"What did the doctor say?"

"Everything's good from my side".

"That's great, isn't it?"

"I guess".

"Then why are you upset? Is something bothering you? You look disturbed".

"I'm fine" Sakshi forced a smile at her sister in law who seemed to be excited about the upcoming baby shower she was hosting and Sakshi had no choice but to listen to her even though she was least interested.

"Did you like the theme?" Amrita asked in an excited tone "hope it's not too feminine".

"It's good" Sakshi said with a hint of genuine smile "if you love it, you should go for it".

"I love it" Amrita gave a small smile "Rishab wants me to plan everything that I want. He wants to see me happy but I feel guilty".

Sakshi stared at her while she went on "it's only few months since Amit left us" Amrita almost whispered "and here I'm hosting a baby shower as if nothing has changed....I feel so bad about it".

Sakshi took her hand and gave it a small squeeze"he would have been happy for you...I'm sure he wouldn't have minded. He only wanted your happiness". She could recall how he would talk about his sister with pride. He was after all, family oriented.

"I'm sorry for bringing his topic" Amrita said, clasping her hand "you loved him a lot, didn't you?"

Sakshi pondered over the question and simply nodded in agreement. Yes, she had loved him as much as she knew what love was. But it hadn't been enough. He had been secretive and she was sure about that.

"I called Aman but he isn't picking the phone" Amrita stated "do you have any idea where he is?"

Sakshi remained silent; after the lunch at the Chinese restaurant, he had dropped her home without saying a word. That was the last she saw of him."Probably at the studio" she replied after giving much thought.

"He told me he won't be attending the baby shower" Amrita said in a dull tone "he says it's for ladies and he doesn't want to be a part of it. Can you persuade him please?"

Sakshi looked up; there was no way Aman Shrivastav would be persuaded by her, or anyone for that matter. He was one stubborn man who didn't give a damn about any family functions, no matter what. "You know your brother" she began "I don't think he's interested. Besides, he isn't wrong entirely".

"I know but I really want him to be there for me" Amrita pleaded "he's the only sibling I have".

Sakshi felt the anguish in her voice and found herself agreeing "I'll talk to him" she smiled "but I can't promise you anything...your brother can be difficult sometimes".

Amrita smiled back "all the time.. it's like he wants to change the world around us but in a good way and he doesn't even realise what's good for him isn't so for our father especially".

The sudden entry of the cat turned their attention as the animal slowly made its way towards Sakshi.

"He likes you, doesn't he?" Amrita looked at it with love and Sakshi nodded, her repulsion for Aman's pet slowly ebbing away.

"I remember the first time he got a kitten" Amrita spoke softly "he loved cats and even argued with baba to get one but you know our father. He opposed the idea and even maa couldn't relent him" her voice trailed away even softer "but my stubborn brother couldn't stop at that and brought one, much to our father's displeasure. He didn't care about baba and there were tiny but strong fights every time. The one day it became worse when the cat shit on Baba's bed".

"Oh my God!" Sakshi laughed "that must have triggered him". Amrita didn't find it funny and nodded "he beat the cat and threw it away in a plastic".

Sakshi gaped at her sister in law in horror as she went on "maa tried a lot to convince him but he wouldn't deter. When Aman was back home and got to know, we were expecting a full fledged fight but that didn't happen..he was too hurt to even fight".

Sakshi felt a tug of sympathy as she knew his obsession for pets. Even though she felt his father's reaction was really far fetched, she knew her father would have the same thing or even worse.

Amrita got up from bed and turned to her "I've to make the guest list ready..will you help me?"

Sakshi looked at the watch; it was time to meet the guy. She crammed her mind for the best excuse "I'm sorry" she stammered "I've to meet my...boss at the hospital. He asked to see me about something important".

"Didn't you resign from the job?" Amrita inquired. Sakshi caught her phone in one hand and handbag in another "yes but I'm planning to pursue higher studies...so I had requested him to guide me through it".

Although Amrita didn't looked convinced, she gave a thin smile "don't forget to speak to Aman".

"Sure" said Sakshi as she raced towards the door before anyone could stop her.

*****

There was no sign of him.

Sakshi sat on the exact same place they had occupied the privious day so that he wouldn't miss her. The apprehension in her eyes showed as she observed the people entering and exiting the restaurant.

A lot of time had passed but the guy hadn't turned up. What on earth was I thinking? Sakshi mentally groaned. Just because he agreed to meet didn't mean he was actually going to show up.

"Sakshi?" The sudden attention startled her and she looked up. It was the same guy.

Relief flooded her heart and she gave a small smile "thank you for meeting me"she said as he took the chair next to her.

"No problem" he said with a small smile which didn't help her at all as she was clueless about him.

"I don't know how to begin" she looked around to see if anyone was watching them and leaned over "what happened at the party? I'm asking you because you I don't remember anything that night".

He didn't look surprised and simply shrugged "I knew from the moment I first saw you" he spoke "you looked drunk and not at all sane.. you were blabbering nonstop and most of the things went over my head".

She bit her upper lip in agitation "what did we...speak about?"she asked hopefully "was there anyone else with you? Did you see someone behaving indecently with me?"

He raised a curious eyebrow "jeez woman!"he shook his head in amusement "why you're worked up about something that happened long ago?"

"Because I want to know!" Sakshi almost yelled "isn't that enough?"
He gave a puzzled look as if something was amiss and gave a huge sigh "someone was trying to get close to you..."he muttered finally.

She widened her eyes in horror "wh..what? Who was he?"

He shrugged his shoulders and leaned back with a serious look "I don't know...look" he turned around and whispered "I should go..I'm getting late already".

She grasped his wrist immediately "please!"she pleaded with tear stricken eyes "you're the only one who can help me now. Tell me everything that happened".

He took a deep breath and leaned back "fine" he replied with a small smile "I doubt you remember my name then".

She shook her head guiltily and he gave a friendly smile "thought so...I'm Sahil" he introduced himself "and relax...nothing serious happened".
She waited for him to continue as her impatient heart was racing wildly.

"Alright" he began "I was with my friends trying to gatecrash the beach party which we hardly did" he laughed a little "our careers were at stake and we wanted to have a little bit of fun before we can navigate through our routine".

Sakshi couldn't see where this was leading but nodded, clenching her fists in impatience, praying this could lead her somewhere.

"Anyway...after showing our fake IDs and enjoying the poolside resort, I was tired and made my way towards the resort lounge to rest. That's where I crashed...into you".

Sakshi widened her eyes "what was I doing? Was someone there with me?"
He shook his head "some guy was trying to make a pass at you but you shooed him off" again, he laughed louder this time"it was funny actually...you sort of yelled at him. Poor guy left immediately".

Sakshi didn't find it funny "so what happened then?" He tapped his fingers on the table softly "I sat next to you and we chatted nonstop...you sounded fun..not at all what you appear right now".

Sakshi could only gape at the guy in front of her; she wasn't sure if he was taking about her as socializing with random stranger she met at a party wasn't her thing at all. She could only imagine what could have happened later.

"Then what happened?"she found herself asking. He shrugged "it was time for me to go...I asked if I can drop you because you weren't in a position to walk anywhere. You declined saying you were waiting for your boyfriend".

"Fiancee" she corrected him and he nodded "something like that". A brief silence later, he stared at her "did something happen to you?"

She waited a little while before replying "I..don't know but I feel someone took advantage of me and I don't know who it is". She didn't want to elaborate. He was a nobody after all.

"Oh my God!"his reaction was of shock and utter disgust "I'm so sorry!"  He leaned closer "what about your boyfriend...I mean fiancee? Didn't he come back? Didn't you find out?"

Sakshi clenched her teeth to control her tears "he doesn't know either...I was hoping you would help me since you're the one who remembered my face" The tears rolled down anyway.

He looked around and slowly placed his hand over hers "hey I'm really sorry okay? Please stop crying".

She hasn't realised she was and wiped the tears immediately "it's okay..not your fault".

He cast a sympathetic glance at her "I don't know what to say...this is all so messed up" he shook his head "I remembered you because you were so...funny" he smiled genuinely "but I guess there's no point discussing it. You've absolutely no idea about it at all".

She forced a smile and stood "I should go...thanks for coming anyway". He simply nodded as they departed.

As she came out of the restaurant, Sakshi composed herself and wiped her face. Maybe it was a dead end. That she was sure. It was probably the guy who was teasing her, he must have come back again after Sahil had left. And then he had...

She closed her eyes as nightmare came back to her. She didn't want to think about it and. All she wanted was to get home as soon as possible and rushed out to find a cab. Only to see a familiar figure staring down at her. The colour on her face drained.

"What are you doing here?" Aman demanded in an authoritative voice. Even though she shuddered at his presence, she pretended to appear calm "I had to meet my friend.."

"A male friend?" Aman didn't sound pleasant. She nodded "he used to work with me at the hospital".

"Piyush?" Aman's stare was sharp. She blinked at the name "no...but how do you know Piyush?"

"Never mind" he glared "I saw you talking to him yesterday..."

She rummaged her mind for answer and chose to defend herself instead "so you were following me?"

"No...I came to have lunch with my friend" he said instantly "we were almost done when I saw you with him ...again" he stressed on the last word "what's going on Sakshi?"

"None of your business Aman" she said, calming her heart which was beating faster every time his questions increased "you've no right to follow me around... it's my life".

"Was that your boyfriend?" Aman wasn't done, the interrogation getting creepier. "Why do you care?"she yelled angrily, stepping past him.

He caught her hand "because he looked way too younger....to be your colleague..or boyfriend".

"Then keep guessing!"she hissed "and leave me alone".

"Not until you tell me what's going on?"his eyes looked menacing. She wasn't admitting defeat either "I'm tired Aman...and want to rest. Stop irritating me and let me go".

He looked like he was going to counter attack but stopped "I'll drop you home".

She didn't want to wait for the cab but being with him meant more questions "no...I'll take a cab". He pulled her along "I said I'll drop you".

She had no choice.

*****

"What's wrong with me?"

Aman jerked the brakes as the car drove past him when he narrowly escaped the traffic signal. His thoughts wavered around the woman next to him who had been awfully quiet and with good reason.

Why did he care who she talked to? She had every right to chide him, didn't she?

He cast a sideways glance at her "you were right. It's none of my business".
She didn't speak and turned towards the car window.

"I was curious that's all" he turned his attention back to the road "I wasn't following you I swear. I wanted to have lunch back here so I came with my friend. He left me early and that's how I bumped into you".

"Why didn't you ask me yesterday?" she spoke up "why did you choose to ignore then huh?"

He wasn't sure about the answer himself "I thought it was an accidental meeting until I saw you with him again".

"How do you know about Piyush?"she asked as they almost reached the apartment and he turned the car towards the parking lot "I don't recall talking about him".

"Your father once told me" he explained the conversation he had with her father before "tell me if he bothers you again".

"I can stand up to myself" she said in a stern voice. His frown contorted into a brief smirk"I know you can.... You're not that old adarshwadi beti anymore".

She couldn't help but smile back at his choice of words "I'm sick of being the centre of everyone's pity".

"Good for you" he mumbled, opening the car door and she realised he was going home with her.

"You said you'll drop me" she reminded, not wanting him to come with her.

His cheeky grin was back "maa texted  me saying baba wanted to discuss something important". They reached the elevator and pushed the button. He leaned closer to her "not everything's about you, your highness".

Embarassed, she avoided his gaze and silently followed him as they reached home.

******
"Oh thank God you're here!" Amrita squealed as soon as she saw Aman and hugged him, much to Sakshi's amusement and turned to her "thank you so much for persuading him!"

"No..I didn't" Sakshi corrected her as she caught Aman giving her a quizzical look "we just met.."

"Whatever! I'm glad" Amrita looked grateful and held his hand "You're not giving any excuses this time. You have to help me and join the family function".

Aman rolled his eyes "I have an important event coming up" he lied "besides it's a ladies ..."

"I'm not taking no for an answer" Amrita said, cutting him mid half "please Aman..."

Aman caught his wife's eye on him and she mouthed "say yes".

"Okay" he said, his eyes still on hers until she looked away. What was wrong with him? Why was he giving himself away?

"Yayy!" Amrita squeezed his hand "let's start with the main menu..."

"Aman?" Devaki interrupted the light moment "your father's in his study. He wants to talk to you". Aman wondered what it was about and quietly walked inside.

******

He saw his father engrossed in a huge file which was sprawled on the study table.

It was ages since he spoke to his father and a lot of questions ran through his mind.

"Maa said you wanted to see me" he began, by way of acknowledging his presence.

Shekhar looked up from the file he was seeing and noticed him standing farther.

He gestured to sit next to him and Aman did the same with minor awkwardness.

"How's your...art thing going?" Shekhar asked his son in a serious tone.

Seriously? Aman could only gape at this man. Since when did his father bother about his work? It was too surreal.

"It's..good" he simply answered without going into the details. Shekhar nodded and collected the papers which was strewn across the table "I met Akhil few days back" he began "he left to the States.."

"Yeah..I know" Aman replied, unable to grasp the direction of their conversation.

Shekhar looked at him intently "he was sympathetic..even asked me about you. I told him about your marriage.." Aman slowly realised how Deepa had known. "What did he say?"

"Nothing...he was happy" Shekhar said with a small smile "he's a nice guy...and close to Amit..."

"Why did you want to see me baba?" Aman interrupted him, not wanting to talk about his brother.

"Akhil said there were lot of legal and financial issues to be dealt with after Amit's...death" Shekhar's voice was low "He said I had to meet the HR and I did...regarding the provident fund and the graduity..and also the insurance". Aman listened as his father closed the file and extended it to him.

"Everything's yours now" Shekhar rubbed his hand "Amit had named you his nominee".

Aman shook the file away and it dropped to the floor. "I can't...no way" he said pointedly "take it. I have absolutely no need for it".

"But this all belongs to you" Shekhar explained, although surprised but composing himself as he lifted the file from the floor "speaking of which, I spoke to Rishab about our ancestral property...he was trying to make it commercial and even Amit was all for it. Since he isn't here with us and you're the inheritor, it's your call".

Aman got up form the chair in a swift motion "fine...give me his ashes as well..and pour it all on me.."

Shekhar glared at his son in anger "how dare you..."

"Enough baba!" Aman yelled "I know what you're doing here..I'm not tone deaf. You're trying to transform me into Amit. Because you'd rather I was dead instead of him!"

Shekhar was at a loss for words as Aman went on yelling "you want your perfect little family to go back to where it was before, isn't it? So you could manipulate me just as you manipulate everyone else here!"

Shekhar stared at him blankly before replying "that was not my intention at all...I swear .."

"Oh stop it!" Aman snapped "I don't want a single dime from you... remember you can't buy me to be one of your..."

"Aman! What's going on?"

They hadn't realised Devaki was in the room, followed by Amrita and Sakshi who looked as confused as her. They had heard the commotion.

Aman turned to his mother with a mirthless laugh "ask him" he remarked "but it doesn't matter....you won't speak...like you always do".

"Aman, that's enough!"
This was from Sakshi.

Hi everyone!!!
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(Yes I'm alive..and not giving up on the story...sorry for the lonnngg absence...)