Sri Devi heaves a relief hearing it's Anirudh on the other side of the door. She opens it up, letting him in. Anirudh greets her with his usual smile.she notices he is out of his uniform now.

"What brings you here? And now of all times?"

He pulls a chair to sit as she locks the main door again.

"Maari is totally unromantic. So I suggest you choose me instead."

Her jaw drops, it's totally odd. Now that her parents seem to have approved their relationship (almost right) Anirudh has started being more open with his feelings. It's a bit overwhelming.

"Anirudh, what are you even-"

"Girls like romantic types, no?"

He smirks, that boyish smile making him look more handsome. Of course, Aniruth is so handsome, so talented, so young... and a cop which makes him perfect husband material but...

Devi shakes her head.

"Stop teasing me. Tell me why are you here?"

Anirudh laughs, "OK OK. I'll tell you. Maari has sent me a word, asking me to watch over you."

"He sent you--?" she can't help but grin at that. Maari did what now? "Why?"

"Why because he's worried about you probably," Anirudh answers, "I'm really angry with you. Why didn't you tell me about what happened last night?

"Uh... sorry. It just slipped my mind."

Devi bites her lip. Anirudh sighs.

"You know it's a big deal. How could you forget Candy?"

"I know... if Maari hadn't shown up, maybe someone could have kidnapped me, but... I still feel safe. Probably because I know no matter what, Maari will save me."

"That much confidence...."

Aniruth smiles looking a bit sad. Devi returns one similar to his. Then she changes the topic.

"Are you really gonna spend the night here? I mean is it okay?"

He laughs, "I should be the one asking that question, candy. Is it okay?"

"Yes. I'm working on some new designs anyway."

She gives him a huge smile. He nods, looking much like usual self.

"Good. I've got some research to do. Gotta look into this Munna Guy."

Devi nods, first time noticing that Anirudh has brought a stack of files with him.

"Okay."

The duo work in silence, returning to their respective tasks. Devi finds herself asleep on the couch the next morning, a blanket is draped over her shoulders. A note on the side table reads,

"Thanks for the treat, Candy. Watching you sleep was just that."

Feeling bashful, she crumples the note Anirudh has written, "flirt!"

But it would be awful to toss the note into a bin. So she puts it in a nearby drawer.

A new day begins... so much is happening. But Devi feels the days are still peaceful, thanks to Maari and Anirudh.

The pigeon race is coming up. She can't wait to go see Maari and the pigeons. Grinning, she gets up and races towards her home after locking up the boutique.

***

She's at Maari's place that evening. The watch on her wrist pointed 6 PM. time to feed the pigeons again. She's grateful that Maari is still allowing her to see them.these little birds have become so dear to her.

"Vaasu, here have some more."

She had named some of the pigeons on her own. And they recognize her voice! They move right into her palm to eat the grains she offered and it's a delight.

"Here, there are more... where's your grumpy owner? I haven't seen Maari around in the entire day--- ah--"

She yelps as someone suddenly holds her arm, twisting her around to face them.

"Maari.."

She smiles. There he is, with a frown on his face. His expression so serious now. Before she can ask what's the reason, he begins to pull her by her hand.

"Maari stop!"

He doesn't. Not even as the bowl of grains slips from her other hand, contents scattering over the place. She tries to free herself but no avail. Soon he's dragged her down the stairs and on to the street.

Then he releases her.

"Maari!?"

Rubbing her red wrist she gives him a look, "what do you think you're doing?"

"Enough!Enough of this drama. What Else do you want? Tell me?"

As Maari shouts, she watches looking confused.

Then he announces to public, "This girl and I, there's nothing between us! We were never in a relationship. Even if we had, I'm ending it this instant!"

Shocked, Devi can only looks on, unblinking.

"She's nobody to me."

The onlookers on the streets are gossiping among themselves, most of them with their hands on mouth, looking horrified.

Maari then turns to look at Devi again.

"How long do you think I'd put up with your childish behavior? I've had enough. What is it you want from me this time, or did you genuinely think I'd fall in love with you if you keep this up?"

Tears begin to gather in her eyes, but she chooses not to look away. To look away would mean she is guilty, right? Guilty of his accusations-

"And you morons!" Maari addresses the townsfolk, "you are utter morons! Why would I fall in love with a girl who sent me to prison? Do you think I'm insane?"

He laughs, his usual cheery laugh which seemed to tear up Devi's heart. Probably Adith and Sani's too because they look heartbroken.

Maari turns to face Devi again, "you--" he points his finger at her, "you will stay out of my place, my life. You'll never show your face here again. Never utter that 'L' word again. Do you get that?"

"What did I do now.. why are you...?" Desperate and confused, Devi chokes out a question, holding back her tears which seem to be coming with no stop.

"Nothing. Nothing at all...." he chuckles, "you did plenty last time."

There is a sarcastic edge to his voice. Then he turns away.

"You will leave if you don't want to get humiliated further..." he barks over his shoulder.

Tears now stream down Devi's face. What's this? So this is the real him! And he was right, she was a fool, a fool to love him. A fool to think they were growing closer, a fool again, to think he would love her back some day...

A total utter fool!

Hastily brushing back her tears, she runs towards her home, dupatta flying in the wind.

The heart with which she loved him is in pieces.

****

That night, Devi sits, looking like a robot, devoid of all emotions. Savita has pulled her aside.

"I think you need a break. What's wrong with you? You were working from so long... and without food and water no less! Is this about that guy?"

Devi doesn't answer.

Savita goes on, "I knew that guy is bad for you. Come on, just forget him and move on, why won't you--"

Devi cuts her off, "look at the time," she fakes a smile, "you go home for today. Don't worry I'll eat something."

This sudden behaviour seems to surprise Savita but she decides to leave her alone for a while.

"I'll be back again. Calm yourself."

Savita begins to leave. Devi watches as she bumps into someone. Savita seems to say something to the person who just entered, Anirudh. Then she leaves.

Devi smiles as Anirudh takes a chair next to her.

"Heyy! What's up? Do you wanna play my bodyguard that badly? Huh?"

Anirudh shakes his head, "no.... I heard what happened in the street."

Her face falls but she fakes another smile,"it's OK. Anirudh, I'm a strong girl.I can handle it."

He puts a hand on her shoulder, "please. You don't need to fake it for me. Cry... how much ever you want."

With a choke, Devi turns to face him, then resting her head on his shoulder, she begins to cry silently.

Anirudh continues to stroke her hair, "I should arrest him for making you cry. I swear, I will... I'll find something and put him behind the bars. How dare he!"

Devi shakes her head, and looks up at him.

"I was kidding." Anirudh laughs, "I know you wouldn't like that. Relax... it's gonna be okay. I'm here for you..."

He hugs her close. And she lets him.

***

Meanwhile somewhere in the outskirts of the town,

Munna's Den:

An underling informs Munna about Maari-Devi's breakup. Munna laughs.

"Ha! MAari thinks he's smart. He did this to save the girl. But I'm smarter... I won't leave anyone! I'll destroy them all! I'll eliminate Maari.. Then.. this area will be mine! Ahahaha!!"

He laughs like one of the villains in the south movies. There's no way that anyone can know what he's planned for Maari and Co.

****

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.

.

NXT:

A few guys jeer at Devi, someone shows up to save her. But she's no damsel in distress... after all a girl gets what she wants.

Later, on a video call with her parents, "I will marry Anirudh."

Someone who's entering her boutique is shocked to hear that.

***

FIN!!

Thank you guys <3

Angel and Ruhi.... I'm glad u guys enjoying this story. Thank you so much yaronn xoxo :*

(hugsss)

This was a sad chap, but things gonna change from next :D :P

Just wait :D :D