A/N: I have a special announcement! LIVING THE LIFE won the third place in The Critics Choice Awards! Thank you so much for all the support you guys! I'm forever grateful and Living the dream has reached 10k reads! I couldn't be more happier! I hope all of you will continue to support my works! None of this would have been possible without you amazing readers.

Sorry for the long rant hehe! Happy reading ❤️

|VEER|

I sighed and hugged Meera close to me. Now that all the flood gates were open and all the barriers I had built between us were broken, I felt more anxious. Not for myself but for Meera.

I still had my doubts about this relationship but I was willing to maneuver over it. It's barely been a day and I could already feel the difference in everything that I did. I don't know if that was a bad thing or a good thing.

I stand by what I told her before. I really did miss her a lot. I remember how hard it was for me to not talk to her and not share anything with her. It was pure torture. That was one of the reasons why I had begun dating Jia. I was really stupid to think that she could replace Meera.

Meera was Meera and no one I mean no other woman could ever hold a candle against her. I'm still too apprehensive to acknowledge what I feel for her. I love the chemistry and the banter between us. It was easy for us. We had always been this way but now there was flirting and kissing which was a bonus.

I had somehow managed to suppress the past. That one incident had happened before my eighteenth birthday. But, it kept flashing before my mind. Not just that but the way I treated Meera too kept flashing.

I kisses her hair and breathed in her lavender scent. She has the heart of a gold. She hasn't pushed me to reveal the past. I am terrified but I need to be prepared when the time comes. I don't know if everything will be the same between us in the future but I couldn't resist Meera anymore. I had to take the chance.

Only I know how I have been controlling myself and resisting her all these years. I think we both deserve this chance. It's not even been a day and the first challenge is already in front of us. Meera's deployment and mine might come soon.

"What are you thinking about?" Meera traced her fingertips over my palms. I let out a huge sigh and shook my head. "Nothing, just about how everything is going to work. You do know that talking over the phone will be hard right? We both might be in places where there might not be any network? Are you okay with that?"

Meera took a deep breath and buried her face further in my chest. I pulled her closer as the cool air of Dehradun hit us. "Veer it's okay! We'll work it out! I mean there's got to be a loophole right?" I nodded giving her a small smile.

"Yeah of course! Even ten seconds of getting to hear your beautiful voice will brighten my day!" I looked at her giving her a cheeky grin. As expected she rolled her eyes and shoved my chest. "Gosh Veer! Could you get any more cheesier? Stop that!" I laughed and kissed her cheek.

"Never!" I said winking at her. She rolled her eyes but smiled at me. "Okay, I think that's enough flirting for today. We should go sleep! I think we're really pushing our luck here!" I rolled my eyes but I did agree with her. If we stay here longer someone is definitely going to find us.

I nodded and stood up offering her my hand I pulled her up as well. I smirked at her and snaked my arms around her waist pulling her closer. She gasped and her breath fanned over my face. My chest warmed, I'm the only one who has this effect on her and will be the only one.

"W-what are you doing? Let me go!" She tried to pull away but I pulled her closer until our chests were pressed against each other. That's when she stopped wiggling. I tucked a piece of hair behind her hair. I traced the faint scar that was on her forehead.

It had almost been a week since that kidnapping incident had taken place. My blood boiled when I remembered the state in which I had found her. I unconsciously tightened my grip and glared hard. That bastard or bastards will be sorry for messing with me. Wait until I get my hands on them. I'm going to rip them apart piece by piece.

"Hey, it's okay! I'm fine now! I don't even have to take any meds. Don't worry about it." Meera soothingly rubbed my arms trying to calm me down. Once again I couldn't help but think this was my fault. She could be in more danger because of me. Was I doing the right job by actually giving us a chance? Only one answer rang in my head and that was time will tell.

Meera leaned forward and kissed my cheek. I sighed breathing in her lavender scent. "I think we should go now! Someone might be awake and if they spot us we'll be doomed!" I smiled at her and didn't let her go.

"Well, I will let you go but not before I get my Good night kiss!" I whispered, for now, all the questions, doubts, and insecurities were buried. Meera's face was flushed making her look more alluring and beautiful. God! How can someone be so damn perfect? She gave me a chance even after I put her through so much.

Meera ran her fingers through my hair and stared at my lips. She smiled softly and leaned forward. "Good night kiss it is!" I buried my fingers in her hair and grinned. She slammed her lips against mine. I growled when I felt her soft lips and firm body against mine. She moaned and tightened her arms around my neck.

I sucked on her bottom lip and she opened her mouth. She titled her head, stood on her toes, and ran her tongue over my lips. I opened my mouth, our tongues tangled and we moved our lips vigorously against each other. There was passion and heat ran down my body. Meera pulled back, panting against my lips.

I took a deep breath and leaned my forehead against hers. She smiled and ran her tongue over her bottom lip. "Mmhmm, gets better every time!" My shoulders shook with laughter. She grinned widely. "That satisfies my ego!" I told with a cheeky grin. She rolled her eyes but pecked my lips one last time.

We peeped inside the house and sighed in relief when no one was there. Everyone was already in their rooms sleeping soundly. Our parents are coming back tomorrow so I have no idea how we're going to spend time together over the next two weeks with them hovering over us. 

I walked her to her room. She whispered good night and kissed my cheek one last time before shutting her door. I walked towards my room and shut the door. I let out a tired sigh and leaned my head against the door. Going through all these emotions is not at all easy. I took a quick shower and plopped on the bed.

My phone buzzed next to me. I frowned when I read the text. It was from Karan. "Still no clue on as who's betraying us! I'm still keeping a close eye on everyone. Nothing suspicious or unusual as of now." I let out a growl and typed an Okay before going offline. The moment I closed my eyes sleep consumed me.

***

The next morning our parents came back from their relaxing weekend. The entire dining table was buzzing with everyone's talks, laughs, and giggles. Meera was seated right opposite me. She was sitting in between Ira and Tanya. Even after all these years, they fight so much to get her attention.

She looked beautiful today. She was wearing a red dress that stopped right above the knees. She gave me a small smile and subtly winked at me. I laughed shaking my head. I'm pretty sure she wore it to tease me.

Every once in a while we would share subtle glances and smile at each other. Sometimes we even texted. I snapped out of my trance when Meera cleared her throat to catch everyone's attention. She announced that her deployment orders had come and she had to leave soon.

"Oh so soon? There's still like a month left right?" Meera gave her mother a sympathetic smile and shook her head. "No Mom, it has almost been two months." Annie Aunty's eyes filled with tears but she gave her daughter a small smile.

It was always hard on our parents especially our mothers. Since they had already gone through this with our fathers. They always feared that something would go wrong. It was a very valid fear but that's how this worked. We would do anything for the country.

"Okay, then that's great Meera! Just be safe okay?" My Dad assured her and smiled at her. She nodded her head and smiled at him. Everyone was silent and the only sounds now heard were clanking of the spoons and forks against the plate.

Andy cracked a joke and Ankit joined. That was enough to break the tension. Meera sighed and gave me a nervous look. I blinked my eyes giving her an assuring nod. Today was officially the last day that we would be spending here. It was time for all of us to go back to our homes.

Once the breakfast was done my Mom pulled me towards a private area. She gave me a nervous look and fiddled with her fingers. "What's wrong Mom?" She took a deep breath and placed her hands on my shoulders.

"Did you get your deployment orders as well?" Her voice cracked at the end. God, I hated what it did to my mom every time I had to leave. "No, Mom not yet! But, I should be receiving one soon. Mom relax I'll be fine and so will Meera!" She gave me a surprised look when I mentioned Meera but didn't comment.

She pulled me into a hug and assured me that she would be fine. That was it. Everyone gathered their belongings and packed them. We had to leave soon. We had a flight to catch in the night. It was kind of sad. Sure we all lived in the same city and all but it was nearly impossible to have such gatherings that had everyone.

Our schedules never gelled and even if it did it was rare. For the rest of day, I didn't get to see Meera. I am tired, every time I try to sneak into her room either Mom comes and gives me some work or Tanya is asking me to do something. I can say no to neither of them. Story of my life.

I zipped the last one of my suitcases and set it on the floor. I sighed glancing at the room. I always loved this room. It had countless memories. I pulled my drawer open where I had kept Sister Brenda's letter. Sadness filled my heart. What I would have given to make her live for a few more years?

I traced the edges. She would have been happy to know that Meera and I are together now. I so badly wanted to rip it open and read what was in it, but I promised to keep it. Moreover, this was sure as hell, not the right time.

Buring my curiosity and controlling the urge to rip it open. I placed it in one of my journals and stuffed it in my bag pack. I zipped it placing it on my bed. This was going to be much harder than I thought. Coming back to Dehradun after so many years was hard and now leaving is hard.

Shaking away all these feelings I took a quick shower. Changed into some casual clothes and wore a leather jacket. It was one of Meera's gifts. I had to admit I looked really good in it. I checked my phone once again only to find that there was still no clue about who the betrayer was.

I could go on my own and hunt for this Jeffrey but I don't know I had a very strong gut feeling that he was going to land up here soon. I even kept tabs on him through my TIIS tracking system. He will be sorry the next time he steps on Indian soil. I'm planning and whether Officer Karthik approves or not I'm taking this bastard down.

***

|MEERA|

I feel sad and mellow. I had completely forgotten that we had to leave today. I stuffed all my clothes into the bag. The letter given by Sister Brenda was already tucked away safely in one of the zips.

I wish I could spend all my time with these people. We weren't blood-related but the love and bond that we shared were beyond that. Sighing I quickly walked towards the washroom to take a shower. I changed into a red tank top and black jeans. I pulled on a jacket as well.

I stared at myself in the mirror this was my normal look. I had purposely worn a red dress this morning to get a reaction out of Veer and it was the best. I haven't had a single moment with Veer. Everyone was busy packing things so it was kind of hard.

It was almost time to go. I carried all my bags down the stairs and placed them near the couch. Ira too placed her bags next to mine and plopped down on the couch letting out a tired sigh. I smiled and took a seat next to her.

"Sad that we're leaving?" Ira nodded while pouting. "We'll keep in touch Iru! Don't worry!" She sighed sadly but nodded her head and leaned against my shoulder. Ten more minutes later everyone showed up. We collected our bags and loaded them into our car trunks.

I glanced at Veer who was wearing the jacket that I gifted him. He caught my attention and gave me a wink. My heart fluttered. Gosh, the things this man does to me. I winked back and gave him a huge smile. He laughed while shaking his head.

His expression turned stoic when his father walked towards him. I cleared my throat and closed the trunk. All of us drove in three different cars and we finally reached the airport. We checked in and waited for the boarding to start which was still an hour and a half later.

I was seated next to my mother who was as usual busy talking to Naina Aunty. Andy and Tanya were talking. Ira was texting away on her phone. It was weird not because she never texted but she was texting with a blush on her face. I narrowed my eyes at her, I wonder who she was texting.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and swiped it open. I smiled widely when I realized it was a text from Veer. "Meet me at the coffee house! After all, we still haven't had our first date!"  I giggled feeling elated. Who knew Captain Veer Gupta could be such a romantic?

Well, more impossible things are happening in the world. I quickly typed a reply. "That's really sweet! But seriously, Right now? Our entire family is here Veer! What if someone sees us together? We can always do this once we go home! Come back!" I was elated but I did have a point as well. Anyone can catch us here.

Once we reach home we can sneak away whenever we wanted to. It'll be easier to make excuses, which is always great. My phone vibrated the very next minute. "Pff! You're such a party pooper! That's the thrill Meera! The thrill of getting caught! I want us to have a coffee date right now, right here! Get your pretty self here this very second. If you don't come the cute waitress looks like she'll do anything for me. I can always ask her to have a coffee with me! The choice is yours Miss Raichand!"

What the fuck? I was burning with jealously! The asshole was acting so cocky. I'll go show that waitress who exactly Veer belongs to and Veer will be thought a lesson too. I'll make sure of that. I quickly excused myself and told my mom that I was bored so I'm going for a stroll. She frowned but nodded her head.

I made sure no one followed me especially Tanya and Ira. They were capable of doing anything. Lucky for me both of them were busy. I walked towards the coffee house. I entered and looked around to find Veer sitting in a corner and eating a donut while scrolling through his phone.

I frowned when I noticed that all the women in the coffee house were ogling at him. Ugh, what pissed me off further was a group of college students sitting at the opposite table were giggling and staring at him. God, please give me the strength to control the urge to punch them.

Taking a deep breath I walked towards the table at which he was seated. My boots clanked against the floor as I walked fast. I took a seat opposite him and slammed my hands against the table. Veer looked up from his phone and smirked at me. His eyes were now gleaming with amusement.

I scowled at him and crossed my arms across my chest. "You're such an ass!" Veer threw his head back and let out a husky laugh, that did things to my body. "I don't care! It did get you here, right? That's more than enough!" I rolled my eyes and pulled out the menu. I scanned my eyes over the menu all the while with a scornful expression on my face.

I could feel Veer's burning gaze. "Why are you staring at me?" I flipped the menu and glanced at the other items. "Nothing, just admiring what's mine." I scoffed but couldn't stop myself from smiling. We still haven't labeled our relationship which is totally cool since it has barely been a day but it didn't hurt to know that he's possessive just like I am.

He laughed and called for someone to take my order. He frowned when a waiter came with a tab in his hands who was undoubtedly starting at me. Ha! Time for revenge. "Hi, how are you doing today? I'm Rohit! What can I get you? Anything you want! I'm at your service."

Rohit was definitely young. He might be barely eighteen and he was hitting on me. "Hi, I'm good! So, I wanted a cappuccino and umm a garlic bread. That's all." He nodded his head and gave me a mock salute. He was about to leave but came back.

I raised my brows. "Yes, Rohit?" By now I could already hear Veer growling, but I could care less. I was still looking at Rohit waiting for him to go on. He scratched his neck shyly. "You're really pretty ma'am!" He mumbled and walked away even before I could reply. How cute? I turned my head to glance at Veer who was as expected burning with jealously.

"You see that Veer! He thinks I'm pretty! Oh, calm down! He was only being nice." I squeezed his hand. He actually relaxed but didn't stop glaring at the counter where I saw Rohit now quivering with fear.

"I don't like this Meera! Other men appreciating you! I'll go show him the consequences!" I rolled my eyes and tightened my grip on his hand. "Oh, calm down! How fair is that other women can flirt with you but if some other men flirt with me you have a problem with it?"

I crossed my arms across my chest. Veer was now frowning but he mumbled under his breath. "Fine whatever! As long as they know you belong with me! I'll try not to kill them." I rolled my eyes and glanced around. The girls who were admiring Veer were now staring at me with a scowl on their faces.

I smirked at them and waved my hand. They flipped their hair and turned away. Ha! Now they know who he's with. Veer shook his head and laughed. "Shut up!" I mumbled. Once my order arrived. It was served by some other lady, Veer was smirking as if he had won a prize. I shook my head. I'm pretty sure all of this was because of him.

Conversation flowed easily between us. We laughed, ate, and drank coffee. Veer even clicked my pictures. I was annoyed because he was clicking these pictures when I was stuffing my face with food. The third time he tried to click. I blocked the camera and groaned. "Veer! Stop! I look horrible!" Veer swatted my hands away and clicked more pictures.

He let out a satisfied hum and scrolled through the photos. "Ohh, relax you look amazing! Besides, it's not like I'm going to post this somewhere! It's only for me baby!" I rolled my eyes laughed lightly. I took the opportunity as well and clicked his pictures. He was either glaring, scowling, or making a stupid face.

It had almost been forty minutes. I wiped my hands with a tissue. "Let's go Veer! Before our siblings send out a search party!" Veer sighed and shook his head. "Do we have to? Can't we go after a few more minutes? This is the first time today that I got to spend time with you! I didn't even get my kiss!" He whined, he looked adorable. But, I wasn't having any of his tantrums. I popped a few mints into my mouth and even he did the same.

"Are you out of your mind? I'm not making out with you in front of all these people! I hope you know that! I'm leaving!" Veer held my hand asking me to stop. He gave me a small smirk. He didn't let me go until we paid the bill. After which he dragged me to god knows where.

"Of course I wouldn't ask you to make out with me in the middle of a busy coffee house!" I frowned as he dragged me to a secluded spot. It was an aisle between two shops and there was no one there. He turned around and yanked me towards his chest.

I raised my brows when he leaned closer. The moment he was about to kiss me I placed my palm over his lips. "Are you crazy? I'm not kissing you here! There people here Veer! What if they walk in here or see us?" He rolled his eyes and pulled my hand away from his lips.

"Please! No one will walk! I checked! We are well hidden! Live a little Meera! Be adventurous! Or are you scared?" I narrowed my eyes at him. He was definitely instigating me! But, I'm not scared. Before he could say any more crap. I fisted his shirt and yanked him slamming my lips against his.

He moaned and tightened his arms around my hips. I gripped his neck and ran my fingers through his hair. I moaned when he bit my lips. We moved our lips vigorously against each other. He tasted like mint and smoke. I really have to talk to him about that. Maybe later, I groaned and opened my mouth. Our tongues tangled and we fought for dominance. I was about to win but I felt breathless.

I pulled away and panted against his lips while giggling. "I can't believe we're making out in an airport full of people!" Veer laughed and placed a long kiss on my forehead. "See, I told you it would be exhilarating! You should listen to me more often!" I rolled my eyes but pecked his lips. We were about to kiss once again when we heard Tanya's voice. Both our eyes widened.

"I don't know Dad! I'm searching for Bhai and Andy is looking for Di! Don't worry we will find them soon!" I cursed under my breath and pulled out my phone. There were at least a dozen missed calls from everyone. God! How could I be this stupid? I had put it on silent the entire time.

"Fuck!" Veer cursed and checked his phone. "It's switched off! I didn't check the battery!" I slapped my hand against my forehead. Veer and I have been gone for almost fifty minutes. "Let's go see where she is! She can't spot us together!" We peeped from the aisle. Thankfully she was turned the other way.

"Meera you leave and call your brother! I'll go handle this one!" I nodded and walked away. So much for sneaking away. But I'm not going to lie it was amazing! I called Andy who sighed in relief but kind of shouted at me. I reached the spot where all our parents were waiting.

My Dad pulled me in for a hug. "Where did you go?" I hugged him back. They will never stop worrying about us. "Dad chill I was at the coffee house and my phone was on silent. I lost track of time sorry!" He pulled away and stared at me for some time. When he was satisfied he gave me small smile and nodded. My Mom on the other hand shouted at me and warned me to never keep my phone on silent.

A few minutes later Andy returned and glared at me. I gave him a sweet smile, he scoffed and took a seat. Tanya dragged Veer who had an annoyed expression on his face. I couldn't help but giggle. After the entire fiasco, we boarded the plane.

Sadness filled my heart, I'm going to miss this place. I miss Sister Brenda. I made a promise to myself to visit the orphanage and Dehradun whenever I can. This trip had changed me in so many ways. Hell, my entire life had changed. In the beginning Veer and I was on the verge of killing each other but now it's completely different.

I'm thankful to have come to this place once again. I found my best friend and now we may be even more than that. The flight landed and I snapped out of my thoughts. We collected our luggage and drove towards our homes. I quickly changed and jumped on my bed falling into a deep slumber while dreaming about a certain someone. 

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A/N: I am back folks! I hope you missed me because I really missed you guys! I had taken a break from writing but all I could think about was how fast can I get back. Thank you for being so supportive!

I am officially obsessed with Veer and Meera. I wasn't going to write this chapter but I couldn't stop myself from doing so! 

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