Mikael was alarmed and fell from the sofa. He looked around feeling his head spin. Alina's heavy footsteps grew nearer, the door flung open and she ran to him, tripped over his feet, and crashed into his lap.

'Ow!'

'Uff!'

They cried in unison. After settling down, Mikael inquired about the matter. Alina began hyperventilating again and stuffed her phone to his face. He pulled it from her hand and blinked at the screen.

'Ravi got Meera's name tattooed on his chest.' Alina exclaimed; her happiness knew no bound. A slow smile appeared on Mikael's face and he sighed happily,

- 'I am happy for Meera. She is a wonderful woman and she deserves the best.' He said with sincerity. Alina nodded placing her elbow on the sofa and her head rested against her knuckles.

Mikael tossed the phone to her and glanced at her, - 'Are you okay?' He frowned. Alina exhaled deeply, nodding and leaned resting her head against his chest.

'I don't know why I feel so at peace and comfortable in your embrace.' She commented, closing her eyes. Mikael moved his arm around her and caressed her arm.

Alina tilted her head and looked up at him. He looked down at her and they passed a smile. He leaned closer and she shifted, gently closing her eyes. They shared a soft kiss and soon parted. Then, she placed her head against his chest and smiled to herself. The sound of his beating heart calmed her. And she didn't realize when she drifted to sleep. A much-needed serene slumber.

The next morning, Alina woke up with a slight pain in the back of her neck. She straightened in her place, yawned stretching her arms, and fell back against the sofa. She was distracted by the sound of the shower and sat up straight glancing at the common bathroom, then darted her gaze to the wall clock. She gasped loudly and jumped on the spot. Hastily, she gathered the blanket, arranged the pillows, and scurried towards the room.

She brushed, showered, and got dressed into a grey knee-length bodycon. She limped as she wore her platform heels, reached the mirror, and carefully did her basic make-up.

'Hey, Alina. Are you ready?' Mikael called from outside.

'Ya.' She replied, tossing her damp tresses from shoulder to back, her fingers busy buckling her wristwatch. Before exiting the room, she grabbed a towel. On the way to the kitchen, she kept drying her hair. Mikael walked out of the kitchen carrying two plates of sandwiches. Alina was over-whelmed. She smiled at him as he forwarded her the plate.

'You are a sweetheart.' She leaned and he bent a little. Then, she pecked his cheek and sat down to eat. She had just begun to feed herself when Mikael placed a cup of hot steaming coffee next to her. She gasped with a smile and looked up. He grinned at her and then took his seat. She admired him for a moment and looked away only when Mikael reminded her that they might get late.

'Sometimes I wonder if you are my wife.'- Alina exclaimed whilst dreamily staring at him. Mikael chuckled in response.

After they had eaten, together they exited the apartment and Mikael drove them to work on his scooter.

At work, Alina and Meera met zealously. She congratulated her friend profusely and felt genuinely happy for her. She deserved the best. Meera blushed accepting that she had begun to feel something, strongly for Ravi. Especially, when he had accepted her challenge and gotten a tattoo for her. She realized his love was true and he was serious.

Alina patted her shoulder, congratulating her once again. Meera took a deep breath and thanked her.

'What is the scene between you and Mikael?' She quizzed curiously. Alina noticed the mischievous glint back in her eyes.

She hesitated, - 'The first day was good. Hoping it just gets better. But there is one thing, the happiness, and serenity I feel with Mikael in that small apartment. I never felt in the luxurious villa gifted by Haider.' Alina confessed.

Meera smiled and side hugged her friend.

I hope Haider you are well and good. And I pray you to find someone like I found Mikael. You deserve love and genuineness – Alina thought to herself.

At lunch, Alina worked meticulously on her laptop. She felt Mikael's presence and looked up. They passed a smile, he requested for getting lunch. She nodded and turned to look at Meera. She was missing. Mikael smirked, - 'Ravi is missing too.' Alina chuckled in response.

As they walked together, Mikael informed her that Jahangir hadn't come to the office and Banerjee was tensed.

'Oh!' Alina shrugged; she wasn't interested in knowing about him. They stopped in their tracks upon hearing muffled moans and groans from the secluded corner near the bathrooms. Alina and Mikael passed curious glances at each other. He stopped her but she got inquisitive and gently knocked. Abruptly, the sensuous sounds stopped. Five minutes later the door opened and a partly disheveled Meera and Ravi came out, looking embarrassed. They saw Alina and Mikael and let out a sigh of relief.

'OMG!' Alina gasped while Mikael gaped at the two.

'You guys scared us.' Meera exclaimed as red-faced Ravi avoided their gaze.

'What?' – She shrugged at her friends, - 'I was just checking if the tattoo was real.'- She defended, arranging her curls neatly with her fingers. Then, she swiftly grabbed Alina's arm, - 'Come,' – she tugged her, - 'I am starving.' Saying so, she dragged her friend with her. On the way, Meera turned and winked at Ravi before looking away. 

Chalo, Meera is sorted *_* She has found a man who genuinely loves her *dreamy sigh* And Mikael is so caring, I wonder if Alina will do the same for him.

I know, you guys are waiting for Haider and Amaal, they will come from the next updates *_* All characters, even side characters, need their space *awkward smile*

Precap:

Alina had just exited the bathroom when someone dashed into her, knocking her to the ground. She winced looking miffed at the person, who had fallen along with her. Banerjee looked wide eyed, worried lines over his forehead and sweat beads dripped from his temple.

'What happened?' She enquired but he ignored her, standing up with a jolt. He clenched his phone tightly and kept muttering to himself.

'I have to say this Sir. I have to talk to Haider sir.' He blabbered walking away. Alina's expressions relaxed. She looked at him sharply and hurriedly stood up, she patted her hands and scurried to him.

'Banerjee.' She grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks, - 'What are you going to tell Haider?' She asked, feeling heat building up inside her and her heart rate began to increase as she thought about it.

Banerjee gulped hard, -'Hania Madam—Hania madam is—no more.' He dropped the bomb. Alina's mouth hungopen and her grasp on his elbow loosened. She stared, aghast at him

Oh No! Bechara Haider. How is he going to react to this news???

Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *smiles* and Stay Tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*