After Vivaan saves Ishika, the two step out of her boutique, and find a table inside a nearby cafe. He places orders for both of them: an espresso coffee for him and a mochaccino for the lady.

He removes his goggles and glances at the young woman before their coffee arrives. "I want to ask you again, Ishika. Are you okay?"

Ishika smiles. "Main theek hoon. Thanks to you."

Vivan looks mildly relieved. "Sorry maine dobara pucha. But an attempt was made on your life and that can be quite shocking."

Ishika nods. She was scared but not anymore. "I know sir. Main bhi dar gai thi. But abhi I am disappointed. Maine Karate judo sikhi thi. Self defence seekh kar bhi main uska istemal nahin karpai."

Vivan is impressed. This young woman before him is not just courageous but also trained in self-defence. That is amazing. She's still babbling about how she could have handled the attacker. It's almost cute...

"Maybe it is because he surprised me." Ishika keeps speaking, her gaze distant as if she's recalling the event. "But fir bhi mujhe kuch karna chahiye tha. Maybe I should have flipped him over."

Vivaan can't hold back his chuckle now. Ishika's eyes land on him just as he murmurs, "very charming."

She raises a brow. He clears his throat and continues. "I mean it." He doesn't want to hide the fact that he praised her. "Aap bahut bahadur hain. Agar sari ladkiyan aapki tarah hai to India mein crime rate bahut kam ho jayegi."

She blushes at the praise. "Sir, India mein crime rate aise bhi kam ho jayegi. Jab har ladki ko aapke jaisa koi handsome police officer rescue kar sake."

"Huh?" Vivaan stares at her in surprise. Ishika realises what she did and amends her statements.

"That was not a weird comment, sir. I just wanted to say thank you."

Vivaan doesn't sound offended. He's smirking almost boyishly at the praise. Oh god! Did I flirt with my rescuer? Aisa kyu kar di maine, thinks Ishika, but it may be too late.

Besides, she doesn't want to change what she said.

She smiles awkwardly and Vivaan laughs. "Main aapko yahan laya. To cheer you up. Lekin aap ulta mujhe cheer kar rahi hai. Achcha joke tha."

Before she can stop she's shrieking. Sir woh joke nahin hai, making him laugh some more. She's embarrassed but it might be worth it if she is getting to see his smiling face and hear the booming laughter.

"Thanks for the compliment. Waise aap bhi bahut khubsurat hai. Beautiful inside out... I can tell that much." He clears his throat and his eyes turn serious. Though Ishika is momentarily swept up at the moment, she straightens up too. The mood between them thickens.

"Laughter aside, this is very serious, Ishika," says Vivaan. "Aapke life per attempt hui hai, aur yeh jo bhi log hain, aapko chhodenge nahin. They will come again."

Ishika nods. "You're right. Mujhe nahi pata ki woh log Ruhana di ke piche kyu pade hain."

Vivaan leans forward. Their eyes meet. "Normally aise log pakad mein nahin aate, aasani se. Aur sach kabhi qubool nahin karte. Lekin main bhi to mahir hun sach ugalvane mein. Don't worry I will take up this case. And I will solve it for you."

Ishika knows so much is at risk, nothing is certain as of now but hearing Vivaan's words is reassuring, and that smirking face. They have only met but she's in love with his confidence. How... is it possible? Why does she feel safe with him? That she can trust him? She breathes a sigh and smiles at him.

"Thank you so much, sir. It means a lot ki aap khud volunteer kar rahe ho. Ruhana Di ek public figure hai. Woh apne kaam mein bahut busy hai aur hamare life mein waise bhi stress bahut hai. main abhi in sari chijen unko batana nahin chahti. Main ghar mein bhi kisi ko batana nahin chahti."

Ishika gets thoughtful after that and Vivaan too doesn't speak for a while.

"Do you want me to help you in secret? "

Ishika is started by his sudden words.

"Ishika, aap soch lo. Yeh sach Ruhana Ji ko pata hona chahie. Aur ghar mein baki sab logon ko bhi. Khatre se anjan hokar Ruhana Ji khush toh rahengi lekin chaukanna nahin rahengi. Is vajah se woh musibat mein pad sakti hain. Aur aap bhi toh. You are twins. Which means you are equally in danger."

Ishika is startled, suddenly fearful for her sisters. Vivaan doesn't know they are triplets. Well, she must stay strong and everything will eventually work out. She nods.

"You are right, sir. Ruhana Di bahut strong hain I will tell her mauka dekh kar."

"Yeah. Batana. Aur aap bhi chaukanna rehna. Yeh mera card. Well, well keep in touch. And I will try to find out who attached you. Stay safe until then."

Ishika takes the card that contains Vivaan's contact information. She thanks him and they part ways.

***

Inside an ornate set in SR film studios, Samrat wraps the last schedule of his shooting, and his assistant Roshan comes to him.

"Sir this wraps up the entire schedule.

You don't have any more projects scheduled on your list. Out of the things in the pipeline, the action web series with Ruhana Saxena is really good."

Samrat frowns a little hearing his assistant's words. He doesn't want to sit idle. He's always acting in films, one thing or the other and now he got nothing? "Ab iske alava aur kuchh nahin hai kya?"

Roshan shakes his head. He double-checks his tablet just casually and then looks at Samrat.

"Nahin sir. No new offers this week. Woh web series wali story is awesome. And mere hisab se aapke jaise star hi wo role fulfill kar sakta hai. Is mein lead role karke aap ka naam aur roshan ho jaega."

Samrat smiles, rises up from his chair. "Tumhara naam Roshan hai mera naam nahin. Aur yeh flattery se kuchh nahin hoga."

This time it is Roshan's turn to chuckle. "soch lijiye, sir. Kitne waqt se aapne action romance film mein acting nahi ki. Aapke fans aapko aise role mein dekhna chahte hain. Aur aapka number one fan to main hi hun. Main aapko is role mein dekhna chahta hun, sir."

A genuine smile touches Samrat's lips. Of course, he knows everything Roshan said is the truth. Including the no. 1 fan thing. Roshan never hid the fact that he adored his employer as an actor and for the work he did. It's almost very sweet. Always fills his heart with warmth.

Roshan is caring. More than a manager has to be. Samrat has no complaints, which is why the former is sometimes very forthcoming. The guy now has a cheeky grin on his face.

"Vaise sunne mein aa raha hai ki Ruhana madam bhi aapse is drame mein kaam karne ke liye betab hai."

"Betab?" Samrat can't help but laugh now. "Roshan tere imaginative brain ke gadi mein break lagade."

"Are nahin, sir, main toh sach bol raha hun."

"Bas bas mujhe jana hoga. I'm tired from the shoot. I will unwind. Kal mere ghar pe milte hai. Aur fir discuss karte hai, okay?"

"Theek hai, sir. Mujhe pata hai aap kisi cafe mein ghusne wale ho. Apne disguise ka khayal rakhna. Varna paparazi se bahut problem hoga. And don't eat too much sugary stuff. Coffee bhi jyada nahin."

Samrat rolls his eyes. But inside he's feeling warm. Roshan is like the parents he once had. Had... yes. They passed away long ago. "Okay, mamma."

As Samrat rises to leave, Roshan follows him out. With the shooting done the actor's manager too has nothing to do on the set. Of course, there are the after-parties on the set but neither of the guys is into such things.

"Sir, main aap ki mummy nahi hun. Mera naam Roshan hai..." Roshan tries to be jovial as they fall into step.

Samrat clicks his tongue irritably. "Arey mujhe pata hai yar. Pakao mat."

Roshan laughs. The cheerful sound causes Samrat to laugh as well. They reach his car which Roshan drives around usually.

Before Roshan can open the car door and plop into the seat, Samrat stops him, placing a hand over his shoulder.

"Roshan, is entertainment ki duniya mein I am fortunate ki mujhe tum jaisa trustworthy manager mila. Its been nine years now. I trust you, man. Tu mera bhai hai, thank you."

Roshans cheeks redden. His eyes turn a little misty. He's very loyal to his employer of course. He gave him a job when he was penniless, when he was going aimless. His employer was patient enough and even showed him the ropes when he began his job. Of course he's grateful.

"I'm glad, sir." He smiles as Samrat pats his back. Main toh sirf apna kaam kar raha hun."

"Yar tum apno ki tarah kaam kar rahe ho."

Roshan chuckles. As they get in the car he thinks, sir, aapka dil kitna bada hai... main bas samajh nahi pa raha ki aapke dil mein Ruhana Ji ke liye itni nafrat kyu hai. Main puch nahi sakta. Par samjhna chahta hun ek din.

***

Samrat drives the car after dropping Roshan at the guy's place. It's a ritual they formed.

His disguise is on now. Goggles and hat. As Roshan said, he's gonna get into a cafe. He loves exploring new places. A coffee addict and food junkie he just loves visiting and tasting different delicacies. One of these days he must put a disguise on Roshan too and they both can hit the streets.

Samrat chuckles at the idea that plops in his head. Then he stops by a chic newly opened cafe near South Street. Stepping inside he finds a corner table.

He sits cautiously minding his surroundings, checking if anyone's caught on regarding his disguise and heaves a relief finding there's none. His eyes find the menu. When a young waitress comes to him, he places his order.

"One extra sweet latte and Mille feuille."

"Mille feuille? Aapko strawberries pasand hai?" The young woman asks.

Samrat adjusts his tone just in case. His voice sounds a bit different than his usual as he replies, "haan."

"Ye awaz...."

Samrat is nervous as the girl trails off. He runs a hand through his hair (a habit of his), knocking off his hat. He pulls his hand back, cursing and his goggles fall to the floor. He ducks under the table before anyone can notice him. Before anyone can realize he's Samrat Sawant.

"I knew it... Samrat Sawant." He hears the waitress's voice from above. Recognition flashes in his eyes. Mahika?

He puts on his goggles and hat back and shuffles into his seat staring dumbfounded at the woman who doesn't like Mahika. On a second glance, she is Mahika. With the disguise on.

"Mahika?"

Mahika smiles when Samrat says her name. "Kamal hai na, hum dono ne bhes badal rakha. Fir bhi ek dusre ko pehchan liya."

He sighs. "Jyada Khush hone ki jarurat nahi Hai. Mujhe bhook Lagi hai. Mera order jaldi lekar aao."

"Lekin strawberries... Magazine Mein toh aapne ye likha tha ki aapko dark chocolate bahut pasand hai."

He sighs. Maybe it's the innocent way Mahika asked the question he answers honestly. "Arey, main interview mein kaise kah sakta hun ki mujhe strawberries pasand hai. It might mess with my image."

Mahika is boggled. "Strawberries aren't bad. But yes the choice may be somewhat girly."

"Are tum apne analysis band karogi?" Samrat says irritably, "Mujhe bhookh lagi hai. Please mera order leke aao."

Mahika smiles. "Good aapne please bola toh main leke aaungi. Varna aapko jyada hi demanding ho rahe the aur rude."

Samrat sighs. An amused smile forms on his lips. This girl is candid and her reactions are very natural. Any other girl, especially a fangirl, would have reacted in the most cliche ways and that'd be annoying. In the entertainment world, he is used to seeing fake smiles and listening to fake words. So Mahika's presence is refreshing.

Was he rude? Maybe that is a part of his personality but it's not on purpose. He is only particularly hungry today.

Mahika brings his order and he smiles at her a little gratefully. The first bite of his dessert, his smile widens.

"Tumne mera magazine interview padha?" he asks, a little curious. She lingers near his table. He feels they can have a little conversation.

"Han aapse milne ke bad." Her answer is honest again.

"Achcha?" He tastes more of the desert. The shop is empty, thankfully so they can chat more freely now, and it looks like the girl also has some free time if she is standing and chatting with him like this.

"Main aapko thank you bolna chahti thi, Samrat. Jo bhi aapane Kiya use din mere liye."

Samrat smiles hearing Mahika's soft melodious voice that says she's truly grateful. He doesn't think he did something huge which deserves her thanks. He wants to say it aloud but then remembers that he is talking to Ruhana's sister.

"Thank you ki zaroorat nahi hai." His words are stiff and the smile drops from his face.

"Aise kaise jarurat nahin hai?" Mahika is oblivious to what he is feeling. She keeps talking cheerfully. "I can't believe ki main Samrat Sawant se baat kar rahi hun."

Samrat can hear her excitement though he is grateful that she uttered his name almost like a whisper. Nobody heard what she said. Not that anybody is around.

"Meri didi bhi bahut acchi actor hai aapki tarah. Sach mein mujhe vah aapki film pasand hai jis mein aap baazigar bane the."

"Han toh..." Samrat is feeling out of sorts at this new turn of events, but he can't cut off Mahika when she is being an adorable fangirl. Fans should be honoured, right?

Mahika senses his mood, the smart girl. "Aap itne gussa kyon ho rahe hain," she asks. "Abhi tak to acche se baat kar rahe the."

"Aapko Ruhana Di se koi problem hai kya?" She babbles while he plunges into shock that she found his secret without him saying anything. "Aapne Ruhana Di ke sath koi movie nahin ki. Mera toh man kar raha hai ki aap dono ko ek movie mein dekhun."

Samrat smiles and takes a few deep breaths. He obviously can't admit he has a problem working with the said girl.

"Dekhte hain kabhi hua toh," he says.

Mahika loudly exclaims, "oh no, Ruu Di ne mujhe jo charity amount pay karne ko kaha woh maine kiya nahin."

Samrat gestures to Mahika to keep quiet. "Zyda jor se nahin bolo tumhare identity khul jayegi. Aur meri bhi. To tumhari Ruhana Di charity bhi karti hai?"

Mahika says, "yes. Karti hai na bahut. Jitna ho sake utna. She is always there for her fans. Unhone tarkki ki hai toh charity programs maybe wo kafi active hain. Unlike some celebs, jo utna active na rehte."

And I thought Ruhana is a selfish woman. Samrat gets very thoughtful while hearing Mahika. They cannot have the conversation further as she is called away by her superior. A few customers walk into the cafe. He is again conscious of his disguise as Mahika excuses herself.

Sach mein kya Ruhana itni acchi hai ya main usko galat samajh raha hun...ya fir main sacchai ko maan nahin pa paha.... He wonders for a moment. Then turns his attention to this dessert. Yeh webseries karke dekhe? Maybe I have to confront what I've been avoiding... Roshan bhi khush ho jayega.

He can't decide right away. He will give it a thought.

***

An update after so longggg! RuVineet I hope you like this CHAP. sorry for the long wait. I will try to bring the next update pretty soon. lots of love xoxo.

Up next: Vineet saves Ruhana from a mishap at the studio. The two of them bond. Ishika is the only one who knows the danger that's on them. Does Papa also know? The girls celebrate father's day and they all have a heart-to-heart.

@ Everyone who read: Please vote n comment, Thanks for reading.