Author's Note: This chapter is author's favorite. :)

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He cannot be trusted.

Only words that plagued her mind right now were, Abhiraj Roy cannot be trusted.

Priyasha turned over the pages of the magazine and frowned. How irrational had she been in these past few days about her feelings toward the man... who was none other than evil personified!

She stole a few wry glances at her mother who was now talking cheerily about all the irrelevant stuff with Upasana and Abhiraj. Priyasha was sitting alone separately to avoid talking.

After returning from hospital, Maya and Vikash helped Kaushik freshen up and change. Then he ate some liquid food and took the medicine and now was sleeping in his room. So, the rest of the family had gathered in the living room, except Vikash. He went out immediately after Kaushik fell asleep to buy the medicines the doctor had prescribed at the time of discharge. Vijay left soon after they settled down Kaushik on his bed and he exchanged some quick reassuring words with Kaushik. Astonishingly, Vijay and Abhiraj prevented themselves from talking with each other and pretended they didn't know each other.

Abhiraj passed on a quick glance at her then went back to answer Maya's questions.

She frowned then looked down at the magazine. She couldn't really tell how much she had read and understood from it. The words seemed vague compared to the pandemonium of her mind. She shifted her attention again to her family as the worry settled in her gut. None of her family members knew how dangerous this man, sitting in front of them, was!

Tiyu was playing on the floor sitting in front of Abhiraj. He had already bribed the toddler with a chocolate bar and Tiyu instantly jumped up on his lap, shouting, "Thankiu Abiaaj uncle!"

She rolled her eyes, scowling. What was wrong with all the women in the house? Everyone was delighted to meet the evil... except her.

She scoffed.

At one point, Maya stood up and asked Abhiraj, "Abhiraj, would you mind having a few words with me, in private?"

Abhiraj's eyes immediately darted toward Priyasha, unnerving her even more. His pursed lips twitched noticing her uneasiness. She looked between her mother and Abhiraj horror-stricken, palpitating about what private words her mother was intending to have with him. She absolutely wasn't pleased with Maya's intention of whatever she was planning to do. It rather scared her. Abhiraj on the other hand, as expected, put down his teacup on the table and stood up. "Sure."

It would have been her foolishness to believe, he would let go of such an opportunity. Then also, not only him, Maya was also helping him conspire against her. What was wrong with her mother? She groaned.

"Please come with me." Maya smiled at him then walked toward her room, Abhiraj following her close behind. She panicked. What could be this private conversation between her mother and him? She would only hope Maya wouldn't disclose anything stupid regarding her past. It would only lead to mishap, and she couldn't afford that. Not now and she doubted, she could ever.

Sweat broke out on her forehead while her hands trembled, turning cold. She shivered expecting the possibility of her ruin. The thought alone suffocated her, and she felt the need of open air, immediately.

In an attempt to escape the small tremors of dread running through her, she sprang on her feet hastily and ran toward the door.

Upasana called out behind her. "Where are you going, Chini?"

"Boudibhai, I just thought of taking a walk." She cautiously looked at Upasana, hoping she would believe her words. Her throat felt dry, voice wavered for a split second.

Upasana cautioned sternly. "Come before Vikash returns. You wouldn't want to piss him off." She gave her a warning gaze.

Priyasha nodded curtly then twisted the knob opening the door and went out of the house.

It was almost 8 o'clock. A gust of wind swept past her, disorganizing her hair. Somewhere nearby it must be raining. She glanced up and noticed the rain clouds. A grief-stricken sigh left her.

This was getting worse.

A bunch of uncertainties clouded her mind making her feel helpless. What if she never got to control her own life? Carve her own future? Her heart sank realizing the harsh truth. Her fate never had been in her favor and it was awful for her to accept that it was never going to. She was tired of the never-ending fight.

She shuddered recalling her past and Vishwa's recent warning. Vishwa mentioned, someone cannot wait long to meet her. Did that mean Romeo got released from jail? Could it be? Wasn't his imprisonment still due by another year? What did Vishwa mean then?

Priyasha felt disoriented with the chaos inside her mind, which was when, a sudden tap on her shoulder startled her. She jumped back pressing a hand against her chest and glanced at the person who caused her a near heart attack.

"Are you alright?" Vijay asked in an alarmed tone.

She shook her head, still recovering from her rapid heartbeat. "I'm fine."

After a moment of calming her nerves she focused her attention on Vijay, scrunching together her eyebrows in suspicion. "Why are you here? I thought you left two hours ago."

"Oh, I did. I came here to deliver this to Roy." He held up a brown envelope in his hand. "I could have gone straight to hotel, but then I decided to come here... so that I could see you again." He focused his impassioned gaze at her with a soft smile. His little gestures and undivided attention quickened her heartbeat. She blinked and nervously looked away, embracing herself in her arms.

"Are you cold?" He asked her in genuine concern.

She shook her head then looked at the clearing, trying to get a hold of her emotions. There was a local football ground in front of their house. At one of its corners, a group of boys had gathered; it was the only corner illuminated by the lone lamp-post. Everywhere else it was dark and deserted, just like her heart right now. Her eyes darted toward the boys. They were playing cards.

Vijay hesitated for a second, then cleared his throat. "Is everything alright..." He paused momentarily before adding, "between you and Roy?"

She exhaled audibly. "Do you really expect things to go normal between us? It never was, Vijay."

Vijay touched her shoulder and stroked it gently. Priyasha looked at him in the eyes. Their eyes locked, and she didn't know why it unnerved her. His eyes gleamed gently, sending silent soothing assurance.

Priyasha uncrossed her hands morosely as her head stooped low breaking their eye contact. She didn't feel talking anymore. She wanted to run away. It would have been a good decision if she had left for Hyderabad already. Perhaps, it would have been a little difficult for Vishwa to chase her down. Would it have been a feasible decision? But she had Maya and Kaushik here. What would happen to them if she simply ran away? The responsibilities toward her family had her pinned down at one corner of the room. It felt like her hands were bound. Her legs felt wobbly suddenly as she staggered behind shivering, affected by those thoughts in her head.

Vijay quickly caught a hold of her. "Seriously, Priyasha. Are you okay? You do not seem well."

"It's just..." Priyasha stopped talking as Vijay cupped her face, then traced her jawline stopping below her chin, augmenting her face to examine it carefully. An unknown fear coursed through her heart. His touch sent tremors of nervousness through her as her breath hitched in her throat at the suddenness of their close proximity.

Vijay leaned forward, she could almost feel the warmth radiating through his body, as he whispered, "Don't be afraid, Priyasha. Everything's going to be fine. I'll always be there for you."

Priyasha looked into his eyes and somehow it didn't feel right. Their closeness didn't feel right to her. In fact, she felt an uncomfortable tightness in her gut as her heart skipped a beat and she stopped breathing.

Vijay chuckled softly. "Breathe in, Priyasha. What made you nervous?"

She was about to answer his question, when a husky fierce voice interrupted them.

"Vijay, why are you here?"

Vijay disconnected his hand from her face quickly and stepped back.

Abhiraj descended the staircase hurriedly and strode toward them in a swift motion. He came and positioned himself in front of Priyasha facing Vijay. She craned her neck and peeked from behind him at Vijay. "I already told you to wait for me in the hotel."

"I- uh, I wanted to give it sooner. So, I thought it would be best if I come here."

Priyasha noticed Abhiraj's muscled back flexed as he forwarded his right hand toward Vijay and insinuated, "Alright, give it to me."

Vijay placed the brown envelope on Abhiraj's open palm.

Abhiraj withdrew his hand along with the envelope and put it in his pocket immediately. "You may go now."

Vijay curtly nodded, then glanced at Priyasha and smiled for the last time before turning around and walking away.

Abhiraj dug his hands in his trousers pockets and continued looking at Vijay's gradually receding frame until Vijay took the right turn at the corner of the street and no longer was in sight.

He then turned around toward Priyasha, who was also looking at the way Vijay went. "Walk with me," he said, then took a step opposite to the direction Vijay went.

However, considering the situation, Priyasha was very much reluctant to follow any of his words. She grudgingly stood right there and looked another way, sulking.

The arrogant man then did exactly what was expected of him. He quickly grabbed one of her hands and dragged her along with him.

"What are you doing?" Priyasha chided, wiggling her fist is his firm hold. At the same time, she used her free hand to loosen his grip. "Leave. My. Hand. You.... disgusting... I said... leave my hand!"

Her fragile fight appeared useless compared to his stronger hold. He dragged her down the street, a few yards away from her house, then released his iron grip on her hand. She looked around frantically, fearing someone might have seen them like this. He had taken her toward the dark corner of the playground, right opposite to the boys, who were still playing the cards.

She rubbed her wrist furiously and hissed, "What was that?"

"What was Vijay saying?"

"None of your business!" She snapped, continuing rubbing her wrist.

He groaned and folded his arms. "Priyasha, please!" He let out a sigh and said, "Don't make it difficult for me."

"What?" Priyasha eyed him incredulously. "How ironic! I thought that's your job." She scoffed.

Abhiraj's jaws clenched as he stared at her fixedly. Priyasha shot him a disgusted glance then looked elsewhere. For a few seconds, no one talked. Then he unfolded his arms and raked a hand through his hair. The surrounding air shifted as she felt the heat radiating from him. Their verbal fight was angering him she knew, but she didn't give a damn at this point. It's just not him, she was infuriated as well. But a sudden tingle ran down her spine, warning her about the soon-to-be-arrived storm.

Sure enough, a moment later she heard him growl in a deep, menacing voice. "Fine! Tell me what do I do? Go down on my knees and beg for your forgiveness?" His voice boomed right into her ears, making her wince visibly.

She realized, perhaps she had gone a little too far. Her continuous mocking and blaming had really enraged the otherwise calm and cold-hearted man in front of her. However, she was very much unwilling to give in, yet. So, she took a hold of her nerves, shifted her angry glare at him and snapped, "I can expect an explanation."

Abhiraj groaned. Both of his hands ran through his hair and rested at the back of his neck, interlocking each other. "Fine!" He roared, "I did that on purpose. Okay? That's what you wanted to hear? I did that on purpose! I never wanted to trust someone else in any matter that involves you."

Priyasha stared at him, frowning. What was this man's deal? Why would he say that?

He stared her down and continued with the same tone. "I can't rely on anyone if it is related to you. This is the only reason I took on every blame you have against me for this whole controversy. I owe you my protection."

Priyasha's heart thudded inside her chest. He was doing it again. He was making her weak again. She couldn't let that happen. She needed to be strong.

"But it doesn't permit you to hack my personal phone. That is unethical, unacceptable...it is...it is crime."

"I know," he grumbled. "But I cannot undo it."

She blinked. What else could she ask for against that? He knew he did wrong, and he shamelessly accepted that. But obviously, his explanation didn't satisfy her. Was it his problem? Or her? Perhaps, she was losing her mind.

"What did Maa say?"

"Nothing you already don't know."

She frowned. "And what about this appointment, for which you went to Kolkata?" She bit her lower lip once the words left her mouth.

He looked away. "I don't want you to engage in all of these, and here you're asking it for yourself."

"I want to know the truth."

He sighed. "I had meetings with Permabell's third partner, Mr. Das and Zinnia's father, Mr. Dutta."

Priyasha's heart did a flip and fell flat on its back. "Why would you contact Mr. Dutta again? I thought it was over after you broke your engagement with Zinnia."

He turned his gaze at her and studied her face with piercing scrutiny. As a result, her cheeks flushed and a shiver ran down her spine.

"Engagement with Zinnia isn't the only issue I have to talk with him." He paused and never once averted his eyes from her. "He agreed partnering with Permabell if things stretch to that extent. Right now, the only motto is to nullify Nanda and Debdutta Roy's plan on the residential city."

When she heard the name of Debdutta Roy, it clicked on her mind. Vijay told her Abhiraj too had a strong motive to get engaged in this issue. "Abhiraj,"

He raised an eyebrow at her questioningly.

"I will ask you this only once. If you don't want to give answers, then," She eyed him boldly. "I will assume, things will never work out between us. I can't do this while being in dark all the time."

His brows furrowed in confusion, and tightly pursed lips twitched in perplexity.

"What is so important for you to get engaged with Permabell? What is your purpose?"

His eyebrows rose as the realization washed over him, for she was trying to understand his motive. But he recovered soon. His expression turned hard and jaws clenched making him appear livid. He shut his eyes and turned his head sideways. Her eyes lingered on his grim face, trying to grasp the reason of his anger. Why was he so angry?

After another few moments, he gritted his teeth. "I want to defeat Debdutta Roy. That's my main purpose."

"But why do you hold a personal grudge against him?"

He went quiet again, clenching his jaws. After another minute of silence, he turned his entire focus on her. His eyes burned with such fierceness, that for a fraction of a second, she regretted her decision for bringing this question up.

"Because I want to take over Permabell. Does that answer your question?" He bellowed.

She looked at him wryly. Was that the reason? She struggled to believe that he would do something like that. But she kept quiet. Unable to come up with anything else, and also not to push his limits, she decided to put an end to the topic.

He unglued his eyes from her, dug his hands in his pockets then turned toward the way they came.

She inhaled as her eyes darted toward the corner the boys were playing cards. Suddenly she was aware of their situation. Not that there was someone else who could listen to their conversation. Because the only crowd, the boys sat there in quite a distance from them. But they certainly could see them standing so close to each other.

When it was almost impossible for both of them to bear the silence anymore, he inquired, "Did your phone break?"

She looked away sulking. "You mean the virus infected one?"

His jaws clenched again. "Whatever."

"I didn't give it any attention since yesterday."

"Do you need another one?"

"I can manage that myself."

He abruptly caught her upper arm earning a shriek from her, turning her around to look into his eyes. She did. He whispered, almost pleading now, "Why don't you understand? I don't want you to get hurt."

She searched the depth in his eyes, his beautiful eyes and like always something shifted inside her. She could never understand, how did she find the entire galaxy in those intimidating eyes. When they focused their entire attention on her, they burned with such fierce, it made her weak at the knees. They made her feel so much at the same time. She was falling hard... for someone who made her want to slap him and love him simultaneously. She winced internally at the thought as she whispered back, "Why do you care?"

"I -" he hesitated then mumbled, "I have my reasons."

"What are they?"

He searched her eyes desperately, then let go of her and stepped back. "I'll leave now. Let's go."

Her fists turned into balls in an attempt to refrain herself from slapping him right on his face. "Why can't you tell me your reasons?"

He didn't answer and took a step toward her house. She followed him as she repeated in frustration, "Why can't you tell?"

His hands were dug inside his pockets. He brought out one of them along with his phone and checked it, but kept silent. She fought the urge of hitting him with a great deal. Sometimes his silence got on her nerves, correction, he got on her nerves all the time.

After taking a few steps ahead he asked calmly, "Your friend asked me to attain her wedding. Would you like me to go?"

She stumbled abruptly in her track staring at his back flabbergasted. Would she ever be able to understand this man walking alongside her?

"You'll go to Vini's wedding?" She asked in awe. He halted, then turned back looking at her. "If you want me to," he casually replied.

The small tremors inside her heart returned with full intensity. Her gaze wavered as she lowered it and bit the inside of her cheek, then relented softly. "I'd appreciate that."

They started moving again in silence until reaching the front gate of her house. She cast a side glance at him. What would she do with this complicated man?

He turned toward her. "Okay then, I'll pick you up tomorrow by 6 and then we'll leave for Kolkata after the ceremony ends."

She stared at him. "Kolkata?"

"Yes. If you have forgotten then let me remind you, our project module is still due by 10th of next month. You wouldn't like to disappoint your favorite, Vikram. Would you?"

She stared at him. Was he jealous? Of Vikram?

He continued, "Besides, your leave is almost over. You would return to Kolkata anyway. So why not with me?"

Her heart thudded against her chest. Another long drive with him. He was driving her nuts. Nonetheless, she assented while holding her breath.

He inclined his head at one side and smiled one of his rare smiles. "Okay, good night then."

"Good night."

And then he left. She stared at his back until distance obscured.

She felt like she was in deep trouble.

Again.