Jay.

"Are you okay with the proposition?" Mr Kashyap asked me.

I went through the documents in front of me. I am surprised that Aryan's dad personally came to meet me for a business deal.

Apparently, he wanted me to be a spokesperson for their new sports shoe series. He has decided to make use of the media attention on me.

"It's pretty good, " I said honestly. "But is Aryan aware of this?"

I am sure that Aryan wouldn't want me anywhere near his firm.

"I am the chairman of the Kashyap industries, I can take this decision without anyone's approval," he said.

I stared at the man for a moment.

People don't change easily. Aryan's dad is still not in good terms with him.

"I am sure that he has proven his worth or he wouldn't be elected as the CEO of the Kashyap Industries," I said, rather annoyed at him.

"Aryan is too perfect," he looked me straight in the eyes. "But I don't know when he will show his "true self", I can't depend on him, I don't think I need to elaborate anything to you, Jay," he said.

My blood started to boil.

I know how hardworking Aryan is. If he's perfect, It has his 100 per cent effort and hard work behind it.

Even if Aryan always denied it, I knew that he wanted his father to see his success, not in a sickening way, but in a good way.

But I don't think his father is ever going to look at his son in a different way. He is prejudiced and judgmental.

"Let me get this clear first," I said. "If you are doing this to keep your son under control, I can't do this. We are no more the good old friends, You will know it better than anyone else," I said.

"Let's not talk about the past," He said, "what I am offering is completely a business deal. You are a number one kickboxer who disappeared overnight, I think it will be a good idea for selecting you as our brand spokesperson." he looked at me, "Niranjans are considered the legendary boxers and selecting you may raise people's curiosity," he stopped "My other option is someone from the film industry, But I would rather stick with someone from the sports field."

"I will think about it," I took the file. "I will get back to you in 48 hours," I nodded.

So after sending Mr Kashyap off, I walked to my car.

If it was before, I would have rejected it straight away, But now, I already know that I am going to do it.

Because, I know, it's the only way I could get connected with Aryan.

Maybe it's the only way I could bring him back to India...I am sure that Aryan is going to give his all to stop me from entering his company.

Sheetal.

"Out of the room, now!" he shouted and I ran outside.

It has been exactly one month that my torture has started.

It feels like he's doing everything in his control to make me quit the job myself.

Don't give up Sheetal, You know you have to win.

Trrrrring...

The intercom beeped and I jumped.

What now!?

I ran back inside.

"Sir-"

"There's no sugar in my coffee," He said as soon as I entered.

"But you don't take sugar with your coffee-"

"I changed my mind today," He interrupted. "Get me a new cup, I will give you five minutes," he said and I stared at him.

"Ms Sheetal?" he said and I snapped out.

"Yeah...right," I ran to the elevator.

"You know it's a private elevator," he said calmly. "You can't use it," he said and I turned around angrily.

"How am I supposed to get the coffee in 5 minutes if-"

"That's your job," he shrugged. "figure out something on the way down the stairs," he added.

He wants me to take the stairs down!

"Sir, Do you perhaps hate me?" I couldn't help but be blunt about it.

He looked surprised for a moment before he pulled on his poker face.

"Why? Do you feel that I am targeting you intentionally?" he raised his eyebrows.

And I knew that I can't possibly answer his question if I wanted to keep this job.

"Um...coffee...I will-"

"Ms Sheetal, you can always tell me if you feel that your workload is more, I can understand. I am willing to transfer you to other departments if you want to-"

"Your coffee sir, I will get it in five minutes," I ran out.

Ananya.

"Mama, I don't want to go to school, I am feeling sick," Lucky said.

I bend down and touched Lucky's forehead.

"You are okay Lucky," I said, "Mama will come and pick you up early today, be a good boy," I smiled and kissed him on the forehead.

"Promise, mama will come and pick up Lucky?" he stretched out his pinky.

"I Promise," I smiled and promised him.

He smiled brightly and moved closer.

"I love you, mama," he kissed my cheek and I kissed him back.

"Bye Lucky," I said. "come on, your van will be here anytime now," I said as I took his bag and hurried him outside.

As soon as I sent him off, I walked to the nearest bus stop.

And I had a surprise waiting for me.

"Jay!" I stopped on my tracks as I spotted him waiting.

"So I was right, You are taking the bus from here," he said cheerfully and I had a mini heart attack.

I turned back to see Lucky's van still driving away and looked back at Jay.

He missed Lucky by minutes.

This won't do, If he starts to appear around me like this, sooner or later he will know the truth.

He will be angry.

He will even take Lucky away from me.

And it was something I can't even imagine.

I need to stop him from coming after me.

"Stay away from me, okay?" I said deadly, "Don't follow me, It's bothering me."

"You will get used to it," he said and I sighed.

He's not going to stop!

"Let me drop you today, I have something to discuss with you."

"I am not interested," I said as the bus stopped and I walked to it.

Jay.

I watched as she took the bus and left without a backward glance at me.

I sighed.

I can't talk to her when she's trying to leave for work, But I will definitely talk to her in the evening.

Aryan.

"What did you just say!?" I threw the file back to the desk and got up from my seat.

Sheetal visibly flinched at my anger.

"Jaydev Niranjan is the spokesperson for the new sports shoe? He agreed to it?"

"Yes," Sheetal nodded, "it seems like it, They have already signed the-"

"No way!" I punched the desk in my fury, "I am the CEO of the company, How dare they select someone without any prior notice!" I shouted.

"It...it was..it was the chairman who recruited him and it came as a surprise to everyone else."

"Dad!" I gritted my teeth.

He knows what to do to challenge me.

But this is not like anything else, I need to go back.

"Book me the next flight to India," I said. "and tell the Financial director to take over," I said.

Sheetal looked shocked.

"Then what about the new project that we started here?"

"Let the team leaders manage it, ask them to keep me updated."

"Why? it looks like -"

"Ms Sheetal, Don't forget the rules here. I told you not to talk back or ask questions," I stressed and she looked down.

"I will remember it," she said.

"Okay then, get ready to leave for India," I ordered.

*  *  *

Ananya.

I put my apron on the hanger and walked out of the building.

My phone started to ring. It was Lucky's teacher.

"Hello?"

"Ananya?"

"Yes, I'm on my way to pick up Lucky."

"Lucky is not well, He fainted and we are at the lakeshore hospital-"

"What! Lucky is in the hospital?" my heart leapt in shock, "how...how's he, is he okay?" I started to panic.

"It's nothing to worry about, please don't worry. They just want to run a few tests on him-"

I didn't hear the rest, I disconnected the call and ran to the road.

I am working in a greenhouse in a village area today where the transportation was difficult.

What happened to Lucky?

Is he okay?

He told me that he is not well in the morning and I didn't check on him properly!

I was freaking out when the car reached me and the window rolled down.

"Hey Anya-" Jay's voice cut off when he noticed me. "What's wrong?" his voice was concerned.

I stepped away from the car in distraught.

The last thing I wanted was for him to appear now.

"Anya?" Jay got down and reached in front of me. "What happened to you? Why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying," I wiped my eyes quickly, "please...please stay away from me today...please...I don't have the strength to deal with you now."

"Anya-"

"Please Jay, I'm begging you...please," I begged.

And he stared at me for a moment.

"Did anyone hurt you? Do you want me to drive you home?"

"Stay...stay away from me-"

"There's no way I'm leaving you here alone in this condition," he said firmly. "either I drive you back or I wait here with you until you are gone."

But I don't have time.

Lucky is in the hospital.

I looked at Jay for a moment.

His eyes are really unnerving me.

"I...I need your help but...don't ask me anything," I said.

And he nodded, "okay" he promised, looking not so pleased.

"Just...just drop me and go back," I said again and he nodded.

Jay.

I started the car and Anya was still fidgeting in her seat, she was holding the seat belt, tensed.

What happened to her?

She looked anxious and worried.

"Do you need anything to-"

"No...just go straight, I want to reach the lakeshore hospital as soon as possible."

"Are you not feeling we-"

"I am okay," she said, "you promised me not to ask questions," She reminded and I changed the gear.

We were in complete silence for the next few minutes.

I had a lot of things to ask her, But she looked distracted and worried.

"Is there anything I could help you with? "

"Drop me at the nearest stop at the town," She replied and I realised it's not an ideal time to talk to her.

"I will take you to the hospital," I said "just relax," I added.

So I accelerated and we flew forward.

I think someone close to her is hospitalized and it's serious.

But I couldn't really think of anyone.

I know that she's not close to her family.

As soon as I reached the hospital, She jumped down.

"Thank you for the ride, You can go back now," She said.

"Let me-"

"No!" she said firmly, "you promised not to get involved, Go back," she insisted.

"Very well..." I said, "take care of yourself then," I said.

She turned back and started to hurry inside.

I really wanted to follow her, But I knew that I had to gain her trust.

I will leave you today, Anya, But I will make sure that you can't avoid me anymore.

I rounded the hospital garden and reached outside when I heard the phone ring.

I stopped the car when I realized that it was not my ring tone.

Did Anya leave her phone behind?

I searched the car and sure enough, it was there.

I take it out and looked at the number.

Teacher calling...

Teacher?

Before I could decide what to do, The call was disconnected.

What am I supposed to do now?

Should I go back and return the phone back to her? Anya will be surely angry at m-

The phone started to ring again.

I attended the call.

"Hell-"

"Mama..." I froze at the baby's voice. "Mama, Lucky is not well...Lucky wants to see you now."

I heard the weak voice and I felt like the world is revolving around me.

What's going on? It's definitely Anya's phone. Something is wrong here...

"Hello?" I said after the pause.

"Ananya, Lucky is having high fever, The Doctor said that he will have to stay here today," a woman told me. "Lucky is asking for you," She added.

"Ananya left her phone back," I said in a whisper, "she is on her way there."

I disconnected the call and took a U-turn.

I parked my car in the hospital parking lot and walked inside.

It was not difficult to find the pedo ward inside.

My heart hammered inside me as all sorts of crazy thoughts flashed in my mind. I slowly started to walk by each bed.

I stopped when I heard her voice.

"Mama is sorry, mama is so sorry..." I heard the heartfelt words and turned to them.

Anya was hugging the little boy tightly, Her eyes were flowing down and her voice trembled.

And the little boy was hugging her back and he looked...

He looked like the photostat copy of my childhood pictures.

I can't believe what I was seeing and I stilled.

No! It can't be...

It's just a coincidence...

Anya would never do this...she wouldn't hide my son from me...

But even as I tried to reason with myself, My mind was reeling.

The little boy looked around 3 years and it's been 4 years since we met.

Everything was fitting oddly.

"I am...okay...mama, don't cry," the little boy wiped Anya's eyes.

"That's right," the other lady whom I presumed to be the teacher said, "cheer up Ananya, or you will scare him."

Ananya wiped her eyes and got up.

"Thank you, teacher, I really-" She stopped in shock as she found me standing there.

"J...Jay," she took a step back in shock and I confirmed my theory.

Her teacher looked at me confusedly for a moment, unaware of the tensed situation.

Then her eyes lit up.

"You must be Lucky's daddy," she said pleasantly. "Lucky, You didn't tell me that your daddy is back home," She smiled at him kindly.

"Mm...don't...don't miss your bus teacher, hurry up," Anya said beside me.

"Yeah! right," she said. "I will see you next time," she said before she hurried outside.

Anya and I stared at each other.

"Pa...papa?" I heard that tiny voice and looked down at the bed. "Are you my papa?" the little boy asked me and my insides twisted. My heart was heavy and my whole body trembled.

Anya turned to him.

"Close your eyes and rest Lucky," she demanded. "Mama will go see the doctor and come back."

"Lucky is scared, mama,"

"Give me five minutes Lucky, There are a other kids here, You are not alone, just give me five minutes."

Ananya.

I was thinking of all types of excuses when I walked outside. Jay was following me silently, But I couldn't come up with an excuse.

Should I deny it? Jay will see the resemblance, Even if I deny it, He can run a DNA test.

"Ananya,"

I was startled to hear the angry voice and turned around only to have him grab my hand and walk to the nearest empty room.

As soon as we were inside, Jay closed the door and turned to me.

"Talk," he ordered again, he looked angry, I could see the silent storm inside his eyes.

"Jay...I...he-"

"How long were you planning to hide my son from me?" his sounded furious and I took a step back.

"He's not your son, He is my son-hey!"

Jay had just pulled me by my elbows and I was slammed to him.

His eyes looked murderous as he stared at me.

"Do you think I am stupid? He's my son, Ananya," he growled. "And I am going to take him with me-"

"No!" I shouted panicked. "Lucky cannot survive without me! I am his mama!"

"If he could survive without his dad all these years, he could definitely survive without you!" Jay released me and turned back to the door.

But I held his hand tightly.

"Please...please...don't take him away from me, I can't do without him, I really can't...I won't allow you to do it, He is my son, I gave birth to him-"

"Then fight me, Ananya, I will do every single damn thing to get my son back and fight me and win him if you can." Jay shook me off him and walked out.

And I stumbled to the ground in a heap.

Jay is superior to me in every aspect, If he decides to take Lucky back, He can win over me easily.

I can't even afford a lawyer so it's totally out of question to battle with him legally.

I knew that Jay is really angry now. But I really can't afford to lose Lucky and for that, I am willing to do anything...anything to get my son back.

Aryan.

I dumped my laptop bag on top of Sheetal's trolley and looked at her. She was already managing a heavy load of luggage.

"Is it heavy?" I asked her as we walked out of the airport.

"No," she shook her head.

I nodded my head, "Good," I smirked. "I always wanted someone like you, strong, punctual and smart."

I caught her glare out of the corner of my eyes.

"You could just tell me anytime if you feel that your job is heavy, I could always-"

"My job is fine," she said.

I raised my eyebrows.

I really admire her will power. It had been a month and she had managed to keep the job.

Unlike the other assistants who were appointed by my father to spy on me, She was the only one who lasted more than a week.

"Our car is here," I looked at her. "Can you manage the suitcases alone?" I asked her.

"I got this," she nodded and I looked at her.

It was I who told everyone to stay back to oversee the project while I and my bodyguard would travel back to India.

The driver opened the door for me and I turned to him "help her with the luggage," I nodded to Sheetal and he bowed before going to help her.

I waited as they loaded the bags.

Soon we were going back to the company.

"We have some works at the office, we can't get any rest until this afternoon, Is that okay with you?" I asked her.

"Of course," She replied. "I am your personal assistant as well," She said.

I nodded. "Okay," I said.

Let's see how long you are going to stay, Sheetal.

As soon as we reached the company, The staffs were waiting for us.

I walked straight ahead while Sheetal was right behind me with the heavy trolley.

We were halfway across the spacious lobby in the ground floor when I heard the sound.

"YOU BASTARD!" I heard the shouting and turned around. "STOP THERE...STOP RIGHT THERE!" the guy screaming and coming after me was the ex-manager of the sales department who was fired by me.

He was pointing the knife straight at me and running to me from the other side. "YOU RUINED MY FAMILY...YOU...STOP THERE, I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!"

"Security," I ordered and they were already running to stop the man.

Four or five security men stopped him midway, holding him back while he struggled to get out of their grip.

"You ruined me you bastard, I won't leave you alone, You deserve to die!" The man flung the knife at me from a good 10 feet away and it flew straight to me.

I watched the knife as it inched near, flying through the air in slow motion.

But just before I moved out of the way or missed it, somebody else jumped to me.

"Aryan move!" I distinctly recognized Sheetal's voice as she tried to push me back while she was directly in front of the knifepoint.

I wrapped my right hand over her waist and turned her to the side.

Both of us lost control and fell down to the ground. I was on my back and Sheetal was on top of me.

The moment I hit the ground, I felt the tightly leashed anger losing its control and fury filled me.

I am not going to leave that bastard get away with this.

I started to push away Sheetal out of me to get up when the first drop of liquid dropped in my face. And just like that, I stilled.

My eyes focused on the red liquid now flowing down her neck and I looked into her eyes in shock. Our gazes collided with each other for a moment and I was frozen.

"I am...sorry..." she whispered before her head rolled back to my shoulder and her body went limp.

"Sheetal?" I whispered. "Sheetal!" I raised my voice this time, shaking her firmly.

--------------------------