Jaanvi was tongue-tied.

He said that he had better chemistry with Riya than her. What was that supposed to mean? They liked each other? Oh...ok...

Jaanvi had to inhale a deep breath and count to ten. She was really finding it hard to hold her breath until ten seconds. Her breaths were quick and unstable. She hated to have panic attacks infront of people. Her eyes were struggling to stay open as she stared at her sister and then back at Sid.

Riya was giving an apologetic look. She looked too embarrassed to be confronted while Sid looked like he regretted it too. But what's the use? It was their decision. They betrayed her and made her look like a fool after so many days. They dated behind her back.... Jaanvi would never be so hurt if it came from a random girl. But Riya???

Riya was her baby sister. Her best friend and best companion. She always turned to Riya for problems. How could she think of doing this?

She could not believe that Riya would do this to her. Jaanvi would have never done anything in her life to hurt her sister. All she had done was sacrifice. She had done so much of sacrifice in her life at the age of twenty four. But what did she get in return?

Everyone whom she loved, turned their back on her. She looked at Riya unbelievably.

"Did you go for the movie with Sid, that day?" she asked, recalling all the memories that happened in the past. Jaanvi was feeling like a complete fool. Her heart was crushed and she was too embarrassed to be sitting there like a loser.

Riya looked dumbstruck. It was like she didn't expect Jaanvi to find out this way. Well, what was she expecting anyways?

Jaanvi wasn't dumb. Yes, she was innocent at times. She wasn't like the fast-forwarded teenagers who knew everything at the tip of their fingers. She was a little naïve. But she definitely wasn't a fool. She was smart to always notice things around her. She was quick to catch people's lies.

"Jaanvi, please.... I am sorry. It's not like how it looks. I wasn't dating him like you think. He just happened to approach me and....and..... and I just......."

"Just what? Just decided to betray me? Did I not even cross your mind for a millisecond? Our parents fixed an alliance for me. They match-made us together and you still thought that it was okay to date him? I was talking to him for three months. Three months!!!!!" Jaanvi choked, feeling her heart being crushed into pieces.

"We thought about you million times, Jaanvi. We did..." Sid spoke now. Jaanvi's anger shot up highly when he opened his mouth. He gave her the extreme guilt look. But Jaanvi hated him from the bottom of her heart. She didn't know how to feel about the entire situation.

She had invested so much of time and energy on Sid from the start. She forced herself to please him. She eventually thought that she could move on from her past and live happily. She looked at him so highly because Sid had looked past all her flaws and agreed to give her a life together. She thought that Sid respected her. How much hopes she had on him....

"You... How could you date my sister and then lie straight on my face? Didn't you have an ounce of guilt? You knew how much I tried changing myself for you.... You knew! YOU KNEW!" Jaanvi screamed, making Sid a little startled.

"Woah... Before you express your anger on us, let me tell you something, Jaanvi. We were never meant to be together. I mean look at you and me," Sid paused and showed the distance between them.

"Our likes and dislikes are so different. I feel that your lifestyle is too boring for me. I mean, you aren't interested in anything I do. Can you just look at us? Aren't we the most boring couple? All you do is just write poems and play chess. Come on, even my nephew has better hobbies." Sid narrated and two loud gasps were heard around him.

"Sid.... Please stop. What the hell are you doing?" Riya placed her hands on top of his and pleaded. She looked as pale as a chalk.

"No Riya... I mean, it's the truth. I am sure she needs to open her eyes now. I have given too much. She is from the rehabilitation centre after doing drugs and still I decided to give her a go. But the truth hurts in the end. What more can I do, right?" he said and Jaanvi immediately stood up from her chair.

"Wow... just wow." Jaanvi nodded.

"Jaanvi, look. When he approached me, I couldn't refuse. I mean, it just happened. I got attracted to him when he spoke to me. I just couldn't avoid it. I do feel terrible.... Can you please don't make this a big issue?" Riya asked and Jaanvi felt her heart closing up.

"Make this an big issue? You talking about me?" Jaanvi pointed towards her own self.

"See, Jaanvi. I understand your anger. I mean... I didn't mean to give you hopes for so long. But you have to see from my point of view. I was attracted to her."

"So, you would date anyone who's attractive after you are committed?" Jaanvi snapped.

"No... I found your sister more interesting. She was smart and she really attracted me in ways a guy would be attracted to a woman. She is fun to be around. She cracks jokes and she is very extroverted. Most importantly, she has no bad history like you!" Sid said and Jaanvi felt like the earth below her slipping off. Riya shook her head like she didn't expect that from him as well.

Jaanvi took the glass of water infront of her and splashed it on Sid's face. How dare he? How could he say this? Riya gasped and stood up as well. Sid was shocked, but Jaanvi didn't care. Her breaths came in pants as she quickly whirled around and walked away as far as she could.

Her tears threatened to spill, but she held herself strong until she reached the gates of the restaurant. She heard her sister calling her. But that's it. The further she went, the softer the noise behind her became. No one followed her out. She just walked..... and walked..... and walked.......

She didn't know where she was going. But the speed of her legs brought her far away from the restaurant. She was now walking on a road which was unknown to her. The tears that eventually brimmed up, spilled on her face as she recalled the words that Sid said. How horrible?

Disgust was a small word to describe her feelings. She never loathed her life this bad before. Jaanvi was a strong woman and she always acknowledged the fact bravely. She never showed any weakness whenever she was thrown in the sea of troubles. She wasn't arrogant or strong headed two years ago. But after going through so much in life, she learnt how to be ignorant and stone-hearted.

When her legs couldn't carry her, she sat at the quiet roadside and hugged her knees closer to her face. She gazed up at the stars on the sky and tried to think of other thoughts that could distract her. Bit life was cruel. It always reminded her of her own failures.

The rejection of Sid felt like a slap on her face. The fact that he chose her sister was a bigger blow. To worsen it, her own sister also reciprocated Sid's proposal. The entire plot slaughtered her completely.

Jaanvi preferred to be cut up into pieces than to be embarrassed this way. She despised them so much. Not being able to bear the pain, she called Vikram. She didn't know why she did it, but she just called him.

She had no one else to turn to.

-----------

Vikram's POV

Okay... Like what the fuck is happening?

It was finally my off-day and my mum thought that making Vishalini cook could brighten my mood. Wow.... What a plan, right?

I sat there staring straight at my brother. Ved was honestly the smartest kid in the house. He always picked up the tensions and weirdness faster than the rest. He looked at me and signalled me to do something. But what could I do?

"Vikram, you never told me what's your favourite food?" Vishalini started and I slowly inhaled a deep breath. Poison.

"I like western or Mediterranean food. Kebabs, grills and baked pastas are my favourite." I answered and mentally patted my back for producing so much of patience. My mum was really planning to kill me by putting Vishalini in the middle of the house.

"Wow, I can do all those dishes, you know? I used to cook them for my cousins in India." Vishalini boasted. Yeah, okay.... Go back to India, then.

"Oh nice." I smiled and looked back at my phone. Damn, this process was draining my energy. Ved was controlling his smile while Vidhya walked out and joined the rest of the fucking drama crew.

"Maa, I am not hungry. Can I leave and come back later?" I asked and was received by a death glare. My mum was really a devil at times. I know I shouldn't be saying this, but she was too much.

She knew how much Vishalini was draining me. I was trying my best to be hostile, but she was irking me. Everything she did was fake. Her smile, speech and way of dressing... every damn thing. I could sense that she wasn't being original. Whatever she was displaying, wasn't her real self.

She was putting too much effort to impress me. If that isn't a turn off, I didn't know what was.

"Vikram, can you help me lay the dishes?" she smiled cheekily, and all I wanted to do was die.

"No thanks. I am not even hungry." My patience was wearing thin.

"Vikram, stop being stubborn. Help the poor girl.... She's cooked so much for us, you know? Her future hubby must be sooooo lucky." My mother dragged her words, causing so much turbulence in my lungs.

"Yes... I wonder who." Ved had to add his intelligence inside. Idiot.

My father was the first to reach the dining table. I mean, even if there was an earthquake in the house, my father's priority would be the food. Like.... Fuck my life!

When everyone was finally seated, Ved pushed me up and forced me to join the dinner as well. Like what the fuck? Who eats dinner so early? I looked at the dishes there and resisted the urge to roll my eyes. The table was laid with seven-course menu for approximately thirty people. I shook my heads and looked at my smiling mother. It was only five fucking people on the damn table!

"Are we having some function at home?" Ved asked and I just ignored the rants after that. I plated a small portion of food for me and ate silently. Today, I wasn't going to open my mouth for anything except food.

"Vikram, put some prawns. This is so good." Vishalini took the dishes and just served me without my permission. Hundred.... Ninety-nine.... Ninety-eight.... Ninety-seven....

"Vikram, why have you put so less?" this time, it was my mother. She seriously had some weird problems. One look at my face, and she could have told how pissed I was. I was not even hiding my anger.

"Because I got no mood to eat!" I said and looked at my father for help.

"Leave him alone Poorna. Don't nag him during every meal... He's going to hate us." My father said, like he had memorised his dialogue by heart. He should be more convincing the next time though...

"It's okay aunty, leave him. I am sure he will eat later." Vishalini smiled and I inhaled a deep breath again. Ninety-six.... Ninety-five...ninety four...

"Vikram, if you don't mind me asking.... When was your last relationship?" Vishalini asked and my food got stuck in my throat. Of course I mind, you dumb idiot.

"Many years back..." I said and my mother gasped. Dramatic much.

"Ouh, who was that?"

"None of your business?" I said and slammed down my cutleries. I was so annoyed that even the number-counting didn't give me peace. How can anyone be this annoying?

"Viki, you didn't even tell me about it? What is this about?" my mother gasped and I looked at her dead-panned. Is she fucking serious?

"Well, did you ever ask me if I was ever in a relationship? No... all you did was, bride-hunting! How will I ever disclose or open up to you if you cramp my lifestyle this way? In truth, you guys don't even know what I like, in real." I huffed and stared at everyone.

The entire table was suddenly filled with silence.

"But Vikram-" before Vishalini could open her ever-annoying mouth, my phone started ringing. Everyone's attention turned towards my phone and they eyed me strangely. Thank god, I was saved by the phone.

One look at the number and I knew who it was. This Satan...

"Hey Jaan-" I stopped when I saw everyone's enlarging eyelids. Ved's jaws dropped while my mother looked murderous. Even my father was startled. Okay, what happened?

"....VI. Complete it with the Vi. JAANVI.." the Satan spelled out while I controlled my grin. Okay, now I understood why my parents were paranoid. Jaan was misinterpreted in their heads, huh?

"Okay, what's up?" I asked casually while I stood up from the dining area and walked away. I walked until I was a away from the prying eyes of my family. Everyone were really angry and Vishalini was completely unhappy. It was written on their faces.

But who cares?

"Vikram, I am out near the hangers club and they aren't allowing me inside without a partner. Can you come down for a while. You can leave once they allow me inside." She mumbled like a complete idiot. My mind was buzzed with so many questions.

"Wait, what the hell are you doing there Satan! You know that's not a place to play, right? What's wrong with you?" I almost yelled when it dawned to me that she was at the stripper's club.

"I am sad Vikram... I can't take it-"

"Just go home Jaanvi. I am calling a cab for you and you are leaving right now." I said quickly.

"NO!" she replied like a kid and my eyes widened.

"Stop being stubborn. What will your family say if you go to such places at these odd hours?"

"My family doesn't care Vikram. They don't. They only care about Riya and their fucking pride!!!!" she yelled and I was taken aback by how broken she sounded. Suddenly she stopped talking and my pulse arose.

"Hey Jaanvi?" I called softly and heard her voice coming in short breaths.

"Riya and Sid like each other. They want to get married, it seems." She said and it took me a few seconds to digest what she said. Riya?

"Riya? Your sister, you mean?" I asked, feeling a bit uneasy.

"No! She is not my sister. Not my sister... My sister died the minute I walked inside the rehabilitation centre. Now, the person there is a stranger. One who is selfish and clueless about the hurt she's causing other!!!!!" Jaanvi all but sobbed. I could feel her agitation in her tone.

She was totally devastated. Her breathing was so uneven that she sounded like she was amidst of climbing the mountains. I found it very hard to listen to her with the chaotic noise in the background.

"Jaanvi, can you breathe? Like for ten seconds, please?" I fought against the noise pollution on the other side.

"I can't fucking breathe!!!! I want to go inside. You understand????" she screamed and I cursed under my breath. Stupid Satan!

I could see that she was not coping. This was not her. She was trying to do something to ruin her as soon as possible. This was becoming too intense. I knew that she will still insist on going no matter what. But I had to try, right?

"Jaanvi listen, you are not going anyw-" before I could complete, the line went dead. Great. Fucking great!

(End of POV)

----------------

Jaanvi was so devastated when Vikram refused to come down. She knew she was being unreasonable at times like this. But she didn't know what else to do. Her heart wasn't coping and there was nobody else she could think of at that night.

The club didn't allow anyone without dates and club-clothes.

She walked up to the huge securities who were standing outside the club. They looked like bodybuilders, who could defeat ten men at once.

"Hello. Can I enter inside?" she pointed at the doors and asked with the most adorable looks ever. Honestly, one of the bodyguard's heart even melted at her face. He seemed unsure on how to react.

"No Miss. The answer will be the same even if you ask another ten times. I think you need to get back. This place doesn't seem like the one you are looking for." One bodyguard said in a strict tone. He examined Jaanvi's attired from top to bottom and shook his head.

She seemed too innocent for places like this. She was distraught and heavily emotional. Jaanvi looked around and suddenly felt blank. She didn't know what she was doing and who to look out for. The world seemed meaningless and her heart was thudding loudly. She wanted to be intoxicated all of the sudden.

That's when the seriousness dawned to her. She was looking for the wrong way out. She didn't know who to seek help from. Her hands shook when she quickly took out her phone. She wanted to call her mother. But she didn't know what she would say. Her tongue lacked the words to express her emotions.

She could never utter the words of failure to her parents once again.

Suddenly the image of Dev flashed inside her mind. Dev was the only person who she could think of. He was her hero. The only person who didn't judge anyone was Dev.... She really wanted to seek his help. Taking her phone out, she dialled his number. Just when she was about to press the call button, she felt the presence of a human next to her.

"Vikram???" Jaanvi was shocked. He came?

"Yes. I am here... Happy? Stupid Satan!" he cursed and mumbled under his breath.

Covered in a black hoodie and a simple black jeans, Vikram took the attention of all the girls who were lined up to the place. His hair messed up and beard unshaven, he gave the perfect definition to the rugged looks. Vikram was a man who was gifted with the best looks. He didn't even need to spend an ounce of energy on his appearance. He was just so blessed, that Jaanvi had to remind herself back to why she even called him.

"Call me by my name. I am not Satan." She pouted and he raised an eyebrow challengingly.

"Okay. Whatever.... Now leave. You are not-"

"I want to go inside. I want to drink. Please... Vikram, you have to do this for me, please. I beg you. I am not coping. Can't you see, I am unable to even walk back. I will die if you don't let me spend my sadness here." She spoke quickly without a break that Vikram even lost her words midway.

"Okay wait... breathe Jaanvi."

"No you have to listen-"

"Okay okay... stop." He stabilised her by her shoulders and made her stand straight. He looked into her eyes and saw so many emotions. He immediately picked up on the seriousness and nodded.

"You can't drink Jaanvi. Swear upon yourself, that you won't drink." He asked and Jaanvi's eyes widened.

"What the hell? Then go inside for what? Have tea and biscuits?" she pouted and Vikram felt like strangling her. Fuck his life.

"You will get addicted to anything that intoxicates you, idiot. Your body is not fit for alcohols now. Go meditate if you are upset." He explained and her lips trembled in agony.

"P-please Vikram... I w-want...." she asked and suddenly his heart trembled at her face. He had no idea what just happened at that moment, but his heart melted when she looked at him that way. He tried his best to keep that strict face, but his feelings gave away.

"You want what?"

"I want to drink. A little bit... just a bit. A bit...." She sized with her fingers and Vikram finally caved in.

Dressed so simply with minimum makeup, her hair was let loose and her lips always on the cutest pout, she mesmerised everyone around her. With an innocent soul, she did something that no girl has achieved to do till date.

She actually made Vikram smile.

Vikram's smile eased from his heart and naturally showcased on his lips. He didn't even realise what she was talking. But the chatterbox inside her was out and she was speaking to him like she was telling him a fairytale.

"......and if I don't drink, my head will burst and my eyes will-"

"Okay fine. FINE. But promise that you will follow me quietly. No unnecessary drama, okay?" Vikram warned and took hold of her fingers. He did it so naturally like he was doing that everyday. It surprised him more when she didn't say anything for that. She just allowed him like that.

Vikram's heart somersaulted at the first touch. But as usual, he brushed that feeling away sternly.

As Vikram made him way to the huge entrance doors, the bouncers immediately stood upright in attention. Jaanvi's face scrunched in confusion when she looked at them. Her heartbeat thudded quickly as she looked at them and back at Vikram in confusion. Just moments ago, they were chasing her out. What happened now?

"You said you won't let me in, right? Now I have a partner." Jaanvi mumbled stupidly and the securities gave Vikram a confused loo. Vikram exhaled. She was just an idiot at times.

"Sir... we didn't know that she was your date. If we had known, we would have allowed her in." One bouncer spoke while the other guy gave them a confused look.

"I am not his date, by the way." Jaanvi spoke angrily while Vikram glared at her.

He pinched his temples and looked back at the guards.

"Don't let her in if she comes with anyone else but me." He said and dragged her inside without other words. Jaanvi was shocked when the securities gave way to Vikram as if he owned the place.

She didn't know that Vikram was a VIP member of that club. He had so much of power than many people who were inside there. As they walked in, they were faced by flashy lights and a strong pungent smell of alcohol.

Jaanvi gasped and her legs abruptly halted. There were half naked men and woman loitering there shamelessly. Her eyes voluntarily shut close and her palms clenched on Vikram's hand tightly. She suddenly felt so disgusted. Where did she land herself into again?

"What's up? Not in the mood to eat tea and biscuits?" Vikram asked, hiding his smirk. He knew Jaanvi pretty well. He just knew her. This place wasn't her type of thing. Yet, she was acting all brave and warrior. When she met with what was inside, her face literally paled.

"Why are they standing like this?" she asked, immediately facing Vikram. With the loud music, her voice was barely getting through him.

"Who? They? What else will strippers do? Play football?" he asked and Jaanvi's ears turned red.

"I thought this is just another club." She frowned and this time, Vikram really cupped her jaws hardly.

"Stop frowning!"

"Why??" she asked, completely flabbergasted.

"Just stop. That's all... Wait, is this your first time inside a club?" he asked, feeling his blood run cold. He removed his hands as she winced and cutely rubbed her chin. Everything about her was making Vikram turn insane. Okay, think about Vishalini, Viki.....

"Yes... It's my first time. So what?" she answered softly, fearing his harsh hold on her jaws again.

"So what?" Vikram repeated and rubbed his hands on his jaws. This girl was insane on a different level.

When Vikram went speechless, Jaanvi ignored him and walked straight to the bar. She was so distraught. Her eyelids were holding back her tears hardly as she faced the bartender. Swallowing her own saliva hardly, she blinked back the tears and read the name of the drinks listed there.

"Can I have the strongest drink there?" she asked and the bartender gave her a suspicious look.

"Are you sure Miss? I am not sure if you can handle it..." he said.

Before Jaanvi could retort, Vikram was on her back again.

"Give her the strawberry mocktail. The one that has the least alcohol." Vikram stood straight and caged his hands around Jaanvi, so that she was unable to move anywhere. Jaanvi felt her breathing hitch when she realised the position. Her face involuntarily scrunched upwards and she whined. She was really a baby at times.

"Don't do this, Vikram. You aren't my father."

"I didn't say I was. You are not taking any strong drinks... if you are, I will hand you to the rehabilitation centre myself." He threatened, taking her by shock.

"Oh my god, just get lost." She whirled around and tried to push him away. But Vikram didn't even budge an inch. He looked down at her and shrugged.

"It's you who called me here, remember? Now you are asking me to get lost?" He asked with a straight face.

"I called you for help. But you are being a nuisance now." She poked him on his chest.

"I am trying to save you from your addictions. Call it whatever you want. But I am fucking not paid for this shit, okay? You should thank your stars that I am here. Or else you would have ended up with a bruised body."

"Well, I was planning to die anyways." She spat and Vikram stood unmoved.

There was a sudden silence between there. Vikram just gazed at her and allowed her to rant. He sensed her heartbeat being very fast. She was going to have a heart failure if she didn't calm down.

"Vikram, I need to have a drink-"

"Hello Ms, your drink please." The bartender interrupted them. Jaanvi glared at him and placed her hands on her hips.

"I don't want this. I want something more intoxicating...." Jaanvi was in the verge of a breakdown.

Vikram unconsciously rubbed her back and it ticked her off badly.

"Leave Vikram... I thought you would help me. But you are so selfish like the others. I don't need your presence anymore! You need to leave me alone. I can deal with this. If I get drunk, then I get drunk. There's nothing that can stop it. By the name of help, please don't be an obstacle in my way. You are really draining my energy. I can't even breathe and you are all about not drinking. Does this make any sense?" she kept talking and Vikram stayed there quietly.

He just analysed her face, eyes and lips. They were all in the verge of something bad. Vikram really gave a second thought about a stronger drink for her. Actually, she seemed right at this moment. Maybe a drink might help.

"Have you ever thought about crying? It may help to calm you down." Vikram said when she kept blabbering something.

"What? Are you mad?"

"Let me repeat. Have you tried crying when you are sad?" he asked and she seemed shocked by his question.

"No." She shrugged and turned away from him. Pushing her way to the next seat, she brought up her legs up and folded in on top the chair. Sitting there like an obedient student, all she did was to sulk. She sat there quietly, making Vikram feel a little sorry for her.

He could tell that she was trying. She was trying all means to soothe her pain. But she needed to know that pain was inevitable in life. Everyone goes through this and you can't always run towards a toxic solution for pain.

"Fine.... Get her the white tiger!" Vikram ordered and the waiter didn't even ask a question.

Once the drink was on the table, Vikram pushed it towards Jaanvi. He knew she saw it. But the moment he offered her, she was perplexed. She looked at the drink and back at him.

"If I ever fall unconscious, bring me home.... Okay?" she asked softly. The audacity she has... Vikram wasn't too impressed with her demands.

"What makes you think that I won't take advantage and fuck you after you are drunk?" he asked, honestly feeling too conflicted at his own feelings. But to his surprise, Jaanvi just shrugged and took the drink in her hands.

"I trust you... I know it sounds stupid. After being betrayed so many times, I am still capable of trusting someone at this hour. I just know I can trust you." She said before gulping down the entire drink down her throat.

Vikram knew that she was being honest. He was really amused at the amount of trust that Jaanvi was able to give him over a short span of time. She was one of those girls who really understood him better than his own family members. He was a man of morals and there was certain things he wouldn't do even if he was paid for it.

"Jaanvi-"

"I need another drink." She said holding her head with both hands. Vikram frowned and shook his head.

"Nope. One is more than enough. Now get up..."

"One more tiger whatever pleaseeeee" she shouted and the bartender chuckled with amusement. Vikram did not comment this time because he noticed the club owner approaching him from far.

Glen, the owner of this club was a dangerous man. He was known for luring other men's girls and he was a number one bastard in the mafia industry. The only problem was, there were little evidences to arrest him. He had too many contacts in London and having Jaanvi here was making Vikram extremely nervous.

"Viki, any problem?" Glen, the owner of the club asked Vikram smugly. His mouth contained a half smoked cigarette while he spoke to Vikram. Jaanvi on the other hand, used that opportunity to gulp down her second drink. Vikram felt like his hands were tied. He just wanted to smack Jaanvi on her head and bring her back to senses.

"No Glen... Just a normal visit." Vikram was agitated when Glen's gaze shifted to Jaanvi.

"Your girlfriend?" he asked and Vikram just nodded in approval. This wasn't the time for honesty. Even Vikram knew it. If Glen knew that Jaanvi was Vikram's girl, then he wouldn't dare to do anything for now.

"Wow... she's pretty. But too pretty for this place." Glen commented, analysing Jaanvi from top to bottom. Vikram inhale sharply and clenched his fingers. This idiot was aiming at something?

"The heck????? What girlfriend? I am no one's girlfriend, okay?" Jaanvi's tongue slurred while Vikram counted backwards. This Satan was going to die.

"You are not his girlfriend?" Glen asked her wantedly.

"No, I only called him here because he could accompany me inside this stupid club. But this club isn't like my type. Such nonsensical place." This idiot was going to die. Stop Jaanvi...Vikram was continuously trying to distract the Satan.

"Sorry she's drunk." Vikram apologised as he steadied her.

"Hmmm... If this club is not your type, then what's your type?" Glen was now more interested. Fuck off Glen.

"My type is definitely not naked woman. Who the hell walks around with that? And this bartender... he doesn't give me tigers when I ask him. I thought clubs will have fast and high beat music with crazy people dancing. But here, people are so quiet like they attended some funeral. Why is that woman sitting on his lap? Doesn't she have a spare seat?" She complained, making Glen chuckle. Vikram was silently dying.

"Jaan.... Enough drinks." Vikram tried to keep it casual, but Jaanvi was clumsy as usual.

"JaanVI. Say it again? I am not jaan, okay? J.A.A.N.V.I." she spelled out, making Glen chuckle louder.

"You have one hell of a girlfriend, Viki. Suits you." Glen commented as he moved away.

"Okay Jaanvi. Put it down. Let's head back." Vikram took hold of her hands firmly. But Jaanvi shook her head adamantly and frowned. By now, her head was already driving her crazy. She was seeing everything in double and her words slurred within the air.

"Nawwww! I want to dance." She said, pointing at the crowd of dancing maniacs. Vikram's body tensed as he saw how serious she looked.

"Dance?" Vikram repeated. For the first time, Vikram found himself panicking on a situation. Jaanvi was a hell-breaker. She was so troublesome that even the Glen found her amusing. Glen sat there and analysed Jaanvi like a hawk. Vikram wasn't liking this at all.

"Fine Jaanvi, lets dance." Vikram wanted to escape Glen's eyes. So, he excused himself and dragged Jaanvi into the crowd.

Honestly, Vikram wasn't a fan of dancing in that disco-lighting. He found it irritating when random people rubbed each other like desperate bimbos. Now that he had Jaanvi with him, it was adding on to an additional stress. She was dressed like she was going to the temple. But there she was... in a stripper's club.

What shocked him most was Jaanvi's sudden transformation when the music changed in the dance floor. She suddenly stretched herself like a pro and brought her hands up to his shoulder. Vikram gawked and watched her carefully. When the music played, she suddenly lifted her head all the way behind and shook her hair in a way where her hairs went flying in the air. She twisted her hips and bent her shoulders, making Vikram's jaw drop. The fuck???

When she started dancing, almost all the guy's eyes were on her. Her hands left Vikram's and she danced like no one was watching her. She was probably the sexiest person at the dance floor. Even the fucker Glen was awestruck by the devil. Vikram never found a cotton blouse and leggings this sexy, until Jaanvi wore it. Well, a devil could always manipulate.

Vikram internally slapped himself awake. He was unwantedly drowning in a place where he didn't want to be. Without caring about the consequences, Vikram walked forward and grabbed her by her waist.

Vikram had to admit... By far, that was his boldest moves on his patient.

He picked her face up by her chin and gazed at her eyes. The spark in her eyes were gone and now replaced with a new fear. She was looking for something to extinguish the anguish inside her heart. Her heart was drowning in acid and she didn't know how to cope with the pain. Even after gulping the alcohol, her pain was surfacing on her face.

"Let's go home, sweetheart." He whispered and saw her face contorting in confusion.

"Whose home?" she asked cutely, her fingers spread out like an eagle.

"Yours?" Vikram played along.

"Mine?" she gasped and Vikram smiled at her.

"Yup yours." He confirmed and saw her face falling again.

"Will they be there?"

"Who?"

"Riya and Sid?"

"No, they won't be there. Now come." Vikram pulled her, but Jaanvi was strong in her place. She shook her head and began to fake-cry in the middle of the dancing floor.

"Vikram, I am hungry!" she whined and Vikram gave her a what-the-fuck look.

"Yup, you can eat once we leave this place. This was such a bad idea.... Fuck my life!" he mumbled to his own self and heard Jaanvi laughing suddenly.

"My life is more fucked than yours. Yet, you are here cursing yourself." She blinked and Vikram almost lost his footing. Her fucking eyelids were his undoing. And her smile... nope. He didn't even want to go there.

"There's nothing so bad yet. You can still start a fresh life without that prick." Vikram said. He knew that whatever he said at this point of time would never heal her pain. He had been there before.

"No... My life isn't likes yours, Vikram." She moved forward and looped her hands around his shoulders. God, just fucking kill me!

"Why?" Vikram was really hyperventilating now.

"You had a girl who really loved you. You had everything in life when she died. Moreover, it isn't your fault that she died. By mine isn't like that.... It's MY fault that Arjun left me. It's my fault that Sid too left me. He said he found Riya more interesting...in-interesssting" she suddenly sounded sad. She dug herself into his chest and sighed, taking him by shock.

Vikram was stunned. One minute ago, she was dancing without care and the next minute, she was sulking like a baby. Glen's focus was now all on Jaanvi and Vikram was finding it hard to pull her away. Fuck his life.

"I am so lost..." Vikram mumbled and lifted her face from his chest.

"Lost? No... I am here with you, right? You can't be lost." She frowned, making Vikram smile again. Vikram was really finding this entertaining for his dear life. Only problem was Glen's unwanted attention.

"Yup, you are with me, Jaanvi. But I need to get home now. Can you show me the way out? Please???" Vikram spoke in her frequency so that she would leave as soon as possible. Jaanvi was really getting lightheaded. Her legs were wobbly and she could barely stand on her feet. Vikram really held her tight until her whole body was leaning on his.

"Vikram, can I tell you something?" her face suddenly sparked like a 24 watts lightbulb. Vikram feared his life when she had that look on her face. No please.

"No darling... Please not now."

"Vikram!!! Can I tell you a secret?"

"No." Vikram was quick to reply, but Jaanvi never headed his warning.

"Me and Arjun... we used to go to ice-cream shops at 3am and return at late nights you know?" she asked, nodding her cute little head. Vikram sighed and nodded back in approval. Right now, he knew that her motor mouth was turned on, and nothing could shut it off.

"Okay..... And your dad didn't find out?"

"Of course, he didn't stupid." She bumped her head with his. Vikram was really amazed at how different and carefree she sounded.

"Can I tell you another secret?"

"What?"

"I think you are attractive." She mumbled and Vikram smirked lazily.

"Really?"

"Yup.... And I think your dimples are really sexy. BUT WAIT...." Her eyes widened like saucers and Vikram tensed.

"What's wrong?"

"Don't tell anyone okay? It's supposed to be a secret." She shushed him and Vikram rolled his eyes. He felt that annoying flutter in his heart. His heart was a betrayer.

"Yeah..." he rubbed his unshaven stumbles and contemplated on how to save her from the gawking eyes of lusty men.

"I also have another secret."

"What's that now?" Vikram asked as he pushed her out of the crowd.

"I have a weird interest in your tattoos. I just want to see your tattoos once, please. Will you allow me to?" she asked suddenly closing up the distance between them. Her hands rode up his shoulders and her amber brown eyes twinkled in that dim lights. Vikram went tongue-tied for a few seconds.

He felt the fire ignited around him. Vikram internally started perspiring in that cold place. Everything about Jaanvi's words suddenly seemed to have a different meaning.

"My tattoos are not for display, darling." He almost whispered those words to her when he saw the bedroom eyes that she was giving.

"Uhuh.... What if I insist?"

"I will have to reject again." He said in a husky voice. His lips merely an inch away from hers'. Vikram leaned sideways as he felt her breaths hitting his cheeks. She was so drunk that she didn't realise the proximity between them too. Normal Jaanvi would have strangled him.

Vikram gazed down at her lips and saw her inner lips being pulled inside her mouth. Her eyes moved from his gaze down to his lips. His heart raced as he moved closer and pressed his thumb to her lips. Jaanvi winced, but she didn't move away. She was anticipating a move from him. For a minute, Vikram decided to ditch his morals and take advantage of that situation. He really wanted to bite her lips apart.

Just when he was about to kiss her, Jaanvi spoke again.

"And I have one more secret-"

Vikram stopped and inhaled a deep breath. Fuck this!

"No more secrets. We are leaving first." He covered Jaanvi's mouth with his palms. When he was trying to get her out, another drunkard approached them. Vikram immediately removed his hands from Jaanvi and stood alert. His one hand was still secured around Jaanvi's shoulders though.

"Hey lady... Need help?" the unknown man asked while looking at Jaanvi with a dirty smile. Jaanvi frowned in response.

Jaanvi quickly leaned on Vikram's shoulder and looked up to him sadly. Her lips formed into a pout and she mumbled something.

"Vikram, he is asking if I need help? Do I need help?" she mumbled innocently and Vikram lost count of the amount of times he smiled at her. Drunk Jaanvi was hilarious.

"Tell him no." Vikram instructed and she quickly obeyed.

"NO." She quickly replied in a loud and clear voice, making the man grimace.

"How about a dance?" he asked back.

"Vikram, he's asking for a dance. Am I allowed to dance?" she asked adorably and this time, Vikram just wanted to slaughter the man.

"Tell him to get the fuck out of this place."

"Get the fuck out of this place." She repeated like a parrot, making Vikram's eyes widen.

The man opposite was so irritated that he walked up to Vikram and tried to pull Jaanvi out. All Vikram had to do was to throw a punch and the man was lying flat on the floor. He was too drunk to even wake up or find his footing.

Glen approached them and raised his brows at Vikram as though asking him what happened.

"Glen, warn these men to stay away from my girl. I will slaughter them if they touch her." Vikram uttered with full seriousness. Jaanvi, the fool eyed Vikram like he was her hero. She blinked continuously at him and gave him a dreamy smile. Vikram wanted to throttle her.

"Uhuh, so don't bring her here dude. She was asking for it." Another guy in the crowd screamed.

"I think everyone can disperse. I will deal with this." Glen spoke as he gazed at Vikram and back at Jaanvi. When he gazed up and down Jaanvi, Vikram tensed.

Soon, the crowd was gone with only Vikram, Glen, the bodyguards and Jaanvi left.

"So, Ms Jaanvi... What happened?" Glen interrogated and Vikram's rage ignited. But Jaanvi the comedian was just oblivious to the whole world.

"Vikram, he's asking me what happened?" she told Vikram and Glen's eyes enlarged.

"Fuck my life!" Vikram cursed.

"Fuck his life." Jaanvi faced Glen and repeated the same thing. This time the bodyguards next to Glen started giggling. Even Vikram's smile broke out. Glen's mouth opened and he stood speechless for the first time.

"Seriously?" Glen was confused.

"Glen, I will talk to you tomorrow. Let me leave now with this ball of trouble. I will explain this tomorrow." Vikram spoke in a calm tone.

"Yes Glen. I am tired... I will come tomorrow also." Jaanvi, the idiot spoke again. Glen's eyes widened and he looked amused.

"You will come?" Glen asked and Vikram cursed under his breath.

"Jaanvi, shut up." Vikram whispered and held her tightly in his arms.

"Yes Glen. If Vikram allows me to see his tattoo today, then I will not come. If he doesn't, then I will come tomorrow." She announced, making Vikram facepalm himself.

"Uhuh... I have tattoos as well. Why only him?" Glen had the audacity to ask. Vikram was gritting his teeth as he stood there.

"Because Vikram is hot and his tattoos are mysterious. Oops.... It's a secret. Don't tell anyone, okay? Say okay!" Jaanvi whispered softly and her eyes enlarged like she realised something. She was negotiating with a freaking mafia head. Vikram was really losing his head.

"Wow...." Glen smiled.

"Say promise..." Jaanvi insisted and Glen was so drawn to her.

"Umm.... Promise?" Glen was unsure.

"Good." Jaanvi smiled and showed him thumbs up. Vikram wanted to die.

Glen chuckled and looked at Jaanvi like he was truly impressed. He looked at Vikram and walked closer to him.

"Go Vikram.... Make sure you don't bring her to this place anymore. She's too good for such places." Glen said, taking Vikram by shock.

When Vikram was finally out from the place, he drove like a maniac till he reached the garden near Jaanvi's home. He pulled her out, so that she could come out from her intoxication. He did not want to bring her to her house in that state. Her father might just disown her.

Jaanvi stumbled out of the car and examined the place. She was still drunk and dizzy. Her entire state was honestly in a mess. When she exited the car, she sat on the grass ground and did something Vikram least expected.

She cried.

She kept crying so hard until her tears kept coming. The tears in her eyes flowed unchecked down her cheeks and chin. Vikram just stood there, unmoved. He didn't know what to do.

"Stop crying Jaanvi..... Are you seriously hung up on Sid? How long have you known him? He's not even worth your tears. Let your selfish sister have him! That's the worst punishment you could give the both of them." He advised although he knew how bad it must feel.

But Jaanvi didn't give him any replies. She just rubbed her eyes and nose till it turned red. She looked at Vikram and her eyes gave way to a fresh set of tears. Vikram's heart softened when he saw her crying again.

Jaanvi was a strong girl. When a strong person breaks down, it takes more than one incident to diminish them. Vikram knew that she wasn't crying because of Riya's betrayal. There was more than what met his eyes.

"Jaanvi, it's okay. Everyone falls under betrayal. You aren't the first person on earth." Vikram nudged her lightly.

"I can't bear it.....V-v-v...Vikram" she hiccupped.

"I know... Even I can't continue to see you crying. I know you are hurting.... But think of the brighter side. Now, you don't need to marry anyone as selfish as Sid. You can take this time to date better guys." Vikram tried.

"Everyone is so selfish.... I sacrificed my whole life for people whom I loved.... People whom I cared.... But everyone betrayed me" she cried loudly.

"The world doesn't value things that they don't see, Jaanvi...." Vikram answered softly.

But Jaanvi's scream of pain was so deep that even Vikram got frightened. In that lonely night, Jaanvi's cries echoed in the silent lanes. She curled into a foetal position and hugged her knees together. Vikram rubbed his jaws and looked on at her helplessly.

Vikram studied her posture and saw her vulnerabilities laid out to him. At this point of time, if he asked her anything, she would tell him straight away. But Vikram did not feel like taking advantage of her state.

Just before he made another move, Jaanvi said something which stoned him in his place.

"I sold my entire soul to Ricky..... only to save Sonakshi and Arjun!!!!!!!"

************