|VEER|

I punched the punching bag until the skin on my knuckles split open. My vision blurred as I punched it harder and the bag wobbled. Pain chorused through my knuckles but that didn't stop me. I was currently in the basement of my house. I have been at this for two hours. I gave it one last punch and slumped on the floor.

I panted trying to catch my breath. Nothing about this situation was normal. It has been days since I have spoken to Meera. Today is Saturday and we have to catch that asshole Charlie tomorrow. We'll be leaving for Mumbai tonight. I feel like my entire life has turned into some sort of joke. I had just fixed things with Meera and now here we are as if that had never happened. It was as if the fates had played a dirty joke on me.

I fucking hated this reality! I don't blame Meera. She deserves to be angry with me. It may have been a low blow to say all those things but it's not my fault either. I won't ever be able to forgive myself if something happened to her on my watch. 

There are some bastards, I don't know who they are yet but they have been targeting me for quite some time. They could be Adam's men for all I know but they are secretly following Meera and sending me all sorts of threat messages. Usually, I don't give a fuck about these things because it's common and happens all the time. Besides, I always have some security but there's something sinister about this entire situation. It's hitting me the wrong way.

Whoever the messenger was is a psycho. That was for sure. The threats were really disturbing. Whoever it was is trying to distract me and is using Meera as the bait. I admit that I am freaked out. All these years we were away from each other so none of these bastards had any leverage against me but someone is definitely watching us. That's why they know the current relationship Meera and I share. 

I asked her a million times to not work on this mission but no Miss Meera Raichand will do whatever the fuck she wants to do. She doesn't give a damn. My approach may have been wrong but I don't know I lose my cool with her when things don't go my way. I miss her so much. I want to be with her today but I know the mess that I have made isn't small and she isn't going to forgive me anytime soon.

Today was particularly hard. A few years back I had found out that today was the day my birth mother had died. She did everything to keep me safe from my raging father but unfortunately couldn't save herself. That bastard Mihir my birth father beat her until she died and threw her in front of the car making it look like an accident.

Fucking alcoholic and a junkie. I fucking hate that his blood runs through my body. I hate that it's my fault she died. She was only trying to protect me and he was a bastard who killed her. I knew I couldn't have done anything since I was only a baby, which makes the guilt harder to handle. My parents who adopted me had raised me to be a fine young man and I'm proud to carry their name but some things like these never get erased from your memory. The scar your soul.

I wish I was a better person. I wish I was better for Meera and here I am back to who I was. Lonely as fuck and in the dark. I tainted her, it's all my fault. I never should have agreed to be with her in the first place. But the temptation was too high. She was like a breath of fresh air who came after all these years. Sister Brenda's promise kept flashing in my head and at that moment I fell for it. It's all my fault.

Although a part of me is relieved. Maybe it's better this way. Maybe she'll be happier like this. Maybe she can find another man. The last one did not sit well with me. To imagine her with someone else was nothing less than dying. I clenched my knuckles and blood oozed out of my cuts.

Meera doesn't know this. My Mom Naina was the one who found out about this and told me. This wasn't the only secret that I have been carrying with me. I have way too many things and Meera knows none. I'm scared that she'll hate me once she gets to know these secrets. I'm scared that she'll associate me with something that I don't want to be associated with.

It's better that she hates me for other reasons rather than the ones that actually matter. I knew why she had come to meet me on my eighteenth birthday but I had to do it. I had to protect her from me. She deserves better than me but at the same time, I'm too selfish to let her go or even imagine he with someone else.

I sighed and wiped my face with a towel taking a sip from my water bottle I leaned my head against the wall. Ever since that incident, I have put a huge barrier between my parents and me. It's been exhausting but I can't get over what had happened that day. It ruined me completely. It wasn't the first time but it definitely was the time that shaped me into who I was now.

I accepted the job in TIIS for this very reason. So, that I would be busy and overwork myself. One of the biggest reasons was to keep my head and heart from thinking about Meera. Now she's going to be there and ruin all of it. 

Over the past few days, I somehow convinced myself that it was for the best. She no longer will be associated with me and I can keep her safe. I know my logic was bizarre but it was the only thing that was keeping me sane. There was another thing I had to make sure that no one would utter that in front of her. The fact that I was the one who rejected her name when she was actually a candidate for TIIS a few years back. I'm going to make sure no one tells her this. Especially that yapping Suraj. Fuck! I loathe him.

I closed my eyes wincing. My head ached a bit because I hadn't been able to sleep for the past few days. I'm trying really hard but everything keeps reeling in my mind. The stairs creaked and I heard Mom cussing. She gave me a disapproving look. Shaking her head, walked towards me and sat beside me after fishing the first aid box from the shelf.

I closed my eyes once again and scooted away from her but my Mom sighed and scooted closer. I just wanted to be left alone on this day but my Mom never seemed to get the hint. She would always find me. No matter where I was. She pulled my busted hands into her lap and hissed.

"Why do you do this to yourself? It's not your fault Veer! Sweetheart! You were only a six months old baby! Are you even listening?" I grunted but slightly shook my head. "It is my fault mom! If I didn't exist then maybe she would have had a chance to live! I hate this! I shouldn't even be alive!"

My Mom stopped dabbing the cut and glared at me. Taking a huge breath she poured peroxide on it, I flinched. "What the..?" She gave me a look and I bit my lip not finishing my sentence. "I swear to god Veer Gupta! Say that again and I'll make you do things like scrubbing the floor and wiping the ceiling fans!" I snorted a laugh at her weird punishment.

"Fine whatever!" She shook her head but tied the bandage making a tight knot. "Ouch!" She rolled her eyes and patted my cheek. "You'll be fine! So, when exactly are you going to Mumbai?" I shrugged my shoulders as she began cleaning up and placing everything back where it belonged.

"Uhh, tonight! Why do you ask?" I raised my brows. My Mom knew that I was going on there for some work but she didn't pry any information because she knew it was a waste of time and that I would never give her any details. She cleared her throat and scratched her brow. This ought to be good.

"I heard from Annie that Meera is going as well! So, are you guys going together?" I groaned internally when I saw a hopeful glint in her eyes. Lord! Please give me a break! These two were, worse than Tanya and Ira. They always conspire to bring us together but knew not to push us too hard.

"Maybe! Why does it matter? She has her work and I have mine. Mom, I really don't want to talk about this!" I stressed with an edge in my voice, raking my fingers through my hair. "Okay, relax! I know you won't tell me anything anyway!" I was about to argue but she held her palm up.

"All I'm saying is if you're going together then please take care of each other! That's all." I wanted to roll my eyes and tell her that it was given. No matter how things were between us I would protect her with everything in me but I didn't say that and give her false hope for a future that might actually not exist. "Yeah, whatever!" I muttered with a bored voice.

"Veer, when are you going to tell her everything? This isn't fair to either of you! Have you ever noticed the longing in her eyes? Do you even know what she has been through?" My Mom looked into my eyes and I turned my eyes away, clenching my jaw. "She's not going to leave you, baby! I think she loves you! You have to talk to her!"

My heart fluttered at that prospect but no I can't tell her yet. What if she thinks what I fear the most? It's better off this way. "Mom, please not again! I don't want to talk about this! Just leave now! I need to go somewhere!" My Mom bit her lips and shook her head. She kissed my forehead and walked to the stairs.

"Breakfast is ready, please eat and then leave." She whispered and walked away with a solemn face. I know that I disappointed her but I can't tell Meera I just can't. I fear I fear that never mind. I sighed and walked towards my room. I took a quick shower, got dressed, and descended the stairs.

The dining table was awfully quiet. I'm guessing it's because of the argument with my Mom. Dad gave me a hard stare but didn't say anything. I'm sure he'll utter his choice of words later. I quickly gobbled down the food. "Okay, I'm leaving! I'll see you guys later! Bye!" All of them nodded and shouted bye as I walked out of the house with a bag of my clothes.

I wasn't going to come back home. I drove straight towards the cemetery. My heartbeat increased every minute as I  got closer to the cemetery. I let out a huge breath when I parked the car in front of it. My Mom had asked if she could come but honestly, I want to do this alone. I do this alone every year but for some reason, I craved Meera's presence today.

I shut the door and buried my hands in my jacket pockets. It was super cold. I walked and crouched beside the stone. I placed a few flowers and ran my fingers over the stone. Her name was Anita and she was barely twenty-five when she passed away. I closed my eyes taking a deep breath. My eyes prickled with tears. I tried to control them but they weren't stopping.

A few of the drops fell down my cheeks. "Umm hi, I'm your son Veer! Hope you remember me! I come here every year. I'm sorry that you lost your life so early. I really am! I wish that I could have protected you. You don't need to worry about me. I'm doing good. As I mentioned before I'm in the Indian Army and I catch these people who try to harm the innocent." The wind fluttered around my face and it almost felt like she was caressing my face.

I chuckled and a few tears fell from my eyes. I don't remember her at all but I do owe it to her. She gave birth to me, protected me, and nurtured me until her last breath. Gave her life up so that I could survive. Fucking Mihir! "My so-called father is in jail so you have nothing to worry about! I have a hard mission so please bless me! Have a good day and I'll try to visit you soon! Take care!" I know it sounds weird saying all of this but she was after all the most amazing person. Or so I have heard from some of the members of the locality that she lived in. They even told me that I had the same eyes. She too was an orphan like me and Mihir married her by showering her with so many false promises. My mother being the innocent fell for his trap and it all went downhill from there. After marriage, he changed completely and it ended tragically for my mother.

I know all of this because I dug out the history. I wanted to know more about her. I felt like someone was watching me. My stance changed, I rubbed the stone one last time and stood up. I always succeed in my missions when I visit her. She's really a good luck charm. I scanned the area discreetly but didn't find anyone. 

Maybe I was just overthinking and a bit paranoid. I walked towards my car and drove straight to the TIIS headquarters. Karan texted me that he was spending quality time with Sheena before he gets here. Like I needed the visual. The asshole texted that on purpose. Whatever, I need to focus right now. I'll get him back later.

I went straight to the meeting room as we have a meeting scheduled with Officer Khan who will give us the rundown of what the plan was, once again. On my way, I spotted Meera who was laughing at something Suraj had said. God! Why was this asshole behind her? They were standing near his office.

I checked my watch to see that there were still a few minutes left before the meeting started and if I stand there I was definitely going to do something that I will regret. I almost sprinted to my office when Dhwani caught hold of me and began flirting. I made up a stupid excuse and walked away. She never gets the hint.

I slammed the door shut and hurled my bag over the couch. I paced around my office trying to control my anger. Karan came in and raised his brows. "Why the hell do you look so angry?" I shook my head and clenched my knuckles into a tight fist.

"Nothing! When is the meeting starting?" I asked trying to change the topic. He frowned, "Uhh, in about ten minutes!" He muttered and sat on the couch. I paced around for a few more minutes. Karan texted on his phone with a stupid grin on his face. I hated his happy mood right now. I growled and he looked up from his phone.

"Okay, what has your panties in a twist? Also, can you stop growling like that! Like seriously what the hell is wrong?" I glared at him and my nose flared. "Will for just shut up for some time? I can't handle you in an over cheery mood! I really can't! If you want to continue to giggle and text with your girlfriend, then take it outside!" I pointed at the door.

I know I was acting ridiculous but watching Meera get chummy with that Suraj is getting on my nerves! I can't wait to go to Mumbai and deal with it as soon as possible. Maybe during that time, Meera will talk to me! I hate to admit this but I am a bit of a chicken. I feel like whatever I say I'll mess it up. I want her to talk to me and then I'll take it on from there. I just need one tiny little sign.

"Seriously, what the hell is your problem? Is something going on between Meera and you?" My body turned rigid when he asked me that. We did decide to keep it low. It had just been a week since we were in an official relationship and things were already a bit tight. "No, it has nothing to do with that shit! Nothing is going on between us!"

I gritted out while staring at the wall. I don't want to look at him right now. I feel like he can read me like an open book even if I conceal my expressions. "Really? Then why don't you look at me and tell that?" I swallowed the cusses that were at the tip of my tongue.

"Are you two back together or something?" I shook my head and I could feel the anger burning up my insides. "No, nothing like that! Just go, Karan! I don't want to talk right now!" I warned him with an eerily calm voice and sat on the chair. I switched on the monitor and went through some information more like pretended. I could see Karan looking at me curiously from my periphery.

"I don't know what has you so wound up but seriously this is not the cool or healthy man! You need to tell me what's happening with you?" I took a deep breath and made up some random excuse but before that, we all received a message that we were supposed to gather in the meeting room.

I stood up from my chair and stalked out of the room. Before that Karan pulled my arm. "This conversation isn't over! I know you think it's cool being a stuck-up ass and all. But this has been going on for a few days now! I need an explanation!"

I glared at him and pulled my arm away but not before muttering a whatever under my breath. The moment I stepped out of my office I found Meera talking to Kabir who had his hands on her shoulder. I pinched my nose and closed my eyes for a second. Fucking hell! Do all these people have no one else at all? Why are they behind her?

The urge to snag her away and kiss the hell out of her was burning like a raging flame in my stomach but I suppressed it. She would probably beat me up. Once we were close to them Karan said greeted them while I gave them a nod. Meera threw a nasty glare at me and walked away. Kabir raised his brows but didn't comment. 

The meeting room had about eight of us and Officer Khan at the front. Behind him was a screen that had a blueprint of the Blue Moons club displayed on it. I sat down next to Meera who gave me a shocked look but didn't say anything. She cleared her throat while I stared at the screen.

"Go sit somewhere else! I don't want to sit next to you!" I smirked when I noticed a stutter in her speech and the way she fiddled with her hands. No one can ever make her feel that way and that made me feel exhilarating. "Tough luck sweetheart! I'm not going anywhere! If you have a problem you can move! But, it unfortunate that all the other seats are occupied."

Meera clenched her fists and turned to face me. She frowned and looked around as if confirming if whatever I was saying was the truth or not. "Fuck!" She muttered under her breath and my stomach coiled. Meera cussing was making me feel hot. God! What was wrong with me?

Officer Khan began speaking about the plan. He pointed out where everyone would be. This was actually the third time that we were going through the plan. He wanted us to bring Charlie here as soon as possible. I agree with him there. This was a golden opportunity and I don't think Charlie has any doubt that we killed his nephew. That was clearly made to look like an accident.

But, we can never be so sure and the Bule Moons opening was the biggest event. "Remember the plan everyone! Meera, Veer, Karan, Diya, and Kabir will go in as guests. Suraj will be the maintenance guy who will enter the place and switch off the lights when it's necessary. Dhwani and Aarav will cover the exits. There are only two of them so we have a really good chance. I will be connected with all of you and have a backup team at my beck and call in case anything goes wrong. Don't do anything stupid! Stick to the plan all of you and most importantly we need him alive. This is a great opportunity to not only catch him but also other bastards. The five of you who'll be entering the club will have different identities. Everything is set! Let's go, team! Jai Hind!"

All of us nodded, we stood up and saluted while shouting "Jai Hind!" loudly. Officer Khan gave us a nod and exited the room. Meera was the first one to leave after he left. "Trouble in paradise huh?" Kabir muttered next to me.

I turned my head and glared at him. "Excuse me?" I deadpanned. Kabir cleared his throat. "Uhh, I meant are you two fighting?" He stuttered even though we were built the same way. In fact, he was actually an inch taller than me. Guess I just intimidate people. I don't give a fuck about that. "Even if we are that's none of your business!" I warned him and walked away but not before hearing Karan say. "Don't worry about him! He has some occasional mood swings.

I rolled my eyes and went towards the weapons room. I was the one in charge of bringing all the ammunition. I may have gone a bit overboard but what the hell? We need all of it. I asked Aarav to take it to the van. It was almost 3 pm and once again I spotted Meera with Suraj. That's it! I'm done! I can't take this anymore. I need to make one thing clear.

I stalked towards them and interrupted their conversation. "Excuse me Suraj! I need to talk to Meera here!" Before either of them could protest I yanked her towards my office and shut the door. I boxed her against the door as she glared at me. So much for keeping my distance from her.

I closed the distance between our faces. "What the hell Veer? You can't manhandle me like this! I'm not your toy! Let me go!" She cussed at me and for some reason, I didn't even care what she was saying. My eyes were only focused on her plump lips and the blush that spread around her cheeks and neck because she was fuming with anger.

"Stay away from Suraj Meera! I mean it! Don't test my patience!" Meera shook her head and let out a humorless laugh. She shoved my chest and I stumbled behind. "Why Veer how does it matter? It's not like something is going on between us anyway right? We're over, right?"

I clenched my jaw. I so badly wanted to tell her that she's mine but something was stopping me from doing that. Everything that I said to her rang in my ears. I closed my eyes tightly. "You can't come here and go all caveman over me! Especially not after the things that you told me that day! Stay away from me!" She shouted and left the place.

It stung more than it was supposed to. But, I needed to keep my distance from her. At least for a few more days! Until I find out who that blackmailing coward is, she should be away from me. Fuck! Just when I thought things would get easier. My life is a fucking roller coaster ride. I know I'm confused right now as to what I want from Meera but if Meera doesn't listen to me it's okay I have my ways to keep her away from Suraj and I will take the extreme steps if necessary. One thing was clear and that is No one touches what's mine and Meera is mine!

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A/N: I hope all you had a good weekend! Unlike the one Veer and Meera are going to have.

I loved writing in Veer's point of view! It was fun! Veer has his set of fears which you will get to know soon. I hope this justified why he behaved the way he did! Do tell me your opinion!

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