Dev's pov

People around me was running here and there all panicked for their life. A sudden fire breakout inside the top floor of a huge mall in city. I came there to meet a new investor for my start up. Those were initial days of my dreams Cyber City.  Some conflicts were raising inside Cosmos which Viren, Jhanvi and I started together. Due to that I decided to move forward with my own business. I was adamant that not anyone from my family invests for Cyber City including my dad because I wanted something by my own, something which I built with my hardwork. Not because of my surname Rathore.

After meeting I sent Zahir with my investor, he was very impressed in my project and agreed to sign a deal with C-City. I sat inside a cafe along with Mohit discussing further dear about finding new office, recruiting more employees and all. That's when fire alarm began to rang which made us confused at first time then sudden increased a panic among others. Everyone began to run after seeing the thick smoke coming out from a restaurant kitchen, within seconds the floor was filled with dark smoke. Situation became more serious when I realised that there wasn't any proper fire and safety measures taken by mall management for the top floor and due to that fire spread fastly. Smoke made it worst because people couldn't see anything also there wasn't any water sprinkler any other safety measures we could take.

Mohit and I ran into different directions for our lives, elevator stopped working, escalator was jammed and some people even fell from it while running. I saw my death infront of me that day. I ran towards the fire exit  following others somehow through that smoke but it was difficult to move towards other side were fire exit was located.  I could here piercing noise of fire alarms and fireforce vehicles alarms from outside. That was a hope and  I wished they could save us all.

Sudden scream from a group of people made me more panicked. I was scared something bad happened or going to happen. The moment I turned to look what was happening a huge chandelier hung on the roof fell down all together. I wasn't standing under that but the chandelier was huge like if it falls then the impact will be high on us because of glass pieces. I didn't get a second to think where to move or what I should do,  I was stumbled upon my foot watching the chandelier falling down

Suddenly I felt a huge weight on my body from nowhere and I fell on the floor with someone over me. We both and that chandelier fell on floor almost together. Many glass pieces pierced into my exposed skin skin, like on my neck, hand, beside eyes thankfully I was wearing a custom designed suit that day because of my meeting was with investor or usually I will be in my casuals. When I looked it was q girl who fell with me and most of the glass pieces were pierced into her skin thankfully not to the face because she buried her face into my chest. I didn't see her face but I guessed it. She saved me from a huge accident in a hairline difference but she got hurt because of me that made me feel bad watching her state. She wasn't moving and became unconscious.

When I took my hand around from her waist it was filled with blood, she was injured because something fell on her when she tried to dodge with me . My head hit on the floor after we both fell down and it was paining. Pressing my hand on the back side of head I looked at my either side. Images were getting blurred and I was getting difficulty in breathing. What I saw before I became unconscious were some broken pieces of glass bangles in different colours. It belongs to this  girl who was on me.  when we fell while saving me those bangles on her hand broken into pieces hurting herself.

" Hey....... "

" Hey...... "

" Mam..... "

I tried to wake her up but she wasn't responding. I pressed her face on my chest covering her head and turned to a side save ourselves from others. As I said people were running for their life and because of smoke no one can see anything properly. So they were stepping on us accidently. She jumped to save me risking herself so now I should save her atleast like this. If and only if I could wake up from here I would have definitely carry her.

That day we both were not destined to die. That's why rescue team spotted us quickly when I almost gave up. They took us to hospital as soon as possible giving first aid.

When they separated that girl from me I was only half conscious due to dizziness. By all these time I was inhaling that smoke. I couldn't see her face properly but I saw she was wearing something different. I felt it different because I haven't seen anyone wearing that among my circle or girls I met. It wasn't a saree but it looked like a saree.

Soon after we both were brought out on stretcher Zahir found me. He looked so fumbled and was shouting at medical team to make it faster. I was taken in the same ambulance along with that girl since we both were brought down together. Zahir was following our ambulance in my car. I was given oxygen and put on IV. Now I feel little better but what made my heart wrench was watching that girl's condition. She was badly hurt, especially on her back , exactly on her spinal cord. I heard the two medical staffs discussing that some blunt object fell over her.

She was lying on the strecher bed on her stomach with another oxygen mask. A nurse was pressing on her injury with a thick cotton to stop the bleeding. Still I couldn't see her face because of the oxygen mask and the hair that fell on her face. She was only a hand distant away from me. Few bangles were still left on her blood stained hand.  Who wears glass bangles in this Mumbai city now a days? And that's in all colors.

Whoever she is I am indebted to her for my life. Without even knowing who I am she saved me risking her life. No one did that for me, Zahir might do but that's his duty. For her I am just a stranger still she saved me.

.......................

" Dev.... "

" Dev...... ''

I was opening my eyes after a long sleep, I felt like that. Aunty was beside me when I opened my eyes and Zahir standing at a corner with his head down. I understood looking at him he got enough from aunty for leaving me alone and I had to face this danger.

" Dev, my child how are you feeling now ? " Aunty sat beside me asked with so much concern.

" Ms Maheshwari you don't have to worry he is fine now. It's just he inhaled lots of smoke that's why he passed out now everything is better. " Doctor said to aunty and only after hearing that she became calm down.

" Zahir how can you be so irresponsible ? Is this how you are doing your duty ? I am cutting your two months salary and this year's all allowance... . .... "

" Aunty, aunty just relax. It's not his fault. He left from my side because I sent him to take care of something else. Neither he nor I predicted such a mishap will happen there. I will take care of it, don't scold him..... " before she takes any more drastic step and scold Zahir I interrupted and stopped her.

"Only for this time Dev.... " She said giving a warning look at Zahir.

" Reporters are waiting outside. I should go by myself and tell them you are fine or they will write all nonsense in their imagination. "

" Zahir be with him all time.  " Aunty warned Zahir again and left from my room to handle the reporters.

" Zahir, where is Mohit ? He is fine right ? " Soon after she left I enquired about Mohit to Zahir.

" Mohit is in next room. He is fine .... But a minor fracture on wrist. Doctor said it will be okay after two weeks. Right now Gaurav is with him. " Zahir said.

" That's good. " I sighed in relief.

" And where is that girl who was taken with me in ambulance ? " to be frank I was much concerned about her rather than my friend Mohit. He will kill me if I said this to Mohit but this is the reality. I can't lie to myself.

" Girl ? Oh..... that one  Actually I don't know about her . I was worried about you and didn't noticed her to where they took her after reaching hospital. " Zahir replied casually.

" Zahir, get her details. She will be in this hospital with a spinal injury. I need to meet her no matter what" I was ordering to Zahir to get the details of that girl. I rarely orders to Zahir and he knows if I am ordering then that will be very important for me.

" Why you are so much concerned for a .... ... "

" She saved my life Zahir. " I replied interrupting him to stop Zahir from asking unwanted questions.

" She did something which you had to do for me. So I should atleast thank her right ? If she needs any help with treatment or financially I am responsible for that. Find her quickly..... " I said again and he agreed . Zahir quickly went to find that girl and I started waiting for that unknown girl who was making my heart beat faster.

I think from there it was a long wait for her. My heart was on some marathon race. I don't understand that feeling. It was first time I was nervous to meet someone. The guy who trained himself to be confident and always prepared to talk in front of others is trembling now. I was confused about what to say in front of her or how to start the conversation. Should I thank her first or start with a   small introduction about me.

I heard someone knocking on the door while having these thoughts. I quickly adjusted the blanket and looked my face on phone screen very excitedly.

Watching Yuvi entering into my room with a huge bouquet I rolled my eyes and fell back to bed unamused.

" Bro "

" How are you now ? Man.... I thought you are gone ...." I glared at Yuvi hearing his good for nothing joke on inappropriate situations.

" Dev ....... " Next there comes Lavanaya and behind her Viren.

" Dev.... Oh god. How are you ? Do you know how much I was worried for you ?" Lavanya was worried for me and she sat beside me holding my hand crying like a child

" Lavanya I am perfectly fine. Fortunately I was saved on time . You stop crying like a child " I tried to stop her crying.

" It's good you didn't get much injuries. We met the doctor on the way. He told us you passed out for some time inhaling smoke. Still take rest ..... " Said Viren and patted on my leg.

" Now only Jhanvi is left. Where is she ? " I asked jokingly because all others came to meet me.

" Oh my god.... Jhanvi di..... " Yuvi was like he suddenly remembered something and kept his hand on head.

" Bro take care I am leaving " Yuvi pecked on my cheeks and ran from room in a hurry.

" Ewww.... Yuvi. What the hell ? " I swiped my cheeks making a yucky face.

" Atleast leave that bouquet here and go man " I yelled at Yuvi

" This is not for you bro. This is for my girl my love " Yuvi said kissing on the bouquet which made three of us cringe.

" Your girl ? You didn't came here for your brother but for that girl ? " I asked to him with an unbelievable look.

" You are always my brother and I can meet you everytime at home but she is not like that. If I miss this chance then I won't get her in this whole life time. Actually I came here to meet her on Jhanvi di's gage. She ran to meet her friend and I tailed her. I am in love with her friend bro.  You understood that connection right ? " Yuvi asked after explaining his love connection with Jhanvi's friend. I joined my hands for not wanting to hear it again.

" I have seen this many times Yuvi. I am not excited " I commented sarcastically.

" This is not like that bro. She is different, This one girl.....  She ignored me , rejected my proposals, never find me interesting.  But this time I will hold on this oppertunity and will propose her. Bro I am really thankful to you for your valuable advice... Only genuinity, caring and sympathy is going to work on girls. I am going to use those weapons now. Bless me.....
your brother is going for his love war " he took blessings from me holding on my legs and left from room holding the bouquet like a sword.

" This boy will never change .... " Viren shook his head and chuckled.

" Actually who is this girl ? He is behind her for a quiet long time. I think finally he decided to become serious with someone " said Viren.

" I also wonder to know about her, Girl who shook our Yuvi's heart like this. He is behaving like a love sick puppy " I commented and laughed thinking about Yuvi's past relationships. He enjoys girls running behind him and for the first time he is running behind someone.

" DD....... " Meanwhile Zahir came back after his search for that unknown girl. I looked at him curiously to know whether he find out that girl or not ?

" Did you..... "

" Yes, she is here to meet you. " When he said that yes I felt like snow started falling inside my stomach. It gave me a tingling sensation through out my body.

" Bring her in " I said quickly

" Who is it Dev ? " Lavanya asked to me about my guest

" My savior " I mumbled with a smile. My eyes were still fixed towards the door and Zahir opened it by bringing that girl to my room on a wheelchair.

She was in her hospital gown just like me. A beautiful girl with a confused smile. Her hair was made into a messy bun and I noticed some small injuries on her skin.

I frowned my face same doubtful smile when Zahir brought her to my side. For a second I doubted is she the same girl who saved me ? I don't know her face still from a total outlook she seemed to be that girl. But again I was in confusion and that marathon race of my heart wasn't there anymore. I think marathon is finished..... Yes ofcourse it has to finish because I finally met the finishing point.

"  Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore,  you can call me Dev " I forwarded my hand introducing myself.

" Nisha...... " She forward her hand introducing herself with her name.

Nisha.......

Finally I met my girl.

...........................

Rathore villa
Dev's room

I was opening my eyes with a killing headache. I tightly squeezed my eyes and then opened it again to make my vision clear. I saw Lakshmi lying beside me, on same side I was also lying. She always sleeps on her stomach buring either of cheeks on pillow or bed which will make her lips pout. I never wanted to say this but she looks cute then. She talks gibberish in her sleep, orders her appa to make these and that in sleep. Once I saw her crying in sleep. Since I don't sleep at night I watch others sleeping. My sleep was snatched by her dad and now I am watching his daughter sleeping peacefully.

Her hair fell on her face covering it partially. She looks familiar sometimes for me. I have an issue in recognising others face even if I met them few times. Usually Mohit and Gaurav helps me with it when I meet guests for business related matters. Sometimes Zahir also helps me. That same issue is be happening with this girl.  No way that I met this girl before, never.........

It was a peaceful morning for me. I felt like I got some proper sleep after a long time. I don't remember when was that last time, I enjoyed my sleep.

" It's not like that Varun......"

" I can't...... "

I suddenly turned to her side when she started her gibberish from morning itself.

" Sir...... "

" Varun ........ "

I banged my hand on the pillow to wake her up and it worked. She opened her eyes in a shock and looked around. Finally she saw me lying beside her.

" Who gave you permission to sleep on my bed ? " I asked in a very serious tone and she quickly jumped down from bed and apologized to me.

" Sorry...... I didn't know when I fell asleep. I am really sorry..... it wasn't intentional ....... I was taking care of you" she was trying to reply giving all reasons but nothing wasn't clear. She didn't completely wake up from her sleep.

" Taking care of me ? Am I a small kid to take care of me in sleep? " I spatted at her.

" You fell sick yesterday night. I was so scared "

" Sick ? Who ? Me ? What rubbish ?  " I sat on bed resting my back on headboard and yelled at her.

" Believe me.... You were really sick and I .... "

" Dev..... Oh my god... What happened to you my child " while she was saying something aunty came into our room worried about me. She sat beside me and caressed on my head.

" I am so sorry Dev. Yesterday aunty had a get together party with some of my old friends. No one informed me otherwise I would have ran back to your side my child " aunty was crying for me.

" I tried on your phone but it was switched off aunty " Lakshmi interrupted my aunt and said.

" You just shut up. What you have done to him ? He never gets sick and how this can happen now ? I always take care of him from all illness and diseases. When he started to stay with you this happened..... "

" Aunty leave it..... I am okay. Actually I am getting late for office we will talk later " somehow I send her down and closed that issue. I don't wanted any drama in my room about her. It will make my mood off.

" What are you looking at ? Go and bring his breakfast. " Before leaving aunty ordered to Lakshmi and she ran to get my breakfast.

Today I felt some difference in Lakshmi also. Usually I need to order her that what to do ? What not to do ? Which usually ends up losing my patience from morning itself but today she was very careful and did everything before my order which made me wonder.

When I went down to leave for office dadi called me to talk to her about some important matter. When aunty accompanied me dadi stopped her and called me alone to her room.

" What do you want to talk to me dadi ? " I asked

" What is your future plan? " She asked to me without any introduction or casual talks. I stood there thinking about what she actually asked.

" Future plans ? I am planing to take my company to its third phase if this year our turn over will be...." Dadi raised her hand to stop me and laughed.

" I didn't asked about that.... I am asking what is your family plan? When are you going to become a father and give next hier or heiress to this family ? " I went speechless to her question. I mean I haven't even think anything about it and that's with Lakshmi.... Impossible.

" You both discussed about it to postponed? Or ...... " She asked again.

" Dadi..... It's only few weeks after our marriage . We didn't even planned for our honeymoon or haven't even started to...... ... I mean she is also very young and not matured enough to handle a baby. We need some time dadi " I said

" How much time ? " Next question was so quick from her side.

"Atleast two years "

" No....... That's not possible " I felt like she was ready to say no for whatever I was going to say.

" Dadi....... These are nothing within our hands. It's all..... You know .... You are much elder than us. " Damn it conversation is getting awkward especially when I think Lakshmi on other side.

" That's what I am also saying. What's the need of postponing it ? When God is giving take it happily. Also Lakshmi is already 23 and not that much young. Once she becomes pregnant maturity and all will come automatically. She will become responsible Dev " Dadi says.

" Dadi she is setting up her career now " I was coming up with all excuses but dadi wasn't convinced

" Career ? Okay fine. If it's like that then you both should do one thing for me. Take her to a good doctor and make sure that she is healthy and don't have any issues to conceive a baby. I need to know that. If you agree with this then I am ready to give you time you are asking for " I clenched my jaw hearing her demand. Weirdly enough when she said that first face flashed inside my mind was mom's. I mean Mrs Rathore. My mother in front of public.

" I will talk to Lakshmi about this dadi. Then....... I am leaving" Saying this I walked out from her room. Aunty was waiting for me outside and she enquired about what dadi said. I told her everything but aunty's reaction was little confusing for me. She was thinking about something deep and sent me to office without uttering a word.

" Dev........ "

I stopped from getting into car when I heard Lakshmi calling me.

" What ? " I asked very rudely.

" You...... You.... forgot to take your medicines " Lakshmi was breathing heavily because she came there running to stop me before leaving. She kept two tablets into my hand and passed a new bottle of water.

I slightly turned and looked at Zahir whether he is watching this family drama. He was trying his best not to laugh at me but that hard laugh was showing on his face.

I quickly took the medicines and gave back the bottle to her. She suddenly stopped me from getting into car which made me confused. But to my surprise she raised her hand to swipe some water droplets on my chin which got stuck when I spilled some.

" Now it's fine " she said and smiled at me. I hate this smile on her face. She shouldn't be smiling at me. Her smile is my loss.

" Zahir start the car " I clenched my jaw and asked Zahir to start the car because I wanted him not to see what's going to happen next.

I grabbed on her right forearm squeezing her muscles. I know how much it will hurt and that's why I caught on her muscles. Lakshmi winched in pain and held on my hand to loosen the grip.

" Don't smile in front of me..... You look disgusting with that smile. More you wanted to smile I will crumble you down much faster than it appears on your face. " I pushed her back with that warning. She swiped her tears quickly and looked at me with those fearful eyes.

" I know why you are doing this. Tell me how much is your service charge ? " I took my wallet from pocket and asked to her.

" Huh ? " She gave me confused look like she didn't understand what I asked.

" Morning you told me that yesterday night it was you who took care of me. Tell me it's rate..... How much you are charging for that service ? . " I asked again. Lakshmi looked at me helplessly and then put her gaze down, standing there silently.

" Mine is 500 rupees " from nowhere I saw an extra hand forwarded towards me and it belonged to Parvathi mom, I mean Mrs Rathore. I closed my wallet and looked at her all confused.

" Yesterday night when you fell sick I had to take care of you for half an hour. Lakshmi was trying to contact your friends, your sweet aunty, doctor and all. That time I was with you. My time is precious for me so I need my charge, 500 bucks" I gulped a lump from my throat and stared at her.

" Give it.... " She asked again

I took a 500 rupee note doubtfully and forwarded it to her hesitantly. I thought she was joking or just to make me feel bad but to my surprise she took that money from me and kept it inside her wallet.

" Nothing is free in this world . First you learn that life lesson" she turned to Lakshmi and said to her. Lakshmi was still looking down and sniffing heavily.

I scoffed at her and was about to put my wallet back to pocket but Mrs Rathore snatched it from me and took all money inside it. Then threw that empty wallet into my hands.

" Here, this is your fees for nursing a retarded " she kept that money into Lakshmi's hands and mocked me. By that time her car also came and she left in that. I was watching all these silently until Mrs Rathore's car passed the gate and then turned towards Lakshmi.

My eyes were on my money she was holding and then I looked at her face. Obviously I wanted my money back but to my surprise she slowly raised her hand and kept that money inside her t shirt, then turned back and ran straight into the house.

I looked around to see whether someone watched it thankfully no one was there.

" Zahir take the car " I shouted at Zahir to take the car and stepped into  in fraction of seconds. I will get her in my hands one day.