"Hmmm...," answered Sidharth to Khushali, for the 10th time in a row. He was constantly typing away something in his laptop while occasionally reading his case files and some legal books. Who said lawyers don't have much work?

He and Khushali were in their room and it was past 12 at night. He was sitting on the couch, laptop on his lap, with books and files sprawled on the table kept infront of the couch. For some days he had been very busy and tensed, firstly his client was in a legal battle over a business fraud and secondly Jay still couldn't find any information about Mia. It was getting highly irritating for him, since as the day were passing, his fear of losing Khushali was increasing. He knew soon he'll have to tell her the truth, which would surely cause troubles between them if for once Khushali took it in the wrong context. But as he hadn't told Khushali the truth about his past yet, he was worried that if Mia gets to Khushali before he told her the truth then he might just lose her forever, never to gain her trust again. 'I really need to get to Mia before she finds Khushali. Or else things would just fall apart for me and Khushali!'

He was still typing on his laptop when Khushali rudely snatched it out of his lap and switched it off. It happened so fast that he couldn't even react initially.
"What the hell Khushali? You know I was working, then why did you closed it? Damn it yaar! What's wrong with you?", groaned a visible angry Sidharth. He got up from the couch and stood in front of her, asking for a justification for her action.

Khushali frowned at him and replied with equal anger, "What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you Sidharth? From last one hour, I've been asking you about your day and your work but all you are saying is 'Hmm.....'! Okay I can understand that you were concentrating on your work, so I won't complain about it.
But do you know what time it is? It's past 12 Sidharth and tomorrow you have an early morning meeting. If you won't sleep on time then you'll feel lethargic throughout the day. How can you be so irresponsible about your health and yourself? If you don't sleep on time and get proper rest, you'll fall ill and haan your headache too will trouble you. And I know you don't want that to happen. So please hubby calm down and sleep. It's quite late now, okay?" She whispered the last part of her sentence softly too him.

Khushali had been noticing how busy Sidharth was since last some days. He was usually working on his laptop or reading files and books or simply talking to his clients on phone. She knew he had lots of work to do but that doesn't mean she'll let him neglect his health. She tried on several occasion over the last few days to tell him that but couldn't do so as either he got caught with work or she got busy with something or the other work. But today it was the limit for her. After dinner when she entered their room, she found Sidharth already working on his laptop. Since it was a routine for them to talk about their day, she got herself settled on the bed with a book she was reading for a last couple of days. Once settled, she quizzed Sidharth about his day, but Sidharth answered only, 'Hmm..' for every question. Though she maintained her composure and didn't complain but lost her cool when he repeated the same answer when she asked him how much more time will it take him before going to sleep. She had been quite worked up and was getting irked easily because of her worry for him, which everyone around her had started noticing.

"I know wifey but, but you know it's quite a crucial case and I have to get all the things sorted out before the final hearing. It's just too complicated and tiring!", he muttered with a dull face. He was tired as hell, with all the things happening in his life, he was physically, mentally and emotionally tired.

Khushali looked at him with a small smile. He was looking a like little kid who was completely drained of his energy after coming back from school. She cupped his face and whispered softly, "I understand your situation Sidharth but working like a robot without taking rest, is not the solution. You'll only get more frustrated and cranky because of lack of sleep and rest. You need rest. C'mon now go and lie on the bed. I'll keep your files and laptop properly and you go and sleep. C'mon now!"

Sidharth listened to her with utmost admiration in his eyes for his wifey's care for him. Though he had been busy with his work and the planning for the big thing, he did noticed his wife's care and affection for him which by each passing day was increasing. Be it in the cafe, 10 days back or her frequent calls to him during work hour or even now when she scolded him; he could see only care and warmth in her actions and words. And somehow it made him feel better and lighter, even in the situation he was in. This gave him a tiniest hope that maybe, just maybe his wife will fall in love with him. 'I hope that happens soon!'

He then held her hand which was cupping his face and slowly engulfed her in a hug. He pulled her closer to himself and closed his eyes, cherishing her warmth in his arms. He smiled against her hairs and whispered, "There's still lots of work to do. But I won't disobey you or else you'll scold me again. I'm tired wifey, extremely tired. But I don't know how you make me feel better. You know wifey, I love it when you take care of me. It just makes me feel lighter and peaceful. It makes me feel so much better that these days, I even enjoy your scolding. You know a little secret, as a kid I never liked getting scolded but now I enjoy getting scolded by you because I know you only do that for my betterment. I like that a lot!"

He fell silent after this as he felt Khushali smile. After a couple of seconds, he tried to untangle himself from her, but this time Khushali tightened her grip on him. He felt this strange happiness explode within himself. His happiness reached the seventh could when he heard what his wife said next. But it also made confused!

Khushali by now was completely comfortable with Sidharth, though like friends. She had no issues with the close proximity with him. And infact since the time she had noticed that Sidharth felt relaxed by hugging her or just by her words, she tried to help him as much as she could with these gestures and words of hers. But she doesn't do this just for her husband, she does for it herself as well. Somehow, unknowingly her husband's worries and troubles had started affecting her and maybe was the reason why she had temporarily stopped reliving her memories of Sagar. Maybe something was changing for Khushali, slowly but still was!

She smiled hearing what her husband was saying. She felt something different with the way Sidharth was holding her in his arms, but whatever it was she felt... nice. She sighed and let herself enjoy his warmth when she felt him move out of the hug. She tightened her grip on her and whispered slowly, "I don't like scolding you Sidharth but if you won't take care of yourself, what am I supposed to do? I know you've got many things to do and professionally things are messy but please don't let it affect your personal life, our life. Your stress and worries are not just yours but but mine too. Whenever I see you anxious, it makes me worried too. We're friends and spouses, and I care for you, a lot. I really don't like seeing you so much worked up. Please Sidharth take care of yourself. I don't want to lose you!" She hugged him even tighter and buried her face his chest. A few tears escaped from her eyes.

Sidharth smiled a very big smile after listening to what she said. His wifey had told him about how much worried she was for him but he didn't get one thing, 'Why would my stress make her lose me?' But the oblivious Sidharth had no idea that there was a reason why Khushali was so much worried for him.

He felt her tears on his shirt and spoke while rubbing her back, "Wifey chill, okay? Just calm down and listen to me. It's just work stress, nothing serious. Why do you think you'll lose me? I would never leave you! Get it? What happened wifey? Why are saying like that and crying? Wifey?"

He tried to come of out the hug and look at Khushali, but Khushali didn't leave him and cried more while hugging. He got worried and finally held her by shoulder. He put his hand under her chin and made her look at him and said, "Answer me Khushali. What made you think that you would lose me?"

Khushali looked at him and said chokingly, "I.. I mean.... I'm just scared Sidharth. I just said it out of worry. That's it. Nothing! Please forget it and sleep now." She wiped her tears and weakly smiled at him. She didn't want to tell him the exact reason for she knew it wasn't the right time to tell Sidharth the truth behind her fears.

Sidharth didn't budge her more and nodded. He made Khushali lie on the bed and went to keep his files properly. Once done he went and lied on his side of bed and closed the eyes. He looked at Khushali who was looking lost, no not that lost look when she thinks about Sagar but it was a different look, which he couldn't decode. But he couldn't think more as due to exhaustion, sleep soon took over him.

Khushali turned her head and saw Sidharth sleeping. She knew she shouldn't have broken down like that but she couldn't help it as she felt what happened last time was slowing going to take place again. 'I really hope that won't happen this time or else I don't know what would I do!' Her anxiety was taking the best of her and but she was trying to control herself as she couldn't let Sidharth get worried for her since he was already worked up with his work. She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep soon.

Night passed swiftly and morning came. Sidharth woke up and left for work at 7, before Khushali even woke up, but not before leaving a note for his wifey who looked adorable while sleeping. When she woke up, she didn't find Sidharth in the room and got tensed. But her worries didn't last long as she found a note written by him left on the table kept beside her side of bed with a red rose. The note said,

Good morning wifey! I know what you're wondering but you were looking adorable while sleeping and I didn't have the heart to disturb your peaceful sleep. But don't feel sad that you didn't wish me this time for my meeting, your best wishes and luck always with me. Please now don't start stressing out about me. I'll have my breakfast in office and will call you after the meeting gets over. I've informed Raima to pick you up.
Don't worry now please!

Your handsome and cool hubby,
Sidharth ;)

She smiled after reading the note. 'Whenever I think that I know Sidharth well, he always takes me by surprise. I wish his meeting goes well. Don't know what good I have done to get him in life.' She smiled a little more and got up from bed to get ready.

After having her breakfast, she checked her phone for any of messages from Sidharth but there wasn't any. She checked the time, it was 8:30 am. She chuckled at her own foolishness. 'How can I think that his meeting will be over when it only started half an hour back? Stupid me!'
She picked her bag and books up and was about to go out when her mother in-law called her.

She turned back and saw Aarti coming towards. She smiled at her and asked, "What happened Maa? Is there anything you want to tell me?"
Aarti smiled back at her and said, "Yes beta. Actually tonight Verma's have organised a Mata Ki Chowki. I would've went there but you know your Papa is not well today. And Mehar have to take Amaira to her friend's birthday since Aditya is out of station. So I was wondering, why don't you and Sidharth go there? I mean I know my son is not much into this stuff and is quite busy but just go for half an hour or else Mrs. Verma will eat up my head. And I'm sure you don't want that to happen."

Khushali giggled and thought, 'Now I know from where Sidharth got his charms and humour.' She replied to her mother-in-law sweetly, "Sure Maa we will. Don't worry your daughter-in-law won't let that happen. Just tell me the address and time. I'll convince Sidharth."
Aarti nodded and said, "You know Khushali it's so easy to convince you than my dramatic son. If I were to convince him na, then I'm sure he would've only agreed after the Jagrata was over. Acha go now and have your food on time. Take care beta."
Khushali giggled again and said, "Okay. Bye Maa!" "Bye beta!", replied Aarti.

Soon after Raima came and both of them drove to their college. While driving Raima looked at her unusually smiling friend and said teasingly, "Ahem ahem, someone seems to be lost in the thoughts of her husband. Haye I wish I was also married or atleast had a boyfriend then maybe I too could do that. Waise Khushali, you know day by day, you're becoming more and more beautiful and gorgeous. You know Mrs. Saxena, that oldie of history department, she was saying that day ki, 'Khushali Mehra seem to have a very loving husband, that's why her glow is increasing everyday.' I agree with her. Sidharth takes really good care of you and loves you as well."

Khushali, who was blushing and smiling till now, was taken completely by surprise when she heard Raima's last sentence. 'Love? Sidharth? Me? How can that be possible?'
She looked at Raima and grumbled, "What yaar? Sidharth and loves me? You're kidding me right? You know there's nothing like that. We both are just friends with each other and nothing more. For the world we are husband and wife but in reality we are just friends. How can you even think that he loves me? Me? A girl who's nothing but a messed up soul, who has nothing to give him? How can someone with a sane mind fall for someone like me? I know Sidharth's a very kind person but I know he doesn't harbour any feelings of the sort for me. Seriously Raima, sometimes you just say really stupid things!"

Raima remained silent till Khushali was done with her ranting. She smiled seeing her best friend turn completely defensive for her husband's liking towards her. She chuckled mentally thinking, 'She's just so blind. She can't even see how much Sidharth loves her. Or even the fact that he and his presence affects her, that's why she is so much cranky these days. My best friend is really a big tubelight. God help her and show some mercy on poor Sidharth!'

She had always seen an unmeasurable amount of love in Sidharth's eyes whenever he was with Khushali. She at times thought to confront him but never did so because she knew it was better if things happened organically between him and Khushali.

She kept smiling and this irritated Khushali, who angrily said, "What? Why are smiling like an idiot instead of replying to my questions?"
Raima chuckled and said, "Khushali, can you see air? I believe no. But it's still there right? The same manner, it's not necessary that love is always visible. Sometimes it's there but we aren't wise enough to see it. Maybe our perception or our expectations are to blame for that blindness. Love is not always showed off, at times it's kept hidden, just to not hurt the person you love. But it doesn't mean you don't feel it. You can't see the burning sun, but can feel its warmness through its rays. Similarly, you can't see someone's feelings directly but can see their love through their actions. Sidharth do harbours feelings for you. Maybe not in that great intensity or maybe in such intensity that it's better kept hidden from you. I won't say anything more, it's your call whether you want to live with oblivion or the truth." Saying so, Raima looked back at Khushali who had a blank look on her face. She laughed mentally at her best friend's dumbness.

Khushali stared at her and tried to say something but she couldn't think of a proper response and decided to stay mum. Raima smiled again seeing her best friend's speechless. They both remained silent, one thinking about her friend's blindness and other about her husband's affection.

They reached the college after few minutes and both of them moved towards the staff room. After keeping their things up and signing the attendance register, they both settled down the chairs and Raima started going through the assignments of her students. While Khushali was still thinking about what Raima had told her. 'How can that be possible that Sidharth has feelings for me and I have no idea about it? But how can he has feelings for me in the first place? I know he considers me his closest friend and all but love? How can love brew? No this can't be true. Raima is just being stupid. This dumb girl is making me a fool too. Leave it Khushali there's ain't nothing like that. Relax!'

She was engulfed in her own thoughts when someone snapped their fingers in front of her. Khushali snapped out of her thoughts and saw Mayera standing in front of her with a charming smile playing on her lips. She smiled at her and said, "Oh hey Mayera! Good morning!"
Mayera replied instantly, "Good morning Khushali! You're done with listing down the books?"
Khushali smiled and replied, "Yes I have. I was about to bring that up only but you already asked."
Mayera took the chair beside Khushali and said, "I guess we're like minded that's why we think similarly. Anyway why were you so lost a while back? I called out your name twice but you didn't say anything. Is everything okay? I mean did you had any issue with someone or should I say your husband? After all normally a married woman have issues with her husband only."

Khushali pressed her lips and muttered in denial, "No it's not like that. My husband is very nice and caring. We don't have any such issues. I was just thinking about something so that's why didn't heard you. Anyway, I'll catch up with you later. Have class now. I'll be free by 12, and will directly come to meet you in conference room."
Mayera got up as well and replied, "Yeah sure!"

Though Khushali felt something weird in Mayera's tone she decided to ignore it because at the moment her husband mattered the most. She mechanically went to take the lecture and got herself engrossed in it to calm herself. It was around 11:25 am when she felt her phone vibrate. She was in the middle of a a crucial discussion about a pivotal character of the book they were reviewing in class. She carefully checked her phone and saw a text message from Sidharth.

Hey wifey! My meeting just got over. It went well. I know you're missing me so thought to inform you that now you hubby is all yours. Acha baba mazak kar raha hun :P (I'm just kidding). I first messaged you in whatsapp but then I remembered you're in class so your phone must be on flight mode. So I've texted this message. Call or text me as soon as you're done. Bye! :)

Sidharth

Khushali smiled lightly and kept her phone back in her bag. She resumed back her work and hoped the thirty minutes would pass soon. But seemed like those thirty minutes became thirty years as throughout the last half hour of class whenever she checked the time, it felt like the time wasn't passing, maybe because she was checking it every minute. But finally her wait got over and she hurriedly left the class after giving her students their assignments.

Once out, she swiftly moved towards the conference room. She reached there and saw Mayera already waiting for her. She just motioned through her hands that she had to make an urgent call. Mayera smiled at her and blinked her eyes in reassurance. Apart from this, Khushali didn't say anything to her and quickly dialled Sidharth's number. As phone was ringing, Khushali was getting impatient as to why he wasn't picking up her call. She again dialled and this time he picked up immediately after the first ring.
"Why weren't you picking up my call? Where were you? Do you know how much tensed I was? How irresponsible you are Sidharth? What do you think by sending me a small message your job's done? Typical husband! Ab what? Answer me Mr. Hubby!", she grumbled. She even for a minute forgot that Mayera was in the same room as hers but thank god Khushali was standing near the windows.

Sidharth knew Khushali must be worried for him, so as soon as he was done with the meeting, he sent her a message informing her that his meeting was good. Since there was time for Khushali to call him and his next meeting, he thought to take a power nap since he was very tired. When Khushali called him the first time, he was in deep sleep but by the end of it he stirred out of his sleep and quickly picked up the call the second time it buzzed. But he didn't expect his wifey to be so angry and thought, 'Beta Sid, now pacify her or else she'll make you deaf today.' His wifey, for last some days was extremely agitated and he knew it was better to pacify. 'She's becoming a typical wife. But I love it!'

"Arre wifey, I'm behaving like a typical husband? You're the one who's behaving like a typical wife. Always scolding your poor husband. I was sleeping that's why I didn't attend you call when you ranged first. I'm sorry for that. I know you're missing me so much, ab it's not your fault too. I am that amazing na!", he said in his usual spirit.

Khushali breathed a sigh of relief as she heard him speak. She replied with attitude, "Sidharth why you always have to praise yourself? You're not that awesome that I'll miss you all the time."

Sidharth chuckled and said, "Acha? But you were the one who was tensed for me, right? Chalo it's okay. Leave it. I'm sorry! And your class is over? What you're doing now?"

Khushali sighed and replied, "Yes one class is over. The other one is at 3. Right now I'm with the event manager discussing about the literature event. She's polite you know, that's why she isn't minding me talking to you. Acha listen, today evening at 8, we have to go for Mata Ki Chowki organised by Verma's. So please get home by 7, okay?"
"What Mata Ki Chowki? No ways wifey! It's all boring there," groaned Sidharth. Khushali giggled and replied, "No ways hubby, we are going there and that's final. I'll meet you at home. Bye and have your lunch!"
Sidharth huffed and said, "Okay! Fine! Bye and I'll have my lunch on time or else my wifey would eat my brain."

She ended the call and turned towards Mayera, who was reading some file. She sat down on the chair beside Mayera and said apologetically, "Wo sorry for making you wait. I had to tell my husband something important. That's why I....! I hope you didn't mind."

Mayera looked up at her and replied sweetly, "No it's okay. I had already guessed that you're talking to your husband. You seemed to be a very caring wife Khushali. Your husband is lucky man!" Khushali blushed a little and said, "Thank you Mayera. Actually my husband's been quite busy and he doesn't even takes care of himself so I have to take care of him. Let's get to work now."
Mayera smiled and said, "Right. And it reminds of the list. I have written some details so check them out." She passed Khushali her note pad and both of them got engrossed in the discussions.

They while working, talked about random stuff and laughed over it. Khushali genuinely enjoyed working with her. Talking about Mayera then their work chemistry was awesome. They both gelled up pretty well and Khushali shared a great rapport with her. Though Mayera appeared to be a little too intrusive and kept asking Khushali about her life, Khushali never minded it much and thought it to be her curiosity. But she did noticed the change in Mayera's expressions whenever she received a call from Sidharth or talked about her husband. It felt weird but she brushed it off. But there was something cryptic about Mayera which Khushali preferred to ignore.

After around two hours both of them were done with the discussions and Mayera said, "Woah that was a long discussion! Now since we are done with planning most of the things, from next week, I'll bring my team to plan out the sitting arrangements. And then only invites will be left which we'll do by the end of next week. Now you should go and relax and have some food before your next class."
Khushali passed her a smile and said, "Yeah sure. Meet you tomorrow." She then got up and left the conference room. While she was leaving, she was a strange look in Mayera's eyes, which made her feel weird but she again chose to ignore it.

On the other hand, Sidharth after attending Khushali's call, washed his face and got himself a strong coffee. He was in his office, going through his files when his phone buzzed. At first he didn't want to get disturbed but seeing the caller, he picked the call up and heard the person on the other side greet him.

He replied curtly, "Hi. I was gonna call you to tell you about the arrangements but anyway. I made arrangements for your stay in Arhaan's penthouse, I could've made accommodation for you in my old apartment but my family, more specifically my wife would get to know about it. So please don't mind that. But the way give me the details of your flight. I'll send Arhaan and Jay to pick you up." The person on the other end replied to him which infuriated Sidharth.

He said, "What do you think, it's all a joke, a stupid joke? We have planned everything out with your confirmation only and now you're backing out at last moment. Just four days are left you know? Now we have to reschedule everything. Damn it! What the hell is this? Damn it! You know what, I'm a fool to think I can trust you again. Because of you I've landed myself in a mess, out of which I can't come without involving my wife. You know what, to hell with you and your case! I'm so done with all this!"

The caller replied to Sidharth which calmed him a bit and he replied threateningly, "Okay, for a minute I consider your lame reason, but take it as my warning or threat, if you don't fly down to India in next 10 days then I swear, I swear I'll leave you in this mess. Because of you I'm involving my sister and wife into this. Do you even know how risky it all is? Damn it, how would you even know? You're in London, we are here handling everything on your behalf. Even Jay said that if we took more time then it would get really messy.... but anyway, this time don't get us in any trouble! I'll talk to you later bye!"

He abruptly ended the call and leaned back on his chair. He had no idea where life was taking him. Yesterday he was very happy, even today till he received this call, he was happy because of his wifey's care for him. But this damn call literally changed his mood. Damn it! He ran his hands through his hairs and then massaged his temples. His head was aching like anything. He seriously needed a coffee again. But just as he was about to order the coffee, he caught sight of the medicine, lying in his drawer, that Khushali had given him that day in the cafe. He picked it up and recalled how his wife guessed he was having headache and coffee wasn't helping him.

'I don't know Khushali what's happening in my life. Why can't my life be like those newly wedded guys? Instead of this messy trap I'm getting or precisely got myself into. It's like quicksand, I'm getting deeper and deeper into it by each passing second. But it's not this or myself, I'm worried about. It's you and my sister, I'm worried about. Though Kavya is not in that much risk, but you, you have no idea how much you're into this mess with me. I wished you weren't connected to all this in the first place but that's not possible. But no matter happens, I won't let you get hurt because of this or myself. Never!'
He thought and took a deep breath. He popped the pill and took rest for sometime before he resumed his work. He felt calm again but only if he knew, this calmness was before the troublesome hurricance which will enter his life very soon, maybe in the evening!

In media section: Moh Mohke Dhaage from Dum Lagake Haisha. I know it doesn't really suit Khushali and Sidharth's situation but I love this song! :)