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Annie was the first one to break their moment. She purposely coughed, trying to get their attention. Viraj moved behind that realized that there was an audience watching them. Naina made herself comfortable on the bed leaning against railing of the bed.

Veer suddenly looked shy with so many people around him. He tured towards Naina burying his face in her chest. Naina chuckled and pulled him closer. "Veer it's okay look they're our friends too." Naina tried to pry his hold but Veer tightened his arms around her. "Okay it's okay baby. At least say hi to Neena and Isha they're waiting to see you. Come on."

After a lot of insistence he finally agreed. He slowly peeked away from Naina's chest and smiled shyly at the audience before him and waved his small hands at them. Everyone were staring at him with an expression of awe. "Aww so this is Veer huh! He's the cutest. I just want to pull his chubby cheeks." Annie squealed and rushed towards him pushing Viraj out of the way who grunted.

Everyone in the room laughed. Indu was the next one to shove Viraj aside. Naina was trying to control her laugh while Viraj just glared at them. "Idiots control your girlfriends! I was here first. All of you can came later. Go away." Neel and Arjun gave him a pointed look. "Shut up Viraj! Don't be such a grinch! Let them have their fun." Arjun slapped him on Viraj's shoulders while Neel tried to pull his cheeks.

"Ugh stop it! Idiots both of you are so whipped. That's besides the point, tell me is everything taken care of? Did our team take care of it? Did you guys inform Officer Khana?" Viraj threw a series of questions at his friends.

The girls were busy gushing over how cute Veer is. Neena and Isha were talking to Naina and consoling her. "Viraj just chill okay. It's all taken care of. We informed Officer Khana as well. So don't worry about that." Neel patted on Viraj's shoulder trying to assure him that everything was done.

"I just don't understand how we weren't able to track all of them. Didn't you guys bug them? So aren't we supposed to know if anyone will try to attack us or at least some kind of warning?" Viraj questioned them once again glancing at the girls making sure none of them were eavesdropping on their conversation.

"That is actually baffling. We did attach a tracker and gps system on them but it looks like we missed a few. It's practically impossible to pin down each and every one of them. Some one very powerful is helping him, her or she is part the system." Arjun made his point and texted away on his phone.

"You might be right Arjun. If we have to end this entire evil dynasty that is built by Aman we need to dig deeper. No wonder even after torturing him to that extent he's still a hard shell to crack. Fucker is confident that someone will come to save him. I want to destroy that confidence in him. We have to look at the whole thing with an entirely different perspective."

Arjun and Neel nodded their heads agreeing to what Viraj concluded. "Yes you're absolutely right. We need to think of some new strategies and maybe look for information from some other sources as well." Neel stated and smiled adorningly at his girlfriend who gave him a flying kiss. Viraj just laughed at that.

Arjun and Neel looked at Viraj with a shocked expression. Not that they had never seen him laugh before but it had never been this airy nor did Viraj laugh at stupid things. Neel touched his forehead to check if Viraj was alright, Arjun snickered. Viraj slapped his hand away glaring at him. "What are you doing Neel?" He gritted at him. "Well it's so unlike you to laugh at such silly stuff." Arjun brusted out laughing so did Neel. The girls tured their attention towards 3 men who were arguing and laughing like kids.

"Shut the fuck up both of you. That is not true I do laugh and smile." Arjun scoffed at his statement. "Yeah right more like glare. Whatever, looks like having a girlfriend has finally tamed down the beast in you." He wiggled his brows. Viraj shoved his stupid friends and flashed them his middle finger.

Naina raised her brows at his gesture. She mouthed asking what's wrong. He shook his head and smiled at her, Naina reciprocated the smile. The doctor arrived after a few minutes later. It was the same young doctor who had tended to Veer when they arrived at the hospital. "Hello folks! Good to see so many people. This young lad is lucky to have so many of you showering your love at him."

His name was Ethan, he was a handsome doctor Naina wondered but no more than Viraj. He checked Veer's vitals and asked him if he was feeling better. Veer replied a meek yes shyly. He wasn't used to this environment. There were way too many people and that was making him nervous. Naina sensing his uneasiness sat next to Veer once again and ruffled his hair. "It's okay baby. He's just checking, nothing to be scared of." Veer smiled at Naina nodding his head. Naina kissed his head. "He's fine right? Can you discharge him right now?" Naina asked looking at Veer who was playing with her fingers.

"Yes of course Naina. He's perfectly fine. Just give him these medicines on time for the entire course of next week. Make sure he sleeps through the night, so that he feels rejuvenated." Naina nodded her head and smiled at him. "Thank you so much Ethan! I really mean that. Thank you for treating him without asking any questions or asking me to first lodge a complaint then start the treatment." Ethan smiled at Naina. "You're welcome! I know the importance of life and would never delay to treat a person. It's my pleasure. This little guy is one brave dude." He ruffled Veer's hair, Veer giggled at him.

Viraj frowned at the scene before him. He didn't like this doctor. It was clear he was flirting with his girlfriend. He moved towards Naina and placed his hands on her shoulders. Naina smiled at him noticing his presence. Viraj glared at Ehtan who appeared to be intimidated by the presence of Viraj. "Hello I'm Viraj Naina's boyfriend. Thank you for treating Veer so well. I appreciate it."

Ethan ran his fingers through his hair nervously. He was intimidated by Viraj's presence, quickly reminding himself to stay away from Naina he replied "Of course Sir. It's my duty. So coming back to Veer, you can take him home right away. He's a strong boy just take extra care of him. I'll get the papers ready."

Ethan walked out of the room Naina frowned at his sudded nervousness. She glanced at Viraj who was showing off his signature smile. Everything fell into place. Naina realized that Viraj was clearly marking his territory. She squinted her eyes at him with anger. Viraj tured towards Naina trying to dazzle her with his smile. "Seriously you didn't have to be that rude. He was just being nice!" Viraj looked shocked for a moment he didn't think she could tread him with so much ease.

Taking a seat on a stool bedside her he stared into her brown eyes. "I wasn't being rude Naina. I just politely gestured to him that you're off limits. As in dating me and he has no right to flirt with you. Naina shoved him and rolled her eyes. "Oh please. Can you chill? He wasn't flirting with me. Are you for real right now? He was just being friendly Viraj! Get over it!"

Viraj rolled his eyes and asked Naina to pass the water bottle that was on the bedside table. She scoffed at him giving him the bottle. "Well if you're reacting this way just because one guy was friendly with me how am I supposed to deal with all those desperate women who flutter around you?"

"Ohhh and who exactly is this Sonia? I'm curious to know. Tell me Viraj!" Viraj choked and stopped chugging the water, staring at her with his mouth wide open. Who the hell had told Naina about Sonia he wondered. Coughing slightly he stared at Naina's smirking face. "Umm how do you know about her?"

"Major Viraj don't act so naive. I have resources too. I hope you made it clear to her that you're already taken. I don't want to deal with clingy exes." Viraj cursed under his breath, turning towards Annie he glared at her while she smiled at him innocently. She had to be the one who informed Naina. Viraj was about to reply when Veer caught Naina's attention. "Nea book, I want my bookk."

"Oh yes baby just a few minutes. Isha will bring it for you okay?" She ruffled his hair and pecked him on his forehead. Veer smiled at his Nea. Naina glanced at Isha requesting her to get Veer's book. "On it Naina! Anything for my cute Veer!!!" Isha gave a flying kiss to Veer who giggled with a slight blush. She made a call to Sameer demanding him to get the book. Everyone in the room laughed Naina rolled her eyes just when she thought Isha is actually not that bossy.

Sameer and Sahil made their way towards the room after a few minutes . Sameer introduced himself to Veer who one again smiled shyly and replied with a cute " Thanku." Naina smiled at Veer who was busy reading his book. Viraj looked around the room and for the first time in years he didn't feel any void in his heart. He never actually realized that there were so many people there for him. He thanked the Lord for sending him back to Dehradun. The place where he lost and gained so many things.

"Hello Viraj! I still didn't get my answer. Who is she?" Naina gritted her teeth at him. Viraj rolled his eyes but secretly admired her. Naina appeared to be sexy when she was jealous and possessive all Viraj wanted to do was slam his lips into her's. "Just chill Naina. She's not an ex, I just went out with her once and that was almost 3 years ago. It wasn't exactly my choice, my best friends were the ones who set me up. It was a disaster. You don't fret your pretty little head over that. I need to work with her for something but I have already made it clear that I'm taken. So just chill I'm all yours Miss Rao."

Viraj leaned close to her ear whispering the last part. Naina felt shivers down her spine. He was so close to her, she could smell his musty cologne. He kissed her on her cheek placing his lips longer than required. Naina closed her eyes and held his hands. She trusted him more than anything else. They were basking in their moment, no one in the the room realized that. Viraj finally felt like he has everything he wanted right here in this room. He will sacrifice his life but protect every single person that is present in this room.

Naina was about to kiss him when her phone started ringing and at the same time Ethan entered the room with the discharge papers. Sister Brenda was the only one who can sign as Veer's guardian. So she too came to the room after a while with a gleam in her eyes.

Naina was busy talking to her mom at the corner of that hospital room. "Fine whatever, it's just another 2 weeks what's the big deal?" Her mom wanted her to be back as soon as possible as they had to attend some relative's wedding. "No ma I'm not coming back, nor am I going to attend that stupid wedding." Naina gritted at her mom. "Please Naina don't be like that." Naina rolled her eyes irritated. She hated those vile realities who only cared about status and money. "No means no ma! I hate this people. Just leave me out of this take Sanju I'm sure she'll love it."

Before Naina's mom could reply Naina cut the call. Annoyed would be an understatement, Viraj frowned at her wondering what was bothering Naina. She turned and noticed Ethan talking about something to Sister Brenda. She made her way towards them. Sister Brenda smiled at her so did Ethan. " Veer is so lucky to have so many people who love him so dearly. Take care of him he'll be fine. I suggest you guys clear out the room. We don't usually allow so many people in one room."

Sister Brenda and Naina laughed nodding their heads. Naina had been thinking about extending her volunteering duration for quite sometime now. She still needed to talk to her parents and Sister Brenda. She made a mental note to discuss this with Sister Brenda. "Come on children it's already 11am let's go."
Sister Brenda urged them to leave after all the formalities were taken care of.

"Wait what about Viraj's party? That's still taking place right." Viraj rolled his eyes at Neel. He can be such a child. Sister Brenda laughed everyone else groaned. Indu slapped him on his shoulders. "You moron it's supposed to be a surprise party. You just ruined all the fun." Neel bit his tounge and smiled sheepishly at everyone who were glaring at him. "Oh I'm so Sorry."

"It's okay my child. That will still take place. I'm sure Veer and all the other kids will enjoy that. Okay I'll off my children please bring Veer back I have to attend an important meeting. I'm so grateful to have all of you."

Viraj smiled at his former teacher and caretaker. "Of course ma'am that's our duty." She patted his cheeks and asked him not to be late today. One by one everyone left the place after showering their love on Veer who was sleeping. He has had quite a day. "Naina I'll be there at 4 with scrumptious food! Indu will bring the decorations. I'm so excited!" Naina nodded her head laughing at Annie who was bouncing on her feet.

Everyone cleared the room. Viraj asked Naina to bring Veer while he goes and gets the car. Naina nodded her head. Naina carried Veer towards the exit, she sat down next to Viraj in the front seat. Neither of them made an attempt to break the silence throughout the way. When Viraj parked his car at the threshold of orphanage Naina smiled up at him.

"Viraj I'll see you today at 5. Bye take care." Viraj smiled at her nodding his head. He leaned towards her placing a kiss on her forehead and then on Veer's. "You too Naina. Bye." She got down waved her hands once again with Veer in her arms. Viraj looked at her until he was sure she's safe. He still needs to ask her who was on the phone.

***

Veer was completely fine after having his long nap. He was playing with the other kids. Meanwhile Neena, Isha and Naina were decorating the hall. Indu and Annie were arranging the food and setting up plates. Just another hour for Viraj to arrive. "Umm Neena, Isha I have to tell you guys something." Neel and Isha stared at her with curious gazes.

"So I have decided to stay back and extend my volunteering time period for another 4 months." Isha and Neena gasped at their friend. "Really? What about GRE then? What about universities abroad?" Neena nodded head to whatever Isha had just asked. "I mean I can always give the exam here also right. That's not a big deal. I just don't want to leave yet. There's still another month for first attempt to give the test. I can just find a center here and take the test."

"Woah okay. But you will be alone because Isha and I have to leave, our colleges will start soon. Are you okay with that?" Neena asked her and the her arms around Naina's shoulders. " Yes I'm aware Neena. You guys go I really want to stay back for a while. What about your boyfriends?"

"Well long distance has to be the only thing that we can navigate through for now. Hopefully things will fall in place. Is Viraj the reason why you want to stay back?" Isha sighed deeply and asked Naina. " Yeah I get it. Long distance is the only way right now. As of for me staying back. Viraj is partly the reason but I don't know how to say this but I feel like teaching these kids has finally given me that sense of contentment and a purpose. I feel like I belong here. So I just want to bask in this moment for a little longer."

Isha and Neena smiled at Naina. Both of them knew how hard it was for Naina to finally settle on something. She had always been a ball of confusion so to see her talking with so much clarity was a good change. They knew she loved helping so if she wanted to do that then by all means they shall support her.

"It so good to see you declaring something without a 'I guess' at the end. Don't forget to text or call as and when you can." Isha smiled at her and they shared a group hug. Naina was so grateful for having such amazing friends and understating friends. She hugged them back tightly. "I'll miss you both so much. Also I still haven't told mom and dad. No idea how they'll react. You guys have to help me."

"Of course we'll cook up something don't worry." Neena rubbed Naina's back trying to assure her and Isha nooded her head. Just then Annie shouted at them to work faster. The three of them groaned but abided. Annie quickly placed the cake and arranged at least 15 cupcakes around it. The cake was red velvet with vanilla frosting. It looked delicious.

The cupcakes were of various flavours having different kinds of frosting toping it. Neena tried to take a smidge of it, Annie slapped her hand away. "Don't spoil the setting. I still have to get a picture of Viraj with all of this. Ohhh I'm so excited, he never let's me do this at all. I'm going to click a billion pictures at least. Thank you so much Naina!"

Annie bounced on her feet and twirled around the room. Everyone laughed at her antics. All the kids surrounded the room. Those excited smiles were worth everything. The adults in the room melted looking at their faces. Viraj entered the room in all his glory. "Here comes the birthday boy!" Arjun screeched Neel hooted and Indu sprinkled some confetti on him. Naina and the rest of them laughed at Viraj's grimace. Annie was busy clicking pictures.

Viraj glared at all of them. "Stop it! You guys are annoying. Don't make it such a big deal." He gritted his teeth. Naina sensing his uneasiness moved towards him and bumped his shoulders with her's. "Hey cheer up you big baby. Look at everyone they're so excited for this. Come on smile just a little bit."

Naina showed off her teeth and made a smiling gesture with her fingers. Viraj smiled not because he wanted to but because it came naturally on his face. Naina bought the best out of him. She pulled him towards cake. That was the start of an authentic birthday party.

The kids enjoyed it thoroughly. He made sure to feed each and every kid present there with a piece of cake. They all were served yummy food. Sister Brenda had tears in her eyes looking at Viraj. She had practically raised him to see him so well settled in life made her emotional. He moved towards her and consoled her.

"I'm proud of the man you have turned into Viraj. So proud of you. A small tip, never let go of Naina. You both make a lovely couple. God bless you my child." She patted his cheeks and Viraj glanced at Naina with an adoring smile on his face.

Veer walked towards Viraj and pulled him shirt trying to catch his attention. Viraj came out of his revier and smiled at the little human before him. Veer made grabby hands indicating his wish to be lifted. "Hi little man! Did you enjoy the Party?" Veer smiled at him and threw his hands in the air. "Yeahhh I did Vee! It was fuwn! This for you!" He shoved a card against his face. Viraj's heart melted at his gesture. Unknown to the both of them Naina was admiring the pair.

The card had a childish drawing of superman and a thank you at the end with a cake. It was a jumbled mess but the gesture behind it was what touched Viraj. "This is so sweet Veer. I love it! Thank you so much you brave boy." Veer smiled at Viraj relieved that he liked it and hugged him placing a peck on his cheek. "I happy. It for you. Thanku, you supermawn and stowng!"

Viraj patted his back and ruffled his hair. "You're a super hero too my brave boy!!! Thank you!" Veer glanced at Viraj's grey eyes and felt secured much like Naina did. Viraj placed Veer down and he sprinted towards the other side. The party had almost come to an end. Viraj's friends and Naina's friends had showered him with various gifts despite his resistance. Naina was yet to give him his gift.

Once the Party ended they cleaned up the place. Sister Brenda thanked all of them immensely for making this day special as well as memorable. The kids had a blast. Viraj made sure everyone got a stationary kit and he also gifted the library with a collection of new books. The delight on these kids faces was worth everything.

Everyone walked with their respective partners to bid goodbye. It seemed right out of a couple's drama movie or something. Viraj was the last one to leave, Naina accompanied him all the way to his car. He leaned back against the car stared at Naina for a while, she was subconsciously moving some gravel with her shoes.

"So I'll see you later Naina! Goodbye and good night. Thank you for the surprise party although it wasn't much of a surprise. Bye." Viraj was about to leave when Naina caught hold of his hand and made him face her. She hugged him tightly, for some reason she had been having this eerie feeling like something bad was going to happen.

Viraj was startled but after a few seconds he reciprocated the hug. "Ugh you're so stupid Viraj! Why are you thanking me? You just made the day for about 50 kids in there. Just be quite for sometime." Naina mumbled into his chest and felt the vibrations of his laugh, it was so comforting for her. She just wanted time to stand still.

"Of course ma'am. Your wish is my command!" Naina smiled against his chest. She moved back placing her hands on his shoulders. He pulled her closer placing his arms around her waist. "I have something for you. Something like a good luck charm. I want you to keep it with you at all times." Viraj raised his brows with curiosity. Naina removed a locket from around her neck and dangled it in front of him.

"What's this Naina? You didn't have to get me anything." He caught hold of the dangling chain and stated at it. It was an oval locket, that can be opened and has pictures in it. Naina rolled her eyes. "Hush this is my first gift! Open the locket!!" She bounced on her feet with excitement. Viraj laughed at her. "Okay okay calm down."

He opened and was shocked to see a picture of the both of them from the day at the ball. It was the beautiful moment when he had kissed on her forehead and Naina's eyes were closed. There were some wordings in calligraphy on the other side. " Be safe because someone is always waiting for you." Naina was fidling with her hands waiting for Viraj's reaction. "Do you like it?" She asked him hesitantly.

Viraj looked up from the locket and stared at Naina's brown eyes. None one had ever made him feel this special. His eyes held a million emotions. They were misty. He was speechless, without giving any warning he slammed his lips on hers. She jerked back but he held her strongly.

After the initial shock passed away Naina pulled him closer by clamping her fingers around her hair. The kiss was filled with love and compassion that they shared for each other. Not hard or passionate like this previous ones. It was almost like they were memorizing every inch of how the kiss felt. Their tounges tangled and Viraj makes sure it was a kiss she would remember forever.

When no one could breathe anymore they separated panting. "So I take it you like the gift?" Naina asked him in between breaths. Viraj smiled pecking her lips. "Are you kidding me? I loved it. The best gift ever, thank you Naina. I'll forever cherish it!" He kissed her on the forehead. Naina smiled at his happy face and kissed him on his cheeks.

"I'm so happy that you loved it. I just wanted you to remember that from now on you need to be safe. Because I'm waiting. Please be careful." She cupped his cheeks, he placed his hands over hers and squeezed it kissing on her plams slowly.

"Of course ma'am! I'll be safe. I think it's time for you to back now and time for me to leave. Take care. Good night Naina." Viraj hugged her once again and moved inside the car speeding towards his house but only after making sure Naina entered the orphanage safely. They didn't know what the future held but they hoped for the best.

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That's chapter 31 for folks! I'm obssessed with Naina and Viraj. What about you, are you obssessed with then just like I am?? I truly enjoyed writing this chapter!

Just a heads up, strap your seat belts because now the ride is going to get bumpy!

I hope you liked this chapter. If you did please do vote and comment!

Happy reading :)