Destiny; 'Love is strange, it blooms in dessert and storms , between the most unexpected people'

Melhotra House

The breakfast table was in dead silence, all sounds which could be heard was of Neil's fork and knife as he butchered his omelette. Radhika gave Prerna a pleading look, she nodded assuring Radhika once; ''Neil, she said sorry. Enough now''

''No mom ! not this time. My words have no value for her. Even when I requested , she decided to ignore , if she doesn't care then even I don't '' Neil pushed his chair roughly and left the table, he halted once ; ''And Radhika, don't try to act sweet to win my trust back because you lost it for eternity. Radhika lowered her eyes, Prerna rubbed her back ; ''Its okay darling , he will himself come around''

''I am sorry . I won't repeat it'' Prerna caressed her head. The butler bought an envelope and gave it to Nihal; ''Angad Khanna is throwing a party and has invited us''

''But we hardly know them'' Prerna said doubtful. Radhika smiled; ''He is a businessman , all he sees is his profit and Uncle is the most talked about businessman in the circle currently . He has his connections not just in India but abroad too. Hence, the invitation'' Nihal smiled nodding; ''My girl knows a lot , we are going then'' Radhika smiled , since it was Zubin father's party Radhika was happy about meeting her friends and Arjun. She couldn't forget the way Arjun's stood there to protect her. Radhika smiled. 'So you have started trusting, did you forget you have been betrayed bad' chided her conscious. Radhika thought and replayed all her encounters with Arjun , from Bad to good. The way he chased her to the way he was running from her. He had warned her about staying away from him. But somewhere Radhika had read honesty in his eyes. She wanted to trust him , why ? she didn't know . Radhika smiled; 'I trust you'

Mehra Mansion

The investigator mailed Arjun his reports , when he went through them Arjun was shocked for a moment. He got up, paced around raking his hands through his hair. It was unexpected, Sanjay was Saral's cousin. Their mothers were second cousins and this is why Radhika didn't knew him. But this wasn't enough to blame him. He should be caught red handed , but the most important part was to make Radhika learn control. Arjun decided to let Neil know of same.

Sam was busy trying all party dresses she had, Zubin had told her teasingly that Melhotras were also invited. She heard a knock and made a face; ''Come In''

''Wow! That was really polite'' Arjun mocked her tone . Sam rolled her eyes; ''Your reason should be good, because I was really busy'' Arjun smiled looking at her stern expression; ''Hmm, so love does change people . Samaira Mehra who never like make up or dolling up , is now busy selecting the best party outfit to impress her boyfriend'' Sam gestured hi to keep his voice low, she quickly locked the door; ''leave me , what about you . The ARJUN MEHRA who never cared for any girl is now running everywhere to save one''

Arjun stared into his sister's eyes; ''Its only me and I don't expect her to respond . So in short its nothing'' Sam frowned; ''why? Why not if she responds to your feelings''

''Because her family won't agree for a man like me. I don't want any issue between you and Neil.'' Sam watched him, she was trying to read if what he said was true. ''Fine, now tell me what brings you here''

Arjun handed Sam the file and her eyes popped out; ''You are trying to keep her safe ; you really love Radhika'' Arjun smiled; ''Saral and Sanjay are related. I am not concluding, but it could be him''

Sam thought; ''So! what do you want to do'' Arjun turned his back to Sam; ''let Neil know, tell him you did this search. '' Sam was still processing; ''Sam , when you meet Neil, tell him that more than protection, Radhika needs to learn control On her emotions and anger, this is what he is exploiting ''

''Bhai! I don't have to tell him. He knows her the best'' Arjun shrugged his shoulders ; ''He does but as a shield. He is grounding her like a 6 yr old. What she needs , is confidence strength and control. She is fit to fight anyone . Sam her brain is stronger than all of us, but she loses control easily. Explain Neil'' Sam just hummed , in reality she was planning Arjun to bring these changes in Radhika . She thought ; 'time to be cupid"

Khanna Mansion

''Behave like a tycoon's wife'' Angad Khanna arrogantly commanded his wife Priya. Priya nodded submissively. Her submission gave a different kind of pleasure to his ego. Zubin who stood at the door of his parents door curled his fingers into tight fists. Without knocking he barged in; ''She would, if you behave like a good obliged husband who had been enjoying his wife's money.''

Angad turned to face his smirking son; ''Have you forgotten who are you talking to'' Zubin took a step towards his father; ''No I haven't. But its time I remind you that insulting my mother or my sister might cost you bad'' The father Son duo stared at each other without blinking even once . Turning his to his Mom , Zubin extended his hand; ''Lets go Mom, you are lady of the house . '' Turning to his father once again , he ushered a warning; '' don't forget MOM still owns 60% of all the business''

Angad Khanna was too shocked to react,Zubin who hardly cared was gone the one standing in front of him was more of a rebel. He decided to deal with his rouge son later. Zubin watched his Mom doing Navya's hair, Teji's treatment had helped a lot . She was turning talkative again. Zubin pulled his mobile out scrolling to Kritika's pic he smiled; ''I will never let you down '' turning to his mother and sister he whispered; ''None of you''

The guest started pouring in, though after Navya's incident Mehra's had been avoiding Khanna's . But after Angad Khanna apologised Akshay Mehra accepted the invitation. Dressed in black tuxedo Arjun looked dashing , he was welcomed with inviting smiles from many females. Arjun just replied with a friendly one before moving to the bar. ''Arjun Mehra committed to one; Never thought I would live to see this day'' Zubin mocked leaning on the counter. Arjun sipped his drink; ''Shut up!'' Zubin laughed ; ''You are waiting for her . Am I right?''

''No , I am waiting for one chance to kill you'' Arjun replied irritated making Zubin laugh more. His eyes went to the door and he saw Kritika entering with her parents; ''Looks like your prayers are being answered, My love is waiting, so have a good time with your drink'' Arjun just closed his eyes once , all he saw was her eyes looking into his , thanking him silently. Arjun gulped the drink in one go. When he turned around he froze. Radhika wore a knee length pink dress, her hair made into soft curls . She had left side of her hair using a silver butterfly clip. many eyes turned to her , they were checking her out. Radhika moved her eyes around and smiled locking hers with Arjun . He forgot to breath. Prerna gestured Radhika to move ,breaking her eyelock.

Neil winked at Sam gesturing towards the garden area; she fanned herself mockingly throwing fake attitude at him. Neil gaped as Sam started acting friendly with guys who were trying to be friendly with her. He clenched his jaw and turned his eyes away.

"Glad you could make it'' Angad Khanna welcomed Nihal with a handshake, he introduced him to his group of friends, many were renowned business men and dignitaries of the city. Radhika stood next to Nihal greeting every one with a polite hello; ''Now you have ventured into real estate too, god save us'' Spoke one of the real estate tycoon.

''Courtesy his dead friend , its Dilip Mishra's company . How does it feel to see your father's company getting snatched Radhika'' Spoke another jealous competitor. Radhika's eyes burned, but Nihal squeezed her hand, taking a deep breath she smiled; ''Ridhima constructions is still run by my father, Nihal Melhotra and you know what , I guess its in your fate to lose to my father, first to Dilip Mishra and now to Nihal Melhotra'' The group turned silent hearing the fiery young girl. Turning to Nihal she gave him a hug; ''I love you dad'' Nihal smiled softly hearing Dad , Smirking at the irritated business man Radhika left walking to her friends ; ''Radhika, youngsters party is in the garden area, you will find your friends there '' Angad informed her, she smiled at him making her way to garden. As she stepped out Sam and Kritika jumped on her; ''where were you? what were you doing with oldies'' Kritika asked

''My parents wanted me get introduced to all; don't know why'' Radhika replied little distracted. ''May be they want to show their daughter off to parents of prospective grooms'' Sam said dreamily . Radhika blinked and looked around , she wanted to see him once. But he wasn't around. ''Chashni , lets dance'' Neil extended his hand towards Radhika ignoring Sam, Radhika made a face as if touched by a contagious disease ; ''AD, in a party full of good looking guys why would I dance with my adoptive dad. Excuse Me!!'' Radhika walked passed Neil and whispered; ''My revenge for not talking to me . '' She left with n amused Kritika, Sam pressed her lips to hide her laughter , she took graceful steps towards Neil; ''You still have a chance''

''As my Chasni said, in a party full of beautiful girls why would I dance with you'' Neil walked off smirking at Sam. ''You will pay Neil Melhotra'' Sam stomped her foot and accepted the invitation of another guy for dance. Radhika pushed Kritika and Zubin to the dance floor; ''Guys ,I am fine seriously , go dance'' Radhika looked around and decided to take a walk, the Mansion had a very beautiful garden. The bushes were cut in shape of different animals. The bushes were decorates with blue fairy lights making the whole surrounding look beautiful. The lush grass crapet was thick below her feet Even with her heels on she could feel the softness.

Arjun stood near the small fountain in the middle of the garden, he could see people dancing at some distance He wanted to avoid her, suppress all the feelings he felt looking at her. But as said destiny makes you face what you escape the most; ''Caught you'' Came a sweet voice , igniting the feelings in Arjun's heart; '', you should stay away from me''

''Why ? I don't find you dangerous. Are you running from me?'' She took a step towards him smiling. Arjun felt time freezing around them; ''Are you chasing me?'' He countered her. ''What if I say Yes'' Her voice had mirth and mischief .The The waters of fountain glittered with the surrounding lights falling on it, reflection of which fell on the Radhika's face making her shine like moon. Arjun closed his eyes ; ''Go away Radhika, I am not a good man''

''I don't feel so, I feel safe'' Arjun turned away; ''May be I am trying to fool you to win your trust'' Radhika walked around and stood infront of him; ''My di used to say, voices , faces even everything can lie but..'' She kept her palm over his heart and it paced ; ''The heart and eyes never lie'' She looked up straight into her eyes; ''And yours are right now speaking truth'' Arjun stepped back abruptly; ''I can fool anyone, did you forget how I chased you, scared you''

''I remember, how you followed me from hospital to keep me safe, how you saved my dad from getting hurt, how you jumped in the traffic to save me'' She replied calm

''you shouldn't be seen with me. I have a bad reputation. People might call you names'' Radhika spoke after a pause; ''They called me names when I was rescued, there were rumors that seduced my cousin and uncle. People who used to praise me, branded me as a mean manipulative girl, according to them what happened was my fault because I provoked the men around me.'' Arjun heard the pain , he turned towards her. She was staring at the bubbling water of the fountain; ''And now, when I go around they greet me with a smile on my face but behind my back they call me mentally unstable. '' She turned to look into his eyes; ''What are you scared off? To be seen with mad or manipulative one'' Arjun held her gaze taking steps to her , lifting her palm up he kept it over his heart ; ''what do you think? Which one? Radhika smiled; ''Let me guess, you are running from both'' She started laughing looking at Arjun's tired expression; ''We meeting might not be good for Sam-Neil'' he reasoned. ''They are adults, they can handle their matters'' She replied

''your family will hate it'' He took a step back in to the dark , she smiled taking steps to him sharing the darkness; ''I am an adult too'' . Arjun pressed his eyes shut; ''Why? You wanted me dead then , then why this sudden trust'' Radhika lowered her eyes; ''I saw you changing, I felt it. I too wanted to change, but its fine. Won't bother you again'' Arjun felt like a wreck for hurting her, Radhika went on her toes holding his shoulders, she pecked his cheek lightly; ''I still trust you'' Involuntarily Arjun's face turned pressing his lips to her soft cheek. They heard footsteps, Arjun's arm went around her waist pulling her more into the darkness. He whispered ; ''Stay for a min, I will never ask anything after this'' She did without any protest leaning onto him, 'of all you trusted him' her mind scolded Radhika smiled as her heart replied; 'of all he is the only one who changed' She leaned onto his chest closing her eyes, it felt nice safe and heavenly. Above all she felt all this was just hers.

Arjun broke the hug cupping her face he requested; ''Promise me , you will never react to Saral. You will call Neil in case of trouble'' He waited for her to speak , lowering her eyes she nodded. He smiled pecking her cheek deep ; ''go before someone finds us'' he watched her walking away with heavy heart, but he knew this was right as Nihal Melhotra will never hand over his princess to a man like him.

Radhika joined her friends, she was sad. After days she trusted someone who tormented her once, but now he was avoiding her like plague. She should have been happy relieved that he wasn't bothering her and maintaining the distance but she wasn't, because she felt the pain of rejection this time.

Neil was laughing dancing with a random girl. ''You shouldn't have acted smart'' Kritika told Sam, she stared at Neil with angry eyes; ''How will look without teeth'' Sam asked. Kritika thought; ''Umm ugly''

''Good! Then he would never smile to anyone else'' Sam grabbed Zubin's arm; ''Come along, I need a partner''

''Why me?'' he protested, but all went unheard , Sam choreographed and Zubin followed , when she asked him to twirl he did , Sam intentionally punched Neil's partner and quickly apologised. She asked Zubin to roll her out, he shook his head and did as guided. Sam twirled at jet speed stomping the girl's foot. The girl groaned in pain; ''Hey can you walk'', Neil asked concerned, burning Sam to the core . The girl sniffed; ''No'' In a second she was being scooped up and Neil carried her to nearby couch. ''guess it backfired'' Zubin said looking at angry Sam; ''He is about to be blown off ; go tend your guest as I need to talk to my guy '' Zubin huffed and dragged his feet, Sam watched Neil going to the Bar to get his partner a drink, she followed and pulled him before he could go in, she pushed him to the nearby wall; ''So empathetic and sympathetic of you Neil''

Neil raised a brow smirking; ''I should be, she is so cute'' Sam gave a tight smile; ''what if I break that cute face of her'' Neil scoffed; ''I will protect her'' That was it, Neil got a nice kick on his shin; ''Ouch!!!'' Sam smirked; ''Now sit there and rub your wound. I will be back after handling that cute sample of yours'' Sam turned with a jerk , but next second she was plastered to his herd chest; ''First you need to sooth my pain''

''Sooth!! My foot , I will punch a hole in your body '' Sam replied with blazing eyes, Neil grinned. His finger brushed along her cheek bone; ''you started it''

''Fine, then let me end it as well'' She tried moving again but Neil pulled her back, moving his hand on her back he husked; ''Backless, for me???'' Sam made a face; ''other than you , everyone'' That made him turn angry, Neil pulled her closer. She stood between his slightly parted legs, with her front plastered to his, their chests fell against each other due to their disturbed breaths; ''Say that again and you will repent''

''You don't scare me'' She replied smiling , Sam undid his buttons; ''On the contrary I find you hot'' Sam leaned; ''Don't spoil my hair'' clutching his collar she pressed her lips on to his; ''Tasty'' Neil smiled , he moved switching their positions , locking Sam to the wall; ''Don't you ever pull that stunt on me Sam, I can be a cave man too'' Sam moved her palms under his shirt relishing the feel of his warm skin; ''I am the girl so I can do all this you can't'' Neil smiled looking at her face, he grabbed her wrist; ''not here''

Sam raised a brow; ''where then, park, in broad day light'' . ''Sam we are at someone else's house '' Neil reasoned. Sam pouted ; ''Atleast here almost all are behind one or the corner , why are you acting like miss touch me not'' Neil smiled touching his forehead to hers ; ''I am going to speak to my parents'' Sam froze, Neil cupped her face; ''get ready, its time to put my name on you'' She smiled with tears rolling down her cheek, Neil was awarded with a big hug.

Radhika watched Kritika-Zubin dancing slowly lost in each other, she smiled turning her eyes to Neil-Sam who seemed to be enjoying their love banter. She looked around, all seemed to be lost in their own world. Every person found acceptance in eyes on one, only she was different. She got attention invitation but not acceptance, because she wasn't normal. She had seen hope, but he too turned her away. Radhika took a deep breath, looking around she found her gaze locked with Arjun standing on the far end. Turning her eyes away, she left the area in a lightning speed.

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