Dhruv had been a stubborn and broad minded child. Which his parents had always been proud of. His dad was a simple driver. Who used to work for a wealthy businessman. His father was a honest and noble man as his mother always used to describe him.

She always used to say that she didn't believed when the "sahab ji" (the boss) accused his father falsely for the corruption sahab ji had done. And she used to pondered on how she and his chacha, uncle Veer struggle from one lawyer to another to take their case and help his father. But unfortunately, no one was ready to take their case as it was one of those cases, where the wining had least chance. Resulted his father sentenced for 5 years in prison.

"It was only a week in prison, when I visited him and promised him that I will fight for him. But.." his mother sighed and added, "the very next day we heard the news about his death. He died in the prison because of heart attach." There was a long pause. Neither both of them wanted to speak and it was comforting. Though Dhruv was only five years but the loss of a father was something he knew.

"I'll just come in a minute." His mother says before locking herself in the washroom to cry for hours. She never cried in front of him till he was matured enough to know everything and when he did. On his father's birthday they both wished him and cried togather.

He was twelve years when his mom died too, leaving him all by himself. He was all alone. Dhruv still blame himself for the accident. It was day, he couldn't forget.

The long hours of extra classes was stressful for him. He looked up at the sky as he took the short cut of narrow lane on his way back home. Starful of sky was lightning in a pleasant view for his dull and tired eyes. He breathed the early summer air and wondered of how many hours he will get to sleep before he joined his friends for a night study once he got home.

He quickly glanced at his black cheap watch, which his mother baught it from near "Apna Bazaar" at Sunday market. It was past evening, the moon had already up in the dark sky. He paused and muttered, "Four hours. Only four hours. Why they have to torture us with exams and extra classes." Grumbled Dhruv.

He was now not far to get home. As he took a left, the dark walls stood tall on both side of him. He cursed the owner of the houses for not changing the street light again. It was dark, he slowly and carefully took a step forward. The dark was now started to fade away as he approached the broad allay. Leading serval somber coloured houses each with large door and one window. The sky suddenly darkened further, as he look over his shoulder to glare at the cloud. He realised with a shock that two men were walking quietly twenty feet behind him.

He remembered their faces in an instant, they were from the same group he had a fight last week, though neither was the dark one whom dhruv had punched and pushed from the window. He turned his head forward at once, quickening his pace. A chill that had nothing to do with the weather made him shivered. His bag was on his shoulder and he had it slung across his body. He listened intently to their footsteps, which were much too quiet when compared to the boisterous noise they had been making earlier and it did not sound like they were speeding up or getting any closer to him.

"Breath" he reminded himself twice. "Maybe they are just passerby as well." He wondered. He continued to walk focusing on the right hand turns which was few blocks away. As he quickly turned, he sighed. He could not heard the footsteps were following him. He could see in the distance tow shops, Street lamps, cars and rush of a pedestrians but they were all too far away. Because lounging against the tall building, midway down the street were the other two men from two men from the same group, both watching him with excited smiles as he froze clead on the sidewalk. He realised he was not being followed.

He was being herded. He paused for a second but it felt like a very long time. He turned on his hills to the other side of the road but it was a wasted attempt.bthe footsteps behind him louder now.

"We met again." The booming voice of the stocky, dark haired boy shattered the intense quite and made him jump with a start. He had promised his mother that he will never fight again. After the last fight he had been in the classroom of his room.

He breathed, "look let's stop here. I really don't wat to start a fight," slowly moving passes them. But stepped back when a boy walked in front of him. The thickest boy shrugged away from the wall and walked in his direction. They were all surrounding him.

He knew, he was stuck between them. He quickly remembered his mother's words, "if you will continue to do this "goonda gardi" fighting. Then I will send you to boarding school the next day. Remember that."

"What do you want?" He asked a boy who was forwarding to him. The boy motioned his group members and they nodded. Two boys held his hand in the air. He fighted to free himself.

"I want revenge. You see, you broke my brother's limbs and hands." Dhruv struggled in their grip, " you are a coward." He shouted, the boy squised his chin and Dhruv winced. He suddenly felt a blow on his stomach making him grasp the air. Another blow on his face, blinded the view. The light suddenly started to fade, their faces were blurred. The rusty and salted smell struck his nose and the other second he knew he was bleeding. They had left him, he struggled to stood on his feets, he could hear their muffled voice. One of them saying, "leave him here, let's go now. If someone will see us, we would end up in jail then."

One of them grabbed him by his collar and punched his face again, he fell on the floor witnessing the blurry vision of their footsteps going away, he flipped his eyes several times to see clear but the red and green lights stood in a wide dots. He breathed one more minute before closing his eyes.

The white plane walls blinded him as he struggled to opened his eyes glanced his surroundings and found himself on the hospital bed.

"Someone took you here." The nurse walked in and took a quick check of his eyes and nerves. "We have called your mom. She is on her way here."

The moments later, a doctor came in greating him politely. But before he could ask any further questions to Dhruv, they were interrupted by the nurse. "There is an emergency case. Please come fast."

" The lady was in hit ans run case. She has rough chances to survive."

Dhruv struggled and walked passed them totaly being unnoticed by them. He watched them hurried to the emergency room. There was a family gathering around in a waiting room shedding sorrowful tears for their family member. Dhruv cringed at the sight of them. Wondering whether the person inside the ICU will make it alive or not. He made his way to the reception asking the lady who was tapping her finger furiously on the computer mouse, almost breaking it. He hesitated at first then asked, his voice was hushed. The lady looked up from her glasses. He gulped, "can I used this phone for one minute." He repeated.

She gapped her mouth but shrugged in response. His fingers ran over the button and in a flash he heard the ring on the other side of the line. Dhruv waited and tried once again.

"If you're done. I have to make a call as well." The receptionist fired, her eyes was cold. Dhruv curtly nodded and handed the phone. He was confused his mother never kept her phone on silent neither he ever witnessed her phone was switched off.

"How can I keep my phone on silent or switched off. When I have troubled son." His mother had once said this, when they were coming out of the head mistress office.

Dhruv made his way through the vacant coridor to down stairs, but before he could reach for end of the exit his steps halted in front of the emergency room. His eyes fixed at the person laying down to the stretcher by the nook of the doorway, motionless. Fear ran over his body, his heart beating rapidly then usual and he could feel the blood pumping through his veins. Before he could knew, he realised his feets already moving to the stretcher, slowly. He gulped down the question born in his mind. This was not time to be unsure and walk out of this filthy place, which he disgust the most. But it was the time to prove wrong to his intuition. He wanted to be sure that it wasn't what he was thinking. Now that he was already standing close to it. He raised his hand reluctant enough to take it back. Dhruv let out a deep breath and uncover the half covered face and the thin white fabric sheet fall back on its own, revealing the face of the motionless body. The tickling of the clock stopped, the chaos around him suddenly vanished, the doctor was saying something but he was not able to hear. Before he could realise, he felt the wetness on his cheeks. He was crying.

"What are you doing? Go to your room, this patient is dead." He heard someone's voice making him meets the reality. He stared at the doctor's eyes.

Too confused to read what his eyes were telling. Were they sympathising with him?

"Dead. But sh..she is my mother." He stumbled on his words, barely finishing the sentence.

"She was in hit and run case. Her car was shattered into pieces. I'm sorry." The doctor patted his shoulder, as he was telling him to be strong as if he was mocking. Dhruv watched as the doctor walked into the crowd.

He touched his mother's cheek, her bruised hands were cold which used to be warm before. He stared at her helplessly praying her to woke up, to open her eye. It was then he could not held back his tears and broke down, sobbing on the floor. He felt someone's hand on his shoulder, it was uncle Veer.

"Uncle Veer she left me too. I'm all alone! I'm all alone!!" He repeated through his sobs as his uncle embraced him.

The next evening when they came back home, Dhruv felt as if his mother will come in any second to greet him. He sat on the couch head in his hands, tears which were not willing to stop. He looked around and noticed the groceries on the dinning table in the kitchen.

"Mumma was working when she got a call from the hospital." More tears threaten to fall.

"It was my fault. She died because of me." He cried out loud.

His sins which she framed it happily. If he would not be in fights, she would not have gone. She would not have lost her life. "It was all because of him." He broke down crying for the loss he will never repay.

The phone ring chimed in a silent cabin. Dhruv jolted in his seat, terrified. His eyes went all around him, he was seating in his office chair. It was already evening the sun stared to set down, leaving the orange and red hues behind. His head pouncing. He reached for the drawer under his table and searched for the some medicine. It was there where he left last time. He quickly gulped down the water and leaned back on the chair, he needed to go home. He couldn't drag himself to work. Wrapping the blazer around him, he walked out of the building only to bumped on his friend.

"Man.., look where you are walking." The man mumbled. He looked at him. He was one of his friend or to say his ONLY friend. It has been over years for their friendship and they are still counting the days. Adhiraj was his supporter, adviser and what not. He has been taking care of Dhruv and shielding him like a big brother. If he was not there, Dhruv wouldn't have been survived till now.

"Sorry, Adhi. I wasn't in right mind." Dhruv excused.

"Are you going home? I came to discuss something important with you."

"Can we discuss it tomorrow? My head is spinning and I really want to take rest."

"Let's do this, let's go to your home. We will talk there. It's urgent and I can't just wait for tomorrow." Adhiraj exclaimed and they both walked to his car.

Once they reached home and settled down on the only couch which was kept in the drawing room. Dhruv never bothered to buy any furniture neither he gave thoughts to decorate his apartment. It was always empty the way he likes it. "Just like my life" he reminded himself everytime.

A moment later, Dhruv brought the two cups of coffee and placed it over a table.

"So what do you want to discuss?" He asked concerned.

"I wanted to discuss about the directors post at our new mall and the sales of our shop in there!" Adhiraj sighed sipping the coffee.

"What happened to it? Say it in words that I can understand."

Adhiraj looked at the painting behind Dhruv and added,"maybe you need to shift your office in the new mall and start on our new project soon. The sales of our new shop is not as we expected in the start and looking at the scenario they decided to move you there." He didn't met his eyes and Dhruv didn't bother to pay attention.

"I would have joined you but you know how tough it gets to travel when your wife is also working and one of the parent has to keep an eye on children."

"Its okay Adhi, I understand and I'm good with their decision. As I no longer have to travel a lot and if the company is giving me such tough job that means they find me suitable for it. So I'll do it. When is the joining?"

"Next month probably."

"Okay, I'll prepare myself but first I'll check the atmosphere and the staffs there myself before joining. I need all the details."

"That's the spirit man." Adhiraj clasped Dhruv's shoulder in appreciation. And they talked about the business until it was dark and finally Adhiraj left.

Dhruv layed on the bed thinking about new journey he will gonna start from next month. The idea of working at new place with new people was thrilling for him.

"Sorry I forgot to tell you that you have one special meeting to attend on this weekend. Please don't be late." He read Adhiraj's message and sighed.

It will not be easy.
.......

After that day Tara never waited for Vivaan. She only informed him and when he said he wouldn't make it all she do was nod her head in agreement.

She had attended many meetings in last few months and did a quick course on marketing strategies and product advertising for short period. Tara never intended to tell anything about it to Rishi and Vivaan. Her business was hers in all way. She never bothered to talk about her business or the life outside of the house with them. And they never showed interest except her father in law.

She was happy that her life was back on track again. Being distant from Vivaan was another kind of happiness she always adored. But she forgot that it was calm before storm.

It was a late afternoon when Tara and Rishi were having lunch, Armaan had fallen asleep.

"When I will be gone treat my son well and try to be get little close to him. You know what I mean, right?"

Tara stilled on her place the vision of her being harassed and tortured flashed in front of her eyes.

"I will try my best." Her eyes fixed on the luggage in front of her. How she wished Rishi to never come back. She forced a smile and got up from the chair.

"I will clean this table, you go and make some light snack for me." Said Rishi and she nodded heading back to the kitchen.

"Listen do it fast, I've only twenty minutes to reach station." Tara nodded in agreement.

Moments later she came back with a large airtight container and said, "mumma, should I keep it in your bag?" Rishi gently nodded.

Rishi had been staying at her brother's house longer then she has told them. It has been a week and their was no trace of her of coming back. And Tara had been in no stress lately. Her day went busier then ever.

She was preparing dinner for them and Arman was playing with his toys near in the living room. She made sure he will not go anywhere from her sight making those small boundries around him few feet apart. It was a weekend and she knew Vivaan and Mayank her father in law will be home anytime soon.

Vivaan's behaviour had changed more than she imagined. Now he came home on time and always make sure to bring something with him for Armaan even if it was a small chocolate. And she remembered he bought a flower for her yesterday making an excuses of him plucking the flower from neighborhood. How she wished him to be like this forever. She didn't wished for more. The phone ring broke the chain of thoughts. She glanced at the called ID before picking it up.

"Hello! Am I speaking to Tara?" She heard the caller.

"Yes, you are.," Before she could add anything in her sentence.

The caller cut short and added, "good, I'm mrs. Varma. One of the representative member of our group. I'm still new and you must not remember me."

"Oh yes. I remember you. What's the matter?"

"I caller you to inform that around ten, we will going to conduct an urgent meeting and I want you to be there. I know I'm asking too much but can you please make it out?" Mrs. Varma pleaded.

There was a pause for a seconds and Tara added, "I can not guarantee you but I'll try my best to come. Since it's the time for dinner and no one is here to take care of it. Let me ask my husband and then I will tell you." Tara finished, she was hesitant.

"Oh I understand. Please give me a call before the given time if you won't be able to come." Mrs. Varma reassured her before banging up the call.

Tara stared at the phone for a moment. She wanted to attend the meeting but she was not sure how to bring this topic at the dinner table or in front of Vivaan. Though the meeting was held at two blocks away from their house.

Tara knew the words of Rishi, if she will ask for her permission about this,

"No, you won't go anywhere. What I will say to Vivaan. You should thank me that I allow you to do this business things. Otherwise 'hamari ghar ki bahuen ye kam nahi karti (our daughter in laws don't do these work)."

She brushed her thoughts and barged in their room with a glass of water for Vivaan. He went to change, so she waited for him on the edge of the bed. When he came back in the room again,he was too busy to brush his hair to notice her. Tara cleared her throat to make him aware of her presence.

Vivaan turned to look at her confused. "Is something bothering you?" He asked, there was no trace of hesitance in his voice.

"I wanted to ask you something." Said Tara, she was fidgeting with her fingers.

Vivaan sat next to her giving her, his full attention and added, "what is it?"

Tara stared at her fingers then him and then her fingers again. "There
Is an urgent meeting at ten tonight and they asked me to attend. I was thinking to go if you don't mind. It will not take long, I will come home soon." She blurted out.

"You can go, it's okay. I'll take care of Arman and make sure he goes to sleep too. You can take your time." Vivaan reached for her hand and added, "and don't worry mamma will not know about this." He squeezed her hand softly and Tara looked at him. He was smiling slightly.

"You can give me that water, if it's okay with you." Flushed she hurried and gave him the glass. They both smiled at each other.

The meeting didn't last more then an hour. Tara was praised for her performance. The sales she did was average then any other members of the group. She was given an offer to attend the directors seminar with some of the other members of the group. They all accepted the offer happily and she did the same.

When she returned home Vivaan was waiting for her at the living room randomly changing the channels. He heard the door locked and gestured her to seat beside her.

"You should have sleep."

"I was about to but I waited for you."

Her heart thumped by his words and his actions. She was pretending not to shook by them but the effect he left on her. It was all visible.

"The meeting was good." She tried to change the subject and added, "they want me to attend directors seminar with some of the other members tomorrow and I said yes without discussing with you." She looked down at her hand feeling small.

Vivaan switched off the tv and stood up. Tara knew he didn't liked it, her deciding before even asking.

"I..I will tell them..," she stumbled on words, before she can complete.

Vivaan cut her short and added, "you don't have to ask me everything. It's your decision and I'm okay with it." She looked up at him and he was smiling, his soft smile.

"It's getting late we should go to bed." He hold out his hand and Tara took it smiling genuinely for the first time in a day.

The next day she woke up early and managed everything and her chores earlier then usual. They were having breakfast when Vivaan took out some bills and slid in her direction. She looked at him confused.

"You're going out and you will need some money." Excused Vivaan.

"He gave me money!?" She thought to herself.

"Will you come to pick me?" She asked.

The honey coloured eyes met hers, "I think, I will not able to make it."

"Okay." She replied absently.

She had to stop hoping for much.

It was almost time for her to leave. She had little makeup and new dress on. Which she had bought after bargaining thrice with shopkeeper. She made sure to feed Armaan before leaving him to her parents.

When she reached the building, the first thing she did was to call the members to inform that she arrived. A moments later Tara watched them approaching to her. Her legs wobbled, heart raced as she enter the building. It wasn't small meeting as she was expecting. It was grand like a festive. Her hands started to trembled. She never attended anything like before. Suddenly she felt lose of confidence, so alone and out of place. She wanted to run back home right this moment.

"Tara meet our miss. Sheetal. She is the marketing manager of our." The voice made her came out of her reverie. She smiled and clasped their hand.

Tara excused herself, walked out searching for washroom. The girl who had just passed by her, she directed hee the way but she couldn't seem to remember it.

"There is many room. I will not find washroom today I guess." She sighed.
She noticed the orange juice she took for herself.

"Now first I have to find a trash can." She thought out loud.

She spotted the trash can at the end of the hallway. As she fasten her speed, she bumped on someone out of nowhere. She winced and looked what happened.

"Oww, shit!!! What did you just do?" She heard a half help.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't see that you were coming from there. And it just happened." She tried to explain.

The man in front of her sighed,"it's okay I should have been careful."

"I'm really sorry for ruining your suit."

"Look miss i said it's okay. So can you please give me a way to go?" He asked annoyed and she nodded.

She saw someone running toward them, she was the same girl from earlier. "I'm sorry Dhruv sir. I was caught up there." She breathed heavily.

"Oh no, what happened to your suit. It's your speech time now. Are you planning to go on stage like this?"

"I'll just remove my jacket. Thanks to someone my day ruined." Dhruv exclaimed.

"Excuse me! I told you it was a pure mistake and I'm sorry for ruining your day." Tara looked straight in his eyes.

"Your sorry won't make my day miss! And if you're really sorry for it then componsate for it. Can you do that?"

Tara thought for a while, "I can't pay you now but if you give me your contact then I will deposit it by tomorrow." She cleared hesitant.

Dhruv laughed briskily,"forget it. You will not afford it." He smirked and left her alone wondering.

Tara watched the empty hallway, did he just looked down at her? Did he just mocked at her?

"What are you doing here. It's business class venue ours is downstairs. Let's go." Tara nodded.
Feeling small and anxious. She never felt humiliated before they way this man did in a few seconds.

*******

After a long time updating this chapter. I hope y'all will like it. Until next time.

Bye and take care :)