(Healing Jewel Chapter 8, references to be overlapped in this chapter.)

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Guilt.

One word to describe his state at this point of time. Vikram was cursing his entire life by the way he reacted towards Jaanvi. He was mean... Shree messed up his life and everyone else was paying the price for it. Fuck my life.

He didn't know why his mother was so stubborn about accepting Vishalini. She was way out of his world. She was a person who didn't have a clue about the real world. She was too soft and too full of herself. She only knew the kind of life celebrities lived. Marrying her would push him into an endless nightmare.

Vikram wasn't a guy who was full of roses and fairytales. He was a guy built for hardcore love. He saw the harder side of life and everything with him had an intensity to it. His intensity and passion wasn't something everyone could handle.

Vikram knew that he wasn't easy to live with. He demanded a lot from his partners. Physically, sexually, mentally and emotionally, he needed hundred percentage of everything. He wasn't easy going with people around him. There were days where he would just find an outlet to vent out, and the person he loved the most would have to tolerate his abuse.

Vikram's future wife would have to be an iron-lady in order to bear him. He was really a tough man and he knew it. Living with him wasn't easy. He was territorial, possessive and really snappy at times. He was rough in bed and the person who was with him needed to have a strong mental strength to deal with it.

Being with Shree in the past taught him too many lessons on why marriages would never work for him. He would never really give any girl the freedom that they asked for. It was too much for him. His girl, was his alone. He hated to share anything when it was his territory. It made sense to him. He didn't care if nobody understood him.

His love was too overbearing. He accepted that it was his nature to be that way. He knew it wasn't the right way, but he didn't know any other way. This was him. His love was hard and unforgiving. He would always give and never expect anything back. Loving someone was like means of worship. He did it with all his heart and soul.

However, after Shree happened everything died.

Vikram laid there tiredly and looked at the ceiling. He reflected on how bad he had treated Jaanvi that day. He had no rights! That's it. No freaking right to chase her away like he did. She only spoke a few words and he got angry. His biggest fear was her mouth. Sometimes she had no idea of what she was speaking. Vikram was afraid of the truth she would say at times.

He was actually mad at Vishalini for provoking him. The way she continued about making their relationship pissed him off. Instead of showing her his anger, he threw it on Jaanvi. He took his temper upon the wrong girl. Yes, bad move.

To his complete surprise, Jaanvi didn't even shed a single tear. When he chased her out, she just looked at him like he was a complete idiot. Her eyes studied him and she just walked away like a queen. She didn't even try to gain any sympathy. No sad faces, arguments or dramas. She just walked away like she understood his emotions. The fact that she understood, made him afraid.

It was as if it naturally came to her. She came prepared to face his anger. She was too strong for her own good. The way she looked at him, told that she understood why he did it. If that wasn't the scariest thing on earth, Vikram didn't know what was.

She naturally accepted his assault. It came so natural to her, that it scared the shit out of him.

Vikram was actually hating it that he cared for that motor-mouth lady. It hurt him that he hurt her. He actually cared that he hurt her. He wasn't someone who regretted his actions before, because he never lost his temper like this in the first place. But with Jaanvi, everything had a first time.

He really regretted his actions.

She was killing his insides with the way she took liberties with him. She spoke to him like she had rights over him. Even his friends did not take such liberties. No one.... Absolutely no one did that. No one dared to walk inside his office, talk to him like that or forcefully sit in his car like she did today. But Jaanvi did.

He hated to think how bad he had messed up this time. He was a psychiatrist and he behaved like a complete moron today. He should have held his patience. Yes, it was his fault. Being a doctor, he failed the biggest test in his life.

He had to make up for his mistakes. He had to.

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Vikram sat on top fiddling with his keys. He had so much of work and right now, this place was proving to be a blessing. There was a lot of noise from Sona's house downstairs and he was really contemplating if he should go down and check on her.

That's when he heard a loud crashing sound of glass breaking. His heartbeat skipped as he quickly shuffled in his place. He got up and grabbed his gun. Shoving it in his pants behind, he quickly ran out of his apartment without even locking the doors. His mind was so alert and he made sure the place was secured.

He looked around all the way while he walked down. Sonakshi's house door was unlocked and the gates were wide open. Vikram was high on alert as he walked closer. The nearer he got the louder the sounds were.

When he almost reached the door, he heard Dev speaking. That's when his feet stopped.

"Sonakshi I am here t-"

"Are you spying on me?" Sonakshi's voice was so loud. Probably the loudest he had heard so far. Vikram scratched his head and leaned against the wall. Gosh, why did this Dev come unannounced?

"What?" Dev asked, but his voice was so shaky. He was becoming a bad liar these days.

"Don't lie.... You are still lying to me. Tell me.... What's going on?" Sona was on fire. She easily suspected that something was wrong. Well, come on. Everytime she was on trouble, Dev was just there like a genie. Doesn't take a genius to find out.

Suddenly the sound of someone falling down woke him up. He took the risk and peeked inside the house. That's when his entire body shivered. Sonakshi fell down in the place where glass pieces were shattered in the hall. The moment her knee touched the sharp glass, it pricked through her skin and her white pants started to soak in burgundy colour.

Blood oozed out of her knees, but Sonakshi was oblivious to that pain. She clutched her head in agony and rubbed her eyes continuously. Shit she was having hallucinations again.

"Pleaseeee..... leave me alone. Don't haunt me again. I didn't mean anything I did.... I am sorry" she wept, pointing at an empty space. Vikram rubbed his unshaven stumbles and closed his eyes. Fuck this.

She was talking to the aborted child. She lost her child due to her peer pressure and depression. Now everything was biting their back.

Vikram challenged to look inside again and saw Dev walking towards her. Bad move...

"Hey sweetheart..." Dev softly whispered.

Sona was not in her proper state to reply to him yet. She started shuddering profusely, and when she opened her eyes, her orbs drilled at Dev with confusion.

"Leave! Leave me. Please leave. Go away! Let me suffer alone.... Let me grieve alone. I killed someone." She was hysterical.

"Sonakshi! Come on. Let's go to the doctor..." Dev panicked and instantly hugged her sideways. Using his hands, he tried to remove the glass piece that was stuck in her leg. But Sonakshi didn't allow him to touch her.

She shrieked away as he came closer.

"Go away!!!!!! Why have you come now? What don't you just disappear from my life? Why do you keep appearing in front of me? Why?" she cried.

"Stop saying things that you cannot take back Sona. Please..." Dev pleaded.

"WHY WON'T YOU LEAVE?" she held his collars and pulled him harshly. But Dev just looked at her blankly and sighed.

"Because I promised your grandfather that I wouldn't give up on you." He said and Vikram felt bad for him.

Dev's calmness only angered her further. She slapped his hands away and threw the nearest item she could find on the table. Ignoring all her attempts, Dev came down and hugged her again, making her cry harder.

"Dev, leave.... If you don't, I will do something that you will regret." She struggled and cried harder. Vikram had to agree that she was not entirely lying. She was working on survival and she would definitely hurt Dev if he stood there further. He was the only guy who accepted her anger and agony with open arms.

"No Sonakshi. You are hurting yourself... please stop" Dev held her down. Vikram wanted to help, but he didn't want to intrude the couple's privacy. This moment was actually needed so much between them.

"Stoppppp" Sona screamed and suddenly slapped Dev's hands away. But Dev gathered her back in his arms again.

In the heat of the moment, Sonakshi grabbed his folded arms and pushed him away with all her might. When Dev fought back, she took the nearest item she could find on the table and stabbed him through his biceps. Vikram had his back up when he saw the knife in her hands.

He knew that she wasn't even aware of the thing that she was holding. She just took it in reflex to hurt Dev. Before Vikram knew what was happening, Dev was drenched in blood. Sona took longer time to process that she actually caused him hurt. Her eyes stoned numb when she realised that she was holding a knife. Yeah dumb move, Sona.

"No....no" she whispered in a daze. Fuck, this was bad.

"Oh my god..." Sona gasped, dropping the knife in dismay.

"Sonakshi......it's okay." Dev spoke in a whisper, holding his arms from bleeding further. Vikram wanted to kill that fucker first. How many times he warned Dev not to come without informing him?

"No.....it's not okay. I just hurt you." Sona yelled back. She looked traumatised and guilt ridden. Vikram smiled when he heard the softness in her voice. She so loved him.

"No Sona... it was an accident. You didn't do it on purpose. I know-"

"It's not an accident..." a choked sob left her lips and she bowed down in humiliation.

"It was an accident Sona. It's not even painful. See..... I swear." He tried convincing her. Dev was really the sweetest guy on earth. The way he handled Sona was something only he could do. Nobody could handle Sonakshi when she was this way. Only Dev had the power.

Vikram found their entire relationship funny. They fought like cat and mouse. But when they needed solace, they were back into each other's arms. Sonakshi allowed Dev's closeness even when she 'claimed' that she hated him. She allowed him to hold her and console her. Even when she was angry, there were certain liberties that she naturally gave Dev. She didn't question him when he cleaned her wounds or hugged her. None of them had the rights over her like Dev did.

"Sonakshi..... it's not your fault. It's okay..." Dev consoled and Sona looked at him with so much guilt. That's when Vikram saw the love in her eyes. He had never seen Sonakshi looking at anyone that way. There was so much of love for Dev in her eyes. But life pushed her badly, okay?

"I could have killed you!" she cried softly. Vikram felt his heart melt. She was such an innocent soul. Fresh tears sprung in her eyes and she breathed in harder like someone was choking her.

"No sweetheart. That's not true."

"You are lying. You always lie! I tried hurting you....." she replied and Vikram knew she was speaking from insecurities and self-loathing. This girl will never change!

That's when Vikram decided to make his appearance. He really needed to shoo Dev away before Sonakshi faints in distress. She was holding on to her last thread and Dev was not supposed to be there. If Vikram's prediction was right, she would immediately go into another hallucination or shock if Dev kept pestering her.

"Hey guys! Everything okay? I heard some crazy noise upstairs......" Vikram stood upright and tried to give awkward smile. He tried his best to make it out like he didn't just run down like a crazy man. Dev was shooting daggers, but Vikram leisurely avoided it.

"Everything's okay. You can leave." Dev gave a tight-lipped smile. Vikram so wanted to shoot that dumbass!

"Dr Sha, I hope you are okay.... Do you need help?" Vikram asked and saw Sona frowning at him. Yeah, she didn't like him being here. What's new, right?

"Y-yes, e....e-everything is okay...." Sona composed herself and hid her tears smartly behind her hair. She thought Vikram was born yesterday, maybe.

"Who are you?" Dev frowned Vikram raised an eyebrow at him. Really fucker?

"I am Vikram. Dr Sha's friend." Vikram kept his tone light and cheerful. Yeah, I will show you how to act better.

"Uhrmmm" Vikram coughed again when Dev was in his deep thoughts. Dev slowly composed himself and forwarded his bleeding hand. Vikram held his hands and squeezed it so hard, so that his bones could break. He could see Dev controlling a smile. Yeah, that guy found this hilarious?

"I am D-"

"Dev Sharma. Of course, I know...." Vikram acted like he knew that celebrity fucker.

"I am Sona's husband." He said in a possessive tone.

"What?" Vikram was supposed to act. Yeah, get out already, Dev!

"You heard it the first time. Doctor Sonakshi Sharma's husband.... Dev Sharma!" he completed. Yeah, okay fine.

It wasn't long when Dev was forced to leave the house with a huge sulk. He was a stupid man. He thought Sonakshi was in danger. So he thought that it was okay to pay her a visit. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Vikram knew he cared for her. But Sona wasn't a normal patient. She needed lots of patience. Right now, Dev wasn't the person she should be around with.

Vikram walked in and helped her to clear the mess there.

This was going to be a long day

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Vikram returned back to Sona's apartment with the food and found her sitting there, watching the blank walls. Apparently he had offered to buy her some Italian food.

"Did he hurt you?" he asked, sitting down at the sofa opposite her. He was dying to know what her answer would be.

"No, he didn't..." she gulped.

"He looks like an asshole!"

"Don't talk about him like that." She snapped and Vikram raised his brows. Okay, this was interesting.

"Well... he caused such a mess at your house."

"I caused it. Not him." She was still defending.

"Yeah, its because he intruded your house, right?" Vikram was still trying to be on team-Sona. It was hilarious that she was standing up for Dev when he wasn't around. Their love was adorable.

"It's his house also. So yeah, stop accusing him unnecessarily."

"Yes okay. Again, you didn't tell me you were married?" He frowned and she frowned back. Yeah, cute little thing.

"The whole world knows how he left me in the wedding hall. Now, don't ask me anything about him." She shut him up effectively. Vikram nodded, knowing how agitated she was becoming.

"Well, okay..."

The silence was demeaning until Sonakshi lifted up her head and looked at him. She was biting her tongue from saying something. Vikram prayed that she would open up. After all, he was the only one who was on her face all the bloody time.

"You think I act like a bitch, don't you?" she asked and his eyes widened. Woah... what's with her and the bitch word?

Vikram chuckled and looked at her with a wide grin. She was really proving to be a hassle in every way. She amused him so much that he wanted to smack her on her head.

"The B word? Really? And why would I think that way?" he asked with a lopsided grin.

"Because you have seen me always snapping at you. I am never a nice person to anyone. I have never smiled at someone for a long time..... I always.... Always act like a mean person." She spoke softly while I gazed at her eyes. Her diminishing soul was still hanging inside her orbs.

"For your kind information... I don't make friends with bitchy people. So nope. I don't think you are anywhere close to the category. I have seen people who are extremely rude, arrogant and senseless. And I have seen you too. Yeah, I agree that you are a difficult friend. But....." Vikram paused as he woke up and took a seat closer to her.

If he wasn't wrong, he saw her visibly tensing. She was always so frightened.

"But let me tell you.... I look at your taunts like a child's tantrums. You have way more class than others. Your eyes are always looking out for a friend. I somehow see it. I know that you are a nice person. I have seen you always helping an old blind woman outside the road early in the morning. She can't even see you....but you always go there and help her when the sun is not even out. And that....... That's the real Dr Sha that the world has failed to see. You..." he pointed at her chest and looked up at her eyes with a warm smile.

"You, are not who you want to be. You want the world to look at you like a monster. But trust me, you are beautiful person. In and out." Vikram said and saw her eyes brimming with tears. Sonakshi was never good at hiding her tears. She always let out and she saw that as her weakness. But she was really a beautiful soul.

"I can't believe you are not judgemental like others... I n-never thought..." she choked and Vikram just shook his head tiredly.

"Seriously? You forgot to mention that you are married and now, you are the one who's crying?" Vikram gasped dramatically, earning a loud chuckle from her. Vikram was happy he saw a glimpse of her smile. She was so pretty when she smiled. Her smile would have been the death of many guys.

Now Vikram understood why Dev was so protective of her. Hell yeah, he would have turned insane if he had such a beautiful wife staying alone too.

"Shut up!" she nudged and Vikram just fanned himself.

"By the way... You know two weeks back, I met a patient. A patient whom I treated so badly." Sonakshi's tone suddenly went down. She looked down at her fingers and clenched her eyes shut tightly. It was almost as if recalling a bad memory.

"Oh, what happened?"

"She.... I actually knew her. She was engaged to my friend once. But his engagement broke because of her. So, I kind of took my anger out in the wrong way." She sighed and my eyes squinted in confusion. Okay.... She had friends?

"Oh, your college friend?" Vikram asked, being intrigued.

"No, not college friend. He's Dev's friend actually. His name is Arjun." She said and Vikram's body turned cold. No...no...no.

"Oh..." Vikram was speechless. He just rubbed his mouth and looked at her with uncertainty. Vikram was so unprepared for this conversation.

"I actually snapped at her in the wrong way. I taunted her medical records when she came for a check-up.... I can't believe that I have become who I feared the most. I judged someone without even knowing what their past was. It was just so....so unavoidable." She dug her fingers in her hair and slumped down in defeat. Vikram rubbed his lips and his face changed. So Sona, snapped at Jaanvi because she was a drug addict?

"Why did you do that?" he asked, not being able to help his disappointment.

"She hurt Arjun so bad.... They were almost going to get married. I knew how madly in love Arjun was. He loved her so much. But she betrayed him. I couldn't take the anger anywhere else. Seeing Arjun helpless always made me hate her a little more. I took that personal matter out while I was at work. This is so unprofessional." She blabbered and Vikram felt terrible for her. He felt a little more sorry for Jaanvi.

"Why did their marriage stop?" Vikram asked and Sona wiped her tears. She looked at Vikram and just shook her head.

"Sorry, I can't tell you. It's confidential." She gave an apologetic smile and stood up.

"I am sorry Vikram... I just don't know what came over. I should not have discussed all this." She said with lots of regret. Vikram knew this was a great progress. They were improving. Sonakshi was willingly opening up and this was a great deal. So, he just gave her a faint smile and waved his hand.

"Don't worry Dr Sha. I am always here to listen to your rants. Don't worry, I have short term memory loss. So all your words will fly from my mind." He laughed to give her a sense of relief. He knew that was the only way to make her open up.

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Vikram walked back from the busy lane and entered the florist shop. Picking up his favourite set of pink roses with baby breaths, he quickly paid the cashier and left the store. He did his usual chores and walked by the lane, inhaling the fresh breeze of air. He loved walking to his office. Even his employees gave him a shocked look when he took the local bus and alighted down. Vikram had gone to research the case files before he started his exciting day. Today was a busy day and he had a lot of things on his to-do list.

He quickly rushed to his office and greeted the employees. Striding to his office, he quickly instructed Joe to call the number on his diary. Joe was clueless about his mood too. Seeing the fresh roses in his hands, she assumed that boss must be on a good mood.

"Sir... phone." Joe passed him the phone and Vikram picked it up with a prepared mind.

"Hello? Jaanvi?" Vikram was quick to answer.

"Hello? Sorry who?" a soft female voice was heard on the other side. Vikram frowned and felt a chill in his body. This wasn't Jaanvi....

"Umm... May I speak to Ms Jaanvi Mishra please?" Vikram asked politely. He prayed that the unknown person gave the phone to her quickly.

"Jaanvi? Jaanvi is not at home. May I know who is this?" the voice replied. Vikram frowned and wondered who was on the other side. Must be her sister.

"Umm... I am here to talk to Ms Mishra about her job application that she'd applied in our company. May I know when will she be back?" Vikram asked curiously.

"Oh, she has gone to the Burlington Arcade for a date. I am sorry to say that she won't be able to work in your company. She's getting married soon, you see." The person replied and Vikram choked on his words. Was this bitch serious?

"And may I know who is this?" his voice came out edgy.

"Riya. Jaanvi's sister." She replied and Vikram could already tell that she hated her sister. He could read a person based on just their tone. Vikram had only seen Jaanvi's parents. He never saw or heard how irritating her sister was, yet.

"Okay Ms Riya. I understand that your sister has gone out. This job offer is for her to reject. So, kindly keep your opinions shut to yourself. Thank you!" Vikram snapped and hung the call. He was so pissed. Jaanvi getting married?

Vikram felt his inside crushing heavily. He had no idea why he felt as though he was being stabbed by knifes. Jaanvi was just a patient to him. He knew she was. Eventually she would marry.... Why did he feel so horrible? Heck, they didn't even have a nice conversation in their entire life. Everything between them was abnormal. Yet here he was, feeling like he was being betrayed.

"Sir, everything okay?" Joe asked and Vikram just shook his head. Taking his keys out, he quickly stood up from his chair.

"Joe, ask the driver to take me to Burlington Arcade."

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Vikram didn't know how long he travelled. But here he was! Standing outside Burlington Arcade, he had no idea what the hell he was doing there. He had the roses in his hands and a file. He was going to do this.

Vikram was daring when it came to his life. He never cowered away or feared from doing anything stupid. He was the craziest man and he often loved to trouble people. He had this cheerful and cheeky side which people from his workplace never saw.

Now, he was just all about trouble. He needed to see Jaanvi. He didn't know where she was. But from the way Riya said, he predicted that they would definitely be hanging around in some café.

After thirty minutes of walking up and down, Vikram finally spotted a lady in white salwar kameez. Her back was facing him while she was seated with this young man. She was sipping on a drink from her straw while fiddling with her fingers. Somehow, Vikram knew that it had to be Jaanvi.

He just knew.

Jaanvi's POV

This was the most horrifying thing that I have ever done in my life. Forced to be on a date with a stranger, was not a funny thing. Firstly, he looked creepy and second, he was so self-obsessed. He didn't even ask me what I liked. All the while, he was only talking praises about himself.

However, on the brighter side, he actually looked decent and young. His name was Sid and he was doing fine in his life. I know I should be counting my blessings now. There were many girls out there who married a fifty year old uncle and settled for whatever they could because of no choice. Then there were girls who didn't marry at all because they couldn't find an alliance. At least my parents were kind enough to get a nice guy. Yeah yeah.... Whatever.

But my mind wasn't getting consoled at all. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop my face from faltering away. Arjun's thoughts were not helping too. Everytime Sid spoke about something, my mind would naturally compare him and Arjun. Arjun was so much better.....etc etc.

I hate you Arjun! I really do.

I didn't want to show Sid that I wasn't interested. I tried my best to smile at him. My family was really placing all their bets on him for some weird reason. I had no idea how to approach this situation. Should I just marry him and move on? Well, he doesn't look too bad for now.

The big question was, did he want me in the first place?

"So Jaanvi, your parents told me that you are from this rehabilitation centre. I mean... that's a sad thing. Do you want to talk about it?" Sid asked and I looked at him in perplexity. Did I want to talk to him? Yeah...hahaha nope.

"Um, well it's a bad past. Was trying to deal with my depression. Took a wrong choice and suffered for it. But now, I am okay and cured. I have a healthy routine and I stay clear of all troubles. I mean... I am even trying to get a job now. I look forward to live a happy and healthy life." I said and he looked at me with a warm smile. Okay, he didn't look so bad.

I liked how my parents didn't hide anything from this guy. At least I have some hope.

Just as we were talking, suddenly we were intruded by a tall guy. Wait, what the fuck? Vikram? Yes, sure it was him.

Suited in a full white suit, an expensive watch adorning his wrist, he had his cuffs unbuttoned and tied up halfway. His sunglasses hanging low in his shirt which has the first two buttons unbuttoned. He held a hand full of beautiful pink roses as he stood upright against our table. He had an intense stare as he approached us. When he tilted his neck, I almost caught a look at his tattoo that sneaked out. God, how I wish I saw that tattoo fully...

Gaining back my wits, I looked at him strangely. Okay, why the hell was he here?

"Hi Jaanvi." He waved casually and my eyes enlarged. I gave him a what-the-hell, look. Honestly, what did he want?

"Umm... Hi" I replied and looked back at Sid who looked at us confusedly.

"So what's up Jaanvi? Who's this? Aren't you going to introduce us?" Vikram acted nonchalant. The way he spoke sounded like he had a fixed plan ahead. Okay, he was scaring me for real. Did he come here to take revenge at me for yesterday? Of course it had to be.

I knew that Vikram wasn't someone who would play with others unnecessarily. He wasn't a trouble, like me. So why was he doing this?

"Vikram.... This is Sid, my date. And Sid, this is Vikram, my......." I paused, not knowing what to say.

"Friend. I am Jaanvi's friend." Vikram completed and Sid gave me a confused smile. Yeah, don't look at me. I don't know why he's here either.

"Sorry Sid. I hope you don't mind me sitting here for a while. I am waiting for my girlfriend to show up. Can I take this seat until then?" Vikram gave a cheerful vibe and my jaws dropped. How did he act so cool? With me, he was always the arrogant jerk.

But wait, why was he going to sit here? Did he want to eavesdrop? Stupid Vikram! Please go away.

"Of course, I don't mind bro. Is she your friend through college?" Sid asked after sipping his drink. Yeah, friend my foot.

"No... just knew her through mutual friends." Vikram replied casually with a dashing smile. Gosh, he had dimples!!!!

''Oh nice..." Sid was trying to keep it cool. I thanked my stars when Vikram turned away and sat there, letting us talk. He slowly took out his handphone and pretended like calling someone. Okay this was awkward. I knew he wasn't calling anyone.

"So, you were saying something about working, Jaanvi?" Sid turned again and asked me now. Okay jeez, shut up dude. This psycho here needs to leave first.

"Um, yeah. I was saying that maybe I could find a work first and-"

"But after marriage, you are aware that I will be travelling overseas right?" he interrupted me. My eyes darted to him and I looked at him sceptically.

"Sorry?"

"I mean... I told your parents too. I wanted someone who does not work. Its easier for me to be that way. My work is demanding and I may need someone who would be able to travel around with me." He said and sipped his drink again.

I just nodded. I mean, what else can I do? My options were quite limited now.

"Okay... Well then how often do you have a holiday? I heard that you are quite a busy person?" I tried to keep my exhausting humour light.

"Oh, holidays are tough Jaanvi. I doubt we would even be able to take a few breaks. But I will definitely bring you out sometimes after marriage." He smiled and I smiled back. So another jail, huh?

"No worries....I could use my free time to go out and make some friends too." I chuckled and he gave me a serious look.

"Hmm, well I think that's a bit tough. My parents are at home and when they are at home, its expected for you to be there too. I hope we are on the same page, right?" he asked. Um, nope! Not at all.

I really didn't understand what he was thinking. Okay, he wanted me to stay at home and look pretty. Great!

"Um, what do you expect from this marriage? Do you have any expectations?" I asked, trying to bandage my mood.

"Um... nothing much actually. I really like you. When I saw your photo for the first time, I really thought you were the prettiest girl I ever laid my eyes upon. You were so gorgeous. I mean...Just look at you.." okay this just got creepy. Just stop.

"Well, I could say the same too. You look really good." I complimented back. But this time, the asshole Vikram actually coughed. He literally had a death wish.

Thankfully Sid didn't care about that side track. He just kept talking and explaining about his hobbies.

"I actually love swimming. In childhood, I used to do so much of water sports. Kayaking, kitesurfing, boat riding, skydiving and of course canyoning. I even run during the weekends. I also like table-tennis. Do you play?" Sid asked excitedly. That was the rare times he spoke with such excitement. I smiled and just shook my head shyly. Yeah, I wasn't such an exciting girl.

"I d-don't really play such games. I mean, I have never tried much things. Secret to be told, I am actually afraid of sea activities. I am a bit afraid of drowning." I said shyly. I was sure my face was red by now. It was really embarrassing to talk these things.

Sid seemed to be taken aback.

"Wow, not even one? Then what else do you do? Do you have any hobbies?" he asked and I felt my face getting red. Vikram's back was straight up. I swear this idiot was listening.

"Um... yeah I do."

"What hobbies?" Sid wasn't going to leave me alone. Might as well be frank.

"I enjoy writing... I write poems and riddles. I also love arts. Fashion designing became my dream. Partially that's due to my interest in drawing. I love sketching people, places and nice clothes. My mum always said that I was a great artist." I smiled to myself.

"Wow...Honestly, I can't relate to that. Sounds a bit boring." He laughed and I inhaled a sharp breath. Okay then.

"Do you know how to cook?" he asked and my eyes squinted. Okay, this was draining.

"Um... not really. I can survive doing some food." I bit, trying to sound as genuine as possible.

"Oh no... Will you be learning that anytime soon? My mum is a picky judge. Just a warning, yeah?" he said like it was a joke. Okay, not funny dude.

"Yes, I will learn soon." I just gave him a half-hearted smile and nodded.

"Hey Jaanvi, don't look so scared. It's okay. I will always be there to guide you, okay? We can always learn things together. It's not so bad yaar!" He finally said something that made me feel one percent better.

"Yeah sure..."

Sid looked like a nice guy. If not the level I imagined, he still gave a nice vibe. He was honest sometimes. But truth sometimes hurt... So I guess, that was normal. He was a clean dude, unlike me. He didn't have any stupid past. Despite knowing that my engagement was cancelled, had a drug addiction and stopped my studies halfway, he still was willing to marry me. I mean who would do that?

"Okay Jaanvi, I have to rush for work. Hope we can catch again soon. Can I drop you?" he asked, standing up. Honestly I was really done for that day. But I didn't want to go back with him.

"Um, nope. I actually have some things I need to grab first. Will catch you later?" I smiled and he quickly flashed me back a wide smile. Okay he was cute. A little bit...

After Sid was gone, I sighed in relief and turned around. That pest was still there. I glared at him who was now blocking my path.

"Excuse me? Is your girlfriend still on the way, or do you have any more reason to sit here and eavesdrop?" I snapped when he turned around. Oh boy, his messy looks.

"Okay, let me ask this straight. What the fuck was that Jaanvi?" he asked suddenly, pointing to the way Sid just left.

"What?? He's my fiancé...apparently." I said with a huge frown. It sounded so weird even to my own ears. Oh well, that's life.

"Fiancé? Really?" Vikram looked angry instantly. What is his problem now?

It was almost as if he was holding himself from saying something. He looked so troubled and his face muscles flexed sexily. He was so good looking that I could stare at him all day. So manly and what not... Gosh, I need a break from such guys in my life.

Without replying to him, I just walked towards the other direction. Why should I answer him? Didn't he chase me away yesterday? Am I not always the burden around? He always called me Satan, right? Well yes. Now I am away! Good for him.

"Okay, why that frown, now?" he asked and I flinched in fright. Before I knew, he was already behind me. I brought my hands to my chest and freaked.

"What the hell? Don't be creepy. Go away." I gasped and looked around.

"This street is not under you name. Anyone can walk." He snapped and gave that stupid face again.

"Why are you following me?" I asked, walking even faster than before. Despite my fast steps, he was catching alongside me just fine. His one footstep was equivalent to three steps of mine. Long-legged idiot.

"I came to give you this." He said finally stopping in his tracks. I stopped too and noticed the bunch of flowers being passed to me. My eyes enlarged and I gave him what-the-fuck look.

"Well... don't get any ideas. This is my apology for yesterday." He said before I could assume anything. Yeah, right. What a beautiful apology?

"Okay... Apology not accepted. You can bring back your flowers and give your Vishalini from yesterday. She seemed like she needed it more." I spoke and walked away. Shockingly, he was smiling to himself when I spoke.

"Not funny, okay?" I snapped and he raised his hands.

"I didn't say it was funny. Anyways, do you want me to bring this back too?" he asked, handing me a file. My eyes sparkled and I looked at his eyes again.

"What's this?"

"Why don't you take a look?" he smirked. Oh boy, don't kill me there. I quickly averted my gaze and took the file from him. Opening the file, my eyes instantly widened in surprise.

My lips touched a smile when I realised that he had actually printed such a nice report for me. I flipped through the pages one by one, and damn.... It was probably the best report I had read. He definitely edited so many things there.

When I lifted down the file and looked at him, his eyes were still etched on my face.

"You really changed the reports? This fast?" I asked and he just shrugged.

"Yeah, what can I do? The Satan haunted me last night and I was scared that I would end up in hell." He answered and my mouth opened wide. How dare he? But I ended up smiling too.

It was really draining. We were just walking to nowhere. I looked at the reports and walked through the busy street. Every page, made me smile deeper. It was kind of sweet that he did this for me. Still I should not be so forgiving. But still, it was hard. A guy looking as good as him, coming down to do things like this was really a weakness, okay?

"I won't say thank you. You really hurt me yesterday, okay?" I frowned and he just smirked apologetically. I didn't know why he was walking with me, but I didn't really feel like asking anymore.

As we walked down, I saw him taking out a cigarette and lighting it up. Everything he did was sexy. You couldn't deny how intense he looked when he did simple things. The way his muscles flexed, tattoos sneaked down till his left chest....Jeez, how much tattoo did he have?

"Stop ogling." He hushed and my eyes widened. He was not even looking at me.

"I am not!!! How did you know I was looking at you?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"I didn't study psychology for fun. It's to study creeps like you." He answered and I smacked his shoulder with my right hand. He winced and looked at me like I was an alien. Yeah, next time I would smack his head.

"What the fuck?"

"I am not a creep! You are a creep. The way you behaved yesterday was creepy. Now stop following me and go away. Take this too." I passed him the reports and walked away quickly. Finding a roadside bench, I walked there and slumped down in defeat.

Seeing the reports now only dampened my mood further. Now I couldn't even look for a job with these nice reports. Sid looked like he wanted me to be a housewife. Looks like my life was screwed.

"What's with the long face? Didn't you fight so hard for this reports yesterday?" Vikram was again there next to me. He was like a nuisance lingering in the air. It's not entertaining to be chased and welcomed back, you know?

"Yes, and you threw away my reports in the air. Remember?" I blurted back.

For a moment he looked like he was contemplating his reply. He looked like he really regretted his action. He clutched the reports and then took a deep breath. We sat there in silence and the air between us was so brittle. I was just in my own world thinking about the stupid date I just had. In seconds, Vikram was up from his seat and he was squatting in front of me.

My face paled and I clutched my heart again. God, what the hell?

"See, I am sorry.... I really mean it this time. I shouldn't have lost my shit yesterday. I don't really do that to anyone. I really adore and respect you. Even you know that. But yesterday, when you spoke something about overcoming the past, I really lost it. I know it was very unprofessional. But marriage and relationships are my weakness. It's a sore topic. Can you please....like forgive me and accept these flowers?" he asked and I just blinked speechlessly.

Did he just ask forgiveness on his knees?

My smile couldn't have broadened further. It was so heart-warming to be having a normal conversation with normal people. After so long, someone treated me like a real human being. Just the rush of emotions made me feel so choked. Only Vikram... only he treated me like this.

"Umm, okay. Thank you..." I said from the bottom of my heart when I picked up the roses. He just shrugged back and resumed to his seat beside me. I didn't know when he discarded his smoke. But now he was sitting, slouched back in deep thoughts.

"Okay, stop grinning like an idiot." He voiced out and my face immediately changed. Jeez this man!

"What? Nobody has given me flowers, okay? It's just.... Overwhelming." I admitted and he looked at me with his stunning blue eyes.

"Okay. What about the reports?" he asked and my pout naturally made its way out.

"What's the point of those reports now? You can just throw it away."

"Throw it? What the fuck is wrong with you?" he asked and my face dropped. Seriously? Why did he have to ask me all these questions?

"Whatever... I am getting married soon." I just shrugged.

"Yes genius. I just saw that promo to your marriage. Are you fucking real? How can you marry that guy?" he asked and suddenly my face started getting hotter. Was that supposed to be an insult?

"What's that supposed to mean? What's wrong with Sid?"

"The relationship between you guys is wrong. Did you see the way he spoke to you? He looks down at you as if you are under his feet." Vikram huffed and I gawked at him. Nope. That wasn't true... he was just stating real things.

"Stop it Vikram. Don't interfere in this. You aren't my psychiatrist anymore." I replied, giving a sulking face. Honestly I didn't want to know Vikram's opinion anymore. He was a manipulative guy. Anything he said, could easily change people's mind.

"Woah, okay fine. Do whatever you want. But don't tell me I didn't warn you." He said and laid down back into the bench.

"What the hell do you want me to do now?" I all, but whined. Vikram gave me a sharp look and shook his head.

"Are you willing to date that guy? Tell me the truth?"

"Of course not. But life has to move on right? Who will marry me, knowing my shitty background and-"

"But that's not the reason you agreed for this date." He stated like a pro. My lips were sealed and I looked at him helplessly. How did he find this out. My brows joined in worry as I just shook my head.

What's the point of hiding anyway?

"My father...." I licked my lips. And that caught his attention. His head snapped towards me and he looked like he was waiting for me to continue.

"My father told me that I had to get married first in order for Riya to be settled down. They are worried that her marriage would be affected if I stay single too long."

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7758 words. Written in one day!