so she sent that to them. I even told them that you didn't want to talk to anyone and wanted to stay away from technology for a while. They bought it, they were really happy that you're finally relaxing."

I frowned at him when he quoted the last part with sarcasm. I'm not surprised because I'm doing something that's the exact opposite of relaxing. "Thanks," I muttered and turned my head to the other side. None of us spoke for the next few minutes. An awkward silence surrounded the room.

I wondered where my phone was. Must be in my room when I went to check if there were any intruders in the house. Veer cleared his throat snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned to look at him and raised my brows. I'm confused about his behavior. He changes moods like a Cameleon changes its colors in different environments. Ugh, bad explanation but hey I just got knocked twice don't blame me.

"What to tell me what exactly happened?" No, I didn't want to tell him what happened because I wasn't in the mood. I shook my head and closed my eyes pretending to sleep. Five, four, three, two, and one. "MEERA! Just tell me what happened! I need to know! I'm in charge of this mission!"

He bellowed at me and I wasn't surprised. I opened one eye and stared at him. He was fuming with anger. I sighed and turned my body completely to face him. "What do you want to know Veer? I'm sure you already know that your officers that were supposed to watch over me did not even realize that I was taken. What else do you want to know?"

I screamed at him because I was angry. I was pissed at him for not telling me what exactly was going on. I was pissed at him for sending officers to watch over me without even my knowledge and last but not least I was pissed at him in general.

Veer closed his eyes briefly and pinched his nose. "Meera, not now! I don't have time for your tantrums! Tell me what happened and I'll leave you alone for a while. I need to know!"

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment. Fine if he wants to know what happened I'll tell him but he needs to answer some questions as well. "I'll tell you if you promise to tell me what's going on and what's all of this about? I am guessing they are terrorists but who exactly are they?

Veer stood up and kicked the stool behind him. He had a lethal expression on his face. I didn't even flinch. I don't care anymore. I want to know what he's up to. One thing is for sure, he's meddling with something or rather someone very dangerous.

"Meera, I'm not here to make deals with you! I'm here to find out what's going on. As the head of this mission, I need to know what happened! I already said that and you have no right to come in between all of this! Don't get involved in all of this so I will be making no such deal."

I glared at him, stubborn man! If he can be stubborn so can I. "Fine! I'm not telling anything either! Until you promise that you'll tell me what's going on!" Veer growled and ran his fingers through his hair. He looked so handsome, no I need to focus. I think I know what's going on but I do need confirmation. I still remember looking at that scorpion tattoo on one of those bastards who kidnapped me.

"Meera! Just tell me and I'll tell you! God Damit! Tell me what happened! How did they get past the security? I had at least three of them watching over your house!" I sighed, I have to tell him else he'll eat me alive. Taking a deep breath I started narrating everything that happened that day or more like yesterday.

"I was about to take a nap but I heard some noises coming from the living room. I came out of the room to check who it was. That's when I saw the shadows and I was sure that they were intruders. So, I ran towards the room to grab my gun but before that, they shot the tranquilizer at me. They raced up the stairs and the last thing I remember before I woke up in an unfamiliar place was the tattoo on one of their neck which was a scorpion."

I paused for a moment and stared at Veer waiting for him to respond. He seemed deep in thought, he was tapping his chin and his brows were furrowed. When he realized that I had stopped talking he glanced at me with a frown on his face. "Are you sure it was a scorpion tattoo?" I frowned but nodded my head.

"Yes, I'm one hundred percent sure about what I saw!" His eyes widened and he muttered something under his breath. A few more minutes passed and then he asked me to continue telling him what happened. I sighed before starting to narrate again.

"Well, the next thing I know I'm in some small confined place, tied to a stupid chair and my neck hurt like hell. A few meters away from me, those bastards were working on a bomb and yapping away how happy their boss would be with them once they informed him that they had successfully captured me. What pissed me off was when they started making plans about where they were going to keep the bomb and all of that bullshit. The ropes weren't that hard to remove. I untangled it from my wrists and attacked them from behind. I managed to knock one of them and break the nose of one, but unfortunately, I had miscalculated. There weren't just two people but three!"

I stopped narrating for a second to take a breath. My throat was parched and I wanted some water. Veer somehow understood what I wanted. He walked towards the table that was on the other side and poured a glass of water for me. He walked back and handed the glass of water. I muttered a thank you.

I gulped the water greedily. After drinking the entire glass I felt much better but I was still thirsty. "I want more water!" Veer nodded his head and poured another glass for me. I drank it and felt better. "Then what happened?" Veer asked.

"Since I miscalculated as to how many of them were there it was a disaster. I sensed that there was another one behind me. I ducked before he could knock me out. Now there were three of them. This guy was bigger than the other two. I kicked his knee and managed to punch him, but another man showed up and knocked me out. I wasn't completely unconscious so I trashed around before I could kick them they knocked me out completely." I touched the bandage on my head unconsciously as I narrated the incident.

"I tried to stop them Veer! I did! Then after that, they had tied my hands tightly and I was once again restrained to that chair. I shouted at them and told them they would regret what they were doing. I even told them how they will be tortured once we catch them but it's not like they listened. They laughed it off and one of the men even tried to touch me but I kicked his balls. After which they didn't come near me. They were busy setting up the bomb once that was done they left me there with the bomb. I didn't even know that I was in a hole!"

I paused for a moment and glanced at Veer. He was clenching his hands in a tight fist. It looked like his nerves would pop out any second. He closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head. "Then the last thing I remember was seeing you. That's all. Oh, also I heard one of those bastards talking about how it was easy to get into the house because the officers that were supposed to be guarding the house according to their informer were never there!"

Veer stood up and slammed his hands on the table. "Fuck! The officers must have come there a little later to be precise they must have arrived after you had been kidnapped! Someone is betraying me and our country!"

Veer shakes his head and he punched the table again. I know he's up to something dangerous. Hell, we're always doing something dangerous. Right now I need to know who exactly was he messing with. I think I know what the Scorpio tattoo means.

"Veer, now it's your turn to explain! Now you have to tell me what's going on? Who are these people? I do know for a fact that the Scorpio tattoo means that those men are part of a huge dangerous organization! No one has ever managed to catch the head of that group. If I'm not wrong the name of the man who runs that organization is Adam! Am I right or am I wrong?" I asked him while he stared at me with a bemused expression.

"You're right! How do you know that? That's classified information! Not everyone knows it!" I rolled my eyes and gave him an "are you kidding me?" look. Why does he forget that I'm a part of the national security as well? I waited for him to realize that fact. When he didn't I fired away.

"What the hell Veer? If you remember I'm Flight Lieutenant Meera Raichand! I'm part of the Airforce! This asshole Adam had once tried to blow up our base in Punjab! We were able to contain most of the damage but a few of the officers lost their lives! We captured his men and all of them had a scorpion tattoo!"

Veer's eyes widened as I screeched on top of my voice. I am pissed that he keeps forgetting I'm responsible for the safety of this nation just as much as he is. It's insulting. He was still staring at something like he had come to some sort of conclusion.

"VEER! What is going on?" Veer was thinking deeply trying to figure out something. Veer snapped his head and looked at me intensely. I felt heat rush through my body. "What?" I screamed, I was getting annoyed by the second.

"Meera! Give me two minutes! I need to go check with something! Will you be okay here? I'll be back soon. It won't take much time." I frowned, I wanted to know what he was going to do but as usual, he'll not tell me so there's no point in asking. I took a deep breath and nodded my head.

Veer stood up and glanced at me one last time before leaving the room. I waited and waited. The nurse came and gave me some medicines. I stared at the clock that was hanged on the wall. Veer hadn't returned yet. It had almost been an hour. What was he doing? Just when I was about to lose it Veer came back with a bag.

He appeared to be pissed off about something. I wanted to ask him what was wrong and also about what his mission was about but I know this wasn't the right time. He threw the bag next to my hand and I peeped into it to find some of my clothes.

"Go change! We're leaving! Your discharge papers are ready." I pulled out the clothes from the bag and got down from the bed. I almost slipped but Veer caught me before that could happen. I sucked in a breath when I felt his breath fan over my cheek. He gripped my waist in a tight grip and held one of my hands. I could feel his cold hands over my waist through the flimsy hospital dress.

My legs were a bit wobbly and numb. I gulped when the smell of his cologne hit my nose. I felt so safe and comfortable. My side was pressed to his chest. I panted trying to catch my breath. "Uhh, you can let go now," I whispered. "Are you sure?" Veer asked with a husky voice.

I nodded my head instead of answering because I didn't trust my voice. He was too close to me. I didn't like the effect he had on me. "Okay! The washroom is right there if you want to use it. I'll wait outside for you call me if you need anything." He pointed towards the bathroom while I nodded my head.

He let go of my hand first and then my waist. This time I didn't feel wobbly and stood straight. Once Veer was sure I won't fall he walked out of the room. I let out a huge gush of breath and pressed my palm into my chest. My heart was slamming against my chest.

"No! I cannot let him make me feel this way! I can't go there again! He means nothing to me! Nothing! I'm feeling this way because I'm really tired!" I gave myself a stupid but necessary pep talk and walked towards the washroom.

Veer had even bought me a toothbrush. My mouth was sure as hell stinking I have no idea how he didn't cringe when he was so close to me. I shook my head. I don't care what he thinks! I'm not going to analyze everything that he just did. He's doing this because we have been friends for a long time, sorry were friends. I don't care what it is.

I quickly brushed my teeth and washed my face. I removed that flimsy hospital wear. I pulled on the full sleeve shirt and the pair of khaki pants. I ran my fingers over my wrists which were bandaged. I sighed and stared at my face in the mirror.

I looked horrible. My face was slightly pale and I had dark circles under my eyes. There was a bandage over my forehead and a few scratches on my neck. I sighed walking out of the room. To my surprise, I found my phone on the hospital bed.

My lips lifted into a smile when I realized Veer would have been the one who got this phone for me. He can be sweet sometimes, but I don't care. I picked it up and unlocked it to find my phone flooded with messages and missed calls. I sighed when I read one of Sheen's texts. She sounded furious. "I need an explanation once you're out of that hospital! What the hell is going on? Neither Veer nor Karan is telling me! You better tell me everything! Also, don't worry about Uncle and Aunty I handled their questions. But, you have to call them soon. They sounded super scared! Come soon! I have cooked some yummy food! I'm at your house! See ya soon! Love ya!"

I chuckled thinking about how she's not going to let it go until I tell her. I decided to send her a quick text. "I'm fine! Don't worry about me! I'll be there in a few! I can't make any promises but I'll try my best to tell answer your questions😉. Love ya too!" Once I was satisfied with my text I punched the sent button.

I walked out of the room to find Veer seated in one of the chairs and texting away with an angry expression. I cleared my throat and called his name to get his attention. He jerked his face up with a glare but it softened when he realized it was me. The soft warm expression on his face disappeared within seconds and his face morphed into a blank face.

I don't care he can do whatever he wants and behave however he wanted to. He stood up and glanced at me. "Come on let's go!" I sighed nodding my head and followed him. He walked towards the parking lot and unlocked his car. I sat in the back seat of the car.

Veer slammed his door. Ugh, what is his problem now? I decided to ignore him and scrolled through the messages on my phone. A few minutes passed when I realized that Veer hadn't even started the car. I looked up from my phone to see that we were still in the parking lot and Veer was glaring at me through the rare view mirror.

I raised my brows. "What? Why aren't you stating the car? I want to go home!" Veer scoffed and slammed his hands on the steering wheel. "I'm not you're driver Meera! Why are you sitting behind? Come and sit in the front seat! Else we can stay like this for as long as you want. I don't mind! I don't have to go anywhere!"

I glared at him, I opened my mouth to shout at him but closed it because I don't have the patience or the energy to argue with him. Throwing one last glare through the rare view mirror I opened the door got down from the car and say beside him in the front seat. I slammed the door harder than required.

He smirked with satisfaction. I moved away from him and glared at the window. "Can we go now? I'm exhausted!" I could see Veer nod from my peripheral vision. He ignited the car and drove us towards the destination. I sighed and leaned my head against the window.

Once we reached the house. I was about to get down but Veer held my hand and pulled me towards him. I gasped when I realized how close we were. "W-what are you doing?" I stuttered and tried to free my hand but his grip was strong.

Veer's breath fanned over my face. He gazed the tips of his fingers over my bandage, he moved it down my cheek and I sucked in a breath. His face was so close to me I could see the brown specks in his black eyes. They were beautiful. I could smell his minty breath and his tangy cologne.

I wanted more. I wanted to taste it. I cursed internally trying to shake away all these forbidden feelings. I can't think like this. He's an asshole who'll break me again. He was still touching my cheek. I was about to pull away but to my surprise, his blank face morphed into an angry one.

"This is the very reason I told you to stay away from what I'm doing! You cannot get hurt! I will not tolerate that! So, I'm warning you Meera don't go and investigate all of this. Leave it as it is. My team and I shall take care of it! Am I clear?" Anger bubbled inside me.

I mustered up my strength and pushed him away. I'm done taking his bullshit. I pointed my finger in front of his eyes. "Listen here Veer Gupta and listen carefully! I'm not going to repeat this! I don't care what you think but I'm not some weak girl or damsel in distress. I can take care of myself. I missed this time because those bastards drugged me but my track record is not something to be messed with. I don't need you to protect me from anything or anyone! Furthermore, since when do you care about me? Don't start something that you haven't done all these years."

Veer was about to interrupt when I held my hand indicating that I wasn't finished making my point. "I'm not going to interfere in your mission! You can do whatever the hell you want but remember one thing you and I are trained for the same thing: to protect our country! So, don't even for a second think that I won't step up if it means my country and my people are in danger!"

Veer sighed with a stoic expression on his face. I hate it that he has to conceal his true feelings. He was clenching his jaw so hard that I could see the tendons. "One more thing! Don't touch or come near me ever again! You don't get to touch me and spout bullshit at the same time! It'll be better for both of us if we stay away from each other. Thanks for taking me to the hospital and for getting me home."

I got down from the car, slammed the door, and walked towards the house. Veer left the moment I closed the gate behind me. A few tears fell from my eyes but I wiped them away. I am very serious about this. I can't do this anymore. His touches indicate that he has feelings for me but his words mean the complete opposite.

I sighed and rang the bell. Sheena opened the door. Without uttering a single word I head towards my room and shut the door. I was exhausted. I fell on the bed and closed my eyes. Even though I was trying to avoid him the last thought that I had before I fell asleep was Veer.

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A/N: Ta-Da! Update! I want to make one thing clear! Don't be mad at Veer! He has his reasons as to why he is so guarded! You'll get to know why he is the way he is when the right time comes. As for Meera, you guys know why she's scared.

Who do you think is this Adam?

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

Updated a bit late sorry! I had some things to do!

P.S. Are you guys enjoying this story? Do you like the flow? Is it bad or good? Please let me know. I'm still learning how to write better!