A while after Devi left to meet Maari.

That night, Maari is preparing to lie down on the charpai. It's been a long day. He's tired. He's sent Adith and Sani home. Strangely, he doesn't feel like drinking either.

A face pops in his head-

"Nooo!!"

He waves his hands in the air closing his eyes. The same face pops again. He collapses on the charpai, burying his face in the pillow-

Again he can see her sleepy face, cuddled against him as he her inside.

'Whattt?!"

He groans and that's when someone rushes there---

The woman from Devi's Boutique?

"Maari! You call yourself a gentleman. The whole town is calling you a gentleman... but what do you do? Invite girls to meet you late at night?"

"Huh?"

"It's been nearly an hour, tell me where she is? Where's Sridevi? I'm gonna drag her out even if she wishes to be with you. I---"

Savita, the girl from Dev's boutique is cut off as Maari jumps to stand at once, a hand in the air.

"Shut up!" he shouts.

She gulps a little, this time asking in a low voice, "I'm just worried for my friend. I mean, why would you ask her to meet like this?"

Maari sighs hearing her pleading tone.

"Exactly, miss. Why would I? I didn't!"

"What???"

Maari frowns when Savita does, her face going pale.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

"Maari, you really didn't ask her to meet you, right?"

He nods.

"Oh god! She said she was going to meet you! Meenakshi Amma, someone save her! She was going to the community grounds and it's been a while since she left."

Now it's Maari's turn to panic- "Wh.. What are you saying? When did she? That girl, Damn it!"

Savita bends her head, trying to find her phone from purse, "I'll call her. I'll let you know where she is--"

She lifts her head only to see that Maari is already dashing down the stairs, running at full speed. As she watches his retreating form across the street, her jaw drops. She has only seen Maari as an irritating guy, a rowdy fellow who pestered people. But that panicked look on his face, and his inhuman speed as he ran-- she smiles, Devi is one lucky girl. She prays her friend is safe. And dashes after Maari.
He turns around yelling, asking her to wait near Devi's home
xxxx

Community grounds-

Devi checks her watch 10PM. She's waited for nearly an hour and half. No one showed up. Yet she can feel someone watching her. Who??
The gardens are illuminated well but the overgrown trees cast shadows which gave it an eerie feel.

She frowns looking around. Why will Maari do this...?

She checks her phone. It's dead now? Damn, maybe she should go....

Just then someone taps her shoulder... she twirls around...

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.

No one. Heavy footsteps are heard as someone seems to be running towards her. Suddenly she's scared. What if it isn't Maari? And if she remembers someone tapped her on the shoulder from behind? Who's he? Is this Munna's trap? There's no one around, except for the gateman who would probably show up asking her to leave... so who is it..?

She's looking into the shadows when yet another hand is placed on her shoulder.

She jerks but before she can turn around the person grabs her shoulders turning her to face them forcefully.

"Ohh!"

That was all she could manage. There Maari is, sweaty, out of breath... Did he run all the way here? A smile blooms on her face. Perhaps he forgot about their meet and as soon as he remembered, he ran.

"Maari, I'm--"

"Shut up!!" Maari cuts her off angrily, squeezing her shoulders tightly, "Just don't open your mouth!"

She winces, only relaxing when he releases her shoulders. Why is he so angry? She's still in shock when he holds her hand firmly.

"Maari... where are we?"

"Shut up and follow me!" he barks again.

She falls silent as he drags her out.

"Outch Maari, you're hurting me, my wrist...." she mumbles grimacing.

He doesn't say anything although his grip relaxes a little. She's dragged all the way to her home where a pale faced Savita is awaiting them.

"Savi... what are you... "

Maari doesn't let Devi finish the sentence, he shoves her into one of the chairs in the veranda.

"What were you thinking? Coming out to see me in the middle of the night? You brainless, clueless girl... do you even know how dangerous this world is? That wasn't me! I didn't ask you to come see me. Don't you get it? It was a trap! What would you have done..? Damn, who started these rumours... hells, what makes them think you're my lover? I can't believe they are targeting you..."

Maari trails off running a hand through his sweaty hair. "You---" he shouts again, "be careful until I resort this. Don't go anywhere alone. Take Adith and Sani.... What... why are you smiling?"

Devi is indeed smiling at him, then she looks down at her hand, Maari is still holding it tightly. "Because you care for me..thank you..."

"Ugh!" he drops her hand as if it were a bomb, it falls into her lap.

She continues to smile while rubbing her wrist which has gotten slightly red, "thank you Maari... you saved me."

Maari looks lost as he takes in her smile and her thanks. Then he looks away, asking Savita to take care of Devi, he leaves.

xxxx

The next morning, Maari is up before sunrise. He couldn't sleep anyway. What's wrong with him?

He sighs... how does he stop these rumors? No doubt the rumors that she is his lover have put her in danger. He need to stop them. He's scared to think what would have happened if he had not reached on time.

What was he thinking? He ran... while he could have taken his bike... Damn.... He goes to feed the pigeons hoping that would calm him down.

xxxx

That evening...

Maari decides to investigate who started the rumors. In fact he's decided he and Devi would announce it to the public outside her boutique. The world will know there's no truth in those rumors that say they are lovers. That would be great... Adith and Sani are still occupied with arrangements for upcoming pigeon race. So he walks to his destination alone.

Outside Devi's boutique:

A crowd is already gathered near the shop, assembled outside as a cheery Devi seems to be explaining them something.

"Did Maari Anna run to save you last night?" asks one of the men.

"Yes... he was so heroic. My hero."

Devi claps her hands together, smiling dreamily.

Maari moves a little closer. He's standing a little far, near the other end of the crowd. But everyone's focus is on Devi. so they don't notice him. He listens on...

"He's so gentle. He always has this frown. He keeps saying, maa no I'm not lovable. I'm a bad guy and all, but we all know how good he is..." Devi rambles.

"Yes yes." the crowd nods.

"To run to you like that, he must really love you..." says one of the elderly women gathered there.

Devi blushes, praying it would be true, "yes. He does."

Another woman asks, "aww did he tell you?"

Devi boasts aloud, "yea he did... several times..."

A young girl about her age has stars in his eyes, "aww. Didn't know Maari Anna is so romantic underneath it all... you guys, you have seen those two riding motorcycle the other day, haven't you? And he carried her inside... how I wish someone does that for me!" she squeals.

Devi blushes a little remembering it. She looks at her feet and when she looks up--

"Whoa!"

A jolt runs down her spine when she sees Maari approaching her as the crowd parts way for him.

"Maari.." she whispers his name.

He merely frowns as he reaches her. The crowd distances themselves a little but they keep watching.
He sighs, "what's the meaning of this? Didn't I say I have no interest in love? Why are you feeding them lies?"

"Which part is a lie? I said you were kind... and.."

"Did I say I love you? huh"

"Um...."

Even if it's a question, he did say the words I love you now... didn't he? She smirks.

"So what? It's fine... I consider myself as your lover. Because I love you, dummy."

Maari's eyes widen for a moment. Then he frowns. "Oh so we're lovers now huh?"

"Yes... well, everyone thinks so. And I dint want to disappoint them," she whispers while blushing a little at his intense gaze, "besides, it's true...what I said."

Now he smirks. There's a dangerous smile on his face. Before she can react, he holds her hand, pulling her into his chest.

"Ohh--"

She's pressed up against his chest, eyes wide as saucers staring into his brown ones--

"Ma--ri?"

"Let's show them how much we love each other. what say?"

He teases as he traces her cheek with one hand. Then he leans down...
Devi gulps as his face is close approaching... Whatt?? Is he gonna kiss her? Just like that? In front of all? She doesn't mind it.. But hey! Heart racing... she waits.... His breath is close on her face but....

It's gone...

This time, his voice is low in her ear, "think properly. If you keep this up, next time it won't stop there."

He releases her. Devi is blushing furiously as he begins to walk away. Some people from the crowd are whispering, some are blushing and some are fleeing, scared what Maari might do to them. Devi's heart is still racing.

Ugh! How dare he! Not fair.... Her cheeks feel hot. This is not fair game, Mister I'm the Don the high and mighty one!

"Maari!"

She yells his name, without thinking.

He turns around looking confused.

It takes only a moment, she runs, then she lunges at him, pulling his head down, touching her lips to his...

A lady gets what she wants alright?

XXXXX

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FIN!!!

XD

Kaisa laga?

Again... this chap is for my sweet friends Sagel and Ruvineet.

Love ya guys :*

Hehe quick update:D

Thanks for reading :D