VIREN POV

"Favourite colour?" She asks playing with my fingers.

"Violet," I reply fanning my fingers through her hair.

"Really?" She asks stunned,

"Yes, why?" I ask faking offence.

"Oh nothing, I thought you would say something like blue or yellow. Not most people like violet," she confesses. Snuggling closer to me.

For the last hour, we have been playing this game which she insisted.

After her request to stay with her, I settled on the ground with her in my arms. Along the game, she snuggled to my left side and I started playing with her smooth hair.

If someone would see me right now, sitting on a dirt road at midnight. It will be the headline of tomorrow's newspaper.

"Colour Violet represents, Wisdom, creativity and sensitivity" I boost.

"And it also symbolizes arrogance and narcissism." She teases.

I look at her to see her looking at her phone screen where she googled what colour violet represents.

"You are too curious for your own good," I mumble placing a kiss on the side of her face.

"Aww did I hurt your feelings?" she coos pulling my cheeks.

I swat her hands away and lightly chide, " Don't do that again, I'm a man."

"My man," she claims and places a kiss on my lips.

Just as she begins to pull back, I place my hand on her neck and kiss her hard.

I feel her smile in the kiss and lightly nip her lower lip, causing her to let out a moan.
That moan made my feelings deepen, making me realize that she is the woman my heart chose.

At that moment, a drop tumble over my face, Just as I look up, raindrops softly fall over, tapping me in the face making a beautiful sound of pitter-patter.

I feel Paakhi's hands slipping from mine. When I look at her, I see a huge smile on her face, she is standing in the rain with hands outstretched and her face is towards the sky with her eyes closed.

She looks so beautiful, like a glorious composition. How did I get so lucky?!

"Viren?" She calls for my attention.

"It's my turn for the question right?" She asks, I laugh thinking she is still thinking about the game.

Before I can deny because she already asked one, she continues, "So my question is, Have you ever danced in Rain?"

I shake my head in denial, but I already know what she'll say next. 

So I walk towards my car and plug in my phone.
I searched for the best romantic Rain dance song and played the first one that read, Tum hi ho. I'm not a big fan of Bollywood music but let's see.

(Ps.play the song from above while reading the next few lines! The link is above in the media box)

Just as I close the door and roll down the windows, music blasts through my car.

I slowly walk towards Paakhi and take her hand in mine. I place one hand on her back and tug her close.

She comes slamming onto my chest and then the lyrics play.

"Hum tere bin ab reh nahi sakte,
Tere bina kya wajood mera..."

(I can't live without you now,
What's my existence without you...)

I can feel the words and this dance becomes more special.

I gaze into her eyes and sway along. As if directing these words through lyrics to her.

"Tujhse juda agar ho jayenge.
Toh khud se hi ho jayenge juda

Kyun ki tum hi ho

Ab tum hi ho
Zindagi ab tum hi ho
hain bhi mera dard bhi

Meri aashiqui ab tum hi ho"

(If I get separated from you
Then I'll be separated from myself
Because it's only you
Now it's only you
Now only you are my life
My peace and even my pain
Now only you are my love)

For the first time, I let my tears let loose, I didn't cry even when I lost 'her'. But now losing Paakhi seems impossible. It is hurting me. But I can't hold her back.

I see her smile and for the love of God, I'm happy it's raining. No one can witness me crying.

I can't hear that song anymore, it is too emotional. So I leave Paakhi and walk over to my car. Close the window and switch off my music player.

When Paakhi walks over with curiosity, I make an excuse.
"Can't let more water enter the car."

She nods and starts rubbing her arms.

"Come on, get in. Let's go look for a 24*7 store and buy us some coffee." I announce entering the car.

Paakhi nods her head and follows me.

I revive the car engine and drive off.

"It was fun, and this was my favourite song." She utters.

"I heard it for the first time, but I liked it," I confess.

"Of course, you high-class people" she snorts.

"It's not like that, Riya and Shaurya are both Bollywood fans." I assert declining her statement.

"What about you and Arhaan?" She asks curiously.

"Arhaan likes rock and pop, whereas I like soul and country," I answer, driving towards the gas station.

"We girls are absolute Bollywood maniacs," She affirms chuckling.

I wonder what happened today to have her remember her past.

But I'm not going to pry she will tell me when she wants to.

"No no no!!! Not the gas station" she shrieks causing me to press on the breaks and a screeching sound to resonate on the empty street.

"Geez woman, didn't I told you to not scream when I'm driving." I scold her.

"Sorry," she replies embarrassed. If it would have been someone else, I would throw them out of the car but this is my girl.

"I don't want that bland coffee." She mumbles with a cute pout.

I restrain myself to act on my thoughts. But it is too tempting not to.
So I lean over and place a kiss on her mouth.

She looks stunned for a second but then smiles, "I never knew you had this side to yourself."

"What side?" I ask interested.

"This romantic type, stealing kisses and making me feel special type." She expresses.

"Because I'm not, it's just you that makes me do these things. You deserve to be treated like a princess." I confess. Looking deep into her eyes.

"Can't this stay like this? Can't we just pause the time? " she asks sadly.

I smile and shake my head.

She closes her eyes take a deep breath and a smile returns to her face.

"Okay fine, I will enjoy this time with you and cry later." She announces and looks outside the window. I see her wiping off her face, thinking she is doing it discretely.

I feel bad, but no, I can't let this happen. Because in the end, I will be more heartbroken than now.

"Okay, so I know this place which opens all night." She exclaims with her usual cheerfulness.

"Lead me," I answer and seconds later, I follow her directions.

"Where do you even find these places?" I ask amazed parking in front of a small shack, saying, Teatime. Thankfully the rain has subsided.

"You explore restaurants and all, we explore these small places." She affirms hopping out of the car and walking towards the vendor.

I turn off the engine and follow her.

When I reach them, I hear them exchanging pleasantries.

"I asked for two masala teas."
She tells me after we walk a few steps away from the stall.

"Do you know these places are unhealthy? " I ask seriously.

"I don't visit every place like this, this is a famous hang-out spot for people at midnight. So they use fresh materials." She exclaims scowling at me.

"Who comes at midnight?" I ask curiously.

"Some workers who work the night shift, some friends who go for long drives at night and some people with midnight cravings." She explains.

I nod in understanding, realizing there is so much in life I missed out on, just because I have money.

"Here, sit down." She Indicates towards a bench facing towards the car.

I nod and have a seat beside her.

Seconds later our tea arrives.

"Drinking this Masala tea and having these cool breeze tapping on my face. What a life!" I hear her let out satisfied.

The thing about Paakhi is her appreciation for small things. She doesn't need any exaggerated gifts to be happy, she is satisfied with just a hearty talk.

"You don't like it?" I hear her mumble beside me.

When I look at her, I see her sadly looking at the cup of tea in my hand.

"Oh no, it's nice. I was in my thoughts." I confess looking at her.

"What are you thinking about? Are you already bored with me?" She asks teasingly.

"That I would always cherish this moment all my life," I confess.

"Me too," she asserts placing a hand on my hand and squeezing it.

We sit there all silent and lost in our thoughts. I know we both are not ready for this, but we have to let go of each other.

"Look, it is already morning." Paakhi exclaim pointing towards the sky.

I witness the beauty in front of me, the black sky speckled with golden yellow specks.

Sun rises in the sky, gradually from behind the clouds. Slowly revealing its alluring self.

"Viren?" She calls my name.
I look at her to see her fumbling with her hands.

"Yes?" I ask softly.

"Umm, can we spend some more time together?" The hope in her eyes compels me to agree.

"Of-" before I can reply, my phone ring.

I retrieve it from my pocket because no one calls someone at this time if it is not an emergency.

"Hello?" I answer instantly when I see Arhaan calling.

"Where are you? " he asks panicked.

"What happened?" I ask instead.

"Shaurya is ill, uncle is on his way, I came to your room, but you were nowhere to be seen." He replies, in between instructing someone to take a glass of water upstairs.

"I went for a jog, but I'll be back," I reply and hang up.

"I'm sorry, Paakhi but I need to leave, Shaurya is not well," I inform her.

"What happened? Is he okay?" She asks worriedly.

"Don't know, will go and check there," I reply walking towards my car.

She keeps standing there.

"Come on, I will you drop you first," I call out from inside.

"Oh no, you go, I will take a cab." she objects.

"Do you think I will leave you here?" I ask seriously.

"But Shaurya needs you." She replies adamantly from outside the passenger window.

"Everyone is there for him, now as soon as you come in, I can go to Shaurya," I respond agitated. These are the moments I hate when Paakhi doesn't listen to me.

"Okay fine," she replies angrily and with a frown enters the car.

After a few minutes, I peek towards Paakhi to see her looking out of the window. Thinking she is still angry I let her be.

But when I glimpse her reflection on the window, I see tears streaming down her face.

"Paakhi?" I call her.

"Hmm?" She says still looking outside.

"Look at me," I demand.

"I like the view outside," She replies instead.

We are one turn away from Paakhi's block but I stop the car here.

I lean over and slowly turn her face towards me.

I wipe off the tears from her face and look into her eyes.

"Why are you crying?" I beg.

"Nothing..." She shrugs and tries to look away.

But when I tighten my hold on her face, she confesses.
"I'm crying because I already miss you. I know this was our only moment with each other. A few moments of Bliss."

I smile at her and ask, "Do you remember the sunrise today?"

She nods her head slowly but confuse.

"We need to be reminded sometimes that a sunrise lasts for a few minutes. But its beauty can burn in our hearts eternally. Just like that these moments, we shared just now will always be engraved in our hearts. Because Paakhi you are in my heart. Every beat reminds me of it. Because it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul. My Heart Chose you Paakhi ."  I confess staring into her eyes.

A smile forms on her lips and she let out, "Am I the reason you start talking like this?"

I chuckle hearing her. Because I expected a sentimental reply, not this.

"Only you can spoil the moment," I exclaim. She laughs and leaps over to hug me.

"My heart chose you too, Viren." She lets out near my ear.

A few seconds later, she pullbacks and exits the car.

I roll down the window toward her side, "I will walk from here. You go."

I nod and drive off towards my home.

At the back of the mind, I realized the words I just said to Paakhi. I'm a bad man, on one side I say I love her and on the other hand, I tell her that we can't be together. Instead of helping her, I'm just making this a big mess for her.

I didn't realize that in my thoughts I already reached home,  I exit the car and dash inside the house.

"Where is everyone?" I ask a passing maid.

"Everyone is on the terrace and Arhaan Sir is with Shaurya Sir in his room." She replies with her head bowed.

I nod and ascend the stairs towards Shaurya's room.

I knock twice before entering.

"How are you?" I ask looking at the pale and exhausted face of Shaurya.

"Thriving," he cheers followed by a cough.

"That I can see," I roll my eyes walking towards him.

"What happened?" I ask looking at the bags under his eyes.

"He overworked himself and passed out. " I hear Arhaan informing me walking from the balcony.

"Why would you do that?" I demand.

"That I want to know too." Arhaan reply taking a seat on the opposite side of the bed.

"It is nothing, I was excited to complete my first project and forgot to eat or drink anything." He replies nonchalantly.

"Excited or you wanted to prove something?" I implore.

"What do you mean?" He asks agitated.

"Is there something you want to tell us?" Arhaan asks him.

"There is nothing guys," he replies exhaustedly.

"Are you doing this because of that kid?" I ask curiously.

When he takes a deep breath, I know he is.

"Is it yours?" Arhaan asks him.

"I know it is, and I want Aditi and My kid." He asserts.

"Do you love her?" Arhaan inquires.

"No I don't, I like her but don't know about love. But both of them are my responsibility." He proclaims.

"But I don't know why are you doing this?" I aks confuse. I mean anyone would grab the opportunity to become part of the Singh family.

"She says I'm a useless man, I don't have money, it is yours," he replies embarrassed.

Once again I'm stunned by one of these girls, they are the most independent and honoured girls I have met.

"I don't doubt that for a second. Aditi seems casual but she is wise. " Arhaan exclaim.

I nod in agreement.

"But you being reckless proved her point. First, become a sensible person and then talk with her.  " I suggest.

"I never expected to hear something like this from you." Arhaan teases me.

"This is called as Paakhi effect." Shaurya chimes in,  forgetting about his problems.

"By the way, where were you this morning?" Arhaan asks.

"Already told you, went for a jog," I answer feeling like now I'm being cornered.

"In your car?" Arhaan questions with a smirk.

I think for a second and then reply, "Decided to go to a Park for the jog."

"Seems like, you fell on your butt there." He retorts looking at my rear.

I turn my neck and see a large dirt blotch on my butt, probably from sitting on the ground.

"And what is this?" Shaurya asks leaning forward and taking out a hair strand from my t-shirt.

"Whose is this?" He asks hold in it in front of my face.

"You were with Paakhi or someone else?" Arhaan pry.

"Why are you guys acting like girls?" I aks looking at their faces looking at me with excitement.

Both of them look at each other and start singing, " Paakhi and Viren, Sitting in a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G!
First comes love
Then comes marriage
Then comes baby
In a baby carriage!"

I scoff at them and stand up when their pitch increase.

"Shut up before someone hears you." I chide looking around.

"Grow up," I mumble and leave the room when they start cracking up.

I smile, thanking God, that I returned home to my family. I missed them when I was in New York. Those lonely nights and dreams are over. Now only one woman rules my mind and heart.

__________________________________

Paakhi POV

"We need to be reminded sometimes that a sunrise lasts for a few minutes. But its beauty can burn in our hearts eternally. Just like that these moments, we shared just now will always be engraved in our hearts. Because Paakhi you are in my heart. Every beat reminds me of it. Because it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul. My Heart Chose you Paakhi ."  He confesses starting into my eyes.

My heart surges with warmth and love for this man in front of me. The man who was mine just for a night.

Before I could start crying again,
With a smile I let out, "Am I the reason you start talking like this?"

He passes a chuckle hearing me. His face brights up when he smiles or chuckles.

"Only you can spoil the moment," He exclaims.

I lean over and hug him.

"My heart chose you too, Viren." I let out snuggling to him.

A few seconds later, I pullbacks and exits the car. When I remember Shaurya is ill.

When he rolls down the window towards my side, I crouch down and say "I will walk from here. You go."

He nods and drives off.

I start my walk towards the apartment with a smile on my face.

Reaching the apartment I pull out my keys and slowly walk in.

The memories from last night return but don't hurt much because I'm too happy to feel hurt.

Instead of going to the room, I walk towards the balcony.

Just as I step out, "So who was it?" I hear Aditi ask.

She is sitting in her oh so recent favourite swing with her arms folded.

"I don't know what do you mean," I say nonchalantly.

I turn around to leave when she orders "stop there young lady and answer me."

I turn around with amazement clear on my face.

"I'm angry with you. So don't talk to me." I exclaim folding my arms.

"Why? I thought you will thank me for making your night so beautiful." She teases making dreamy eyes.

"What do you mean?" I ask confuse.

"Oh my God, don't tell me, you thought my actions from yesterday were intentional." She lets out.

I'm more confuse than now, "weren't you?" I ask curiously.

"Of course not, not in my dreams I can forget what you lost to give me life. No swings or these materialistic things can make me happier than a smile on your face." She expresses making my heart dazzled with adoration.

"You are saying all these sentimental things just to conceal your behaviour from yesterday." I let out with uncertainty.

"Of course not Paakhi," she whispers sadly.

"Then why would you humiliate me? Do you even know I started having remembrances from my past?" I chide holding back a sob.

"I know and honestly I was hoping for it." She mumbles embarrassingly.

"What are you playing at Aditi? How could you?" I ask feeling betrayed. Why would she do this to me?

"Wait, listen to me, and then decide if what I did was right or wrong," she begs.

I'm furious right now but the curiosity to know her reasoning is overwhelming.

"From the last few days, I realized you were confused about your feelings. I know love is not an easy chore, so I wanted to help but didn't get an opportunity until yesterday." She tells without any hesitation.

"So I know you are an emotional woman, and to you the relations you make hold more values than the mere materials. And I thought if I start behaving as if I replaced you in my life you will be hurt, but you are a sensible woman too, so I had to hurt your feelings every time for you to break. I aimed for situations with precisions.

And the best opportunity was this television and swing by Sana. I tried making you feel that I'm happier with Sana than you. And Seeing the hurt on your face every time was not easy but I had to make myself understand it is necessary. Everything was in my favour, You invited guests and I get to boost Sana, so I thought maybe I'm doing the right thing as God is helping me.

I knew you would want someone at that moment and when both Maanya and I will not be there for you, your heart will make you find solace in the one person it chose.
When you left the apartment, I followed you downstairs and kept an eye on you and then I saw a car pull up and Viren exiting, I knew my plan worked. Leaving you guys in each other's arms I went back to the apartment and had a good night's sleep. " she explains. Hearing her my mind is still angry, but my heart, my heart admires her for looking after me. What she did, may have hurt me in the start but in the end, I get to spend some special moments with Viren that I don't know if I would ever be able to.

"I'm sorry," she utters ashamed. I leap forward and hug her.
"Thank you so much, yesterday was the most beautiful night of my life. I'm lucky to have you, Adi." I confess.

"So will my kid have a sister or brother to play with?" When I understand her words I pull back a little and look at her in shock.

"You idiot we didn't -" I huff and pull back completely all the while glaring at her smirking face.

"So tell me? What did you guys do?" She asks excitedly.
I smile and walk towards the sitting area and pull a cushion over my lap. Aditi leaves her swing and sit beside me.

"He took me to my favourite spot, he remembered from when I first took him there," I tell pleased.

"And then?" She prompts excitedly.

"And then...." I tell her everything from the night before, relishing the moments again make my heart swell with gratification.

"So you guys kissed again and again? I never thought Mr.Viren is like that." She announces appreciatively.

"Me too, but he is, most affectionate and beautiful person inside out. People misunderstand him. " I confess.

"I thought you guys would return later today but why so early?" She asks unhappily.

"We were about to, but then he got a call that Shaurya is ill. I hope he is okay because Arhaan sounded panicked." I inform her worrying about Shaurya.

"Shaurya?" She asks nervously.
I nod staring at her strange mood swing.

"Umm...I need to pee. I will see you." She calls and walks off. I shrug off her behaviour and decide to water my plants before getting fresh n up.

__________________________________

Aditi POV

"What the hell am I doing here?" I utter looking at the beautiful mansion in front of me.

After Paakhi told me he is ill, I couldn't focus on anything except him. So when Paakhi and Maanu left for a client meeting this afternoon, I made an excuse to Sana and left the house.

My mind kept objecting when I told the cab driver to drive here.

"What will I say when someone asks me why I came here?" I ask myself.

Now going back is certainly not an option because I will be agitated if I don't meet him. So I take a deep breath and walk towards the guards at the main gate.

Upon approaching one posted on the gate, he looks at me and aks for my reason to visit.

"I'm here to see Shaurya Singh," I reply confidently, no matter I'm feeling the exact opposite of it.

"What is your name?" He inquires.

"Aditi Mehra., I respond.

"Wait a minute ma'am I need to make a call inside." He responds. I nod and wait patiently till he makes his call a few steps away from me.

"You are welcome ma'am" he acknowledges opening the gate for me.
I nod back and walk-in, strolling through the driveway, I feel my heartbeat erratically.

Just as I reach the front doors, they open wide to reveal Arhaan on the other side.

"Welcome, Aditi," he greets me.

"Hi, I-I-" I fumble with my words.

"It's okay, no one is home except me and Shaurya." He tells understanding my nervousness.

I smile at him and follow him upstairs. Just as we reach the black wooden doors a maid comes towards us with a glass of orange juice.

Arhaan takes it from her and passes it to me.

"I hope you can take this inside, I'll join you guys in a moment." He pleads and walks back downstairs.

I take a deep breath and knock on the door while balancing the tray in one hand.

As I open the door, my breath hitch. Shaurya is leaning on the headrest with his eyes closed.

I walk in and set the tray on his nightstand. Seeing his relaxed form, I realize he is sleeping.

Just as I'm staring at his divine face, a piece of hair falls on his forehead distracting my view of his serene face.
So I slowly move forward and take a hold of it and lightly put it back.

When I look down I see how beautiful his grey eyes are, they are like a thunderstorm, how beautiful!

Oh, wait! His eyes? Weren't they close? Oh no...

"Did you miss me?" He asks in his sleepy voice. Which unfortunately for me sounds sexy.

I jerk back and scoff, "Just came in to check if you are okay."

"Why? Why do you care about this useless man?" He asks starting at me.

I feel guilty realizing what I said to him at the hospital.

"Shaurya-" I commence apologizing but he stops me.

"No Aditi, you were right. I'm useless, just look at me, I worked for a day in the office and strained myself." He huffs looking down.

I walk towards him and take his face in my hand, "You are not useless, just immature. Which is not wrong because I'm just like you. But now I'm willing to change for this kid. And I will, I have the best mentor and guide in form of Paakhi in my life to help me. " I express.

"But why don't you want me to be in this kid's life?" He asks desperately.

I huff and take a seat beside him on the bed, "The reason is my past." I respond.

"What is your past that stops me from being a father to my kid?" He asks taking a hold of my hand.

I look at him and decide to tell him, after which I know he'll realize I'm just a burden that he doesn't need in his life.

"So it all started with my -"

__________________________________

Hey, everyone. How are you?

And how was the update?

So I wanted to ask you guys something, are my chapters too long and boring?

I make them long because this is a story of three couples and we are at chapter 53 and the story has just begun.

So should I do a book 2 or continue with this even if it reaches 70+ chapters?

I need a reader's perspective so please let me know.

And Do vote and comment.

And please take necessary precautions to stay safe in this new wave of the pandemic.

Have a great day Ahead!