Writer's pov

Dev opened the huge file which was sent to him through mail. His heart was beating faster than ever thinking about what could be in it.  Soon after opening it he sighed heavily and fell back to his office chair. He rubbed his temples and scoffed sarcastically.

" Yuvi....  " He grunted Yuvi's name and then again looked at his system screen.

Yuvi has sent him the moments and memories he shared with Lakshmi when they were together. The file had photos, videos, messages, letters like almost everything two young couples could have done when they fell in love for the first time.

Dev couldn't understand whether to laugh at it or feel jealous. Even though it started off with  sarcastic laughter later it turned to jealousy. Lakshmi seemed so happy with Yuvi back then. They were enjoying their lives and it was well evident in their photos and videos. Most were travel videos. It looks like Yuvi and Lakshmi went to almost every place together like two free souls . They both were exploring their life.

" What are you doing now sweetie 😍 ? "

" Thinking about you my cutie pie ❤️🥰 "

Dev felt like throwing up just by reading two sentences of their cringey love messages.

" Whether these were stupids or I became matured? " Dev mumbled to himself while sliding to the next file.

After going through a few more photos and videos Dev's face colour was changing. He was not at all liking their closeness which they shared before. Yuvi sending these files to Dev at this night itself shows what he wants from Dev. A slight fear did pop up inside him whether Lakshmi will be snatched away from him. Insecurities inside him made Dev vulnerable.

Dev isn't like Yuvi. Moreover he is the reason for her dad's death even though he doesn't want that way. He doesn't know how to express love like Yuvi does. Dev doesn't take Lakshmi for such trips because he is always busy with the office. He hasn't even taken her for a good shopping even after knowing what kind of shopping freak Lakshmi is. Still that girl is staying with him without any complaints.  On the other hand Yuvi is trying to win over Lakshmi and get back to their old life. Yuvi is soft-spoken and witty. Everyone likes him and every girl adores him. Dev is rude and arrogant. Girls likes him for his money and his fuck boy lifestyle. For such girls his heart never craved.

Dev was sighing frequently going through these thoughts and looked at Lakshmi who was sleeping peacefully on his bed. They just started their life and he feels like it is going to fall apart soon. Dev stared at his phone for a few minutes and then connected with Yuvi.

" Come to the west garden" Dev said to Yuvi not letting him say anything back.

Dev was waiting for Yuvi in the garden. He seemed tensed and to calm his nerves Dev started smoking.

" You don't even know that Lakshmi hates people who smoke? " Dev got stuck when he heard Yuvi's voice from behind. He raised his hand to smoke but didn't.

" Who is telling this ? You were once a chain smoker. " Dev spat back.

" I was.... Not anymore. Lakshmi helped me to stop it. She will fold my ears if I even touch them. " Yuvi said, recollecting a  sweet memory from his mind. Like how Lakshmi used to scold him whenever she caught cigarettes from his bag or pockets.

Dev wanted to throw his cigarette but his pride doesn't allow that.

" I will come straight to the point. Tell me what's the meaning of that silly act you pulled? " Dev stood in front of Yuvi and asked in a rude tone.

" You are the most smart and intelligent one among us. Then you didn't understand anything" Yuvi spat back.

" Stop it ..... Whatever plans you have with Lakshmi... just stop it now. Accept the fact that Lakshmi is a closed chapter for you."

"  Yeah I understand that you both were in a sweet relationship before but you destroyed it by yourself. I didn't do anything to separate you both. I didn't snatched her from you. I married Lakshmi legally with her consent and blessings from our family. I didn't force Lakshmi to marry me. Which means she is done with you" Dev tried to make Yuvi understand in a very good way.

" I don't want to hear any of that crap. I always respected you as my brother but this is different bhaiya. I can't watch my girl getting snatched away from me. I tried but..... " Yuvi's voice was shaking while talking with Dev.

" I know I was a dumass. I ... I don't know what I should say about my actions. Yeah I would have trusted her. But the situation was something like that. Even though at first she denied all accusations of her but later she didn't. What should I understand from that ? I really trusted her....  I did..... When she kept on denying everything I was trusting her. I was running behind everyone to get help for her including you bhaiya. " Yuvi turned his back at Dev to control his tears.

" Every evidence was against her. Still I trusted her but in the end she confessed that it's all true. What should I do then ? I was angry at her .... can't I? I am a normal human being who has emotions. I will also become angry, sad, possessive and jealous...... "

" So...... What's the point? " Interrupting what Yuvi was saying Dev put a long face on and questioned him.

" Lakshmi.... " Yuvi could only say that much to Dev.

" I love her and she loves me" Dev replied not even wasting a second.

" De.... " When Yuvi was going to say something Dev didn't allow him to talk.

"If Lakshmi tells you she is staying with me against her will or she hates to be with me then I won't force her to lead a life with me. " Dev said  his side.

" She won't tell that because she is now looking for a safe place to live and secure her sister. Even if she wants to leave you she can't do that " Yuvi replied

" Then what should I do ? " Dev shouted at Yuvi losing his calmness. Yuvi flinch when Dev raised his voice.

" Leave her ..... You leave her . Please " Yuvi begged Dev and held his hands.

"Let's  consider this night we never met and we never had this conversation. " Saying this Dev walked away from Yuvi leaving his hands.

" Lakshmi doesn't love you. She doesn't.... Because deep inside her mind I am still there. She was left with no choice other than pretend to love you because she knows she has to be on the road with her sister if she loses the title of Mrs Rathore. You should accept that bhaiya" Yuvi screamed from Dev's back.

" How could she love a person who is the reason for her dad's death? Who is the reason for her family to bring on the roads ? Who never respects her as a woman ? " Yuvi keeps on screaming behind Dev.

" She will get tired of you one day. She will run away from you. She will look for her love one day and that day is not so far " Yuvi let out his pain and walked back to his villa.

Dev heard each and every single word Yuvi told him. He clenched his jaw not to overreact to his own brother for a girl. But those words were piercing into Dev's heart like thousands of thorns. Because somewhere Yuvi was right. If he rewind the incidents that happened after Govind's death Lakshmi was forced to be with Dev.

Whenever he is near to her a fear was well evident on her face. Even during the time they made love she was scared of him but tried best not to let it reflect on her face. She hasn't opened up to him till now. If she was really in love with him then Lakshmi would have run to Dev for each and every problem she has been facing.

Coming back to the room losing his sleep Dev sat in front of the system staring at its screen. He slowly went through the old messages of Yuvi and Lakshmi. Yuvi was right, they have been deeply in love with each other. Lakshmi used to share each and every moment of her life with Yuvi. She used to take care of him like a small child. From waking him up until put him to sleep. Worried messages when he is late even for a second or not attending her calls. Sweet scolds for not having food on time. Getting jealous and possessive over watching Yuvi's social media pictures with other girls. Complaints and crying over forgetting important days of their life.

Dev stood from his chair and went to sit near Lakshmi.

" What should I do ? " Rubbing her right cheek with his index finger Dev asked Lakshmi.

" You won't leave me right ? " He was concerned

" Please don't leave me for anyone" he kissed on her forehead and pulled the blanket to cover her hands. Dev laid back next to Lakshmi and hugged her.

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

Next morning

Varada has come to a hotel to meet Lavanya. She has locked herself inside the house after Dev severed his ties with her for telling Lakshmi about Dev's past with her. Dev was mad at Lavanya not just because she told Lakshmi everything but because of her childish act Lakshmi met with an accident. He got scared of losing Lakshmi in front of his eyes.

" What is this Lavanya? Look at yourself my child.  Where is that old charm and beauty of yours ? " Varada showed her over concern for Lavanya. She just sat there silently with those lifeless eyes.

" Dev has not contacted me yet. Not even a message. I have become invisible to him. Before I used to be his best friend. He has changed a lot" Lavanya burst into tears.

" That witch changed him. " Varada mumbled annoyingly.

"So ? You are going to shut yourself inside the house and gonna watch Dev getting snatched away by that girl ? " Varada asked.

" Dev hates me now " Lavanya whimpered

" No.... Dev can't hate you. There will be some misunderstandings and quarrels between friends but it's not going to put an end to their friendship. Dev needs you more than anyone. He needs a strong support who is not that homeless girl. She is becoming a burden for him. Dev is slowing down because of that girl " Varada said.

" I heard dad saying due to the NIA investigation stocks of Cosmos and C City have plunged down severely. What is happening aunty ? " Lavanya asked with a concern filled voice.

" You ask Dev. He is running without any rest and that girl is so immature that she can't even understand what is happening. If you were in that place Dev could have easily shared his burden with you. That's why it is said to always marry someone who is similar to your class and style " Varada complains about Lakshmi

" Dev loves her " Lavanya whimper again feeling disappointed.

" No... He is just.... She has trapped him emotionally. She is blackmailing him emotionally for the death of her father. Old people die when they reach an age. What's the point of blaming Dev for that ? Dev is just paying off his guilt Lavanya. " Varada leaned forward and held on Lavanaya's hand.

" This is the right time to bring Dev back to your life. " Said Varada.

" Aunty .... I am not getting.... "

Varada cut her off and continued her conversation.

" Now even dadi feels like Lakshmi is bringing our family name down. She favours Dev so obviously she wants to see him with a potential wife. " Varada said

" But that curse and all... ? " Lavanya asked doubtful

" It's over, even if there is such a stupid curse it is done. Because Dev married a girl from another royal blood.  They became husband and wife by all means. Even mentally and physically. If she dies the curse will also vanish with her. You can marry him without any worries. " Varada smirked at Lavanya after revealing her plan.

" Aunty...... But Dev...." Lavanaya was still doubtful and confused about that plan.

" Don't worry about him. For a few days he might be sad but that's when he needs you more, you should be there for him. We can't repeat the same mistake this time. Due to the issues happening with his company dadi won't let him mourn for that homeless girl much. So she will force Dev to get married. He can't put down dadi's demand. Since he might not be in a state to think emotionally Dev won't put down your proposal. Better to be with a partner who knows him than an unknown girl. You don't worry about such things. I will handle everything. " Varada laughed cunning and said.

" Aunty I am scared. " Lavanya said all worried

" Why ? " Varada asked

" Last time we nearly escaped from Dev's wrath. Nisha........ Now Lakshmi stands at the same place where Nisha stood in front of us a year back. My hands are still shaking thinking about that night. " Lavanya held her shivering hands on Varada and cried

" Oh my dear..... please don't bring that now. It's over. We don't have anything to do with that incident or with that girl. It was her bad luck that she met with an accident. We were fortunate enough that before we could execute our plan Govind's car hit her. " Varada tried to console Lavanya.

" Still.....if Dev gets to know that our hands were on it he will kill both of us. You have seen his anger and vengeance towards Govind right ? Even though it was an accident Dev destroyed his whole family. He stepped back only after seeing Govind's death. He tortured Lakshmi, he brought those two sisters into the road and made them homeless. They both are now living in his mercy. Which means he made them his slaves. With a snap he can destroy both the sisters.  I know Dev very well. He might forgive his enemies but he won't forgive those people who have backstabbed him. He won't even budge even if they are dying in front of them "  Lavanaya said fearfully

" So what ? We didn't kill Nisha " Varada said without any remorse.

" But we pushed her towards the end. We sent those goons to her house and blackmailed her for leaving Dev. I went to drag her out of her house. We were intended to kill her if she didn't agree with our terms. Nisha wouldn't have run from her house on that rainy night and met with that accident. " Lavanya recollect about that dark night from her mind.

*****Flashback*****

Varada has hired a few goons to threaten Nisha for leaving  Dev. They used to blackmail her and constantly gave threatening warnings but she didn't even budge from her decision. That's when Varada learnt Nisha is pregnant with Dev's baby. The situation was becoming more complicated. Varada tried her best not to reach this news on Dev's ears until he came back from his business trip. Before that she wanted to finish Nisha. The situation was favorable for them.

Parvathi has approached Nisha with a lump of money for leaving Dev under the pressure of dadi. But Dev gets to know about it and he was so angry at Parvathy. She stopped interfering in his life after that. But that incident became favorable for Varada. She was confident that if anything happens to Nisha Dev will only doubt Parvathy.

Lavanya called Nisha and gave an ultimatum for her to leave the country but she didn't. Next day Dev will come back to India from his business trip so only one night was left for them.  Lavanya went along with those goons arranged by Varada. Scared of their arrival Nisha already ran from her house or indirectly Lavanaya chased her out. She sent those goons to catch her but they couldn't find her during that heavy rainfall. Lavanya asked those goons to destroy any footage or traces showing that they came to Nisha's place that night. Luck was with Varada and Lavanya that night because before they could execute another plan to kill Nisha her death news came to them. Which was nothing but an accident.

***** Flashback end *****

"This is the right time. A normal accident or a theft while Lakshmi comes back from her café at night. Everything will be done. Nowadays she comes late and she still uses her scooty for travelling. So it won't be that hard for us.  I have already hired a few men. You don't have to worry about anything. Trust me girl I will pull the strings at the correct time. Just get ready to become Dev's wife and the daughter in law of the Rathore family. Once Dev acquires the head position of Rathore groups then you are the empress of the whole Rathore empire " Varada assured Lavanya everything and asked her to be with Varada until the end. So they both can be happy with whatever they want in their life.

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

Baking class.

Lakshmi was struggling with her baking classes every day. She likes baking and pastry but she needs to calm down a bit for everything. She is restless and in a hurry to do things and it makes her cakes look uncooked, burnt and ugly.  She looks like a mess right now. Chocolate stain in her hand and apron, flour on her  face, a total mess.

" Oh my god look at my nails " Lakshmi cried seeing her nails condition.

" Lakshmi....  Consistency.... Keep the consistency" her tutor shouted at her after seeing her icing mix consistency which looked like running water.

Meanwhile she was getting frequent messages on her phone. When her tutor went to the other side she quickly grabbed her phone and checked messages.

" New order " Bobby

" Come fast " kukkoo

" Order 1 - strong coffee moving" tiger

She rolled her eyes reading each messages. It was from her café and they need Lakshmi at café now. Strong coffee is Dev. He is going somewhere so she needs to find about it somehow.

She threw her phone and looked at her situation. She felt like crying. She stomped her feet on the floor and whined like a child not able to understand what she should do. One side is Dev, the other side is NIA agents.

" Lakshmi.... "

" Yes mam " Lakshmi started preparing a new mix after hearing the tutor screaming her name.

Soon after finishing her classes Lakshmi ran to get her scooty. She stuffed her things inside the bag and pulled the accelerator fully. She never pays attention while driving fast when Lakshmi is nervous and has lots of things to do.

" I was attending my class then how can I attend your calls and come here leaving my class in the middle ? Dev will be informed that moment itself if I stepped out from there before class hours .... " Lakshmi was arguing with Varun over the phone who scolded her for not being on time at the cafe.

" Whatever is it comes fast. We got a bulk order for coffees from C City. This is an opportunity to enter there. We have to implement some plans with you " Varun said through the phone and cut it before Lechu could say something.

" Agrhhh... He is losing his charm " Lechu grunted and increased the speed. She rides through the traffic without bothering about any accidents she could make.

Soon after reaching the cafe she started making ordered drinks as fast as possible. Only Nina was there to help her. Others were inside the secret room working on something. 

" Before there was no work at all. We could concentrate on our plans only. Now look at my condition" Nina whined while packing the coffees.

Orders were different and it made it difficult for Lakshmi. Americano, Caffe Latte, iced americano, Caffe Mocha.... Like that it goes.

Soon after they packed everything Varun, Ria and Ishan came out. Ishaan is going with Lechu to deliver the order.

" But why do I have to go ? You guys know what to do there since technically I don't know anything" Lechu asked

" Because only you can divert Dev and only you can enter into his office without leaving any doubts for others. Grab his attention and do like what I said " Varun replied

" But how ? " Lechu looked at him confused.

" Oh god this stupid girl..... Go and seduce him somehow..... Go go go." Nina smacked on her own face thinking about how clueless Lakshmi can be and she pushed Lakshmi towards the door.  Ishan followed her laughing at Lechu's clueless face.

On the way to C City Lakshmi noticed Ishaan was holding one extra cover along with other orders.

" What is that? " She asked him.

" Tappers " Ishan replied

" Huh ? " Lechu didn't understand what he said at first

" You have already seen this during your training Lakshmi.  We use this to tap their conversations. I will take care of that lawyer and Dev's manager. You should take care of Dev's room and Yuvi's cabin" Ishan instructed her

" Why Yuvi? " Lechu stopped Ishaan getting annoyed after knowing Yuvi is also under their observation.

" Why not? He is the youngest Rathore blood. Even if he might not have any direct involvement into this issue but still indirectly through him we can lead to somewhere " Ishan replied

" You know how to connect them right ? " Before entering C City Ishan confirmed with Lechu. She shook her head as yes.

" Don't get caught. Be careful with Dev's room. There will be extra security and never place them near his personal system, phone or any electronic devices. Rest you should act accordingly to the situations .... understood ? " Ishan asked.

" Yes .... "  Lakshmi agreed with Ishan and walked along with him. She was hell nervous about what she was going to do but she has to do it somehow.

There wasn't much security check at the entrance since they were bringing coffees and tapping devices were kept inside coffee cups.

Ishaan and Lakshmi shift apart to different departments as per the orders. Dev was at the top floor and he was attending a meeting with their R and D department. So she was not allowed to enter his office without his presence.

Since Lakshmi doesn't have enough time to waste  waiting for Dev, she quickly went to Yuvi's room. He was busy with his work and didn't even hear Lechu knocking on his cabin door. So she just went inside and forwarded the coffee cup towards him.

Yuvi raised his face and looked at her. Lakshmi couldn't face Yuvi properly because it reminds her about their past.  First love and its memories cannot be erased from the mind. Especially when it was the most beautiful moment in her life.

" Coffee" Lakshmi said to make him hold the cup. Yuvi sat there like he didn't hear her.

" Coffee..... " Lechu again said raising her voice a bit.

" This was not the way you used to give me coffee. " Yuvi commented and gave a sarcastic laughter.

" I was so stupid back then, that's why " Lechu spatted back

" Then I used to like those stupidity and that stupid girl very much " Yuvi stood from his place and slowly came near to Lakshmi.

" I always miss those days of ours Lakshmi. You and me .... Our sudden trips, stay out on mountains watching those stars. It was all fun....." While talking to her Yuvi noticed how her eyes were wandering nervously. He felt a little happy about it. His presence is still affecting her.

" Lechu....." When Yuvi held on her hand Lakshmi flinched and accidentally that coffee cup slipped. Hot coffee fell on her hand making Lakshmi winced in pain.

" Ahhh.... " Lakshmi cried and pulled back her hand.

" Oh shit....  Lakshmi I am really sorry" Yuvi got concerned about her and checked her hand to see whether her skin got burnt.

" Yuvi.... " Lakshmi tried to pull back her hand from his grip but he scolded her.

" Lechu stands still..... " He quickly took her to the washroom and kept her burnt hand under running water.

Then he came back and made her sit on the chair and grabbed a few napkins to dry the water from her hands. He was also blowing on her skin meanwhile.

" Is it paining ? ". He asked with a concern filled voice.

" No.... " Lakshmi replied. For a second her eyes caught up with his like they were stuck. In those few seconds both went through their past memories quickly. Yuvi was so caring just like he is now but right now for Lakshmi Dev's presence and caring makes her heart race along with some sensation in her abdomen.

Lakshmi couldn't understand what the difference was. She is comfortable with Yuvi and her heart is beating normally.  When it's Dev her brain will stop working by making her an idiot in front of him. Even a gentle touch or his gaze is enough for her to make her mind go crazy. Yuvi is now so near to her but for some weird reasons she  is thinking about Dev.

" What is happening here ? " Both Yuvi and Lakshmi got startled hearing that deep husky voice from behind their back.

Lechu looked at Dev who was staying there with an annoyed face and his eyes were fixed on Yuvi's hands in which he was holding Lechu's burnt hand. Dev clenched his jaw watching them together and whatever Yuvi told him last night was playing inside his mind. At the same time those pictures and messages also ran into his mind. He felt a kind of pain inside just by thinking that he was not Lakshmi's first love. He can't erase any of her memories with Yuvi because she cherished them and memories she made with Dev was nothing but pain and torture. Dev was started to get insecure about his own feelings even though it was sincere. Maybe that's why it is more painful for him.

Dev gives his all when he starts to love someone from his heart. He never holds it back and he will express it through his actions and words. Such souls will get hurt by their loved ones easily. Their one wrong action or word is enough for them to get hurt.

" ❤️ Please like and comment 😘"