Shaurya POV

It's not easy to just let go of your lifestyle and become a new person. I have always wondered what life holds for me? But the thrill of partying and having sex was more than enough to make this thought just a passing one.

But the day I set my eyes on this feisty woman something changed, maybe her 'I don't care ' attitude intrigues me because I have never seen a girl like her.

I still remember when I laid my eyes for the first time on her. I was irritated by the whining voice of my date when a knock on the window gained my attention, I rolled down the window to see a cute girl in a black t-shirt staring at me. Thinking she is one of those who will ask for my number I banged my head on the steering wheel. Instead, she mumbles a 'Goodluck Man' with amusement clear in her eyes and passes by.
I sat there stunned by her reaction.

Then coincidentally I met her again in the boutique on the same day and received thrilled in irritating her.

Our meetings became often and the ecstasy between us increased.
I still remember the night of Riya's engagement party when we both acted on our instincts.

She was as feisty as she looks, I thought she would like it slow but we did it in a fucking elevator. Nothing was slow, Usually, it is me who does the deed and walks off but for the first time a girl, asked me to back off and said this was a one-time thing. It intrigued me, my body yearned for more nights with her, firstly it was just sexual but then when I got to know her, some things changed, I saw a little girl under that feisty facade.

In search of answers, I didn't know when I started feeling for her. I don't know what love is? But one thing I know is I won't let this girl leave again, she and this kid are mine and I'm a selfish man, keeping what belongs to me to myself.

"But why don't you want me to be in this kid's life?" I ask desperately looking for answers.

She huff and take a seat beside me on the bed, "The reason is my past." She responds fumbling with her fingers.

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

She looks at me and after a long pause she lets out, "So it all started with my birth, my parents were expecting a boy but unfortunately I came into their lives. They didn't like me because I was the reason my mother couldn't bear other children. So they didn't want to kill their only child but also didn't want others to know they have a girl. So they threw me into an attic, I don't remember much but I use to call a maid my ma because she uses to visit me twice a day, one day when I was around 5 she told me that when I was a baby she used to feed me and when she leaves me to work, locked up, I use to cry all day for a mother's love. I didn't understand what was happening to me because I didn't know anything, for me that attic was my world. But one day, a boy stumbled upon my room, he was dressed in new clothes holding onto a teddy bear, you know the funny part? Initially, I didn't know it was called a teddy, for me it was a fluffy brown thing. When the boy shrieked seeing me and threw the teddy at me. I was confused didn't know what to do? So I walked forward and held onto it. Feeling its warmth and softness, I hugged it close to me.

When nobody returned, I slowly walked towards the door and peeked outside. It was similar to inside, dark. I held onto the teddy close to me and took each step carefully. That teddy becomes my companion instantly.

After a few steps, one more door came into view. You won't believe Shaurya what I saw on the opposite side of the door, that day was the luckiest day of my life because I entered a wonderland.

Everything was shiny and beautiful. Sunlight poured into the room, making everything shine.

"What is that dirtbag doing here?" I still remember my father's words to me when he saw me standing in the center of the living room. I stood there head held low and tears streaming down. He yelled at me for showing him my ominous face, I was a five-year-old, I didn't even know what ominous meant. When he was about to slap me, my mother came forward and asked him not to hit me, that they should just let me walk in the house, but when my father denied she plead and said, for the sake of his son he should let me come out of the attic. After some pursuing, he accepted but with a large that I will only be allowed out of my room when no one will be home. And from that day I was allowed to roam the house when no one was home. Those days were less but still, I couldn't be happier. Time went by and I grew up looking at my brother getting all the love. Ma left our house and I took her place. Cleaning and Cooking became my routine. But one day when I was 16, I was watching a movie and got so lost in it that I added sugar to the dish instead of salt. When my dad took a bite, he screamed my name or you could say the name he gave me, Dirtbag. He scrambled into my room and yanked me out holding onto my hair. I whimpered and screamed in pain but he didn't stop. He hit me with his shoes and spatula. He even poured that hot curry over me making me have burn marks on my chest, that experience was so tormenting that my mind went into shut mode making me forgot everything. I was a soulless body. After few days my dad threw me out of the house realizing I'm of no use anymore. That day it was raining enormously. I was so afraid, unable to understand anything I kept walking without anything for survival.

Days went by, and I kept walking, stopping to drink water from a hand pump here and there. Reaching a small town, I saw television in the shop and a movie was playing, in that movie, the main lead was a bandit, She was fierce and strong. Something clicked in me and my mind adopted that girl's personality as mine and I became her.

I became happier stealing from people. My attitude uses to scare people and no one dared to hit me. " She stops and takes a deep breath.

My hold on her hand tighten and I lean forward to hug her. She falls back on my chest and rests her head on my chest. I put my chin on her head and we both slump into a comfortable position.

"So is Aditi Mehra not your real name?" I ask confuse.

"No, I didn't have a name, except if you count dirtbag as one." She jests. I feel bad for her. What kind of childhood did she endure.

"Aditi Mehra was that character's name. I adapted it." She further elaborates.

"You told me your mother couldn't have children? So who was that boy?" I inquire, feeling curious.

"My parents brought a boy from the street because they had to justify my mom's pregnancy to our relatives." She explains. I nod feeling horrible, how can someone be so cruel to their child. She was locked in a house for 16 years of her life.

"You said, you lost your memories then how did you remember everything?" I ask the one question I can't understand.

"Because of Paakhi!" She confesses with a smile.

"Paakhi?" I ask inquisitively.

"Ya, so as you know I use to pickpocket to survive, so one day, I was stealing from a lady in the alley, when a girl with a stick came forward and hit me on my head." She chuckles memorizing.

"She hit you on your head?" I ask appalled.

"Yes, not too hard but enough for me to remember my past." She chuckles.

"Then?" I ask giddily,

"Aren't you a little too excited?" She inquires with a faint smile.

I realize my mistake and apologize, "Sorry, I'm just curious."

"Aww, I'm just kidding, you should know what happened next because this is the only good thing about my past." She confesses.

I smile encouragingly.

"So when she hit me, I whimpered in pain, seeing that our brave Paakhi got panicked and called the ambulance. I didn't remember much after that, but I woke up in a hospital bed with Paakhi beside me.

But what astonished me was my behaviour. I started weeping, apologizing for my mistake to my father. I was having nightmares from the day when he beat me for adding sugar to the dish. Then Paakhi walked forward and held me into her arms. Consoled me, that is when I told her everything and she made me leave everything and live with her and Raghbir Uncle.

She made me realize that I'm the only person who can change myself, either I can be scared my whole life or stand up for myself. The process was not easy but I enrolled myself in online school till middle school and then went to high school at 19. Completed high school just a year back." She finishes off.

"You are so strong!" I exclaim admiringly.

"That I'm!" She admits teasingly.

"Thank you for sharing it with me." I acknowledge honestly.

"I didn't do it so that you can feel sorry for me, but for you to realize that we don't realize but what parents do impact their child a lot. I don't want you to realize someday that this kid is not what you want in your life and leave. " she lets out seriously.

I understand now why she is so against me being in the kid's life. She has suffered a lot and my immature behaviour will only tense her more. So I have to grow up not for myself but this kid. I can't let my child striving for the love of their parents.

"Give me a try," I try pursuing her.

"This is not about trying Shaurya, there is so much to think about other than you and me, you have family, the one that specifically doesn't like me and then what about your studies?" She implores.

"My family doesn't know you so don't think they don't like you and about my studies, I have completed my studies and am now doing an internship under my brothers. I will earn each penny by my hard work for you and this kid." I proclaim determined.

"So you are sure?" She aks while stifling a yawn.

"Yes, yes I'm, now why don't you close your eyes and rest," I assert covering her with a duvet.

"Oh no, I can't, I have to leave." She utters scrambling in my grasp.

"You can, just take a nap and then leave, think about the child." I pursue, knowing she drained her energy by recalling her past.

"Okay, but wake me up in 20 minutes." She proclaims passing a yawn and getting comfortable under the covers.

Her head lies on my chest and my arm is draped around her waist. This feels serene.

I look at her sleeping face and see a comfortable expression. This woman is an inspiration to many, she stood up for her better tomorrow. I don't realize this earlier but we should be thankful for every second we get to live the best life. I'm thankful for my parents, brothers, sisters and family. I'm thankful for the facilities I got in my life because many are striving for each day.

Still, in my thoughts, I hear a soft knock on my door. Seconds later, Arhaan's head pop in with uncertainty.

"She was inside too long, thought might check if I need to dispose of a body." He lets out.

"I would never harm her." I declare with a scowl.

"I'm talking about your body," he let out with a grin.

I chuckle thinking it is true, she can kill me.

"So I see you guys have talked it out." He mumbles staring at Aditi snoring in my arms.

"Hey dude, enough staring, she is mine." I declare when his gaze rests on her face for more than a few minutes.

"You idiot, I have my girl. And she is like a little sister to me." He exclaims defensively.

"You were staring for too long," I inform him.

"Just thinking," he lets out.

"What?!" I ask inquisitively.

"That how a few months back we three brothers were living a life of a bachelor and now look at us three, all in love and have a lady who makes us each better." He confesses making me smile and glance at Aditi. I was so inclined to listen to him that I forgot to correct him that I don't Love Aditi.

But when I'm about to my attention shifts to Aditi mumbling something cutely in her sleep.

"So I'll leave you guys to it and guard outside so that no one else comes in." He expresses and steps towards the door.

I nod in acknowledgement and finally rest my eyes which are exhausted and drooping because of medicines.

_________________________________

Paakhi POV

"Just listen to him and don't forget to apologize." I hear Maanu instruct for the umpteenth time.

"Look I'm doing it for your benefit. You don't realize it now but he is a nice man, he'll love you like you deserve to be." She lets out.

I nod at her so that she can leave this matter. When Aditi told me that the way she behaved with me was an act, I thought Maanu was a part of it. But earlier today when she forced me to come to this meeting with Yash, I knew I was wrong.

This car ride is making me have a headache. Maanu won't shut up about Yash and my heart won't shut up singing hymns of Viren.

"You should have worn a nice dress," she comments assessing my look.

I stare at her, thinking why she is behaving like a mother who is presenting her daughter to potential suitors.

"Maanu, will you please stop. I don't know what are you up to but don't force me to do what I don't want," I declare, frustrated.

"I intend to help." She whispers sadly.

Seeing her hurt I feel bad,
"I'm sorry, you are right." I apologize, feeling guilty.

"No, it's okay, let's go." She exclaims excitedly hopping out of the cab.

I pay the driver and follow her inside the hotel we first met Yash.

I don't know why but I'm dreading this meeting.

Walking through the bustling corridors, I admire the smile people hold chatting to one another.

"I hope we get as much money as our last event." I hear Maanya exclaim.

"If more money means similar fiasco like the last one, then I don't want it." I confide thinking about that devil Saurav.

"Beggars can't be choosers." She retorts.

"We are not beggars as much as you like to illustrate yourself to be. We eat a meal, thrice a day, we have clothes to wear and an apartment we call home." I chide back, exhausted with her nuisance.
Thankfully we are alone in the elevator otherwise, I would have not replied to her at all.

She just ignores my statement and exits the elevator.

I follow her with a huff.

"Ms. Kapoor, Ms.Gill, Sir is waiting for you." Yash's assistant greets us at his door.

I nod in acknowledgement and enter the room after Maanu.

"Welcome, Ms.Maanya and Ms.Paakhi." He greets in his dominant voice. His hair is tied up over his head in a bun and he is adoring a neat white checkered coat over a white shirt and blue jeans. His personality is that of an artist, one charming artist.

"Hello, Thank you for having us," Maanya respond. I have decided to be silent in this meeting and let Maanu do all the talking, one because I'm still ashamed about disrespecting him and second, I didn't even call to apologize.

"So ladies, coffee or juice?" He asks when we take a seat at his desk.

"Coffee." Maanya reply, I look around trying to avoid meeting his gaze.

"Paakhi?" He calls softly gaining my attention. When our eyes meet I expect to see anger or accusation there, instead I see warmth and friendliness.
Making me feel more guilty.

"Huh?!" I ask blankly.

"Tea or coffee?" He asks smiling.

"Just water, please," I ask.

He nods and makes a call over his intercom.

"Our beverages will be here shortly," he informs putting down the receiver.

"No problem, till then let's talk work," Maanu responds taking out her notepad.

I look at her gladly, let get this over with soon.

"Oh sure, so this is rather a very important event for me and my hotel, " he notifies seriously.

"I'm to host a business event here in the ballroom. It will not be a formal event rather a night where all the businessmen of India will join together for a yearly meetup. It will be followed by a dance, dinner and some speeches." He further instructs.

I don't know what among the business meetup is not formal!

"I hope you and my team will work together and make this event the best!" He asks enthusiastically.

"Of course it will be an honour." Maanya reply with the same enthusiasm.

"Umm...If I may rather ask, what is it this time you need an outside event planner when you have your team available." I ask defiantly.

"You may ask miss Kapoor. And the answer to your question is your uniqueness. You guys have that divergence that my team doesn't, I want this event to be unique and for that I need you. " he explains looking directly into my eyes.

"Why should we let you use our strength to boost your team?" I implore leaning forward, maintaining challenging eye contact.

"You need not worry, I will have posters of you guys along with my team on the entrance claiming your accomplishments." He asserts.

When he sees I'm raking for another objection, he hastily adds, "The pay will be 18 Lakhs."

All my arguments elude hearing him, "I hope you are not doing us a favour because we don't take what we don't deserve." I state thinking this is a rather big amount for our participation.

"Of course not, when you will see the ballroom, you will realize this is worthy of your hardwork." He acknowledges.

"Very well then, I will go check out the ballroom." Maanu interferes and stands up.

"Oh no, Paakhi, why don't you discuss further our arrangement with Mr.Yash, I'll check the ballroom for us." She stops me when I stand to follow her. Without waiting for my reply she scurries off.

This girl is checking my patience and let me tell, I'm on edge of it.

The silence in the room thickens. How do I start? Should I just apologize?

Paakhi do it!

"So that day-"
"How are -"
We both let out simultaneously, followed by a chuckle.

"Yash, I'm so sorry for that day. I don't know what to say..." I ramble ashamed.

"I won't lie Paakhi, but I was so angry that day, " he confesses standing from his seat and taking the seat Maanya emptied.

"But it's okay, I know that guy might have forced you, you would never do something indecent. So let it be. Let's not talk about it." He asserts taking my hand.

How can he assume that a guy forced that kiss? And what was I decent in that?!

I feel uncomfortable now, His touch feels foreign. "You are a beautiful woman and any guy would lose his senses in your presence. Just look at me." He lets out, caressing my hand.

His calloused hands are nothing compared to

No! Paakhi stop! Don't think about it.

I tug my hand out of his grip and see hurt on his face.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." He confesses apologetically.

"Oh no, it's okay," I say feeling bad for overreacting.

"Let's not talk about it, So do you want to look at the ballroom and meet my team?" He asks changing the subject.
I nod eagerly hoping to prevent any more mortification.

After meeting his team and looking at the enormous ballroom, we leave the hotel around 7 in the evening.

"I'm eager to decorate that ballroom." Maanu exclaim as we are waiting for a cab. I nod in her direction for the first time today with a genuine smile. This event will be our free publicity.

"So did you guys talk when I left you both alone?" She asks eagerly.

Not again!

"Maa-" I had to stop in between because my phone rings. I look at the caller I'd to see Sana calling,

"Hello, Sana?" I ask on the phone.

"Hey, I called you to inform you that I will be late home today, I'm having dinner with Riya then might go for a movie. So don't wait up." She informs.

"Okay, enjoy yourself." I respond, happy she's making an effort to enjoy her life.

After she hangs up, I tell Maanya and she asks me to call Aditi so that we can go to our usual spot for dinner.

I nod and make a call,

"Hello?" I hear a groggy reply from another side.

"Were you sleeping? Are you okay? Do you need me to call a Doctor?" I ask worrying.

"Oh hush, I was just asleep, and if you called me to ask me where I'm? I will say I'll be home in 20 minutes." She asserts I hear scrambling of sheets and a male grunt in the background.

"Where are you?" I ask suspiciously.

"At a friend's." She vaguely responds.

"Okay then, I suppose you should bring your friend to Rice up, we will be having dinner there. And don't come alone!" I assert the last part and hang up. If Neel is her baby's father then I will put aside my differences with him and try bringing them together.

I know no one can replace your father in your life. Her Kid may not realize it at his young age but when he will see his friends, he will want to have a father too.

"She'll be arriving with Neel in 20 minutes," I inform Maanu who is busy texting on her phone.

"Is it okay, if Arhaan joins us?" She asks looking expectantly at me.

"Why not? You don't have to ask for my permission Maanu, Arhaan is always welcome with us." I exclaim.

She passes me a smile and text back.

"Look the cab is here," I exclaim tugging Maanya towards it. Giving the address to the driver, I lean back and take out my phone to pass time. After deleting some random messages that are clogging my inbox my finger instinctively taps on Mr.Khadoos.

No text from him!

What did I expect? He made himself clear, I'm a fool going after him like a lost puppy to whom he just nuzzle a little and move on.

Does he think about me? Does he love me? These questions are never to be answered. Because the man I love, I want, does not want to be with me.

I know one thing for sure that the time we spent together was content. We both were happy, he enjoyed himself. And that should be enough for me. But it is not!

Uffffff...These thoughts are killing me. And for my sanity, I hereby declare that I will not think about Viren anymore. He was a dream, just a dream.

"Paakhi?!" Maanu calls me pushing hard.

"Hey!" I exclaim rubbing my head that hit the window.

"I thought you were having an attack, your expressions were changing rashly, one second you were smiling and the next you were glaring then again smiling." She explains adoring a weird expression.

I blush realizing what a maniac I must be looking like.

"I was umm...thinking," I confess.

"If it was about Yash then okay." She utters with a smirk and returns to look into her phone.

Only if Viren leaves my mind, I will be able to think about others.

I huff and look out of the window, and realize we have reached our destination.

"Park to the side please," I ask the driver and probe my purse for change.

"Here," Maanya announces giving money to the driver.

I nod at her and exit the cab walking towards one of the empty tables.

"Where is everyone? I'm starving." I mumble sloping on the seat.

"Arhaan will be here in a minute and don't know about Aditi and Neel." She lets out sinking into her seat.

"I thought Adi made it clear she doesn't want Neel to be in her and baby's life." Maanu confides.

"I know, but if she is giving him a chance then we should try our best to make them a family," I explain my thoughts.

"You are right. I hope everything gets okay, Aditi is trying with Neel, You with Yash and Me and Arhaan. I'm happy for us." She lets out.

"What if I love someone else? What if I don't want to be with Yash?" I ask nonchalantly. Internally, I'm yearning to shout at her that I love Viren.

"If that someone is like who I think it is then I will still push you towards Yash. I don't want you to be heartbroken in end. I know men like him. So I'm not sorry for looking out for you." She declares.

I know she knows that I feel for Viren but not to what extent. How can I be angry at her if she wants my happiness? She is not wrong, being with Viren, I will only get heartache at the end.

But what she doesn't know is being with Yash right now when my heart belongs to another, my heart will ache every day.

"Hey, ladies," I hear a cheerful voice of Arhaan.

"Hi, happy to see you here." I greet him with a hug.

"Of course, after all, I'm the life of a gathering." He boasts.

I chuckle hearing him and excuse myself so that these two love birds can have their talk.

I walk towards the basin and wash my hands. Returning towards my table I'm bombarded with a hug. Specifically, a man hug.

I'm in shock until his voice reaches my ears.

"Thank you so much. Thank you for being your amazing self." I hear Shaurya mumble.

"Whatever for?" I aks confused.

He leans back and stares at Aditi who I notice is behind him.
She is standing there with a smile, a smile that is for once not made up. It reaches her eyes.

After reckoning for a few minutes my mind clicks, and I understand she told him about her past.

I open my arms wide for her and she comes running in. I hear her sigh and know it was not easy for her. She has never uttered a word about her past except in that hospital. Even Maanu doesn't know anything about Aditi.

And if she told Shaurya then I'm sure my baby girl is in love. She trusts this man and for that very reason, I need to have a chat with this man soon.

"let's return to our table before Arhaan sends a search party for me." I kid tugging them towards the table.

"Arhaan bhai is here?" I hear Shuarya ask surprised.

I nod as we reach our table and see a look of surprise on both Arhaan and Shaurya's faces.

Maanu I can understand because we were expecting Neel but Arhaan?!

"You are supposed to rest." When Arhaan exclaims this I remember that Shaurya was ill.

"I'm okay now, just wanted a change of scenery." He replies shrugging and pulling a seat for Aditi.

Aditi glares at him and pulls another chair for herself.
What can I say, she hates it when someone does this because she thinks that we girls are capable of pulling a chair for ourselves and we don't need chaperones for that.

I smile when Shaurya pouts in confusion.

"I hope you are well now." I express feeling embarrassed that I didn't ask him earlier.

"Yes, I'm okay, thank you," he replies.

I nod with a smile and lean back on my seat.

The next second Arhaan's phone ring.

He answers the phone, "Hi, what's up ?"

"Umm...I'm sorry, but I'm already out for dinner." He mumbles apologetically.

I notice Maanya hear him keenly and instantly she grab his hand on the table and intervene her fingers.

Instantly the memory from last night comes into my mind, I'll cherish that moment all my life.

"Ya, no one is home. They went to a dinner party. Shaurya?" he exclaims looking at Shaurya.

"He's here with me." Arhaan mumble raking a frustrated hand through his hair.

"I'm Sorry Viren, I totally forgot about our plans." Just the mere mention of his name gives me goosebumps.

"Umm..." Aditi intervene.

"Ask him to come here, we haven't yet started and he can join us." She invites.

I gape at her and notice Maanya too scowling at her.

"Do one thing why don't you join me and Shaurya here. I insist. I'll send you the address." He says and hangs up.

"I hope you guys have no problem with him coming over?" He asks looking at me and Maanya.

We both shake our heads simultaneously.

"Good." He says and sighs in relief.

Viren is coming over?

'Uffffff...These thoughts are killing me. And for my sanity, I hereby declare that I will not think about Viren anymore. He was a dream, just a dream.' I remember my words from earlier, No how am I supposed to ignore him when he will be right in front of me...

__________________________________

Hey guys, how are you?

So another update.

A special thank you to all of you who replied to the question I asked in the last chapter. It means a lot.

And one more thing, if you find any grammatical errors, please let me know. Because sometimes they skim my eyes.

At last intake care and have a great day ahead.