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Naina walked back to the orphanage making her way towards her room. She opened the door to find Lisa already dressed up and ready for the day. Lisa smiled when she noticed Naina's presence. "Hey! Had a good night?" Naina smiled nodding her head and placed the sling bag on the chair.

Naina jumped on the bed groaning. "Yeah it was fun! Why are you ready so soon?" She clicked her tounge nodding her head and placed both her hands on her hips. "Naina did you forget? We have to take the children on a field trip today!!!" Naina's eyes widened with realization. It had completely slipped out of her mind.

"Oh god it's today!!!! I thought it was next Monday!!!" Lisa laughed at Naina. "Wait what about their school?" Lisa walked towards Naina and shoved a towel at her. "Here take this! Go get ready we have to leave as soon as possible. About the school, don't worry Sister Brenda has taken permission so it's all set."

Naina sighed, and decided to take a long shower. "Where are we going again?" Lisa looked at her through the dressing table mirror and squealed excitedly. "We're going to Malsi Deer Park!!! So much fun!" Naina laughed at her, shaking her head. Her neck had a crink, well she slept on the couch for a few hours so that didn't surprise her.

Idhu has already left. Unfortunately none of them except Neel was there to bid her off. The group was blowing up with loads of miss you's and see you soon. Pictures of Neel and Idhu at the airport. Naina quickly typed a message and went off to take a much needed shower.

Lisa had already left the room to go have her breakfast. Naina changed into some causal Tee and jeans and made her way towards the dining hall. The cute chatters and laughs of the children at the dining hall made her smile. Kids made their lives beautiful and gave her hope. They were such pure souls.

Her eyes automatically searched for Veer. She smiled when she found him sitting next to his friends chattering and munching on his food. Glancing at him once more she made her way towards the table where all the other teachers along with Sister Brenda and Linda were seated.

Sitting next to Sister Brenda Naina smiled and greeted her. "Good morning ma'am!" Sister Brenda brushed Naina's hair smiling at her. "Good morning my child!" Naina grinned at her and they had their breakfast no one spok. It wasn't an awkward silence rather a comfortable one. "Naina how were your results? Were they good?" Naina gobbled up her food, nodded her head excitedly. "I passed ma'am! With a whooping 8.20 cgpa! I'm so happy!"

Sister Brenda and the others looked at Naina laughed loudly at her exclamation. Everyone congratulated her, she thanked them with a wide smile. "What was all the fuss about? I told you it was going to be fine!" Sister Brenda teased, Naina chuckled. "I know but I was scared. That fear is always there."

Sister Brenda nodded her head and squeezed Naina's hand. "Believe in your capabilities Naina and then you'll never be scared!" Naina nodded her head with a small smile at Sister Brenda's wise words.

Once they finished their breakfast, all the adults assembled the kids in the hall. The kids were excited for their escapade. Their faces had bright smiles and everyone were carrying their bags. Children were divided into groups according to their age and two teachers were assigned to each group.

Lisa and Naina were incharge of the toddlers. It wasn't easy to control a bunch of over excited and bouncy kids especially who were 3. Veer was happy that his Nea would be with him at all times. Lisa and Naina helped all the kids on settle down in their seats. "Okay kids I have some rules for all of you." Naina stood near the front seat of the bus ready to announce the rules while Lisa was going around the bus making sure all the kids are seated comfortably.

They nodded their tiny head and let out a squeal. Naina chuckled, "I know all of you are excited. I want all of you to sit still until we reach the place. No putting your hands out of the windows or fighting with each other. Am I clear?" She smiled satisfied when everyone together screeched a "Okay Ma'am!!!" Lisa and Naina laughed at them. "Good! Now hold on tightly to the handle so that you won't fall. Also no moving around when the bus starts. You might get hurt. If anyone needs anything call me or Lisa ma'am okay?"

Another course of "Yes ma'am" and the sight of tiny heads bobbing up and down made Naina smile. Once again Naina strolled around the bus making sure everyone were settled in their seats. She was going to sit next to Lisa when Veer tugged her shirt moving towards the window seat and patted the seat next to him.

Naina looked at Lisa who had already taken her seat next to Meera who was none other than Veer's best friend. "It's Okay Naina sit next to Veer. He has been eagerly waiting to spend some time with you." Naina smiled at and sat beside Veer who hugged his Nea excitedly. "Hi Veer! Are you excited for the field trip?" Veer threw his hands in the air and screamed "Yeah Nea!"

Naina ruffled his hair and hugged him rubbing his back. The bus started, taking them towards their destination. It took them about an hour to reach the destination. Veer didn't move an inch away from Naina. He leaned on her the whole way and pointed excitedly once in a while Naina laughed at his excited face. This was the happiest she had seen him.

The kids were busy chatting among themselves and gasping cutely whenever they noticed something colourful on the streets. Who could have guessed that these children were abandoned by some low lives. Naina's eyes filled with tears when she thought about the pain that was inflicted on them from such a tender age. She was thankful that they were at a safe place now and were living a happier life.

Naina was lost in her thoughts when her phone started buzzing in her pocket. She didn't notice it until Veer shook her arms, "Nea phone!" He screamed and pinched her arm slightly. Naina jerked behind rubbing her arms and frowned at Veer. "Nea Phone!" That was when she felt something vibrating inside her pocket.

"Oh no thank you Veer!" She placed a quick kiss on his cheek making him smile widely at her. She removed her phone to answer the call. There were 3 missed calls from Viraj. She was about to call him back when he called her again. Frowning she answered her boyfriend's call. "Where are you Naina? What took you so long to answer the call?" Her boyfriend screamed into the phone making her roll her eyes.

"Don't roll your eyes at me Miss Rao!" Naina gasped and looked outside making sure he wasn't actually here. "Whatever Viraj I didn't roll my eyes!!!" She shuttered trying to sound convincing. "Yeah yeah keep telling yourself that! Anyway that's not why I called you. Where are you right now ?"

Viraj asked her with an anxious voice. Naina frowned at his tone. She knew he was not telling her something but as usual decided to brush it off. "Right, I'm currently on my way to Malsi Deer Park. Why do you ask?" She asked him even when she knew he would make up a stupid excuse and dodge the question. Just then she noticed Veer who had stretched his arm outside the window and was waving it frantically.

"Veer! I told you not to do that!" She pulled his tiny hands inside and glared at him. Veer smiled up at her innocently and muttered "Sowwy! Not do again." Naina have him a pointed look and nodded her head. Viraj laughed at that trying to imagine the cute faces of his girlfriend and Veer.

"You stop laughing and why did you call me?" Viraj laughed huskily. "Do I need a reason to call my girlfriend? I don't think so. It's my wish Naina." Naina's heartbeat accelerated when he referred to as his girlfriend. Will she ever get used to that word? She cleared her throat and try to sound strict. "Flattery won't get you anywhere Viraj!" Viraj grinned shaking his head. "As you say Naina. Be careful and call me if you need anything. I'll call you later. Take care!"

Viraj ranted and cut the call before Naina could reply. Naina looked at her phone and bit her lips trying to control the smile that made it's way on her face. On the other hand Viraj let out a huge sigh of relief and ran his hands through his tousled hair.

He dropped his phone on the desk and shut his eyes tightly. He tried to control his breathing. Just a few minutes back someone sent a picture Naina and Veer on the bus with a warning that said: "Aren't they cute? Viraj if you want them alive let Aman and Amar go else get ready to face the consequences."

Viraj's blood pressure skyrocketed he called the officers who were in charge of Naina's security. They informed him about her wearabouts and assured him that she and Veer were safe. For a second he wanted to call and shout at Naina for not informing him about the field trip, but he didn't. He could have but at the end moment he reminded himself that he's much better than that.

Moreover he didn't want her her feel like he was trapping Naina in this relationship. He has no idea he could control his anger to this extent but he didn't want past mistakes to repeat and nor did he want Naina to be afraid of him. The moment he heard her voice the raging storm in his heart calmed down tremendously. Her soothing voice was enough make him feel better.

Viraj knew things were about to go down hill soon. He was lost in his thoughts and trying to figure out who this faceless man could be. Who was his father? And furthermore who was the third investor? All these questions were eating him up when Neel and Arjun knocked on his door. They barged in before he could comprehend what was happening.

Viraj's desk was a mess. Since he had dropped Naina off, he had been gruelling himself to find the necessary information but came up with nothing. "Dude what is all this? Papers everywhere. Are you okay?" Neel asked him, Viraj tore another paper which was yet again useless and gritted his teeth.

Arjun and Neel exchanged a meaningful look. Arjun nodded his head and cleared his throat. "Viraj can you tell us what's going on? Why this early meeting?" Viraj pinched his nose trying to get his frustrations under control. He threw his phone at Arjun. "Read that message." Arjun frowned at Viraj but nonetheless swiped the phone open to read the text. Neel peeked over his shoulders.

Their eyes widened at the pictures that bastard had taken and their blood boiled reading those threats. "What the fuck? Who is he?" Viraj shrugged his shoulders with a blank face leaning against the chair. "I don't know. Also I received a call from some lowlife threatening me to free Amar and Aman."

Neel was pacing in the cabin while Arjun was trying to analyze the situation. "When was this Viraj? Why didn't you tell us before?" Viraj sighed placing his arms on the table. "He called me yesterday. He revealed another information. I don't know if it's true or not but that bastard sure sounded confident!"

Neel stopped pacing and pulled the chair sitting in front of him. He smiled fakely and gritted out. "Stop with these double meanings and get to the point!!!" Viraj sighed heavily, "He said something about not repeating the same mistakes my father did. I think he has something to do with the death of my parents as well as these terrorist groups."

Arjun placed his phone on the desk and took a seat beside Neel. " Your dad? What does your dad have to do with all of this?" Viraj started at me with a "Are you kidding me look?" He clapped his hands, "Genius! I wouldn't have called you here if I knew why!" Neel chuckled but shut his mouth when Arjun glared at him. Arjun rolled his eyes. " Fine whatever Mr.Perfect! Why didn't you tell us yesterday? This is a huge deal!"

"I didn't think it was the right time. Idhu was leaving and I didn't want to spoil the atmosphere by reminding us that there's still a black cloud hovering over our heads!" Neel nodded his head slowly, Arjun scoffed. "Seriously? When do we not have a black cloud over our heads? We need to work on this as soon as possible! I'll try to dig out information about this caller! Neel why don't you go find out more about Viraj's dad." The rest of his team were busy eliminating those scums. Amar and Aman were currently unconscious. Why wouldn't they be? They were beaten black and blue.

Neel nodded his head in agreement. They were about to leave the room when Viraj decided to drop another bomb. "That's not the only thing." Arjun and Neel tured to face him. "What else is there?" Viraj sighed playing with the paper weight. "Gupta Enterprises apparently had a third owner or rather a third investor. Sameer found that information just yesterday. He's trying to find out who that is."

Arjun and Neel stood there with their mouths wide open. Way too many surprises for a day. "What the hell? There was another owner?" Viraj laughed bitterly. "Yeah looks like it. I for one think all these three are connected but we can never be sure." Both his friends nodded their head in agreement. They were aware how twisted things can get. You may think you know everything boom in a split second the entire course is changed. You might have to start all over again.

"Woah, that's unexpected! We'll try finding more information on that too." Neel exclaimed determinedly. "Let's get to work. One more thing I have assigned some officer to keep an eye on our girlfriends. It's necessary, I hope you guys don't mind." Arjun and Neel looked at each other and brusted out laughing. "Ha that's funny. Are you crazy man? Why would we mind? Your our family we know that there's a reason behind everything that you do! Now you get to work don't inform us about these miniscule things!"

Viraj's lips tugged into a smile and he shook his head at his two best friends who had already exited the room. He thanked god everyday for sending him friends who meant more than family and of course Naina, now Veer too was part of the group. A mere thought of Naina was enough to put a smile on his face. His phone pinged, he unlocked his phone to see the most beautiful picture. His lips tugged into an automatic grin when he stared at the picture of his two most favourite people.

It was a picture of Naina and Veer. Naina had taken a selfie of the both of them. Veer was laughing his heart out as Naina had muzzled her nose in his neck. He chuckled reading the caption. "The tickle monster decided to make an appearance!" Viraj typed a quick reply, " Hey don't trouble my boy! Leave him alone😋."

Naina replied "Wherever!😉 I'll text you later. Just so you know I'm fine😏." Viraj laughed at her response "Good to know Miss Rao!" With that Naina went offline, Viraj sat there and stared at the picture before him with a heavy heart. The relationship between Naina and Veer reminded him about his relationship with his mother.

He could see himself and his mom whenever he looked at Naina and Veer together. The love and care between them is so pure. He would turn the world upside down to protect them. Glancing at the picture once more he locked his phone getting back to work.

Naina was walking right behind the kiddies. They looked so cute with the tiny bags hanging on their backs. She couldn't help but chuckle at how cutely they were walking more like wobbling. Then there's her monster Veer. Who was not ready to let go of her hand. He held her left hand tightly and pointed at things that amused him chattering about it once in a while.

"Veer that's enough, you'll walk in line with the other kids. Come go in the front. I'm right behind you." Naina was about to pry her fingers when Veer made his irresistible face. His eyes filled with tears and he pouted. "Nea plweas I walk with yowu! I be goodh! Powmise!" Naina sighed here we go once again, he always does that and she can never say no to that cute face.

"Okay you can walk with me but you will go and play with your friends once we reach the garden area. Am I clear?" Veer frowned at that but nodded his head anyway. They walked towards the garden where they were going to set up a picnic spot. The other kids were already sitting on the picnic blankets and munching on their snacks.

Lisa and Naina spread the blanket. The kids sat down excitedly and opened their bags which had yummy snacks. Veer sat next to his best friend Meera. Like promised he ate his food and played with his friends the whole time. Naina played catch with some of the kids. Veer dragged his friend Meera towards where Naina was playing. "Vee go shlow!" Meera replied cutely.

Naina shook her head and laughed at his antics. "Veer stop that! Go stand there, I'll pass the ball." Veer pouted but obliged to his Nea's wishes. They played catch for some time until the kids got bored of the game. Once again they made the children stand in line and walked towards the area where deer were there.

The cute gasps and excited chatter when they gazed at the deer with gleaming eyes melted Naina's heart. "Aww kids are the best right?" Lisa stood next to Naina and admired the kids. "Yeah they're the best!" Naina nodded her head absent mindedly. She scanned the surroundings once again to make sure all the kids were fine. Statsifed that they were all present here she informed Lisa that she's going to the washroom and will be back in a few minutes.

Naina did her business as soon and possible and exited the washroom. When she reached the same spot, she was shocked to see Lisa shouting for Veer. Naina's heartbeat accelerated. She ran as fast as she could to Lisa. "What happened? Where's Veer?" Lisa sobbed shaking her head. "I don't know Naina he was right here before you left." Naina took a deep breath trying to calm herself.

"Are all the other kids fine?" Lisa wiped the tears on her face and nodded her head. "Yeah they're all here. I swear I just turned for a second all the little ones were right here. I don't know where he ran off to." Tears dropped from Naina's eyes. Where could he have gone? She wiped her tears quickly. "Lisa it's not your fault. First let's get all the other kids back to the bus. We'll look for him and let us inform the other teachers too."

They assembled all the kids and walked as fast as possible towards the buses. Once the kids were settled, a few teachers were left behind to look after them. "Naina my child, calm down I'm sure he's just wandering around." Naina sobbed trying to keep her emotions under control.

They searched every nook and corner of the park, asked people if they had seen him. "Veer where are you baby?" Naina shouted scanning the area. Her phone buzzed it was Viraj calling her once again. She picked the call and recited the entire incident trying not to cry. "Okay Naina stop crying! I'll be there in a few, I have already informed my team they're trying their best to find him. I promise we'll find him."

"Viraj please find him. Her just a kid, he's already been through so much. I don't want him to suffer any more. Please do something!" Viraj once again tried to console Naina. He has no idea as to how he was calm the entire way. He was quivering with anger. He had sent a few people to keep an eye on them but those bastards still managed to take Veer.

A few kilometres away from the park, Veer was unconscious in a dainty looking van. The man who had kidnapped him smirked at the unconscious boy and let out a sinister laugh making him look much more scary. " Well well I finally got my hands on at least one of you! Time to make some demands!"

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Drumrolls people! "Dum Dum!" Don't be mad at me but I had to end it this chapter this was. A cliffhanger! Who's dieing to know what's going to happen next?

Poor Veer! Will Viraj be able to save him on time?

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

Have a great day!

The quote below just felt right...