It was the twentieth time Aarti tried to sneak around the room to have a quick glance of the angry man, but every time she failed. He was busy with his document and other stuff that he received from his head office this morning. She wouldn't knock and ask him to come out to eat something. She was angry and wouldn't talk to him at all.

She took another round towards the dining table where all the friends were seated and enjoying the afternoon meal.

"Aarti come eat something" Sheetal offered the plate...

Aarti smiled at her friend "sure" silently she took the plate and helped herself with some rice pudding. She pretended to be least bothered about him but her heart and mind were mingling with his thoughts. Even the food was tasteless. She wanted to hit him hard on the head to make him understand what she really means but hitting won't help.

"Are we leaving by evening?" Kavita poured some juice for Arjun...

Arjun checked the time "yes, we have to catch the flight at 5"

"What about Veer?" Nakul took his jacket

"Well I will check with him again" Arjun took the sandwich and walked towards Veer's room

Aarti's eyes scanned around, her heart beats increased the moment the door slide open. She could hear him stepping out of his room...

She didn't turn around to see him....

"No Arjun, I think you guys leave and I will join you all later" Veer picked up a plate and started munching without looking at the beautiful girl sitting next to her...

Aarti was feeling as if someone has smash her hard on the head... she never wanted to go alone without him...but she wouldn't pay any extra heed to this now. If he doesn't care why would she get bothered?

"Sheetal I will quickly pack my stuff" she left the table...

Veer frowned with all his anger. He was indeed frustrated over the whole situation that had just begun. He is married when he never wanted to, plus this girl is reminding him of a tedious act he did unconsciously in college. He wouldn't stand this at all.

Least concerned about her...he started chatting with his friends. At least to get some relief from the tautness.

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It was lovely morning in Kasauli for everyone but not for Aarti... whole night she had been thinking about him. And the lie that she created years back is again sitting in between her relationship.

"Aarti, you are still in bed...let's go out somewhere" Sheetal peeked in the room...

Aarti gave her a smile... "Later may be"

Sheetal noticed Aarti's dull face "missing Veer?"

Aarti looked up at her friend "not at all..."

"Come on Aarti...everything will be fine..."

This was the last thing Aarti would want, sympathy...she was not like this. She can't look miserable just because Veer is not talking to her. Well she must try to think over this. "I am very well Sheetal...just lazy that's all"

Sheetal knew Aarti was just trying to pretend normal but deep inside she was crying.

Sheetal smiled at her friend and left.

Aarti picked up her phone and tried calling him...

Finally after few rings she heard him on the other side

"Yes"

She paused for a second trying to grasp the voice...it was rude as usual. "I called to check about Dad"

She blurted whatever came in her mind then waited for the answer

"He's very well. Anything else?"

That was it...how can he be rude to her... "Nothing" she yelled and disconnected the call.

Another second she threw the phone away. She felt like asking him straight on the face. But then if he was least bothered why was she dying to talk to him.

She would avoid him as well.

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It was late evening...all the friends were chatting outside the small cottage. Aarti smiled at every conversation but her mind was far away.

Out of sudden they heard horn of the car at the gate

"Oh must be Veer" said Nakul... while Aarti stared at once at him and then turned her eyes towards the gate...

Everyone except Aarti reached near the car towards Veer... all the friends had loads of laughter while she just stood near the pillar at the entrance of the threshold. She tried pretending herself busy with her phone. Even though she had no phone calls or messages awaiting for reply. She glanced a little then again dived back into the screen.

Veer glanced at her while she was digging in the phone...

Aarti was still pretending when she actually received a call from her mother...

"Come Veer...we were waiting for you over dinner" Sheetal picked up the bowls and put them nicely on the table...

"I can only stay for two days" Veer smiled at his friends

"Why two days only?" Asked Nakul

"Because I am leaving for Dehradun afterwards...I have got my posting over there"

Everyone turned off their smiles listening to Veer's last words...

Veer looked at them "why do you all look sad? You all can come over there"

Uday nodded "then I am lucky, because I live in Missouri... and that's not far away"

Everyone smiled...

Aarti came out of her room

"Aarti, where were you? Come have some dinner" Sheetal pulled her hand...

"I am talking to Mom...no Sheetal...I already had dinner..." Aarti coldly replied and walked away...

Sheetal knew it was because of the glitch between the duos... she has to find a way to get this resolved...

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Veer glanced at the small room that only had one bed. He was definitely not surprised by the way Aarti had been behaving...

He picked up the pillow and blanket to sleep outside in the small lounge rather than with her. She was still standing at the window when her eyes fell on him...

"You don't have to go out" she finally muttered

He stood still without saying a word for a minute...

His eyes gazed at her...she was the same girl whom he met in college years back and now she's got married to him. She always loved him, everyone is aware of this. He had no doubt about Aarti being totally committed with him.

But this time she did something that created waves of annoyance inside him. Firstly she signed the contract and agreed for the marriage, second she didn't even once think about him but rather followed her Mother's instructions. Third she reminded him of what he did to her. But he still suspicious, even in his worst condition he wouldn't do anything wrong with her.

She couldn't meet his scrutiny and looked away "we can sleep here. I won't harm you"

Without replying anything he kept the pillow back on the bed and went off to sleep.

Aarti had tears in her eyes. She felt helpless, there was no way to get closer to him. She wanted to feel him, touch him and tell him the truth.

Then her mind thought about his posting in Dehradun. Will he take her along or leave her in Mumbai. She wouldn't stay without him but neither would she ask him to take her along.

With continuous thoughts she closed her eyes

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Next morning

Everyone was ready for bush walking....weather was pleasant. Sheetal and Kavita packed some snacks for the long walk.

"It's so good to be together, and after so many years" Kavita hold Arjun's hand

Arjun smiled at her "well this was certainly not expected"

Sheetal nodded at them "please don't fight today. Have some mercy"

Sameer and Sheetal moved ahead

Veer walked with Nakul and Uday.... When Sheetal looked back, she saw Aarti coming alone...

Aarti cling to her jacket...it was windy. She was lost in her thoughts...

Sheetal asked Sameer to join the boys...

"Aarti what happened?"

"Nothing Sheetal" Aarti smiled a little

"Don't be stupid...anyone can tell you on the face" Sheetal hold her arm

"Nothing Sheetal... please believe me"

"Why do I feel you are hiding something Aarti?"

Aarti looked up at her friend "I hope my life gets better...I never expected it would turn so bad"

Sheetal saw her moist eyes "stop crying. I don't believe it's you Aarti. You were the one who used to encourage me and now look at you"

Sheetal wiped her tears "I don't think I have to guide you to what you should do"

Aarti smiled "thanks Sheetal. I know now what to do"

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