A/N: Merry Christmas beautiful souls. Sending you and your family lots of love and warm wishes. Have an amazing day!

|AUTHOR|

Viraj stared at Naina's name on his phone screen contemplated whether  it was a good idea to call her. He checked the time it was already 1am in the morning. After debating with himself he muttered "Oh fuck it if she doesn't answer the call she's obviously sleeping. If she does then I can get the apology out of the way. Oh god all of this is so much more harder than I  anticipated. This is only the beginning, I just hope both of us find our pace."

With that he clicked on he call button and waited eagerly for Naina to answer the phone. Viraj knew the chances were slim but he felt very restless. Naina groaned when she felt  her phone vibrating next to her. She wondered who in their right mind would be calling her now.

She decided to ignore it, turning her head the other side she was about to fall asleep again when her stupid phone started vibrating again. "Okay what the hell! Who's calling me now?" Without checking the caller id she answer the phone and muttered a meekly into the phone. "Hello who's this? Whoever you are don't you know it's the middle of the night normal people usually sleep at this time."

Viraj couldn't help but laugh at her reply. His girlfriend was definitely something else. The word girlfriend made his heart thump with joy. Naina frowned listening to the husky laugh. It sounded familiar, wondering who it could be she moved her phone away from her ear and squinted looking at the caller id.

Her eyes widnend when she realized it was none other than her boyfriend Viraj. Her heart stopped beating for a second. Either she was dreaming or Viraj had actually called her. Taking a deep breath and mentally preparing herself. "Hello Naina, it's me Viraj. Were you sleeping?" Viraj cursed under his breath for asking such a stupid question. Of course she was sleeping.

This time it was Naina who laughed. "Hi Viraj, yes I was asleep. Normal people usually sleep in the night but I'm. Since you're far off normal it's understandable if you're awake. What is with you calling me in the middle of night everytime. We can always talk in the morning." Naina whined she just wanted to sleep peacefully.

Viraj chuckled at her cute antics. He wished he could hug and kiss her. It had only been a week but he missed her. When he's not with her he's constantly thinking about her. This was only the beginning they still had a long way to go. "I apologise for  disturbing your sleep but I just couldn't wait till the morning. I wanted to say that I'm really sorry for shouting at you that day. I hope you know that it wasn't intentional. This is how I am when I'm working Naina. I'm sorry that I couldn't talk or text you much. So will you forgive me?"

He looked up at the ceiling eagerly waiting for her reply. This was probably the hardest thing he has  ever faced. He folded his feet and starts tapping them on the bed. Naina's heart soared at his heartfelt apology. She knew that he was busy and probably doing something important. She was the one who disturbed him.

Taking a deep breath she stared at the fan on her ceiling. "It's okay Viraj. I understand that you were busy. I know maybe this is a little too much to ask but it would be amazing if you could text me ,even if it's just a letter a day. Makes me feel better. I knew  you were busy and didn't mean to shout at me intentionally so it's okay. Don't worry about it I'm fine. Did you come back home? Are you done for the week?"

Viraj smiled at her reply, he felt a surge of happiness gush through him. Never did he imagine he would find someone so understanding and kind like Naina. He knew it was not fair to put her through all these things but once again he didn't have the heart to give up on her but in the future if she ever decides to break it off he will not stop her.

"Hello Viraj are you there or did you fall asleep?" He shook his head trying to snap out of these thoughts. He can only hope nothing like that would happen. "Yeah Naina sorry I was just thinking about something. Well I can't make any promises but I will try to the best of my abilities to text you or call you when I get the chance. I'm really sorry once again. We have just started dating, here I'm already messing it up."

Naina rolled her eyes at his dramatics. "Didn't I say it's  okay and that I forgave you. Even if you can't text or call every day just do it when you can. Even if it's just to shout at me. I don't mind, at least then I'll know you're fine." Naina tried to humour him with her last sentence. Viraj's heart fluttered. He chuckled huskily shaking his head.

"Point taken ma'am. I will keep you informed as and when I can. I'll try my best to not shout at you the next time. I'm really sorry for that but I just can't control my temper when I'm dealing with such assholes. So if I do shout at you in the future when you call just know that it's not because of you. Am I clear Naina?" 

He made his point clear asking Naina with his commanding voice. Naina was startled she gulped fiddling with her phone. He sounded so sexy at that very moment. She tried to gulp the lump in her throat. "Yes Major Viraj, point taken." She laughed nervously. Viraj smirked it was nice to see the kind of affect he had on her.

"That's good. Also to answer your previous questions. I'm done for the week and I'll report to you tomorrow. Just let me know when. I'm curious to know what you have planned. You have to be flattered Naina. I usually don't entertain such stuff. But something about you makes me bow down to everything you want."

Naina once again felt tingles shoot her body, her grin widened. She had heard this quite a fee times from Annie and Indu as well. Makes her feel special. "Are you flirting with me Viraj?" Naina asked laughing lightly. "What can I say Miss Rao. You bring out the best in me." Naina laughed at that, Viraj chuckled lightly.

"Okay I want you to be here tomorrow at 5 in the evening. Just be on time not too early not too late." Naina muttered letting out a huge yawn. Viraj smiled fondly imagining her pretty face. He glanced at the wall clock, it was half past 1 in the morning. "Roger that Naina! I'll be there exactly when the clock strikes 5 at dusk."

Naina breathed out laugh. "Viraj I'm tired. Good night Viraj! I'll talk to you tomorrow!" Naina yawned once again, no matter how hard she tried to control it was impossible. She just wanted to sleep. "Good night Naina sleep well." Naina mumbled a bye, Viraj once again smiled cutting the call. He fell into deep slumber thinking about Naina.

***

The next day came by in a whiz. Naina was up at the crack of dawn. She was excited for the day. Changing into her tracks she slipped out of the room quietly as her friends were still sleeping. She wanted to bask in the morning fog . She hasn't been going for her  morning walks for the past two weeks. She just didn't feel like it. Her brain was a ball of confusion and those are the times when she tends to sleep more.

Naina squeaked when she felt a small body hug her legs all of a sudden. She sighed in relief when she realized it was none other than Veer. Veer looked up at her giving an innocent smile. His teacher Lisa came running and halted right in front of her. She was panting, poor Lisa had chased Veer all the way here. " I'm so sorry Lisa. Veer what is this? I have told you a hundred times not to run like that."

Veer pouted cutely and shook his head. Lisa laughed at that and Naina rolled her eyes. "It's okay Naina don't scold him. He has been waiting for you every morning for the past 2 weeks. So that he can spend some more time with you. I have no idea how he manages to get up exactly at the crack of dawn. Take care of him. Bye Veer I'll see you later." Veer and Naina both waved at her, she smiled at the both of them and walked back to her room.

Naina felt guilty, it had been a while since she had spend some one on one time with Veer. Poor baby had to understand the fact that she might be leaving soon hence Naina's hesitation to meet him regularly but after sister Brenda had spoken to him about Naina's departure Veer had never been that clingy. Naina was shocked to see the change in him. It was beyond her as to how a meer three year old can be so thoughtful and understanding.

Veer looked up at Naina lovingly giving his cute smile, his chubby cheeks had a tinge of blush. He looked so cute in his tiny jacket, tracks and  wearing those cute shoes. "Hi Nea! Up up." Veer lifted his arms urging Naina to pick him up. Naina tried to act stern but failed miserably. She pocketed her phone and picked him up with a grunt.

She melted the moment he was in her arms. Veer looped his arms around her neck and glanced at her with at most admiration. Naina couldn't help but kiss him on his cheeks. He giggled when she kissed him on his cheeks several times. "Hi Veer! How are you?" Veer smiled at his Nea hugged her burying his face in her neck. "Nea I missh yow!" Naina sighed she missed him too.

It's not that they hadn't spent time with each other but the fact that Naina was leaving soon felt like she had a constant black cloud over her head. She hugged him tightly and closed her eyes. She tried to control but yet again tears escaped her eyelids she tried to hold back her sob. How she wished there was a way to take Veer with her. "I missed you too sweet boy. I missed you so much. I'm sorry I couldn't spend time with you." Naina's voice sounded hoarse. She wiped her tears away discretely before Veer could notice.

Veer sensing something wrong moved his head to look at his Nea. "Nea don't be sawd. Smile Nea, I be gowd. I no run any more. Powmise Nea." He kissed Naina on the cheeks and hugged her. Naina's heart once again turned into mush. He was such a sweet boy, no matter how much the thought of someone else adopting him breaks her heart. Naina prayed that his sweet boy gets the best parents.

"That's so nice of you Veer. I'm not sad I'm happy, something fell in my eyes. Nothing to worry it's gone now." Saying so she kissed Veer's chubby cheeks and placed him on his feet. Veer smiled at her and held on to her hands tightly. "Come on let's go to the park. Are you sure you're not sleepy? It's still very early." Veer frowned at her, "No Nea I'm not sleephy. Park park!" Veer continued to chant the word park over and over again. Naina shook her head once and pulled him towards the park.

They strolled around the park for a while. Veer was literally bouncing from once place to another. Only after sternly being warned by Naina did he settle down to walk at his normal pace. He was busy playing near the swings and the slides. Naina decided to sit close by to keep an eye on him. Just then she sensed someone's presence beside her. Smell of a familiar colonge hit her nostrils. It was Viraj who casually took his seat next to her. He looked dare she say hot in those shorts and shirt. He casually smirked at her and snapped his fingers in front of her eyes.

"Fancy seeing you here ma'am." Naina snapped out of her revier and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ears. Clearing her throat she controlled herself repeating in her mind over and over again to not drool over him. She shook her head and chuckled at him. "I didn't know you were a stalker Viraj. You could have given some warning you know. That would have been nice." She leaned back against the chair and folded her arms casually across her chest.

Viraj smirked at her. "Oh Naina you wound me. Coming to meet my girlfriend is not stalking it's a necessity. It's my right." Naina laughed shaking her head. "You're right huh? That's interesting! What else have you got?" Viraj looked amused, "I have got you I don't need anything or anyone else." Viraj moved closer to her and replied huskily near her ear. Naina's heart skipped a beat at his close proximity.

Putting up a brave face she shoved him on his chest trying to put some distance between them. "Not here Viraj. It's a public place." Viraj laughed at her. "Well you didn't mind the other day when we were making out in the middle of the road." Naina rolled her eyes hitting him on his shoulders. "Oh shut up! If I recall it wasn't during broad daylight." Viraj was about to come up with another witty response when they heard Veer screaming Nea on the top of his voice.

Naina and Viraj stood up with a jerk. A ghastly looking man was holding Veer with a knife on his throat. Suddenly the happy park turned into a chaotic one. Naina was scared to death. "Veer on my god. Let him go please I beg you. He's just a kid. Viraj do something." Viraj was scanning his surroundings to check if any more members were there. Veer was sobbing continuously and muttering Nea. Viraj discretely moved away from Naina and made his way towards that asshole who had Veer.

He moved and jumped on him, the sudden movement caused him to drop the knife and his grip on Veer loosened. "Naina quick grab Veer and get out of here!Come on move fast." Naina quickly sprinted and grabbed Veer who was panting. She turned and looked towards Viraj who fell down when that unknown man jabbed him on his chin. " VIRAJ!!" Naina cried but this was nothing for Viraj he had delt with far more worse  things. He gestured Naina to run away from here once again.

Naina ran towards the exit of the park irrespective of how she felt about the whole situation. Some more men surrounded Viraj. He knew who these men were. They were that asshole Aman's group. He recognised a familiar signature tattoo of a snake on their arms. Lucky for Viraj he had his gun and knife with him. He shot five of them and stabbed the other five.  Meanwhile after Naina ran for some distance she realized Veer wasn't responding. She peeked towards his face, poor baby had fainted.

Naina panicked, she could not bear the fact that Veer was her responsibility and he was in this situation because of her. "Veer! Get up baby! It's okay now. Come on look at Nea." She patted his cheeks trying to bring him back to his conscious state. She didn't know what to do. A hospital was just a few kilometre away. She sprinted towards it. Never in her life had she felt so terrified. Within 10 minutes she reached the place. She entered through the emergency ward screaming for help. A young doctor came rushing towards her. "What happened?" He asked her as Naina placed Veer on the stretcher. Naina recited the whole incident. He asked the nurse to shift Veer to a room. Checking his vitals he looked for any injuries.  Naina was still sobbing.

The doctor asked towards him and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry he's fine. He fainted due to shock. There are no other injuries. I'll give him some medicines he might have a mild fever other than that he's absolutely fine. Don't worry about it he's a strong boy. I suggest you go to the police station and lodge a complaint. Take care." He patted on her shoulders and moved out of the room.

Naina released a huge breath and sobbed. She sprinted towards Veer and kissed him on his face muttering sorry over and over. Placing her head on his tiny forehead she prayed to god that he should come to his senses as soon as possible. Veer did have a fever after all his body was so warm.

Once Viraj eliminated all those bastards he called Neel and Arjun to report here with the team immediately. He just hoped Naina and Veer made it out of this park safely. Lucky for him no other civilians had been hurt. All of them had ran out in a stampede when these monsters showed up. Once Viraj's team arrived they cleaned up the whole place and reported to Offiicer Khana who assured them that he would take care of the rest.

He received a call from Naina who sobbed into the phone. Viraj was frustrated she wasn't even telling him anything just crying her heart out, making him assume the worst. "Fucking hell Naina can you stop crying for a second and use words." He felt guilty for talking to her with that tone but anxiety was getting the best of him. Neel and Arjun asked him to cool down while he just glared at them. Naina controlled her sobs and informed him about her whereabouts.

Informing the rest of the team to do their job. The three friends rushed towards the hospital. Viraj braked at the lady in the reception to tell him the room in which Veer was admitted in. He sprinted towards the room and saw the most heart breaking thing he had ever seen in his life. Veer was still unconscious and Naina was brushing his hair while stream of tears were cascaded down her face.

Neel and Arjun looked feeling a tinge of sadness as well. They patted Viraj on his back informinh him that they'll be waiting for him outside. Viraj walked towards Naina who jerked her head towards him, sprinting towards him she threw her hands around him once again sobbing against his chest.

"It's all my fault Viraj I have no sense of responsibility." Viraj rubbed her back thanking the almighty for keeping the both of them safe. "Not you're fault Naina just let it go. What's done is done." Naina hugged him tighter if that was possible. They stayed like that until Naina's cries subsided. Untangling herself from him she moved towards Veer and kissed his cheek once again. Viraj too moved near him and ruffled his hair.

Something in him strongly made him feel that Veer was his responsibility. He was so close to failing. He kissed Veer on his forehead, this little guy meant so much to him. Sure he had meet Veer just a handful of times but he knew their connection was deeper. Naina's eyes were puffed up and red, luckily she didn't wear her lens today.

Suddenly she was so thankful that Viraj was there with her today. If not for him she couldn't even imagine what would have happened to Veer. They sat next to Veer on either side of him and held his tiny  hands. Anyone one who looked at them for them for the first time would have assumed that they were family.

Arjun had informed Sister Brenda who cane rushing to the hospital the minute she cut his call. Entering the room she praised the Lord for keeping her children safe and sound. Naina and Viraj stood up noticing her presence. Naina ran towards Sister Brenda and apologised to her continuously for being so irresponsible. Sister Brenda caressed  her hair "My child it's not your fault. Stop blaming yourself. Veer is fine and you saved him. Don't beat yourself up. These things happen."

Naina wiped her tears nodding her head. Viraj stood there quitely the entire time. According to him this was completely his fault. If Naina wasn't with him none of this would have happened. He needs to make a  decision soon enough. Sister Brenda moved towards Veer and blessed him.

Turning towards Viraj she thanked him hugging him and blessed him to. "You're a real hero Viraj." Viraj laughed darkly. "No ma'am I am the one who pulled them into this. It's all my fault." He replied glancing at Naina's distressed  form. Once again she was gazing at Veer and eagerly wating for him to open his eyes. "Things happen Viraj. Just let it go and take care of them. I shall inform Naina's friends." She patted him on his shoulders and exited the room.

Viraj took a seat next to Naina pulling her towards him, he placed her head on his shoulder. He kissed her hair "I'm sorry Naina. It's all because of me. Please forgive me." Naina jerked her head away from him. Her eyes were blazing with anger. She held his collar and pulled his face closer, their breaths mingled. Their lips are almost touching. "Shut the fuck up okay. What are you talking about? You saved Veer and me. Are you finding reasons to leave me Viraj? If you are then get this one thing into that thick head of yours. I'm not buying any of your stupid excuses. I know I still need to adjust to a lot of things and I will. Are we clear?"

Viraj closed his eyes. She was right he was trying to find reasons to leave her but his heart wasn't letting him go. He decided the very next time someone touches his Naina or Veer he's going far away from them. That's the only way he can protect them. For now he'll leave things as they are. "Am I clear Viraj??" Naina gritted her teeth. He just nodded his head. Without a warning she slammed her lips against his and kissed him passionately. Viraj was shocked, this was the first time she had initiated a kiss.

He pulled her closer and their tounges fought for dominance. Naina tightened her hold against his collar. Things were getting heated up, just then Veer muttered "Nea". Naina and Viraj separated and rushed towards him. He fluttered his eyes open and made grabby have towards  Naina. She smiled through her tears and hugged him tight. Veer glanced at Viraj whose eyes were misty holding a hundred emotions.

He stretched his tiny arm and gestured Viraj to come. Viraj walked towards him cautiously and caught hold of his hand. He placed a tiny peck on it. Naina smiled at them and settled herself next to Veer on the bed.  Veer smiled at Viraj. "Thanku for savwing me! You nice!" Viraj and Naina chuckled at his cute pronunciation.

"You're most welcome Veer! You're s brave boy." Viraj ruffled his hair and looked at Naina who smiled back at him. "Nea he said I brave Nea!" Veer exclaimed excitedly and blushed a little. Naina's heart melted, she kissed him on his chubby cheeks. "That's right Veer you're s brave boy!" Veer smiled at his Nea and glanced at Viraj. "Friends?" He asked Viraj stretching his arm out. "Of course Veer the brave boy. I'll be your friend. I'm Viraj by the way." Viraj shook his hands and smiled at Veer. "Hi Vee!" Veer jumped.

He glanced at Naina and Viraj strangely feeling complete. At this very moment he wanted time to stand still. He had seen in many shows that kids like him had mommy and daddy just like his Nea and Vee. Veer wanted them to be his mommy and daddy. All three shared a hug. Unknown to them their friends were staring at them with tears in their eyes. It was so fulfilling to see the bond these three shared.

***********************************
Woah can't believe it's chapter 30!!! I still remember the time when I hesitated to publish this story. It wasn't easy! I'm so grateful for all you readers. Thank you for your support.

This chapter literally gave me the feels. I missed Veer so here he is! I just love him so much. The three of them together made my heart soar. Aren't they cute?

We need to be thankful that we have a family and roof over our heads. There are many kids out there like Veer who crave for love.

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

Happy reading :)

Merry Christmas once again folks!!!
Have a magical day!