It had been almost a week since Rehaan came back to India and Sidharth had been quite busy ever since then. His stress level had doubled now as he had to make sure the plan that he had made with so much hard work doesn't go in vain and also he had to make sure of Rehaan's security as Rehaan wasn't exactly very safe in India.

But even after all the stress and tension, Sidharth was fine because he now knew that Khushali loved him back, though not as much as she loved Sagar but she still did. And he was okay with it, because he too still harboured some feelings for Mayera, which he knew would eventually fade with time as obviously she had once been a big part of his life and he still had this little guilt in his heart for breaking up with her.

But rest everything seemed under controlled to him. After so much hard work and planning, everything was going by his plan and now all he had to do was tell Khushali the truth because it was high time for her to know everything that she was never aware of. But he just couldn't bring himself to confess his sins to her because he was way more scared of losing her now. Yet he had no choice then to do this as it was the only way he could save everyone from the marsh they were getting deeper in with each passing day. Unfortunately Khushali, innocent yet was stuck in the deepest pit because of him and Sagar.

Yes, Sagar! He was the one because of whom Khushali first got involved in this. And even now he was the one because of whom she was being targeted. Sagar was equally responsible for Khushali's state, as Sidharth. But he was dead now, so he didn't have to go through the trauma that Sidharth was going through and Sidharth couldn't do anything to end this battle going on inside him.

He had been asked by Rehaan and others to tell Khushali everything as soon as possible so that they all could get done with the plan, but alas, only if he had enough guts to do so. The danger that was hovering over them was of such high magnitude that he had made Arhaan exclude his sister from all the further plans as it could cost her life as well and he would be damned if his sister ever got hurt because of him. And it made sense that the man who couldn't see his sister in pain, and would ever consider putting his own wife into such grave danger, when he knew well how many people were still behind her life because of his and Sagar's mistakes. But not everything was in his hands, and the impending danger was certainly one of them.

He was thinking about the risk they were taking now, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up immediately, coming out of his thoughts and saw his sister, Kavya, looking at him with a worried look on her face. His face instantly mirrored the same expressions as her, as he knew what she was worried for.

Shifting a little, he made space for Kavya to sit and taking her soft little hand in his own, said caringly, "You're worried for Arhaan, aren't you? Don't worry baby everything will be fine. Nothing would happen to him or anyone else."

"I want to believe that Bhai, but we both know how hollow that assurance is when everything is at stake. And the worst part is, we can't tell mom or dad or Aditya Bhai or Meher Bhabhi or anyone else anything about what is actually going on. Why is this happening with us Bhai? Why?" And with that, Kavya broke into tears as she could no longer hold herself together.

Sidharth eyes turned moist seeing his baby sister cry hysterically. Somewhere, along with Khushali, Kavya too was unintentionally dragged into this dirty game. He remembered how happy she was when she and Arhaan got married almost two years back and now how silent she had become because of the hovering fear of losing her husband or her family, and even then she had to pretend that everything was fine. And it wasn't her fault either because any sane girl, who knew well that her husband and her family, both were in danger, would become emotionally and upto an extent mentally tormented, knowing well that she was helpless and couldn't do anything to save them.

He hugged his sister and rubbing her back, consoled her, "Please Kavya, don't break now. You have to stay strong for Arhaan, for your family, for me, and for yourself. If you'll break like this, you know how disheartened Arhaan would become and would blame himself for your condition. Please baby, I promise I will make everything fine soon. Just have faith in me!"

Kavya buried her face in her brother's chest and chokingly said, "I-I k-know Bhai b-but it's not e-easy. I truly trust you Bhai and I know you will make everything fine. It's just our f-fate that I don't have any f-faith in. Every time we think all is fine in our lives, our fate cruelly snatches our happiness and replaces it with unbearable pain. And it's more scary now as I'm.... I'm..." She stopped abruptly with a small, shy smile on appearing on her lips.

Sidharth came out of the hug, and held his sister by her shoulders, asked curiously, forgetting his troubles for a moment, "You're what Kavya? Say it out loud properly baby?"

A deep shade of red spread across Kavya's cheeks and looking down she said shyly, "Bhai wo, I'm - I'm two weeks pregnant."

As soon as Sidharth's brain registered Kavya's sentence, a big smile came on his lips and he happily said, "You're pregnant! Wow Kavya that's such a good news! Congratulations baby sister!" But then something crossed his mind, and his smile faded slightly. With an unsure voice, he asked, "Does Arhaan knows about your pregnancy?"

Kavya weakly smiled and said in a low voice, "Yes he does. He says he's very happy but I know he's more tensed than rejoiced. This news has just increased his burden of complications."

"C'mon Kavya don't say like that. I agree he's more tensed now, but only because he wants to make sure that you and your unborn child stay safe. He wants to secure your future Kavya that's why he's distressed but that doesn't mean he's not happy. As much as I know him, he must be extremely delighted with this news after all he always had only two aims in his life, first he completed by marrying you and the second will be accomplished after approximately nine months," Sidharth lightheartedly teased and winked at Kavya. He and Arhaan were friends since school and since that time Arhaan had always shown interest in Kavya whom he later wooed in college and finally married after their families happily agreed.

She blushed and replied teasingly, "Well that's true Bhai! And waise, since me and Arhaan are fulfilling our promise to Dadi, it's your and Bhabhi's turn to do the same."

And it was Sidharth's turn to become red. With a tinge of red on his cheeks, he said defensively, "C'mon haan, you and Arhaan are married for two years and me and Khushali for just six and half months. So we still have time for it."

"Time for what Sidharth?" asked Khushali as entered the study room, holding a tray with three cups of green tea and some peeled and sliced apples on a plate.

Kavya suppressed her smile seeing her brother stand dumbfounded as he didn't know how to answer Khushali. He glanced at his sister and saw the mischievous glint in her eyes. He was absolutely sure that his sister was certainly upto no good and tried to say something before his sister but unfortunately was late by a second.

"Arre kuch nai, Bhabhi, (nothing Bhabhi). I just told Bhai about my pregnancy and that ki now it's your and his turn to fulfill Dadi's wish of becoming a great grandmother again," Kavya said with a mischievous smile lingering on her lips which were quivering some minutes back because of crying.

Sidharth looked at Khushali and found her lightly blushing. He grimaced at his sister, who stuck her tongue out at him and both of them started laughing over it. Khushali joined them as well and after few minutes, controlled herself and sat beside Kavya on the black leather sofa which was surrounded by many huge book shelves containing different genre of books.

Khushali passed Sidharth his green tea and made Kavya eat the peeled apples that she brought for her. Looking corcernedly at Kavya, she said, "I'm very happy for you Kavya. Becoming a mother is huge thing and I'm so glad that you're finally getting this opportunity. And now you have to take extra care of yourself as it's not just you but your baby as well for whom you have to stay healthy and fit. Take your food on time and follow everything that your gynaecologist instructs. And if you ever need any help, just let me and Meher Di know. We'll be by your side whenever and wherever you need us."

Sidharth smiled seeing the corcern and care in Khushali's eyes for his sister and said, "You're Bhabhi is right Kavya. Take real good care of yourself and never hesitate to call us up whenever you need anything. Infact why don't you shift here with us till your delivery, that'll be better."

"I know, Bhai, Bhabhi, that you guys are there for me and I promise I will take proper care of myself and my baby. But shifting here now doesn't seem a great idea. I mean I'm just two weeks pregnant, and really I'm all fine to do my regular household chores, though Arhaan never let me do much of them before as well. I'll come to live here with you all during my last trimester, that would be better, haina Bhabhi?" Kavya asked looking at her Bhabhi.

Khushali nodded and said thoughtfully, "I think it'll be fine that way as well Kavya. And if that's what you want then we are fine with it too. Just take care of yourself. Meher Di and Maa have already given a big list of instructions to Arhaan on what he should do to help you out with your pregnancy, what food should you eat, what exercises you must do and how many times you should visit your doctor. I'm sure before going home tonight, Arhaan would acquire knowledge equivalent to 100 pregnancy books."

Kavya and Sidharth chuckled and Kavya chortled, "That's true Bhabhi. I agree with you."

They all continued talking then while having their green tea and Kavya eating those apples. After some time Kavya left to talk to her mother as Amaira came to call her. Only Sidharth and Khushali were sitting in the room now and there was this uncomfortable silence between.

It wasn't just Kavya who had teased them for having a baby, as while Khushali was with the ladies of the house, her mother-in-law and sister had teased her as well that in some months, she and Sidharth too should give this good news. Khushali had only blushed as she didn't know how to respond to them.

She glanced at Sidharth from the corners of her eyes and saw him in deep thoughts. She, hesitatingly, intertwined her hand with his and keeping her head on his shoulder, said, "Sidharth, don't mind it but I've been noticing that since the time Rehaan has returned to India, you seem quite disturbed. Is there anything wrong with him being in India? I mean don't get me wrong but ever since the first time I met Rehaan, you haven't much mentioned him and neither he ever came to visit us again. All's fine na between you two?"

Sidharth sighed listening to her questions. Whatever she had observed was true. He had become more disturbed ever since Rehaan came back and due to safety reasons, Rehaan didn't visit them again and Sidharth preferred to not talk much about him as he knew there was a high chance that he might reveal about Mayera to Khushali and Khushali would definitely bring up questions, he didn't wish to answer.

But Sidharth couldn't tell Khushali the real reason for this, so he decided to tell her one more lie. "Oh no Khushali there's nothing like that. Actually Rehaan is shifting his base to India, so there are many legal formalities which are supposed to be completed within a couple of weeks. So because of that both me and Rehaan are quite busy and he couldn't come to visit us again. But I'll ask him to come over for dinner as soon as we're done with our work," lied Sidharth in his usual tone, hiding every sign of deceit and distress.

Khushali looked up at his face and after few seconds, said thoughtfully, "Hmm ... it's okay, Sidharth. But you know, sometimes I feel you're hiding something from me. Something that you're dying to share with me but because of some reasons, you are unable to share them with me. I know it's seems weird but is it true? Is there something you want to share with me? Look if there's anything then please say it. Don't keep it all in your heart."

Sidharth gazed back at her and looking in her eyes, replied immediately, "Yes there is something I need to tell you and this is probably the right time."

Khushali raised her head from his shoulder, and gripping his hand tightly, said encouragingly, "Go ahead Sidharth. I'm all ears to you."

Sidharth shook his head and took a deep breath before speaking. This was the right moment to tell Khushali about his and Mayera's relationship, as for the beginning this part was the easiest to digest and Khushali would understand. The rest of things, he would reveal slowly as those things were very complex and Khushali would need much more time to understand him and his actions.

He looked at their intertwined hands and said in an unsure voice, "I think I have told you Khushali that I was in a relationship before I got married to you, right?"

He glanced at her for an answer and she gave him an affirmative nod. Seeing her nod, he looked back at their hands and continued, "Umm ... that girl, I mean my ex, she's - she's Rehaan younger sister, Mayera, whom I lovingly called Mia. She and me became friends when we were in secondary school as she was just a year junior to me and shared many hobbies and traits with me. She was like this girl best friend to me, and after almost three years of friendship, we started dating each other when I was in my final year of schooling , and she was in 11th grade. I did was in love with her, maybe still harbour some feelings for her. We dated for ten years and even got engaged to each other when I proposed her. But then..."

"But then what Sidharth? I mean if you guys were engaged to be married then why did you break up with her? On our first night you said she wasn't meant to be yours. So what broke you too apart?" Khushali asked with curiousity and a tinge of jealousy in her tone. She somewhere wasn't too pleased to know about her husband's past as it didn't hold any meaning to her. But that's what she believed!

Sidharth pressed his lips together and thought to make up a proper answer for her question as he couldn't reveal the real part to her, atleast now. He gulped and slowly said looking at his feet, "We broke up due to differences which were too huge to resolve. We had some compatibility issues as well and so believed ending our relationship was the best thing for us. I guess apparently it was as I married you and see now I'm in love with you, maybe much more than I was ever with Mayera." He passed her a small smile.

"Oh okay! But, Sidharth, Meher Di never told me about your past relationship or Mayera. She just said you were with some girl in school but never mentioned anything about Mayera or your engagement. That's weird," Khushali said suspiciously. She was a little confused with this sudden revelation by Sidharth and also because somewhere she felt Sidharth wasn't being honest with her completely. Maybe!

"Actually no one in my family ever got to know about me and Mayera as I wanted to be sure of our relationship but we broke up and I never felt the need to tell them about her as it didn't seem right to me talking about my failed relationship and unintentionally dragging a girl's name into some useless gossip. And I know that news would've spread like wildfire and people would've allegedly made stupid gossips from it and talked rubbish about Mayera when it was mostly me who was at fault for that failed relationship of ours. So that's why I never told anyone about it, only Kavya knows about Mayera," Sidharth said with a tone of honesty as this was the real and main reason why he never spoke about his failed relationship with Mayera. She was never to blame for their failed relationship because she was never at fault. It was always him who was wrong and broke her heart mercilessly.

Khushali smiled a little as all her doubts were cleared with this answer by Sidharth. She felt like an idiot to think that he wasn't being honest when she had sensed only genuineness in his voice. She rubbed his arm and appreciatively said, "You did the right thing Sidharth. You know our society sometimes makes me sick with its orthodox mentality. I mean why it's always the girl who's blamed for a failed relationship or a divorce or any other thing which wasn't in the girl's hand to control. With having experience the same thing for more than two years, I'm glad Mayera didn't have to suffer through this. Because I know, our wounds would heal faster when there's no constant reminder of them by all those words of care which are primarily taunts in disguise thrown by all those people who call themselves civilised people of this so-called society."

Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, Sidharth gave a little squeeze to her shoulder and said calmly, "Hey hey, don't remember all those things now. As long as I'm with you, no one's going to say anything nasty to you. So chill, okay?"

"Okay! You know, it's so strange that your ex Mayera and my friend Mayera both share the same surname. That's strange. I wonder what if they both are the same person," Khushali said jokingly.

But this wasn't really taken in the same spirit by Sidharth as this brought back his own doubts that he was trying to subdue because it really felt stupid to him to think that two people couldn't share the same name. He somewhere felt that maybe his doubts were right yet he didn't want to believe it.

He smiled uneasily at her and said, "Yeah it is! But I don't think so they are the same person, as Mia left for Mumbai after our breakup and runs her company there. Anyway I think we should go and join others. Dinner must be ready now."

He stood up and forwarded his hand to Khushali. She grabbed it and said while getting up, "Yes I'm hungry, let's go." And they left to have their dinner.

After the dinner, Khushali sat with her sister and mother-in-law in the living area as they again started giving Arhaan and Kavya advices for Kavya's pregnancy. Khushali kept giggling silently as both Kavya and Arhaan inwardly groaned and grimaced sadly throughout the long lecture which seemed endless to them.

Sidharth sat on the staircase, with Amaira sitting on his lap, facing the little group as both of them enjoyed watching this entertaining scene. Sidharth smiled seeing Khushali so happy and thought about the time in future when it will be them in Kavya and Arhaan's place. He'd be the happiest man on earth when he'll become a father. And he hoped when that would happen, he and his wife, both be free from all the troubles that they were currently in.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by his cellphone which buzzed with his regular ringtone. He fished his phone out from his trousers pocket but the call ended before he could receive it. He tapped his cell phone screen to see who was calling him at this hour and saw the same unknown number, from which he was getting calls from around a week back. After Suhasi's drama at Verma's residence, he hadn't got any more calls from this number, then why today?

He thought to ignore it but his phone rang again from the same number. He got to his feet after making Amaira sit on the staircase and left for his room to attend this call. Entering his room, he directly went to his balcony and received the call.

"Who are you and why the hell are you calling me again and again? Look this time I want a proper answer or else the consequences will be worse," he threatened the caller in an infuriated voice.

Yet no answer from the other side. This only increased his agitation and he was about to end the call when his caller finally replied to him. For a moment, he was taken aback after knowing who his caller was. But soon gaining his composure, he asked, "What do you want from me now?"

His caller answered him and Sidharth had a puzzled look on his face, contemplating whether he should accept the request of his caller or not. Having thought for a minute, he finally answered in a rather soft voice, "Okay fine! But message me the time and location."

And after few seconds, the call ended, with Sidharth having a doubtful look on his face as he couldn't believe his caller was that person he didn't think would contact him ever. But he knew there was some hidden motive behind this call, and would soon figure it out.

He went inside the room after attending the call and was locking the door when he felt Khushali hugging tightly him from behind. He automatically felt relax and smiled, rejoiced with his wifey's gesture. Wrapping his hand around her waist, said jokingly, "Ohho wifey, what's up haan? Today you're being too romantic, what's the plan? Want any new jewellery or dress?

Khushali giggled and said in a fake offended voice, "Neither of them, Mr. Mehra. I just felt like hugging my husband. But anyway leave me as you didn't like it."

"Of course not wifey. Infact I love it when you're close to me. Hmm... waise I don't know about you, but I surely do want something," whispered Sidharth seductively near Khushali's ear.

A shiver ran down Khushali's spine as she felt his breath on her neck. Her cheeks burned red as Sidharth gazed at her with love in his eyes. She tried to control her frantically beating heart, but it took her few attempts before she could finally control herself partially. She raised her gaze from the floor to Sidharth and stammeringly said, "A-Acha? A-And w-what's t-that?"

Sidharth's heart swelled in pride as he observed the effect he had on his wife. He slowly traced the outer line of her lips, which only made her shiver more. Pulling her closer to himself, and with his breath falling on her soft lips, he whispered, "I can't tell you that.... but I can surely demonstrate it. Do you, do you want me to show it to you, Khushali?"

Khushali nervously swallowed hard seeing the look in his eyes which clearly displayed his desires to her. Her cheeks turned even redder now and she stutteringly whispered, "Y-Yes!"

"Pakka (sure)?" Sidharth asked again. This time Khushali only nodded her head as she had no more strength in her to answer him as she felt weak with this strange sensation in her body because of her close proximity with Sidharth.

Sidharth smiled and titled his head. Slowly, as he teased her, he minimised the gap between him and her lips which were already parted in anticipation. And a few teasing later, he placed his soft lips on her pink, warm lips.

Even though Khushali knew well what he was upto, she still was taken by surprise when she felt his lips against hers. Hesitant at first, she allowed him to take control of their act and Sidharth happily accepted. Feeling a little confident, she wrapped her arms around his neck, which slowly moved to his hairs and she ran her fingers through them while Sidharth lovingly caressed her waist with his one hand, and his other hand pulled her towards himself, deepening the already passionate kiss.

After few seconds their first, pleasant, kiss ended as both of them drew part, feeling out of breath. Sidharth took her in his embrace and pecked her forehead. Khushali snuggled into him and blushed furiously to herself. This was the most beautiful moment in their relationship so far and both of them were enchanted by it.

Sidharth then released Khushali from his hold, and holding her by her shoulders, asked teasingly, "So how was it wifey? Our first, so passionate, kiss!"

Khushali looked down and shyly replied, "I think you already know. Anyway it's late and I have college tomorrow."

She tried to go from there but Sidharth pulled her back to him. Pecking her cheek, he left her and watched her move out of the room. He scratched the back of his neck as he didn't know what made him kiss her so suddenly. Maybe it was just her closeness to him or maybe he was really craving for this moment with his wife. Whatever reason it was, he loved it and felt really relaxed after a really long time.

Khushali entered Amaira's room and taking the support of the wall, tried to calm her racing heartbeats. She foolishly smiled to herself as she was acting like a silly teenage girl who just got kissed. Well indeed she just got kissed, but she wasn't a teenager, rather she was a 27-year-old married woman, who just shared her first kiss with her husband.

Though it wasn't exactly the first kiss of her life as Sagar had kissed her before but there was something very different about Sidharth's touch which made her heart beat really fast. She couldn't described how exactly was it different, but it was enticing and she really did enjoy it. This was the new step they took today in their relationship, but maybe things would end up in their initial and even worse phase than they were now because the storm was now waiting for the right opportunity to them.

Khushali stepped out of the car as she reached her college. She looked inside and said, "Sidharth don't pick me today as I'm not sure when I'll be free. The literature festival is just two weeks away and last minute preparations are on full swing now. So don't come to pick me up."

"Oh okay. But how will you go home? I mean will Raima drop you home?" Sidharth asked concernedly.

"Yeah Raima will drop me home. Now I'm getting late. Bye and I love you," Khushali said with slightly red cheeks.

Sidharth chuckled lightly and replied cheesily, "I love you too my tomato wifey!"

Khushali blushed and walked directly to the college auditorium where the literature festival was being organised. She was smiling to herself remembering her moment with Sidharth last night. They kissed each other, for the first time and Khushali could still feel the touch of his soft lips on hers. It was mesmerising and she couldn't stop herself from smiling.

Still smiling, she greeted Mayera as she spotted her instructing her decoration team. "Good morning Mayera!" Khushali chirpily greeted.

Mayera turned to her and replied with an affectionate smile, "Good morning Khushali."

She then turned back to her employees and said in a stern voice, "Now go and do what I've instructed you. Not even a minor mistake would be tolerated. Go!"

Khushali looked away as Mayera ordered her employees. As much affectionate and fun loving Mayera was in her personal life, in her professional life she was a thorough professional and had zero tolerance for any error or mistake. But she strictly kept her personal and professional lives away from each other and that's why she never discussed about the literature festival whenever they went for lunch together and preferred to talk about any random topic. Khushali really admired Mayera for this as not many could strike a perfect balance between work and personal life like her.

Mayera turned back to her and seeing Khushali's dazzling smile, asked, "What's up madam? Why you're smiling so much today? Any good news, am I going to be a mausi?"

"Yes you're gonna be a mausi!" Khushali jokingly replied with a wink.

Mayera's smile faded a little but she quickly covered it up as she didn't want Khushali to see it. Composing herself, she said in genuine tone of happiness, "Really? I mean when did you got to know about? Wait you didn't tell me about it before! Anyway congratulations baby! I'm very happy for you!"

Khushali giggled and slapped her forehead. Mayera looked at her strangely as she didn't get what Khushali was doing. She gave a questioning look to Khushali, asking her what was wrong but Khushali continued giggling, bewildering Mayera more.

Khushali controlled her giggling after few minutes and said smilingly, "Baby it's not me who's pregnant. It's my sister-in-law, my husband's sister who's pregnant. I said you're gonna be a mausi because if we go by all that relationships and naming stuff then you'll be an aunt to Kavya's baby because you're my friend. So that's why I said that. Is it clear now Mayera?"

And Mayera heaved a breath of relief. She didn't lie when she said that she was happy for Khushali but she surely felt a twitch in her heart when she heard that Khushali was pregnant. Maybe because she wasn't completely over her past and was still stuck in the same place she was in a year back.

She slapped Khushali's arm lightly and said laughingly, "Dumbo, and I thought you are really pregnant. Silly girl. Anyway congratulate your sister-in-law on my behalf. And now let's get to work. We hardly have any time to waste now."

Khushali shook her head in agreement and replied, "Yes let's get to work."

They both got busy in the preparations for the big event which was scheduled for two weeks later. Everything was being finalised beforehand so that on the day of the big event, nothing goes wrong. The decorations, books, catering, etc were sorted out and invitations cards were also ready for sending out. As event was quite important for the college, Mr. Pathak had asked Khushali to make sure not to even leave a stone unturned for making it as grand as possible and Khushali was surely trying her best to live upto it.

It was four in evening when Mayera and Khushali were sitting in the conference room with all the invitation cards piles in a stack on the table. They were making the final list of the invitees, when Khushali suddenly asked Mayera, "Mayera, don't mind it but do you know my husband? I mean have you ever met him, personally?"

Mayera, who was typing out the list on her laptop, looked up at her, shocked. This was definitely an jarring question for her as she never expected Khushali to ask her this. She stared at her, trying to read any sign of suspicion or doubt but there was none, rather Khushali's expression only showed sheer curiousity.

She, with a surprise tone, replied, "What? No I've never met your husband personally. Though I've heard about him from a friend who know him because of some legal case I guess. That's it!"

"Oh okay. Waise do you have any brother or sibling? I mean you told me about your parents who live in Mumbai but you never said that you're an only child or have any sibling," Khushali asked with the same curious tone and little suspicion.

Though she understood that it could be possible for two people to share a name but something about Mayera intrigued her and she decided to quiz Mayera about her family and Sidharth. Somewhere Khushali, like Sidharth, felt that maybe this Mayera was the same Mayera they talked about yesterday. Khushali had noticed Mayera being a little too intrusive whenever Khushali talked about her family but Khushali had chose to ignore that all the time. But as now when she was (partially) aware of Sidharth's past with his ex named Mayera Shah, she was trying to draw parallel between the two girls and figure out whether they were the same person or not.

Mayera was taken completely off guard now and her calm look was replaced by a jarred expression. This question wasn't really something she wanted to answer, because talking about her brother did pain her. And then she couldn't understand why all of a sudden Khushali was asking her these questions.

She looked at Khushali and this time Khushali was waiting for an answer with some emotion, which she apparently considered as something different from the earlier curiousity, and a look on her face which Mayera believed was unusual to see on Khushali's face.

But before it could go out of hand, Mayera immediately plastered a smile on her face and replied with a tone of sincerity, "No I don't have any siblings. I'm an only daughter of parents. That's why my parents keep calling me up all the time, just to make sure I'm fine but that's annoying as they don't understand that they continuously disturb me with their calls."

She laughed at the end of her sentence as she really was annoyed with her parent's frequent calls. They called her up every hour because they were hell worried for her and probably because she was their only child they were in touch with, whom they severely feared losing.

Khushali's sensed the genuineness in Mayera's tone and chided herself mentally for doubting Mayera. She was a fool to think that her husband's ex fiancée will be so nice with her and act all friendly. She was flustered with her crazy thoughts as Mayera was really an amazing human being and an endearing friend to her.

She chuckled lightly and said lightheartedly, "I can understand your situation. After my sister got married, my parents used to bug me a lot with their calls as they didn't have my Di to call since she was caught up with her married life and they only had me for torturing."

Mayera giggled and concealing her fears, charily asked in a tone of usual playfulness, "Umm Khushali why were you asking me all this? I mean have you thought that I know your husband or had any doubts on me? I know I'm very intrusive so many people start doubting me. But you can freely ask me anything if you want. I won't mind it at all."

Khushali awkwardly smiled and looking at her fingers, guiltily said, "Er actually my husband's ex fiancée bears the same name as you so I, umm just wanted to confirm you both are different people who just share the same name. I'm sorry I didn't mean to question you like this. I don't know what I was thinking while asking you these questions. Very sorry Mayera."

So her doubts were correct. Khushali indeed doubted her but thanks goodness that she covered it up smartly. She smiled genuinely at Khushali and giving her hand a squeeze, politely said, "It's okay Khushali. I didn't mind it at all. It's totally fine with me. So chillax! Don't be upset now. And haan whenever you have a doubt, just ask me directly as I don't like it when people beat around the bush instead of coming straight to the point. Okay? And please cheer up, I really didn't take it as an offense because you're my friend. Smile now!"

Khushali smiled lightly and said, "Okay!"

"That's like my girl. Acha see I've mailed this final list of invitees to my PA and she'll send out the invites from tomorrow. Please send these cards to Mr. Pathak as these are for the special guests and the chief guest of the event and he'll deliver them personally to them. Acha I have to go now, have an important meeting. Bye take care love and keep smiling," Mayera said while hurriedly picking up her belongings and her handbag.

Khushali mumbled okay and watched as Mayera exited the conference room. She was still slightly ashamed for doubting Mayera when she was always sweet and friendly to her. In her jealousy and doubts, she nearly severed her friendship with her but Mayera being extremely nice and kind, didn't mind it at all. She thought maybe she still didn't learn to judge people properly that's why she ended up doubting people like Sidharth and Mayera, both of whom were genuinely good hearted people, but maybe her thought was wrong because probably there were things she still wasn't aware of and people could turn out to be very different than what they projected themselves to be.

Sidharth was neck deep in his work when his phone rang loudly in his otherwise silent office. Without diverting his attention from his laptop, he received his call and asked, "Yes?"

And he heard the same voice who had talked to him last night. Surprised, he checked the number and saw that it was the same caller. His undivided attention was now on the call as he closed his laptop. His facial expressions changed from initial surprise to defiant to defeat as he answered his caller's demand in an annoyedly vanquished tone, "Okay fine! It's quarter past four now, I'll meet you in half an hour. Message me the place where you want to meet me. And haan if anyone gets to know about our little meeting, then you know what will I do!"

His caller seemed to have understood his warning and replied affirmatively. As the call ended with his caller's reply, groaningly he got up from his chair and grabbing his cellphone left his office as he knew his caller wouldn't budge and would only be satisfied after meeting him.

He settled in his car and drove to the venue where he was supposed to meet his caller. But while driving a fear engulfed his heart which made him think, what if Khushali or any of his friends got to know about this meeting? He would've to answer millions of questions if anyone ever became aware of this meeting. That's why he wanted it to be a secret and hoped his caller would stick to the promise which was made to Sidharth.