Prem & Mukti FF: 'Another Chance' Last Chp. 14 pg 9!

This story will be set around the time when Mukti

Hey Folks. Are there still any Kasauti Zindagi Ki
fans? I sure hope so. 😳

I've decided to finally write a Prem-Mukti storyand I hope I'm not too late in doing it.

This is set 4 years after the incident. Mukti never married Kul or whatsoever. Prerna along with everyone else don't know where she is. So therefore Mukti never died - there are no humshakals or whatsoever. That never happened.

Hope u guys will like it. Please, any kind of feedback is always appreciated 😊

Like the post so I can send you a PM whenever I update.

Enjoy! 😳

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Prologue

A woman had just gotten off from the train and headed toward the street to get a Taxi. She signaled her hand to get one and luckily she had gotten a taxi a few minutes later. She told the driver where to go and he soon enough began to fill the backseat of the car with her heavy luggage.

Mukti sighed as she began to get seated and thought of the destination she was headed toward at the moment. It was about time she came home to where her loved ones were. They deserved to know where she had been for the past few years of her life - and frankly she was both feeling excited and afraid.

Soon enough the Taxi driver got in the driver seat and began to drive on the bust street. It was a long journey toward the place she once called Home. She could feel the soft wind blowing her hair, making her remember all the old memories she had spent in the familiar city. Her ears picked up a soft sound coming from the radio which was playing in the background.

Chhota Sa Mann Hai Mann Mein Sanam Hai
Sanam Ek Khwaab Hai, Sanam Ek Khwaab Hai
Khwaab Hai Bas Khwaab Hai, Khwaab Hai

It was a song she hadn't heard before - or perhaps she had, but didn't notice it before.

Kya Yahi Ishq Hai Kya Yahi Ishq Hai
Ishq Ek Behta Dariya Jo Kabhi Na Thama
Ishq Ek Aisa Sapna Jo Na Haasil Hua
Gar Ishq Hai Khuda To Khuda Dard Deta Hai Kyon
Gar Ishq Hai Khuda To Khuda Dard Deta Hai Kyon

She studied the lyrics of the song for a brief moment and couldn't help but furrow her eyebrows. It was like she was feeling a whole new sensation had gone through her body. Was it just a coincidence to hear that particular song? Or maybe she was reading into it too much.

Aankhon Mein Jo Sapna Tha Lagta Kitna Apna Tha
Dil Ki Nagri Mein Rehta Tha
Saason Mein Phoolon Sa Khilta Tha
Chhota Sa Mann Hai Mann Mein Sanam Hai
Chhota Sa Mann Hai

She closed her eyes and tried her best not to think about her past life. She had moved on and it should remain that way. She moved her attention back to the passing streets and beautiful nature through the window.

Destiny.. Such a cruel word..' she thought silently as she waited patiently to arrive at her destination.

Meanwhile somewhere else:

Yeh Zindagi Kal Tere Naam Thi Khushi Ka Begum Thi
Aaj Na To Hai Na Tera Saath Hai
Tera Chhoda Hua Har Lamha Paas Hai

Mr. Prem Prerna Bajaj, a well-known business man who had shown everyone that he was the right man to get a contract with. He had become a well-known name among the business men around the world just like his father, Mr. Rishab Bajaj.

He had changed now. He was no longer UD, who only wanted money and greed. He was surely a changed man now that he had established his own business from scratch.

Perhaps everyone who knew him or met him briefly would most likely to consider him as a man who had everything. Who was at the right chapter of his life - But did people know what kind of thoughts were going on in the head of his? They weren't witnesses to every night where he had to deal with his past memories of his life.

Every time Prem looked at himself at the mirror, he didn't see his own reflection starring back at him. But he saw a man he barely knew.

He wanted to get away - away from the past which still haunted him.

He wanted to let go and move on. He had gotten what he wanted from the very beginning even though he never admitted it to anyone before. He had gotten a family he could trust and they could trust him as well. This time they could count on him for sure. He had given everything back to the rightful owners, be it properties or money.

The truth was that; UD, the man who was selfish and only cared about himself, wanted to change - wanted to become Prem.

Throughout his life people had manipulated him for their own goals. It had gotten so far ahead that he didn't even know what emotions, feelings or basic name as family or relationships meant to him. How much people valued those things into their lives. Instead he mocked those who valued them.

He got treated like a soldier which only sole cause was to do what others told him to do. But not anymore. This was years ago and he had changed for good now.

But with that said the past still didn't leave him alone. He still couldn't get the feeling of guilt and pain away from his mind. The past still haunted him no matter how much he tried to avoid looking back.

He devoted his mind and soul into the work for the past 5 years. He would wake up early, have breakfast with the others and then leave for the office. It had become a routine for him for the past years. It was like there was no other purpose of his life. Of course the one person he would devote himself toward had left a long time ago. It had been too late.

How he wished he could rewind everything and prevent her from leaving. There weren't one single day where his thoughts didn't include the woman, who he loved and perhaps still loved till date.

The woman who talked non-stop.

The woman who got the nicknames such as; "Choti Maa ki Choti Beti" and "Basanti."

There was only one name on his lips every single day - and it was Miss Mukti Deshmukh.

Chhota Sa Mann Hai Mann Mein Sanam Hai
Sanam Ek Khwaab Hai Sanam Ek Khwaab Hai
Khwaab Hai Bas, Khwaab Hai.

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To Be Continued!







Chapter 7 - page 5:
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/114988518

nice start

Mahhu!! My maniac!! 🤗

Originally posted by: Prags_Sociopath

Mahhu!! My maniac!!🤗

Yes yes. Finally I read it. FINALLY!To be honest, I just can't explain how excited I am feeling now. More than before😆Its like some good old memories are back man..priceless <3😆

Now, for the story.

Dude. It was just so good! So totally loved it. First of all I loved the circumstances here and the situation where you took off. The five years gap. She is somewhere else. He is somewhere else. all changed now. Its Prem man. PREM!! Eeekkksss!!😆

And after so many years I read "Basanti". Tears of happiness :')😆

I just hope WHEN they would meet, they would get onto their usual cute little banters man. Please. Do make it happen Ms. Writer😆

I would tell all other maniacs to read this. It would be so much fun discussing this with them all over again!! Yayyy!!😆

An awesome story!! Please keep updating jaldi jaldi okay?😆

I love you my maniac! <3

Oh god, you're making me blush real bad of your words. I didn't even think it was that good :D But thank you so much, my favourite Praguu.. <3 🤗

I LOVE YOU TOO and your kind words. That has totally motivated me to post the next part sooner than I had thought out. :))

Yes, just keep reading and I promise you wouldn't regret it 😳

Thank you so much for the kind words, guys! 🤗 It really warms the heart. Here is the next part.

Enjoy!

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Chapter 1:

There was a soft knock on the front door of Rishab and Prerna Bajaj's house. The house guard walked toward it to see who it was. He opened the door and got surprised when he saw the person he thought he would never see.

He blinked a few times just to make sure what he saw was real. He smiled and quickly called Prerna.

"Prerna ma'am, look who is here." He led her inside into the living room. Sneha who was sitting on the couch stood up from the shock of what she was seeing.

Prerna came walking down the stairs and stopped suddenly when her eyes lay upon the stranger. She couldn't believe her eyes. She was feeling sheer happiness when saw the woman she treated like her own daughter.

"Choti Maa." How she longed to hear those words coming from her.

"Mukti" she walked toward her and brought her into a warm hug where tears of joy flowed from her cheeks. She had finally seen her daughter for so long. She thought she would never get a chance to see her again.

"How have you been? Where were you for so long? You never told us where you were gone to?"

"Ma, let her at least take a seat and let her breathe," a voice interrupted them.

Mukti looked to the side where she saw her childhood sister-like-friend and reached forward to hug her. They moved to the couch where they exchanged few words and expressed how happy they were to finally get her back after those years.

Prerna who couldn't stop smiling stood up and went toward the servants to tell them to shift Mukti's luggage into a guestroom so she could stay there.

Meanwhile both Sneha and Mukti caught up with each other. The brown haired woman noticed an engagement ring on Sneha's finger and couldn't help but ask.

"Sneha is that an engagement ring?"

She looked down and smiled gently as she touched it. She nodded. "I've got engaged a few months back!"

"I can't believe it" she smiled but a tear ran down her face. "I wish I was there with you on your special day."

She placed a hand upon hers and smiled. "We've missed you a lot. All of us. Don't worry about it too much. The important thing is that you're here now and that's what matters the most."

Mukti wiped her tear and nodded. "I'm sorry for not telling anyone where I was. But I needed to get away from everything."

"I understand."

"Tell me, who did you get engaged to? What's his name? Where did you meet him?"

"Actually I met him through dad. He was the one who introduced him to me. The family seemed very nice and they only had one son. We got in touch with each other through our families and it somehow clicked between us. Oh I almost forgot, he's name is Raj Mithal, and is looking after his father's business."

"I'm so happy for you Sneha! I really am. You deserve the happiness."

"So do you Mukti! That day will come soon as well."

"Anyways, I can't believe this much has happened since I left" she took a glance around.

"Yeah, a lot has happened since then" Sneha spoke softly as her thoughts wet to her brother Prem. "So much has changed."

Her thought was put on hold when Prerna came inside carrying a trey of tea and food. Just in that moment Mr. Bajaj and Tushar came walking inside and got shocked to see Mukti.

"Mukti.. Beta.."

"Uncle" she took a few steps forward where he rested a hand on her shoulder and took a long look at her. He had missed his daughter for a very long time.

"I cannot believe my own eyes to see you here. Where were you for so long? We've missed you so much."

Everyone else stood smiling by their by their small reunion. They moved toward the couch where Mukti got a chance to tell what she had been doing for the past few years. She had managed to work at a Multinational Company as their Encounter and Business Analyses.

They decided to move to the dining table as the food was ready. As they began to make their way, Prerna faced her husband.

"Where is Prem? Didn't he come with you?"

A sudden mention of his name sent a weird feeling in the pit of her stomach. Mukti hadn't heard that name for so long, yet it only felt like she had seen him yesterday. She didn't know how she would handle seeing him again.

Part of her wasn't ready to face him - but she had to face the reality. No more running away. No more hiding.

"Prem is right here, Mother India - Just on time," they heard a deep voice emerge from the front door.

Prerna smiled at his soon who stood by the doorstep with his trademark smirk playing on his lips. "Arre, there you are."

The mother took a small glance at Mukti and got concerned how it was it would play out. She was worried on how she was going to react seeing him again - and what Prem was going to think.

It was no secret that they both had feelings for each other and perhaps destiny had other plans in store for them both than reuniting the past lovers.

Prem came inside and saw a woman sitting on the couch with her back facing him. He looked at Prerna to ask who it was, but before he had a chance Mukti turned around in a slow manner.

It was like a jolt of shock of both happiness and sadness that hit him. He couldn't believe he was seeing Mukti. He took a step forward without realizing what he was doing, but stopped once noticing her gaze shifting to the floor.

He could sense that she was uncomfortable in his presence. He hadn't even said anything and it hurt him seeing like that.

Tushar cleared his throat and took a small glance at the others.

"Why don't we move to the dining table? The food might get cold."

The family members nodded and headed to the table. They got seated and began to eat, while Prem couldn't believe that the woman he had fallen in love with was sitting right across of him. He couldn't really concentrate on anything; let alone what was being placed on his plate. His only thought was on Mukti.

Mukti on the other hand began to feel uncomfortable. Oh, what was she expecting? She had come back to the house where he lived. Of course she would bump into him one way or another. But it was entirely different thing to think that she was ready to face her past - to face him.

A voice snapped her back to her senses and looked at the owner of the voice. "Huh?"

"Arre Mukti, I'm asking you why you aren't eating."

She looked down at the plate and saw that she only had taken a bit of rice and some chicken.

"Uh, Choti Maa. I'm not really hungry. I ate on the way here. I think I'm getting a bit tired as well, I mean the trip was very long. Is it okay if I can lay down in one of the rooms upstairs?"

"Yes of course, you can take the room on the left side once you reach upstairs. Just relax and sleep it through."

Mukti nodded as she excised herself as she gently walked up the stairs and into her guest room where she was staying for a couple of days.

Prem stayed quite throughout the meal. He knew that it was because of him she hadn't stayed. He looked at Prerna and they both shared a look with each other. He sighed and excused himself from the table and left to his room.

He passed the guest room on his way where she was staying and saw the door was closed.

He stood starring at it for a few seconds and was about to knock, but he knew that he had no right to do so. He needed to give her the space she needed at the moment. So he carefully walked inside his own room with the thought of seeing the woman he once thought he would never see again.

Next morning:

In the following days Prem came down to eat breakfast like he usually did every morning before he left to work with his father.

Prerna was placing a few plates on the table and caught Mukti coming down the stairs as she smiled at her. She placed a few strands of hair behind her ear and sat down on a chair beside her Choti Maa. Part of her felt uneasy but why was she feeling like this? Hadn't she put everything behind her? So what was the problem to face him today?

Prem kept his gaze on her as there were so many questions he wanted to ask her. He knew that there was a solid reason behind her declining Kul's marriage. He wanted to hear the reason from her. Most importantly he wanted to talk to her like old days.

He wanted to ask her where she had been and how she had been for the past few years - But then again, had he the right to ask her? Ask her all these things?

There was no conversation between the two individuals, only a heavy silence between them both.

It went on for a few more days. Not meeting his gaze, not talking to him, always in constant uneasiness whenever they both shared space together. Therefore he left every morning before she woke up and got home late - just so she wouldn't get the chance to see him. It was the only solution he could think of so she wouldn't feel uneasy or uncomfortable.

He didn't want her to cause any more pain than he already had. After all he never got rid of his past nightmares from his mind anyway.

***************

To Be Continued. Hope you guys liked it. 😊

Yes yes! The 1st chapter is here! yayy! 😆

I hope you'll enjoy reading the next part. 😊


Chapter 2:

One morning, Prem was walking down the stairs heading to work, while being dressed into a black shirt and a dark grey blazer on top. The top buttons of his shirt was unbuttoned just like the way he liked it.

He was making his way to the front door when his mother stopped him.

"Prem, eat some breakfast before you leave."

"Nah Mother India, I'm getting late" he lied and left before she could say anything.

She helplessly shook her head and turned her attention back to the remaining members who was heading toward the dining table.

She saw her husband and Mukti having a discussion together before they settled down around the table.

"So what are you going to do now Beta?" Mr. Bajaj reached out for a plate where he took a few toasts to himself and passed it on to his wife.

Mukti filled her glass with juice and replied. "Well, I've managed to rent an apartment right down the road, and hopefully I'll get it in a few more weeks."

Prerna looked at Mukti.

"You've rent an apartment? Why? You're staying here aren't you?"

"But.."

"Mukti, aren't we like your family?"

She looked at them both with a soft expression on her face.

"I don't have anyone else but you all. You're all the family I have left. But I think it would be nice if I got my own place, don't worry, I'll most likely come here every day any way. I won't skip that delicious meal for anything in the world - I promise."

The elder couple laughed lightly as they nodded. "Alright then."

They continued to have breakfast. "What about your job? Any plans there?"

"I don't know uncle. I've already sent some applications out to different companies and let's see where I'll get work."

Both Mr. Bajaj and Prerna shared a small look with each other. "Why do you need to apply when I am here? I'm like your father, aren't I?" she nodded.

"Then it's finale, from tomorrow you'll work with us. Besides we could use an intelligent lady as well."

She blushed but however a small thought crept into her mind and her blush faded away.

"But uncle.."

"No buts. You'll work from tomorrow on alongside with them" Prerna said as she smiled warmly at her. And Mukti couldn't do anything but agree.

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Later in the afternoon:

Sometime later in the afternoon a knock could be heard from the Bajaj house. The house guard went to see who it was and saw that it was Anurag and Sam. They walked inside and saw the wife and husband sitting in the living room talking to each other.

"Oh so you two are here? We hope we're not interrupting anything" Anurag said with a smile on his lips as he entered alongside with his wife.

Mr. Bajaj raised his gaze and smiled back. "No it's alright, take a seat."

They began to get seated when they heard a familiar voice. "Ma, Mukti and I are going out for a while. We'll be home later on the evening."

The sudden mention of the name shocked both Anurag and Sam; they wondered what was going on.

Their eyes fell upon the woman as she entered the living room along with Sneha.

Anurag stood up as he took a step forward to Mukti. "Mukti? You're here? How, why didn't you tell us?"

"I.. I'm sorry, I just came back a few days ago and I didn't get a chance to inform anyone."

Sam smiled and touched her cheek. "It's okay, the important thing is that you're back."

With that said both Mukti and Sneha left the house as they wanted to spend some time together and make up for all the years they hadn't seen each other.

They said their byes and got out to the car and drove toward the mall first to do some shopping.

Meanwhile Anurag took a small glance at his friend, Rishabh. "How are they holding up?"

The three friends knew who was being referred to.

"They haven't really talked" Prerna said with a bit of sadness in her voice.

Sam placed a hand on her shoulder. "We cannot lose hope now Prerna. Let's hope everything turns out fine - at least this time around!"

Everyone nodded and hoped the best for the two children.

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Later on the evening:

It was almost 9 in the evening and Prem still hadn't returned home. Prerna, being the mother; was getting worried for her son.

No matter how old they were a mother would always be worried. Mr. Bajaj had told her to sleep and not worry too much as he probably had work he needed to finish before returning home.

Somehow it still didn't feel convinced. Her main worry was if he had eaten anything the whole day? She picked up the phone and dialed a phone number to his secretary.

"Hello, this is Prerna Bajaj speaking. Is Prem still in office? Yes? Okay, has he eaten yet? No! Okay. Thank you!"

She hanged up and dialed a familiar number this time and waited for someone to pick it up.

"Hello? Prem Sharma Bajaj speaking."

She smiled silently when she heard his voice - especially addressing his own name.

"Prem it's middle of the night and you're still at work? Have you even eaten anything or devoted yourself into the files again?"

"No, Mother India - I've already eaten" he lied through the phone.

But the mother knew his son too well. "Okay, alright, but I'll warm some food for you in case you'll be hungry when you return. Just remember to get home soon."

She hanged up with the thought that she should go and warm some food for him just in case.

Meanwhile Prem leaned back into his chair and took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. What was he even doing? Staying away from own home because of the small reason? He shook his head and tried to get back to the files which were lying in front of him.

A few hours later, a black car held up front of the Bajaj house where Prem climbed out from the driving seat and noticed all the lights were turned off.

Everyone must have gone to sleep' he thought as he took a small glance at his watch. He sighed - it was 1 am in the morning.

He pushed the doors open and came inside with his blazer resting on his arm. He quietly turned on the small light near the kitchen area and made his way toward the couch to sit.

Meanwhile someone was getting out from their bed and turned on the faint lamp in the bedroom. The person opened the door to see who had come this late in the night.

Prem slumped back into the couch he was sitting on and sighed heavily. It had been a very long and tiring day at work.

He was feeling drained both physically and emotionally lately. He however dismissed the thought as noticed the sounds his stomach was busy making.

He was hungry and why wouldn't you be? After all he hadn't eaten anything the whole day. He didn't even know why he had lied to Mother India at the first place.

Prem walked to the kitchen area and opened a few cupboards to see if there was anything to eat. He just needed something eatable. He didn't even care what it was - as long he got something he was more than happy.

He opened the microwave to see if there was something and to his luck he saw a plate with two Gobi Parathas. He barely waited enough when he took one and began to eat like this was his last meal on earth.

Meanwhile Mukti stood silently watching him from the stairs. She had heard a slight noise coming from downstairs and went out to see what it was - Although she already knew who it was.

Perhaps that was the reason why she hadn't slept yet. She couldn't really believe that she was watching the same man who never ate or let alone touched these kinds of food years ago. Here he was eating a full Paratha.

She still remembered the words he used all those years ago.

"Yuck, how can you people eat this stuff? So oily and heavy. I'd rather starve myself than eat this." He pushed the plate to indicate he wasn't going to eat it ever.

She shook her head by the memory but was interrupted by the sound of a heavy cough. She saw him struggling to breathe as he coughed heavily as if something had gotten stuck in his throat.

Mukti took a step forward and about to run toward him but stopped suddenly by her own reaction. Why did she care about him? What made her run to him?

Prem however opened the fridge and took a bottle of water out and drank it. After spending a half an hour and had gotten satisfied by the amount of food he had eaten he collected his blazer and made his way to his room. And this time his eyes still went on the closed door to Mukti's room. He wondered if she was sleeping or awake. Did she ever think about him just like he did with her?

He sighed heavily and got inside his room to get some rest.

**********

To Be Continued.

Please, do leave a review because they would mean the world to me 😳

Mahhu!! My maniac! 🤗 I love you more than ever! <3 😆

Pragguuu 🤗 You're the best!! Reading your reviews are teh best thing on this earth (Well, apart from watching Aahil on QH) 😆

I hope you enjoy the new chapter. ^__^


Chapter 3:

The next morning Mukti had just taken a shower and was casually dressed into a cream colored long skirt with a white half sleeved top. Her hair was slightly damp from the shower but decided to go downstairs anyway to see her Choti Maa.

She was making her way down when she stopped as she heard a few voices.

"I've noticed that you leave every morning without eating breakfast. You arrive home late as well," she paused slightly, but the stern expression didn't leave the mother's face.

"What is going on, Prem?"

Prem hoped that she wouldn't question about this matter - but then again this was Mother India. It wasn't for fun he had invented the name for her.

"You never behaved like this before?"

"Things change and routines changes as well. By the way do you know the reason behind the name Mother India? It's rather interesting thing to discover.."

"Don't change the topic, Prem!"

He faced her. "I am not changing the topic. This one is just too boring to even discuss. Simple."

She crossed her arms. "Are you telling your own mother that this is nothing? That the things you do every morning is just a routine for you? Tell me the truth, Prem - what is really going on?"

He rolled his eyes. "Why would I lie to you?"

"You know why."

He stayed quite for a moment. He didn't know what to tell his own mother. How could she see through right him? After a long silence he finally spoke into a gentle whisper.

"I don't want to make other uncomfortable with my presence."

"What do you mean?"

He shook his head. How could he even let such thing slip from his mind? "Look it's nothing. I'm getting late and don't have time for your questions anymore." He was about to leave but she stopped his yet again.

"You won't leave until you answer my question."

This time he looked into her eyes and answered. "What question are you talking about? Those who even I'm not able to answer?" He led his answer linger in the air and he decided to leave before he said something he would regret.

Meanwhile Mukti stood frozen at the spot. Why was she suddenly feeling a weird? What did he mean by the answer? Somehow deep inside her something had awakened and a special part of her body felt touched by his words.

Throughout the day Prem couldn't stop the incoming thoughts he had all day. His mind wouldn't shut them down. Maybe it was what he deserved. Frustrated with himself he decided to arrive home earlier than he intended. How could he concentrate when the woman he loved lived in the same house as him?

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Prem was currently standing in the garden where he always came right before going to sleep. The fresh wind and looking into the sky made him feel rather relaxed and made him feel like there was hope somewhere in store for him.

He was too occupied with his thoughts that he didn't notice a lone figure walking up to him from behind and led out a huge scream which caused him to let out a small yell as well. "What the.."

He turned around and saw his sister having trouble with containing her laughter as she struggled with her words.

He glared at her. "Sneha.. What is wrong with you?"

"What? Did the brave business man Prem Sharma Bajaj get scared? I must tell the tabloids about the girly scream you just led out."

"Just wait till I get my hands on you. You'll wish you never said that" he said as he started to chase her around the garden area.

She was trying her best to get away from him but didn't succeed as he caught her arm and brought her down on the grass and started to tickle her.

"Prem. Stop it."

She kept laughing as she tried to get away from him but he had her in his in place. "Prem. I can't breathe" but the smile on her face never left.

He smirked. "Say sorry to your brother than?"

".. Sorry! Sorry baba. Now let me go."

He stopped and got back on his feet. She inhaled a few times trying to catch her breathe. Once she calmed down he raised a hand forward to help her up.

Just when she was about to grab it he snatched it back and smirked evilly at her. "You know I was thinking.. What should I do to pay you back?"

Her smiling face was soon replaced with a confused expression.

"Maybe I should.. Oh I don't know.. Call Raj and tell him about your most embarrassing moments in your life?"

Her eyes widened as she got into a sitting position. "You wouldn't."

He raised an eyebrow. "Are you seriously challenging me? Me out of all people? Me as in your brother?"

She stood up on her feet and placed her hands on her hips. "Yes!" she said ever so confidently.

"Maybe you should call him and ask him for yourself. I mean something might have slipped from my side a few days ago. I'm not sure though." He shrugged.

"Prem, I'm going to kill you if you did anything like that. Oh god what will he think."

"Then you better go and make that call" he laughed briefly and watched her go inside.

The truth was he would never even think to do anything which would jeopardize her relationship. He wished the best for his sister. She deserved everything - much more than him for sure. And somehow he wished he got a life like hers someday. Someone who cared for him too.

But someone did care about him - his own family.

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Prerna and Mr. Bajaj stood watching their son with a faint smile on their faces. Prerna placed her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her.

"I wonder what goes around his head" she said softly.

"Don't worry too much, Prerna. Prem is back. He's dealing with some personal things in his own way."

"But so many years has gone by and he's still.." before she could finish the sentence she heard a small sound from behind. They turned around and saw Mukti.

"Oh I'm sorry if I interrupted anything Choti Maa."

"Nonsense. Come here," Mr. Bajaj said as he gave the two ladies a smile and left them to give them their private moment.

The two women looked outside the large window at the garden area. Prerna had her eyes glued on her son, where else Mukti tried her best to look to look somewhere else, yet her eyes kept taking small glances at him.

Prem was still standing outside with his back facing them. He ran a hand through his hair and come to rest on the nape of his neck.

"It's unbelievable how fast time changes around here." The younger brunette nodded briefly.

"Things change as well as people, don't you think? Give them a new reason to live with or other goals to achieve, no?"

Prerna led her gaze linger on Mukti for a brief while. None of them said anything.

"He has changed, Mukti." she spoke softly breaking the heavy silence.

"Who?" she asked.

"You know who.." Prerna paused before continuing. "I've noticed a few things between you two, and I know that you try to steal a few glances at him whenever no one is looking."

Mukti tried to protest but she had no chance to do so. "There's no need to deny the truth, at least not from me. Mukti, you deserve to know the truth. He has finally managed to change. He had let go off his own self just to give life another chance. He is no longer UD, but Prem - My Prem."

However Mukti didn't seem to be fazed by the sudden conversation - or so what she thought.

She turned her attention back on the garden. "Heh, Prem has changed many times, yet he always maintained to go back on being his true self - which is UD!"

"I'm not forcing you to believe something which is not true. In the end it's your decision alone." She reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"If you came a few years ago, I would never let him near you. You mean so much to me, Mukti - I want nothing but the best for you, and today, what I feel, what I have witnessed is the truth."

She paused lightly, debating whether to tell her which was hidden deep inside of everyone's mind. "He loves you, Mukti."

The younger brunette raised her gaze to meet hers. "He has loved you the second you left this city. I'm telling you all this so you wouldn't misunderstand anything. Remember, you're like my own daughter, I want the very best for you, nothing less."

Prerna left her with her own thoughts so she could think. Mukti didn't know what to believe. Her heart was telling her something, yet her mind told her something else. What was stopping her stop believing her heart for once? Was she going to make the same mistake she did years ago?

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Prerna made her way toward her bedroom while silently wiping a fallen tear away from her face. She wanted the best for her children. She had many hardships to go through with her life and lately she had enough of them.

All she ever wanted was a better understanding between Prem and Mukti. She didn't want them to waste their time anymore. It shouldn't go in vain for what they both have been through.

A memory crept into the back of her mind. A conversation she had a few years ago with Prem. It was like the conversation was printed into her mind. She wished that Mukti got to experience it and actually see how much her son cared for her. How the lost years had left a scar on his soul.

Prerna stood behind his son a few feet away from him. The soft wind was blowing lightly into her hair yet it didn't bother her. What her mind was occupied with was the person before her.

She took a step forward to approach him. However Prem turned his head to the side and already knew who was present.

"You're here once again," he said looking over his shoulder.

She gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Why do you keep coming here every night?"

He placed his hands inside the pockets of his trousers and answered as he took a small glance at the dark blue sky above him.

"To be able to empty my mind just so I can feel the few seconds of emotions which I've never relieved before. To feel wanted by the night, wanted by the surroundings.."

"Aren't you wanted by your own family? Wanted by us - by me?"

He didn't say anything, but chose simply to look at her and she had gotten her answer.

She gently pattered his cheek and smiled softly at his son.

To Be Continued.

I hope you enjoyed the update, Praguu! 😊 Don't worry more scenes between Prem and Mukti are coming up. 😉

Chapter 4:

A few weeks later, Mukti had joined the same company where Prem worked - and owned as well. The director, her uncle; Mr. Bajaj, had given her a separate project which she had to handle. It was a choice from his side, so she could prove to him and everyone else how well she well doing her job.

But that didn't mean that she had to do it all alone - far from it. She had to see Prem every single day and actually talk to him whenever they had to discuss a few projects they had to settle.

It was only the beginning of the week which was the hardest for both of them as they had to let go of their personal differences and maintain a professional atmosphere at the office.

They had already shared a few board meetings together and Mr. Bajaj was quite happy to see the progress the two were making.

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It was a typical busy day at the office as Prem and his collogues just finished having a conference call from a few business associates from London. When they conference was over, they all went back to their respective work which they had agreed on finishing within the couple of weeks.

Prem, sitting behind his own desk, almost didn't notice his father coming inside his cabin. "Prem," he said which managed to get his attention.

"I'm heading home, as your mom and I need visit Mr. Saxena's house for a few hours. Make sure you handle the case while I'm out."

Prem nodded and Mr. Bajaj was about to head out from the room, but stopped and looked at his son one last time.

"Oh and Prem, remember to drop Mukti home as well" with that he left his son wearing a thoughtful look on his face.

A few hours passed and he decided to call it for tonight. He was making his way to the parking lot and climbed into his black car. He couldn't find Mukti anywhere at the office as he found out that she had already left the building.

Prem drove out from the parking lot and into the main street. But a familiar figure standing by the bus station caught his attention a few feet away. He drove in a slow manner and stopped right in front of the person as he rolled down the window.

The younger brunette already knew who the car belonged to. She looked to the side, trying to see if the bus ever had any intention of arriving on time.

He cleared his throat, since when did he feel nervous? "Uh, you want a ride? We'll most likely going to the same house anyway," he waited patiently for response.

"The bus won't come at this time, there's something wrong with the line."

Mukti looked around and didn't know what to do. Was she really going to believe that? Why did the bus have to stop driving today?

He took a small glance back before he spoke. "You can sit at the back seat if it makes you feel more comfortable?"

She had to admit she was surprised the amount of words he actually used in order to make her feel comfortable in his presence. She really didn't know what to do. She had no other choice but take it. She carefully opened the car door and climbed back into the seat where Prem finally drove off.

While they were driving Prem had turned on the radio where music was blasting though the speakers. Mukti grimaced slightly by his music taste. There was still one habit which he clearly hadn't let go of' she thought to herself.

However she was relieved that they had reached home within 15 minutes. She couldn't handle the heavy rock music anymore. She thought she was going to get deaf any minute.

She climbed out and shut the door behind her and was about to head toward the front door but was stopped by someone calling her name.

"Mukti."

Clearly she wasn't deaf yet, because she heard him well enough to call her name. She turned around and saw him taking a deep breath and glancing around their surroundings.

She could already tell that he was struggling with words. His expression gave it away and the fact that his gaze was lowered as well.

"I've noticed how things are going between us ever since you've been back - and I don't want it to be like that anymore. What I'm saying is... I know I can't ask for forgiveness but all I can ask for is a chance - to rebuild what I've taken for granted."

He raised his gaze and met hers. "I won't let you down this time Mukti - not this time."

She didn't know how to respond. Was he telling her the truth? Was he really after a second chance so he could play with her trust yet again?

But however she couldn't stop to notice the small thing she saw in his eyes - a part of her mind told her to believe him - after all eyes couldn't lie now could they?

"All these memories in the past years have haunted me every single day. You have no idea how much I want to turn back time and change it all. Change all the mistakes and pain I've caused you and alongside others." He paused slightly and whispered "But I can't..."

"I know I'm asking a lot from you - but we can at least start with being friends?" he tried to search some kind of approval or a sign - but it was hard. Perhaps she was good at hiding her emotions well.

She gave it a long thought before she saw him raise a hand toward her. It was now up to her if she wanted to rebuild their relationship.

"I'm Prem Sharma Bajaj."

She looked down on his hand and decided to consider his offer. She could still hear her Choti Maa's words that her son has changed for good. She had a hard time believing it but chose to give it a try. All honesty she found the gesture all weird and funny in some kind of way.

"Mukti Deshmukh."

The moment their hands touched it was like a rare feeling had run through their bodies. Giving them both Goosebumps and something else which they couldn't figure what was.

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From that moment on, everyone in the Bajaj household had noticed a few different approaches between the two. Prem didn't always leave when Mukti was present.

Mukti didn't feel uneasy whenever he was at the same room as her.

They could talk about almost everything - but it wasn't long conversation. It would be rather short formal conversations and nothing beyond that. At least for now.

After all it was never easy to trust and rebuild a broken relationship - even if it was a basic relationship as friendship.

Prem was lying in in his bed trying to get some sleep as he had to get up early the next morning. But sleep was not in his favor tonight. A certain memory kept her awake throughout the night. It kept repeating just like an old movie scene.

Prem was driving toward the office one day while Mukti was sitting back at the car. He adjusted the rear view mirror and took a small glance at her - Taking a chance to imprint her beautiful feature into his mind.

"Do you still have to sit back? I feel like a driver!"

Mukti shrugged her shoulders and kept her eyes on the passing road. "It's not my fault that you've found your true talent!"

He adjusted the gear of the car and stopped at a traffic light which showed red. "Hey, do I look like a drive to you?"

"From this angle - very much. Now drive I'm getting late!"

"You're getting late? I'm the head of this company."

"And that's why you can't arrive late, so keep driving, and please keep your eyes on the road ahead of you."

She kept her attention back on the road as she ignored the look he gave her. He pressed the speed pedal and drove toward the office and smiled secretly by the thought that his Basanti was back.

And indeed he was genuinely happy to know that their small banters had returned. Yes, they did have a few awkward moments but he tried his best to not make her think about the past.

He knew it was a long way toward what he really wanted but a man was allowed to dream. And one day he would achieve his long-time dream. He was sure of it.

To Be Continued! 😳