Chapter 17

Hi, Friends!

Before I say anything else, I apologise for my sudden disappearing act. My friend's mother had an accident and her father was on a business trip. So had to go help her and as a result,  I got absolutely no time to sit down and write. But that's resolved now.

The next thing is that quite a few of you have been asking about Dev's thoughts. Let me assure you that you will most definitely get a glimpse into Dev's mind soon. Without that the story remains incomplete.  At this point, all of you are in Sonakshi's shoes. So whatever she feels, you feel, therefore the yearning to know what Dev is thinking! ;)

But you will be in Dev's shoes too. So no need to worry. Just sit back and enjoy the ride!

So here's the next chapter!

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Banner Courtesy: Me!

Devakshi FF: Reaching Out

Part 15

Sonakshi stared at the ceiling while her alarm clock buzzed loudly. She blinked a few times, letting the alarm clock ring and then stretched her hand out to stop the sound. She turned to her side and stared out the window. She hadn't gotten a wink of sleep last night and she was sure the next few nights would be the same. After all, Dev, her dream man had kissed her. Sonakshi sat up with her jolt. Her dream man? Where did that thought come from? Yes she knew she was in love with Dev, yes she liked everything about him. But was it true that he had the qualities that Sonakshi yearned for in her dream man?

As she thought back to the times she spent with Dev, she realised that he was, in fact the kind if man that she always wanted. Kind and thoughtful, he was a gentleman through and through. He was also incredibly strong and understood her perfectly well. He was always there when she needed him without any questions. It felt like he knew her all off her life and she couldn't fathom to think what would happen if she ever had to let him go. "Aisi baatey mat soch Sona. Pagal hai kya? she scolded herself. She would never stay away from Dev. She couldn't. He was too precious to her. And now it seemed like she was precious to him too. She smiled thinking back to the kiss for the hundredth time. She touched her lips. It was as if she could still feel the tingles that Dev's kiss gave her last night. "Par Dev ne kabhi kuch kahan kyun nahin? she wondered loudly.

She got out of bed and walked to the bathroom thinking about this. After she had realised her love for him, it had been extremely difficult for her to keep her calm around him. With her heart, mind and body betraying her every moment she had always been wary around Dev. "Kitni stupidity karti thi main she said to her reflection on the bathroom mirror. " Par woh toh bade cool banke phirtey the! Sona observed. "Unhey kuch kaise nahin hota tha? she pondered.

She thought back to all those times when Dev had teased her relentlessly. She felt herself blush when she realised that all those times he teased her, he had had the same feelings for her as she had. The only difference was that he was much better at hiding his feelings. As she stepped out from the bathroom feeling fresh, she quickly brushed her hair so she could go talk to Dev. She felt both excited and apprehensive about talking to him. Both of them had been too shocked and dazed to say anything last night. But eventually they would have to talk about it, no matter how scary it seemed at that point. Sonakshi had worn another of her favourite blue Kurti today keeping in mind the compliment that Dev had given her before. Pairing it with her pretty blue jhumkas she checked her reflection in the mirror. She couldn't wait to hear what Dev had to say about her look today. Suddenly she felt shy, she wouldn't be able to do this. She couldn't face him. But then she scolded herself.

"Pagal mat ban Sona. Dev hi toh hai. You can do this. As she coaxed herself to calm down she heard the main door shut with a bang. Her eyed widened, "Dev chale gaye? She ran out if her room to see that his keys weren't in the bowl. "Yeh kya kardiya maine she scrunched up her face. In her dilemma she missed him. "Par woh bhi toh baat karke ja sakte the naah she thought sadly. But then she realised that, she being the outspoken one was shy enough to accept the facts, then Dev, the inexpressive one, must be having a harder time realising his feelings and actions. She smiled, "Akdom Impossible she thought fondly. She would have to wait till the evening then.

It took Sonakshi about fifteen minutes to make herself some breakfast, eat it and leave for the hospital. On reaching Swiggy, who was parked in the spot beside which Dev's car had been, she patted her scooty affectionately. She thought back to the day she named her scooty. She had made Elena sit behind her as she drove her new scooty home from the showroom from which she had bought it. As they made their way home, they had picked up lunch from a restaurant and raced home as they were excited to celebrate along with being ravenously hungry.

It was then that Elena had made a joke about how the app Swiggy also raced with food to deliver it and that was how Sonakshi had welcomed Swiggy into her life. As she zoomed towards the hospital on Swiggy she thought how Elena would react to the news of her kiss. She giggled lightly when she imagined Elena going berserk out of shock and happiness. Oh how she missed her sister at this moment. But she didn't have to feel sad for long because as she parked Swiggy in the hospital parking lot, she saw Neha getting out her car. "Good morning Sonakshi! Neha called out to Sonakshi as she walked towards her scooty. Sonakshi smiled warmly at Neha, "Good morning Neha! Neha stopped before her and eyed Sonakshi carefully.

"Kuch alag hai she said continuing to observe Sonakshi. Sonakshi looked at Neha in confusion, "Kya alag hai? Neha smiled, "Something is different about your smile. Bohot zyada bright hai. Baat kya hai? Sonakshi instantly blushed the deepest shade of red and looked down. Neha's eyes grew wide, "Oh my god. Kuch toh pakka hua hai! Sonakshi immediately shushed Neha and said, "Dheerey bolo as they both stepped into the elevator. Neha whisper yelled at Sonakshi, "Okay okay, kya hua, tell me! Bhai ne kuch kahan kya? Sonakshi shook her head, "Kahan toh kuch nahin. As the elevator stopped at their floor they stepped out, "Toh phir? Neha asked. Sonakshi stopped at her cabin door and turned to Neha and said, "Toh yeh ki...he kissed me she said smiling brightly again. Neha was extremely quiet for a few seconds as she processed the information and then her jaw dropped. "Mere bhai ne kiya? Are you sure woh mere hi bhai the?

Sonakshi laughed at her questions and said, "Haan pakka woh tumharey hi bhai the. But before Neha could say anything else, a senior doctor called for her and she had to go, even though she was extremely unhappy about not being able to gossip. But before she left, she made Sonakshi promise that they would discuss it later, at lunch. Sonakshi didn't have much work today. It was family day at the hospital which was why almost all of her patients were not free for sessions. She only had her wrapping up session with Mr. Shukla today but that was after lunch. At the moment she had some paper work to look through of two prospective patients who had contacted her for sessions and she had agreed to treat them, but wanted their medical history first.

As she sat there going through the records. Her mobile phone rang. She picked up without looking at the number and said, "Hello? She heard Tina's pleasant voice on the other side, " Good morning Dr. Bose! Sonakshi put her pen down and smiled, "Hi Tina, kaisi ho? Tina laughed a little and said, "Pagal ho rahi hoon kaam karte karte! Aap theek hai? Sonakshi got up from her chair, "haan theek hoon. Tina was quiet for a second and then said, "Aap aaj bohot khush lag rahi hai. Sonakshi was amazed, "Tumhey kaise pata chala? Tina giggled, "Aapki awaz se! Aur aaj subah se Dev sir kahin khoye huye hai. Toh maine two plus two karli she said proudly. Suddenly Sonakshi grew extremely interested, "Dev distracted hai? Yeh kaise pata chala tumhey? Sonakshi could feel Tina smirking in the other side, "Sir ko subah se har baat three times bolna padh raha hai. Tab jake unke mind me register ho raha hai! This time Sonakshi giggled.

She could imagine Dev being distracted because of their kiss. That meant he was as excited about it as she was. She couldn't wait to see him tonight. "Dr. Bose? she heard Tina say. She snapped out of her daze, "Haan? Tina laughed a bit again, "Main nahin poochungi aap kahan kho gayi isbaar. Aapko buss yeh batana tha ki your rent payment was successful. Humein mil gaya. Sonakshi blushed at Tina's initial statement and then said, "Oh great. Thank you for informing me she said sitting back down on her chair. " Have a nice day Dr. Bose! Tina said, bidding adieu. Sonakshi wished her the same and hung up. She wished she could see Dev right now. She had so many thing to say to him, to ask him. And it seemed like she missed him more than usual at this point. She sighed and willed herself to concentrate on her work.

As lunch rolled in, Sonakshi dialled Neha's number and asked her if she wanted to go to Aahar for lunch. Neha agreed but asked Sonakshi to go on and said that she would join her there in a few minutes. She walked to Aahar for once, leaving her scooty in the hospital parking lot. She wished to meet Riya there. She hadn't had a proper chat with Riya for a long time. As she stepped inside, she saw that the restaurant was filled to the brim and there was not one place to sit. She dialled Neha and told her to stay at the hospital and that she would get their food. Walking up to the counter she smiled at Rakesh, "Kaise ho Rakesh? Rakesh gave her the biggest smile possible and said, "Theek hoon Madam ji. Aap kaisi hai? Ajkal aap yahan aati hi nahin? Sonakshi smiled, "Kya karoon, kaam ke chakkar me dus minute bahar nikalne ka time hi nahin milta. Par aaj toh aa gayi! Rakesh nodded, "Ji! Boliye, aapka usual order? Sonakshi nodded in agreement, "Haan. Usual hi, but two plates. Pack kardena. And dono ka hi bill mere naam dena. Rakesh wrote it down as Sonakshi asked, "Riya madam ko bula doge? Mujhe unse baat karni hai. Rakesh looked at Sonakshi apologetically, "Aaj toh madam ayi nahin. Unki tabiyat kharab hai. Sonakshi grew concerned, "Kya hua unko? Rakesh put up his hands, "Kuch serious nahin, bukhaar hai buss. Sonakshi sighed in relief, "Achha theek hai. She mentally made a note to call Riya later.

As she waited for her order, Rakesh talked to another customer. After he finished, he turned towards the kitchen and hollered for Sonakshi's order and also called for a veg sandwich. Then he turned and smiled at Sonakshi saying, "Aaj apka order confuse nahin hoga madam. Nahin toh iss baar toh Sir humara band baja dengey! Sonakshi's eyes widened, "S-Sir? Rakesh nodded happily and said, "Aaj phirsey aapka aur sir ka order eksaath ban raha hai, uss din ke jaise. Sonakshi could feel her face grow hot, "Aapke Sir yahan hai? Rakesh looked at Sonakshi confused, "Haan. Aapne counter tak aatey huye unhe nahin dekha? Woh toh rahe sir! he said pointing behind Sonakshi. Sonakshi took a deep breath and slowly turned around to where Rakesh stood pointing and sure enough there he was, wearing a blue suit, surrounded by three men. It looked like a meeting was in progress between Dev and the other gentlemen. Dev was explaining something to them. Which meant he hadn't seen her. She quickly faced the counter again. She wanted to talk to him, but that apprehension was back. She decided to talk to him at home.

Home? Since when had she started referring to the penthouse as her home? That moment brought about another important realisation for Sonakshi. She deduced that she had named the penthouse her home because she shared it with Dev. That meant she associated home with Dev. This thought scared her a little but moreover it made her break into a content smile. She looked back at Dev, he was her home. There was no doubt about it. And she would tell him that when she would go back after work. "Madam ji? Sonakshi turned back to Rakesh, "Haan? Rakesh brought forward  parcel, "Yeh apka parcel. Sonakshi nodded and reached into her purse to take the money out, but before she could, the exact amount was slapped down on the counter beside her. She looked at the hand that kept it and then followed it up to the face. Two brown eyes stared back at her. Sonakshi's breath hitched. But still she forced the words out, " Mere paas hai paise. The parcel was taken from Rakesh's hand and stretched out towards her, "Pata hai. Sonakshi waited for him to explain after that but he didn't say anything. Sonakshi reached out to take the parcel from him, "Toh aapney kyun diya? As she took the parcel, Dev held onto her fingers. He continued to be silent. Sonakshi's heart started racing. The intense look he was giving her was making her legs turn to jelly. Rakesh interrupted them by saying, "Sir aapka order bhi ready hai. Abruptly Dev let her go and turned around, "Thank you. He picked his plate up and turned to Sonakshi, " Raat ko milte hai. And with that he walked away.

If Sonakshi thought teasing Dev was the most difficult to handle, she was wrong. Because this intense Dev was even worse. He had always been a mysterious man, but this intensity just made everything even more difficult. She didn't know what he was thinking. She would have to wait till she could go back home, so she could ask him. She made her way out of Aahar, but before she stepped out Dev met her eyes with the same intense look which made her shiver involuntarily. She gave him a small smile and walked out, wishing that she never had to leave. Back at the hospital, she told Neha about how the kiss happened. But she didn't tell her about the incident at the restaurant. That incident, even thought it was nothing compared to their heated kiss last night, was far more intimate. Just by holding her hand, Dev had awoken a part if her that she didn't know existed. And the touch of his fingers on her hand had left a weird feeling, just like his stare. There was a sort of passion in it. And most surprisingly, she wanted to see that look again.

She walked to Mr. Shukla's room after lunch. It was just after four, that she stepped into his room. Mr. Shukla stood in front of his bag, folding clothes and putting them in. "Arey waah, packing chaloo? Sonakshi said as she took her seat before his bed. Mr. Shukla looked up and smiled slightly, "Haan. Ajeeb lag raha hai, ghar jaane ki baat sochke. He came around and sat before Sonakshi. "Aapko kya laga tha, apka last session kaisa hona chahiye, jab aap yahan aye the? Mr. Shukla seemed to think about it. "Maine socha tha ki mera mann shant hoga aur life me hasne ke liye bohot saarey reasons hongey. Sonakshi smiled gently and ask, "Aur kya aisa hi hua? Mr. Shukla nodded happily at Sonakshi, "Bilkul aisa hi hua. They talked about what he planned to do after he went back home, and then they talked about his daughter. They were so lost in their world of chatter that they didn't notice the sun going down and evening setting in. Suddenly Sonakshi noticed the clock strike eight.

She paused and reached for her bag and took a wrapped box out of it and handed it to Mr. Shukla. Mr. Shukla frowned, "Yeh kya hai Sonakshi? Sonakshi didn't answer the question. She just said, "Kholke dekh lijiye! Mr. Shukla hesitated for a moment, but then tore open the wrapping paper.  As he opened the box, it revealed a very beautiful watch. "Achha laga? Sonakshi asked, looking at him hopefully. Mr. Shukla seemed shocked for a bit. Then he said, "Bohot hi achha laga. Par yeh kyun? Sonakshi sighed and took his hand in hers saying, "Taaki future me jab bhi aapko gussa aye, ya kisi baat ka dukh ho, aap is watch ko dekhke yahan bitaye huye time ko yaad kar sake. Apni struggles aur unko jitne ki baatein yaad kar sake. Yeh samjhe ki aap bohot strong hai. Then she paused giggling, "Aur of course aapke pagal doctor ko bhi yaad karey!

When Mr. Shukla didn't say anything for a long while Sonakshi grew nervous thinking that he didn't like the gift. But then he looked up at her and she could see tears in his eyes. He abruptly hugged Sonakshi and said, "Thank you beta. Tum nahin hoti to main kuch nahin kar pata. Sonakshi was speechless. He had never called her beta before. Hearing it now, she felt strangely content. Almost like the void created by her father's death had been slightly filled. She hugged him back. When Mr. Shukla pulled away, he said, "Mujhey pata hai ki aaj tak, tum mujhey sambhalti ayi ho. Par agar kabhi bui koi bhi zaroorat padhey, tum mere paas aogi. Bina kuch soche, theek hai? Sonakshi nodded happily, "Zaroor aongi. As Sonakshi got up to leave, Mr. Shukla said, "Aur uss Dev Dixit ko zyada taang mat karna. Khush rakhega who tumhey. Sonakshi's jaw hit the floor. Seeing her expression Mr. Shukla laughed, a carefree, happy laugh. "Buddha zaroor ho gaya hoon, par aankhein abhi bhi theek hai. Sonakshi smiled shyly and hugged him once again. "Bye Mr. Shukla. Apna khayal rakhna aap. Mr. Shukla patted her head, "Tum bhi. He would be leaving tomorrow morning. before she arrived. So she bid him a proper goodbye and left the room. She felt a weird kind of hollow. She would miss him immensely.

A little saddened by Mr. Shukla's imminent departure. But as she strapped her helmet and started her scooty, she remembered that she would be meeting Dev in a few minutes. With excitement bubbling up, she made her way home. Ten minutes later she parked in the garage if the apartment. Getting off Swiggy she quickly made her way to the elevator. As she stepped in, her phone started  to ring. She smiled seeing the caller ID. "Haan bol Elena. She heard Elena's shrill scream on the other side, "Tu humein bhool gayi hai Sona! Sonakshi laughed, "Aisi koi baat nahin hai. She heard Raunita say, "Aisi hi baat hai. Sonakshi smiled, "Kaise ho tum dono? They both replied to that with a "theek hai in unison. The elevator pinged and Sonakshi stepped out, "Mujhey tum logo ko bohot kuch batana hai, par abhi main baat nahin kar sakti. Raat ko call karti hoon okay? Elena and Raunita protested, but they eventually agreed, after which Sonakshi hung up the phone. She took a deep breath and looked the door. She knew Dev was on the other side and this time she would not let the chance go.

She twisted the key and stepped into the house. Leaving her shoes beside the rack and dropping the keys into the bowl she made her way to the drawing room where she heard noises. As she got closer, she spotted Dev, she saw that he stood there, still in his work clothes, zipping a duffel bag. It was then that she noticed three suitcases lying beside the couch, packed and ready to go. She looked at Dev, "Aap kahin ja rahe hai? Dev didn't look up, but said, "Haan. Sonakshi looked at him confused, "Koi tour aa gaya achanak? Dev sighed. He looked up at Sonakshi and said, "Main ghar ja raha hoon Sonakshi. Sonakshi took a step towards him and said, "Aunty ko kuch hua hai kya? Dev shook his head, "Nahin. Sonakshi still didn't understand, "Toh phir?

Dev picked up a few papers from the couch and handed them to Sonakshi. She stared at them. "Aapne poora pent house mujhey rent kyun kiya? Upar wala floor toh aapka hai naah? Just as she said that, the main door opened to reveal Mohan. "Gaari aa gayi. Dev motioned for Mohan to carry the suitcases out. As Mohan carried them out the door, Dev turned to Sonakshi and said, "Pehley maine socha tha ki tumhey koi aur ghar rent pe lene ko kahoon. Par that would be too unfair. Isiliye main hi ja raha hoon. Sonakshi's mind blanked. "Ja rahey hai? Par kyun? Drv took a deep breath and looked at Sonakshi. His eyes conveyed something, but Sonakshi didn't know what it was. And then she heard him say the words that she never thought she would hear, "Kyunki...kyunki hum eksaath nahin reh sakte Sonakshi. I want you to stay away from me. Mujhey contact karne ki koshish mat karna. I wish you a happy life. And with that he walked out of the apartment. Walked out of Sonakshi's life. And the worst part was, he didn't leave any explanation for it. He was just gone. And That was it.

She had lost her home.

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Okay okay, no need to kill me. Or you won't get to know what happens next! :P

Please do like and comment, would love to know your thoughts!

Also the next Chapter will be almost entirely from Dev's point of view!

So Stay Tuned! :D

See you on Sunday! (most probably evening :P)

Love

Mishti