The Phonix (Beyhadh FF) Ch20 - p 7 - Page 2

Chapter 7

Chants and shlokas began singing in the background while the light rays of the early sun came up. The wall was beautifully painted in a shade of cream. On one wall was a black tree painted with several photos all over the branches. All had only one in common Ivya be it as a newborn in Maya's arms to the first day of school. Several photos were on it set in different angles. All the photos had only one thing in common a little girl... a black frame set around it using paint. Though small the photos each had great meaning and value reflecting the various stages of the child's development. In small letters the date and the incident written using Maya's handwriting. The rest of the room was painted in an apple green colour.

One side was a log set of black shelves. On the other side a long window with a seating space set with dark blue and white cushions with a light green mattress. On the side a nearly built into the wall was a dressing area with a cupboard, mirror and draws along with a cushioned stool made of white metal with apple green stars printed all The was bed was low enough to be non existent except for the thin draw like feature. A black bedspread set over it and a cream comforter as Maya lay asleep dressed in a short night sleeveless white night dress with geometrical self patterns. She was fast asleep with her laptop and phone dumped next to her on the floor. The sun's light filled into the room and the alarm too went off but what neither could do, Samay did... walking in dressed in a yellow shorts a tray with three mugs in his hand. Placing the coffee mug nearer to her nose he allowed the smell to wafle up to her, "Hmm... good morning Samay.

The stretching made the dress reveal a little more of her and his eyes wandered she moved her hair out of her forehead with her hands. His eyes were still taking in her face when she stretched out giving him a hug. Electricity seemed to pass through him her aroma filled the space around him - like always it was short lived. She pulled away grabbing the curvy sea blue mug with several seahorses printed all over it as if they were playing. Turning to the little sleeping figure near her wearing the peach night shirt with cute little white unicorns pulled her onto her lap, with a little help from Samay. Smelling the warm badham-chocolate milk a smile spread across the little girl's face, jaisi ma waisi beti laughed Samay silently as the little girl grabbed the mug to drink. Maya stretched and grabbed her own curvy glass mug with butterflies printed all over it. The colours of the butterflies danced with the hot coffee inside it, Samay picked his own brown rustic mug as they drank in silence. Ivya who finished her drink first climbed over Maya and placed the mug onto the tray. Finally just like Maya did she too wrapped her arms around Samay's neck waiting as he finished his drink. He responded by wrapping his arms around her rubbing her back gently... spying Maya he raised his eyebrow. Her eyes were filled with a soft expression along with the smile but she simply shook her head. Setting their mugs down Samay grabbed Ivya while Maya followed them to a child's room nearby. It was painted in a light cream colour painted in a shade of pale brown, another single bed was in the room with a dark green bedspread set over it. A book shelf was in one corner of the room, a doll house in another. Manny soft toys and board games were set around the place. Even a dart board and a white board. The windows were large and set with a seating area, with larger soft toys. The central window was painted with a picture of Anandhi (Ivya's mother) happy and smiling. As the sun's rays hit it the light filled into the room through her and upon Ivya who folded her hands in prayer. "Ma thank you muje janam dhene ke liye. Thank you Maya masi aur Samay uncle ke liye. Main aache se padungi ma. Aur main bahoth good girl banungi.

Maya too folded her hands in prayer for a minute before leading the little girl away into their daily routine. The regime was strict and compromise was beyond question - they spent time on the tearce first doing yoga. Followed by it Maya inflated the punching bags were they would practice kicks and defence. Their routine was set into a particular phase with even little Ivya's hands bound with crap bandages. When the little girl complained regarding the night dress getting in her way Maya's reply was standard, "Bache kathara aap ki dress dhek kar nahi aayegi. Koi bhi dress ho aap ko apne aap ko defend karna padega.

Today though was a quiet day... when they finally finished Maya allowed them to stop. Samay stretched a bit before going and opening the tap which was linked to the garden' behind the home. Set on layers of racks and gardening bags linked with the piping system were several vegetables and fruits. The terrace it self had a structure with several plants growing in them. As he plucked the onions and carrots Maya left with Ivya shouting, "Market ja rahi hoon aaj ka menu kya hai?

"Muli ka paratha, pudhnia ki chutney, cucumber tho nahi hai. Dhaniya hai, umm non-veg tu decide kar dhe aur dhahi set kardhena. he added Maya turned to Ivya who instantly replied, "Candey tumhari chicken biriyani banakar dhona.

"Teek hai chicken biriyani aur jeera ka raitha? she asked happily Ivya agreed, "Brakefast main kya chahiye tum donon ko?

"Umm Maya rava iddili ka inthizam tho hochuka hai. Bas vada banakar dhedeo na kithni din hogaye hai. Maya glared at the two of them, "Aacha ji pure menu baap aur beti ne thai kardhiya? Snacks ka thiyari bhi hochuki hai yah phir?

"Hochuki hai candy almond and cardamom cookies ke liye mix kardhiya. Tume bas cut karke bakeing ke liye dalna hoga. Market ja rahi ho tho kya tum coffee powder lekar aana. he shouted as she waved and left allowing Ivya and Samay to do their gardening. Showering and changing into a chocolate brown knee length dress with brown pinstripes which fell down to the knees. Pausing to the God she knelt and allowed the tear to go down her eyes. Lighting the lamps and the aggarbathi's she sighed, "Aap kyun usko meri zindagilekar aaye hai unlogon ne mujko chot dekar chale gaye hai. Lekin aap ne hi unlogon ko wapas lekar aaye hai tho muje manroor hai, magar maafi ki ummidh maath kijiye. Market ja rahi hoon!

Opening the shoes closet she picked up a simple set of black sandals with light straps hitting before getting on a silver painted ladies bicycle to the market. Pausing at a woman selling various juices for the morning walkers, handing her a large white water bottle and a large red one from the front basket she added, "Raam Raam Seetha thai, aaj apple juice pack kardhenge please?

"Raam Raam Maya bitiya, tu chal main thiyar kardethi hoon. waving to the lady she continued ride across to the market unaware of Arjun's house that she had passed. Inside, in their walk in cupboard was creating a riot over the lack of clothes. "DUSKEY DUSKEY KYA YAAR EK BHI DRESS NAHI HAI. AAJ MUJE MAYA SE MILNA HAI.

"Tu ithna chilla kyun raha hai? she demanded folding her hands behind him still dressed in a maroon chudidar with a maroon duppata set with white thread work. Long red stone set traditional earrings in her ears, a touch of sindoor on her forehead against the partition. "Mere liye dress lekar dhedo na aaj Maya se milna hai. Hai tho sirf teen char red shirts lekin uske saath kya pehenun?

"Ek minute - yeah iss shirt ko peheno. Umm yeah trousers ke saath aur haan vest pehena jacket nahi. Umm... uske saath na iss watch pehenlena. he looked at the outfit and smiled at the perfect match. Red and white tweeted shirt with a white vest and trousers. He was looking at the gold watch with a red face when she handed him black ankle boots, "Yeah pehenkar jaana. Koi silly sports shoes yaa sandals nahi. Aur haan perfume zara sa dalkar jaana. Aur yeah perfume...

"Thanks Duskey. he smiled running his hands through his hair in excitement, "Aur haan towel aacha hai lekin sardi hojayega. Get dressed. In kapdon main nahi ghar ka kurtha pehenkar aana, office jaane se pehele change kardo. Tumhare liye kachori, poha aur chutney banane ke liye kehedhiya. Dhahi lelena, aur onions ko haath bhi maath lagana dhaniya aur aadhrath ki chutny bana rahe hai chup chap khana kalo.

"Maya ko yeah outfit pasandh tho aayega na? Usse kushi hogi na matching outfits dhekar? Jaabbhi koi khaas mauka tha vo hamesha sirf red pehenthi thi. Puri dress! Saanj gave him a teasing smile, "Aacha puri dress red main thi?

Arjun nodded lost as to why she asked, "Oh saab kuch?

"Haan saab kuch, accessories bhi. Kyun? again Saanj repeated, "Saab kuch duffer?

Finally understanding her meaning he blushed for a second but the smile instantly vanished, "Muje nahi patha. Har celebration ki kosish par main koi na koi drama karke uske rulatha tha. Aab vo meri paas nahi hai.

"Tho kya hua, aab se saari celebrations jab hogi na usko ithna kush karna ki tuje saab kuch ki saval ka javab bhi miljayega. they turned around to find a smiling Janvi who was wearing an orange saree with cream block prints with a cream blouse with matching orange prints on it. Her hair was pulled up in the front and her eyes went through Saanj's outfit for the day. "Saanj yeah kya tune makeup aab thak nahi kiya? Chalo bache.

Jaanvi began dressing Saanj up using cream eyeshadow with a touch of red in the end with light pink lipgloss. Finally applying the glitter based maroon nail polish "Dheko kithni aachi lag rahi ho. Thoda sa sajne se kisi ka nuksaan nahi hothe bacha. Kudh ko aacha lagega. Curiously she asked, "Aunty... aap Maya ko bhi aise hi bolthe the kya?

"Khash bolthi thi. replied Jaanvi wiping her tears, also unaware that again Maya had passed by their home towards her own. Someone else did though after a little distance ringing the bell of his own black bicycle, turning around she waved, "Good morning De.

"Good morning candy. he waved back dressed in a full gray track suit, the backpack again his back. Joining her in the cycling they went back to Ivya and Samay, "Coffee. Take a shower breakfast thiyar hojayega.

"Thanks. Good morning Samay. Good morning Ivya baby. Samay gave a smile responding to the greeting while Ivya sat down on the kitchen stool with Yudi's help. Maya handed her some cashews, "Ready for today's meeting?

"I will have to be. Aur tum? Thiyar ho Mr. Arjun Sharma ke saath kaam karne ke liye? She asked the boys as Samay too joined her in cooking, "Yeah I am. Ivya bas bas aab pudhiana clean karo please.Maya kya iska mathlab hai muje Saanj se-

"Saanj bas ek aur company ka legal advisor hai aur kuch nahi. she snapped chopping the chhicken, "Aayan ne kaha ke tumhare sath meeting main aayega. Lekin Arjun ko patha nahi ke vo hamare saath kaam kartha hai. Usne yahi kaha ke moral support manga hai Arjun ne kyunki Saanj tumhari saamne aane se mana kardhiya.

"Saanj Sharma kya karthi hai ya na karthi usse meri koi farak nahi padtha. Aayan vahan par moral support ke liye baite ya humare employee ka hisaab se baite kya fark padega. Uska hona zaruri hai thats it. she replied while each took up the tasks for breakfast and lunch, "Ivya bacha chicken biriyani ke liye jo kuch chahiye usko lekar aana. Aur uske baadh jeera raitha banao, jao bache. De tume thiyar rehena hoga koi bhi baath ho main tume call kardungi. Aayan tha vahan par hoga. Samay - umm tum?

"Mere tharaf se koi kaam nahi hoga Maya. Saare baath karne ke baath bas uski hisaab se contract thiyar karna padega. Kuch bhi ho tum sabal loge. Hum saab hai na tere saath.

Nodding Maya sighed unsure how she was going to deal with the situation in life.

Arjun walked up and down the office nervously... how desperately he wanted to see her take in the sight of his Maya. His heart began beating with great speed but there was nothing left to be done. He had arranged for some bouquet set with beautiful mixed flowers... both in kind and colours. He had hand picked each of them with great care. Even the wrapping sheet and the bow to be tied. He had checked his dress again to ensure the red was shown clearly. Aayan who was seated on the sofa laughed, unlike Arjun he was dressed in a simple cream shirt and black trousers but did not accesories himself. Watching his brother act like an idiot Aayan laughed, "Bhai aap bhi na, coffee ke recipie ko paanch bar bol chuke hai, dress ko hazar baar check kar dhiya upar se app ne files ko bhi dhek liya. Bas Maya ko aana baki hai.

"Aayan Maya nahi babhi bol usko. Arjun corrected, "Bhai pichle baar bhabhi bulane ka result yaadh hai muje. Ek zor ki thapad mili thi muje.

"Teek hai teek hai Maya bulana. Arjun snapped, his eyes falling upon the latest issue's copy, "Aayan vo kya pehenkar aayegi? Chudidar? Saadi? Bussiness suite? Skirt ya phir kuch aur? Lekin koi aur dress tho nahi hoga... tu bas dhekthe rehena vo red main kuch na kuch zarur pehenkar aayegi.

Just then the landline rang, grabbing it he answered, "Yes?

"Sir Maya ma'am aagaye hai. Unko andhar bejdun? hurriedly Arjun got up, "Nahi nahi main aakar usko andhar lekar aaunga.

Rushing to the reception he kept muttering the rehearsed words while Aayan followed him, "Maya - tum bhi red pehenkar aayi ho. What a coincidence! Dheko main bhi...

His feet froze on the spot when he saw her sitting on the couch, headphones on, tears filled in his eyes. Her hair was tied back except for a trant falling in front... the partition was something she always made her seem better. He loved it how she had left a little in front... especially the cream eyeshadow and thick eye liner. The fact that she had worn light lipgloss seemed to call out to him. Frozen he stood there taking in her sight as Aayan tapped him on the shoulder, "Bhai - bhai.

"Hmm. Kya? he asked, Aayan pointed to Maya who was fiddling with the files. Finally her dress seemed to hit him like a thunderbolt. The chocolate brown dress with the butterfly sleeves highlighted her features. It seemed to be made better with the light brown scarf with dark brown cheetah prints and brown ankle boots. On her ears were small round but thick hoop earrings set with small spots. It hurt for a minute that she was not in red... his opening had gone. "Maya. Maya tum yahaan kyun baiti ho?

Giving a fake smile she got up pulling off the headphones. Opening his arms he nearly hugged her - nearly since she stepped back with a jerk. "Sorry sorry please tum yahan kyun baiti ho? Chalo na.

"Mr. Sharma Maya from home style. I hope you're prepared. Mere pas limited time hai, lunch ka preparation aadha kiya. she added stretching his hand, taking it in his hands he took it in his own happily. While running his thumb across her fingers the softness touched his soul. How much he missed the feel... That's when he felt it. The ring was missing. Deciding not to say anything he removed his hands from hers focusing upon the project at hand. Leading her in he again turned to Aayan helplessly who gave him a thumbs up, "Bahoth muskhil hogi we have a few people who are currently willing to overlook her past.

"Ofcourse Aayan ka network - Maya inturuped, "Mr Sharma Aayan ka network jaisa hai mujhe kabhar hai.

"Of Course, hum yahi par kyun hai. Please come in... he lead Maya inside holding her by the hand. The need to touch was so great that it could not be ignored. Her words hurt like an arrow through his heart, "Can I have my hand back.

Letting it go finally he nodded tears falling from his eyes, "Sorry. Sorry. Please come.

Taking her inside he sat her down carefully on the double seater sitting next to her himself. Aayan sat on the single couch while trying to hold his laughter. Maya glared at him and got down to the point Arjun though was busy taking her in to say anything. His eyes kept trailing on the hair that kept falling on her eyes... gently he tried to push it away with his hand. Only to make her jerk away when he brought his hand close. He felt as if some part of his life was locked down with her... how much he missed her smell and sweet warmth. The warmth that seemed to burn him was now the flame that drove his life to reality. Nothing seemed to go into his mind as she spoke... Nor did he notice the way Aayan and Maya spoke to each other, "Production ke liye Rajendran kaise hoga?

"Kaun vo sala chipku ko Sanga ke aas paas bhi lekar aaya tho main tumhari achar banadungi. Aayan laughed holding up his hands in defeat, "Teek hai teek hai baba cool down. Ek kaam karthre hai ek cup garama garam coffee pelo, bhai please order karo na.

"Kya? He asked, "Bhai coffee order kijiye.

"Coffee - Haan umm intercom. rolling her eyes Maya pointed towards the main table, just as he got up Riya walked in dressed in a purple and lavender pin striped shirt with black trousers. Her hair was as usual left open and a large smile on her face. In her hand there were three large take aways, "Good morning ma'am. Aap ki cinnamon cream coffee no sugar. Arjun - irish coffee with cream and two sugars, Aayan - vanila, toffeenut coffee with cream and one sugar.

"Thank you Riya, you can leave. Arjun snapped making the girl go away. Maya who noticed this gave the girl a feeble smile, taking her coffee. Aayan sighed rubbing his hands through his hair, he had warned Arjun against it. Managing the situation Aayan distracted Maya by asking her about the kind of materials they will need, "Kaafi materials humko sister concern se hi milega. We just need someone to produce them... I was thinking jail ki tailoring unit ko kyun na hum order ke lie puche. Some of the people are actually very talented and aise aacha kaam tho unlogon ka thankva bhi bad dhega. We can also offer experience certificate, usko lekar vo bahar akar ghar par baitkar production de sakte hai. Ek aur project main hum log aise he karthe hai. I currently don't have the details but I can obtain them for you Mr. Sharma. Aap ko usmain cheep labhour ke saath saath image development bhi hojayega.

Arjun who was partially listening simply agreed, "Maya tum jo kaho vaise hi karenge. I really love the ideas. Aayan tu yeah saab jote down kar raha hai na?

"Actually I am - check list meri ipad main hai issi liye... I hope you don't mind main aap ko email karlungi. she added Arjun who had not noticed her ipad so far looked at it. On a sheet were several points which was noted and Maya holding a pen chcked on it time and again. Deciding not to say anything he continued to simply listen to what was being said, this time attention towards her words and not her. After listening to what she was saying. This continued till her phone finally rang, "Sorry I need to take this. Hello? Nahi nahi meeting almost katham hua hai. Muli parata ka aata ko zara bahar rakdo na main aakar banadungi. Nahi time hai, kiska phone aaya tha? Hey bagvaan marvadhega vo ladka aise he chaltha rahega na tho main gayi kaam se. NO NO TUM BAATH MATH KARNA baath banega nahi bigad lega main karlethi huun baath. Right now, yahaan se lekin uske liye jume phone rakna hoga. By darling. I am sorry Mr. Sharma I just need to speak to a team member... can I be excused for a minute.

Arjun touched her wrist instantly seeing she was getting up, "Tum yahan par hi baitkar baath karo na, if you want I will leave.

"Nahi aap ka rehena ek tharike se teek hoga. She replied calling Yudi, "Dhemag rot hogaya hai ya phir freez hogaya hai? Pagal ho kya? Humari top vendors main ek hai phir bhi tumne. Dhek tu pair pad ya phir jappi aur pappi dhe lekin kaam hojana chahiye.

Aayan who was biting his fingernails looked at her, giving a thumbs up she grabbed the coffee she had kept down sighing, "Sorry Mr. Sharma, aap ko is project main na duniya ki sari pagalon ko ek saath palenge but I trust them with my life.

Arjun's eyes lit with a smile, "Is it so? Saath main kaam karke maza aayega.

"Maza hogi ya saza kaam ke baath hi patha chalega. Replied Maya Arjun unfortunately did not notice the worry in her eyes against the bright smile. Aayan did and gently kicked her under the table discreetly, "Any way just a few more minor issues, usually hum log har ek project ke liye ek naya logo create karthe hai aur naam bhi for the brand. Is that all right with you?

"Perfectly all right. Naam kuch socha? Maya shook her head, "I was hoping we can let J.D do it. Designs uska tho uske bagayir kaise?

"Ofcorse. Umm Maya vo humari online marketing aab thak ithna strong nahi hui hai. I was hopeing you can take up that aspect. Maya nodded taking down the point too, running through the list again she looked back at him, "Looks like that is all the points I came up with aap ne kuch?

"Maya I want us to run the project. Koi mediator ke zariye nahi. Koi collaboration expert nahi. Jo kaam hai hum donon ko saath main karna hoga. Maya nodded in agreement but put forth a condition of her own, "Lekin major compliments tho R.D aur Sangamithra ko jaana padega. Aab thak donon ithne pake nahi hue ke project ko unko dhegu but she has some great ideas. If you don't mind can we have that part of the discussion later? Muje jaana hoga.

"Ofcourse. Hum pehele undonon ko saath main milathe hai phir dhekthe hai. I will make sure all related accounts are placed in one shared space. Isse hum sab ko aasan hoga. I need you as my equal partner. Maya nodded, seeing the intensity in his eyes the reality of his words ignoring it she moved to leave only to be stopped, "Maya just a second. These are for you.

Arjun handed her the flowers, a surprise Maya started at it for a second before taking it, "Arjun jaan buuch kar de raha hai ya thifak?

"This bouquet? She asked, he shrugged, "Ek photo main dhekar banvana ke lie kaha flowers ka colours badhla. Aacha nahi lagta, Kyun?

"Kuch nahi. Ashwin ma ke liye aise hi bjiwatha tha. Arjun's smile faded, "Sorry tumhari ek bahpan ka picture se liya hua photo main tha. Laga time pasandh hai...

"Its fine. Thank you for the flowers. Koi hai jisko yeah bahoth pasandh aayenge. I will pass them on with your compliments. Arjun nodded, "I will walk you out.

"Bhai main bhi nikaltha huun. Maya can I have a ride? Peet main dhardh hogaya hai. Maya gestured a let's go with her hand smiling, Arjun who walked behind them tried to picture her vehicle. His eyes searching for a white BMW or similar. He nearly flipped seeing the vehicle she pulled out. "I will see you soon. Aayan chalo.

Mouth dry all he could do was nodd. It felt like someone had ran a sword through his heart. Words could not express the pain - especially since he remembered why she liked the car so much. The memory burned through his heart... the words ran through his ears. "Arjun, main soch rahi thi ki apni ek car dhekar ek jeep karedhle. A wagonr convertible meri favorite hai, practical bhi hai carpooling ya phir long trips ke liye. Sari cheezon ko peeche daldo aur chalo, ma ka weelchair ko bhi dal sakte hai usmain it will be so nice. Family wagons main na kabhi kabhi car sick bhi hopayenge lekin ismain koi problem nahi. Just pull the top down.

When she said those words he ignored her with irritation thinking it was a usual blabbering. Today seeing her in the same jeep the seriousness hit him, "Maya ne issi gaadi ko kyun kareedha? Kya koi hai Maya ki zindagi main?

"BHAI. Aayan yelled again making him come to his sense, "Haan bol kya hua?

"Maya ne email check karne ke liye kaha maine minutes bijwa dhiya. Aayan replied. Glancing at his phone he nodded, "Haan aagaya thank you Maya.

"Sure. Aayan tume ride chahiye na? he quickly got into the seat next to her like usual, plugging in his phone to the music system. Maya rolled her eyes, turning to Arjun she added, "Mr. Sharma, main aap ko bathana bhul gayi. Hum har roz non-veg banathe hai. Agar aap ko yaa aap ka team par koi vrath rak rahe hai tho please mention it previously. Most of us are strict non-vegetarians. Jisko kabhi non-veg skip karna hai tho pehele hi bol dhete hai. Most of those who come to office don't have anybody tho lunch unke liye hum bandhe hai.

"Oh tho har meeting humare beech lunch time par hi book karlunga. He replied smiling glad her hostility had left. Stretching his hand to shake again he bit his lip praying she won't reject it. She did not gently taking it in his hand she shook it, "Thank you Maya mere saath kaam karne ke liye.

"Sanga se milo, phir pair pakad kar bheek mangne lagoge, please muje iss project se chutkara dhedo. She joked but again repeated, "Umm Mr. Sharma, my hand please drive karna padega.

"Sorry. He left her hand as she started the engine. One last smile she began driving away missing the cheer filled jump pumping his frits into the air. A large smile on his face, turning to Aayan she asked, "Isko kya hua?

"Chodo teek hojayega. Maya shrugged ruffling Aayan's hair lightly. Aayan pressed the song Aabhi Na Jaao Chod Kar... smiling Maya began singing along. This was a silent agreement between them, don't speak about what hurts!

A/N: Song link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3VHvtU1Azg

Maya began making the muli-parata's as the chicken biriyani's last part was getting ready in the kadai. Samay who was churning the raitha for her in the mixer was screaming, "MAYA IT WAS OUT OF BOUNDS TODAY. USKO PLEASE SAMJADHENA. HAR BAR KOI NA KOI SHETHANI UPAR SE LADKI DHEKAR FLIRTING SHUR KIYA. IT WAS HIS WIFE...

"Chodo na Samay, I will speak to him. Samay rolled his eyes, "If he was not so good at his job main tho usko mar daltha. Tumhari bhi izzath nahi kartha lekin baath tho sunlega. Pagal karvatha hai muje uss kuthe ne, maan kiya bas goli daldun! Candy please uspar lagam lagadho na pagal hojaunga usladki ke vajae se.

"Kahan Samay belt par yaah neeche? Joked Aayan ,Maya too laughed but Samay scowled, "Raitha is ready, Aayan har baar masak nahi chalega. Candy seriously speak to him please.

Aayan took Maya by the elbow shifting her away from the parata's to take it over, hinting with a nod towards Samay. She smiled and went to Samay gently wrapping her arms around his waist as she stood in the side, he wrapped her in a one arm hug sighing. "Dheko na Samay, De ka koi parvar nahi hai. No real family, kehene ke liye Rajput ka royal family ka decedent hai lekin ek fever aagayi tho dhava dhene ke liye koi nahi hai. Aise kahan rishton ka ya ladkiyon ka izzath karega. Aur yeah baath tumse zyadha kaun samaj payega. Please give him a chance, mere liye.

"Tumhare liye. Samay sighed running his free hands through her hair reaching her neck. Gently he massaged her neck, she closed her eyes feeling all the stress of meeting Arjun and the pent up stress of acting disappearing from her body. Tears formed in her eyes as they gently flowed down making her lean in further and have a good cry holding on to Samay for life. Aayan avoided seeing her focusing upon the task at hand as he finished cooking the paratas when Maya's phone beeped. Though she tried to break away Samay continued to hold her as Aayan too pressed his (now cleaned up) hand on her shoulder, "Main pick karlunga.

Stepping closer for a second he gently pressed his lips on the side of her head in a gentle kiss and nodded to Samay before leaving. The understanding was unspoken, "Take care of her.

Aayan's mind drifted off to the painful day when they saw the video made by Prem Mathur. Not one but several this one though had been the one that broke his heart... what hurt more was the response she gave.

Three years ago, he rushed to see her with the pain fresh in his heart. The darkness of the government jail visiting room reflected his own, there was only a simple table with two chairs. Just the way he remembered, but somehow it was really more dark. He could hear her footsteps as she rushed in, the urgency in the sound was clear but he was not one she expected. Rushing in she stopped short at the door it self, the bright smile faded to nothing but she looked healthier than normal. Her cheeks were a bit more naturally bright and it seemed she had even put on a little weight. Even in the jail clothes and disheveled hair with absolutely no make up of any kind she still looked beautiful. Turning to the jailor with her she muttered, "Sorry ma'am lekin yeah mujse milne nahi aaya hoga.

"Maya ek minute. Main tum main aap se hi milne aaya tha. Aaj hum eek pen drive mili thi ma ki cheezon main. Maya though with her back towards him asked in a dull voice, "Tumne vo saab kuch dhek liya jo Vandhana ma aur Prem uncle ne mere saath kiya. Issi liye aaye ho na? Haan sach hai, teen saal se unlogon ne muje torcher kiya rulaya kabhi kabhi Arjun ko maarne ki dhamkiyan dhiya. Aur dheko unlogon ki jeeth hogayi hai, Main tho pagal hogayi thi upar se apna bacha aur Arjun donon nahi hai mere paas. Saanj ko uski pyar mil chuki hai, aur meri ma mufth main.

"Babhi... she looked at him sadly, "Yeah bitch kaise babhi bandayi Aayan? It is Maya, main tumhari bai ki rakel nahi huun.

"Aap meri bai ki biwi hai. Aayan answered dreading the answer, she still gave it, "Uski biwi tho Saanj hai.

"Tho teek hai Maya yeah tho bathado tumne kuch dinon ke liye sahi ma ka ithna aacha khayal kyun raka? asked Aayan, "Kyunki vo Arjun ki ma hai, aur main Arjun ko dhardh nahi dhe sakti thi.

"Tumne bhai ko kyun nahi bathaya. A single tear flowed down her eyes as he turned her around with force, pain filled in her eyes, "Kya bathathi, Arjun tumhari ma aur tumhari pitha saman Prem uncle ne muje kalankith karne ki koshish kiya?

Finally he asked the biggest question, "Aur vo diary tho?

"Maine nahi lika jab main us jage main apni hard dar se lad rahi thi thab Vandhana ma ne liki thi. Usko tho meri insecurities ke saath saath meri diary bhi milgayi thi. Kaafi saare baathon ko twist kardhiya aur ek nayi diary likliya. Aise diary tho mere paas deed sare the they are part of the company's complimentary diary thi. Aayan felt the pain rush through his heart, when Saanj told him she found the diary in the A.C it did not make sense. "Aab baath samaj main aane lagi hai. Jo ladki kuch seediyan chadne ke liye soch thi thi vo kahaan se ek diary ko chupane ke liye A.C thak chadegi. Aur aap tho kabhi A.C use nahi karthe hai, kidki ko kulle rakthe the na? A.C tho bhai ke liye tha... I am sorry Maya. Dhekthe hue muje ithna dhardh hua tho tume kithna hua hoga.

The pain in Maya's eyes were replaced by surprise a smile finally spread across her face as she cupped Aayan's cheeks in her hands, "Muje patha tha, mera Aayan ko vo saab dhekar dhemag main ghandha kayal nahi aayega. Vo meri dhardh ka maza nahi lega. Uska dil main bhi mere haalath ko dhek kar dhardh hi hoga. Muje patha tha, vo loog tho joot bol rahe the.

That moment he stared into her eyes only to see the same faith he saw the day she got back. The day he had crushed all her efforts and made her worse... the day when she assured with great faith that Arjun indeed loved her and not Saanj. The day of the godhbarai when he some how tricked his brother to leave and she firmly said Arjun loved her... the same faith she showed on to him. The final question made him loose his balance, "Maya jab maine varthamizi kiya aap muje mara kyun nahi?

"Tum muje maar sakte the lekin kiya nahi kyun? she looked into his eyes for the first time and answered, "Mere Arjun ke jaan the tum, main tume kaise chot pahonchathi? Haan lekin jab gaadi chalaya thab vo main nahi thi. Unlogon ne kaise kiya ya phir kisthara kiya muje nahi patha but it was not me Aayan.

As he fell down on to his knees she bent down next to him, "Aayan are you alright? Please speak to me... Aayan.

Words failed him as he tightly hugged her and wept the pain away. Wept for the painful past, wept for the lost friendship, wept for her efforts gone waste, wept for the genuine words twisted to something else. "Meri devi, meri devi ko yahaan dal diya maine. I am so sorry Maya. I am so sorry!

"Shh... Shh... rothe nahi. I am happy. Tume meri tention karne ki zarurath nahi hai. she added but he continued holding her and crying. A voice behind them assured the same, "Haan Aayan tume iski tention leke ki koi zarurath nahi hai. Madam ke liye yeah jail kam aur hostel zyadha hai.

"Excuse me? Aayan asked surprised the lady in uniform stretched her hand, "Hi Aayan I am Sheethal Nepan yahi ki jailor aur Maya ki Sheethal ma.

Aayan gratefully shook her hand using his free hand, she grabbed it and helped him up smiling, "Jaise muje patha chala iske saath kya hua tha thab se main keherahi thi ki court main sach boldho lekin madam tho mana kar liya. Uupar se Arjun aur Saanj ki shadi jaldhi karvane ke liye ithne saare paapad beli thi ki main kudh support kardhiya. She is a great actress, apni dhardh kisi ko nahi dhikathi hai na Candy?

"Chodo na Sheethal ma, kuch aur baath karthe hai. Patha hai Aayan main yahan par kaafi dosth banane lagi hoon. Saab pyar se baath karthe hai, koi muje ek bigidi hui ameer ladki nahi bulathe. the genuinely happy smile made his heart melt, seeing it Sheethal suggested, "Maya ek kaam karo Aayan ko apni saari dosthon se miladho na. Usse aacha lagega.

"Chale? Maya asked tilting her head towards Aayan nodding he wrapped an arm around her shoulder as hers went around her waist. The first moment of their friendship was shared with everyone as Sheethal followed them around the entire jail. He was surprised that indeed in the less than a month she had spent there she had made a lot of friends. She had also presented a lot of ideas for improvement and improved a lot for the lives of the inmates. Even the jail doctors had become very friendly towards her as she shared a lot of input on the toughest of cases. It was clear to Aayan that she was truly happy, "Maya... aab muje ithna dhardh nahi hotha. Dont worry main tume kisi bhi thara bahar lekar aaunga.

"Saza tho muje milna hoga na Aayan maine guna kia. she added, "Maine gusse main aakar kisi ka jaan liya.

The parting hug was warm and filled with affection. The pain that was in his heart had gone down as he returned to the home he once shared with his mother and brother. The memory of that hug though stayed... since that day almost every day he would go and visit her. Since that day he saw her as more than just that hot' and hot headed' woman Arjun Sharma married. That day onwards she was his devi whose beauty was internal the woman he hoped would one day accept that he loved her. The only issue being he himself did not know how he loved her... how he loved Ivya he knew.

"Aayan. Aayan. he smiled at the little girl dressed in a cute little brown jumpsuit with little yellow butterflies printed all over it with a yellow top. Seeing him she waved happily and jumped into his arms, "Ms. Meherothra, chale ghar?

The little girl nodded happily wrapping arms around Aayan's neck, "Candy nahi aayi?

"Candy ghar par hai bacha. he replied just then a lady walked up to him, "Ivya can you please go to the playground. Muje Aayan se kuch baath karni thi.

Ivya nodded and ran to play when the teacher sat on the steps, Aayan followed her starting the conversation, "Just a minute ma'am main candy ko boldhetha huun ki dher hogi. Done. Aap ko kuch bolna tha?

"My name is Kashi. Art teacher hoon yahaan par. Actually Mr. Sharma, it's about Ivya. Bahoth aachi bachi hai, uupar se brilliyant lekin kaafi akeli hai. Uss din maine family picture banane ke liye kaha aur Ivya ne a kuch aise banaya. the lady handed him her phone and Aayan felt his breath hitch. Ivya had made a drawing of evening tea time. She had captured Samay's seating area nicely with himself and Sanga seated in one side. On the other side Maya stood making their tea she was on the ground with Yude playing a board game on one the centre of the page. The stick figures were wearing the similar set of clothes as everyday. Above the seating area were clouds from which someone was peeping and seeing them. A smile spread across his face, Kashi continued, "Maine ek family drawing maanga aur Ivya ne isko banaya. Jaab maine reason maanga tho usne kaha ki uske liye family logon nahi balki issi pal main hai jahaan saab uski saath hai.

Aayan wiped a tear from his eyes and spoke, "Ithnii si umar main bhi apni pitha ka naam na jaana, ma ki kami aur uski dhadh bari kahani saab isko affect karthi hai. Lekin phir bhi jo hai issi main kush hai.

"Issiliye maine uske liye kuch classes ka details bijwayi hoon diary main, dance class main kudh lethi huun. Art class meri friend lethi hai, I have spoken to her Ivya ki security ka khaas kyal raka jayega - your phone. she added pointing towards the ringing phone, "Candy hai, excuse me. Bol..

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN LATE HOGA? DHEK MERI BACHI KO USE KARKE KISI KO PATANE KI KOSISH KIYA NA MAINE TUME OUT OF SERVICE KARDUNGI VO BHI PERMANENT. Aayan laughed embarrassed as he knew the teacher overheard everything when she giggiled.

He took the chance to really look at her - she was indeed different. Her skin tone was more rosey compared to his pale one. There was a lot of naughtiness in her eyes also she was slightly shorter and thin too but not skinny... she was dressed in a light yellow synthetic saree with dark yellow borders and the plane short sleeved red velvet blouse. Throughout the saree were some small lotus prints in red. She wore some simple thread and kundhan work bangles, a thick red one with two yellow ones on each side. The simple mehendi design was stopped inside her palm and very neatly flowing either side. Unlike all the girls around him now a days she wore no watch either... and on her feet were thick silver anklets set in an interwoven design but without bells. Her hair was in a bun held in place with a simple white bun stick with a flower design on the end. Clear features were enough to charm everyone the light red lipstick she wore made her seem approachable. The kajal in her eyes and the yellow and red bindhi lotus bindhi she had drawn on with a small stone bindhi at the end made her more enchanting. Around her neck was a long gold a chain and her ears had gold and coral based bell earrings. Despite this she wore simple black slippers with a little embroidery work, something clearly bought from the street. "As I was saying Ivya ek bahoth aachi ladki hai. I would love to teach her and in saari classes se apne aap ko aasani se express karpayega.

"I will speak to Maya. Can I wats app it to me? Kashi nodded, Aayan smiled and quickly filled in his number and handed the phone back to her, "Thank you. I will certainly speak to Maya. Ivya baby let us go shall we?

"By Kashi ma'am. she waved as he picked her and the bag up taking her to the bike, "Tumhari candy na saara ghar ko sar par utalegi agar baath tum par aathi hai. Yeah dress tuje kisne banvaya?

"Candy ne. Aayan rolled his eyes and pulled the helmet on driving her to the house.

Ivya pressed the bell and Maya's a voice came through, "Who is it?

"Ivyaaa... The gates opened and Ivya rushed in calling out to Maya and the others. Maya walked out dressed in a loose sleeveless light cream top with minnie mouse printed all over it with black shorts. Her hair was tied up with the partition using a white cloth band. The makeup she wore was removed too but her eyes were still red from crying, "Candy muje bhuuk lagi hai.

"Candy tume khaana thab dhegi jaab tu mere saath jakar kapde badhlegi. came the reply from behind. Maya nodded, "Jao Sanga will help you.

Aayan turned around to find Sanga dressed in a yellow jumpsuit (shorts) printed with red, blue, green and orange geometric designs. with her hair left open. The only makeup she wore apart from cream was the eyeliner and light lip balm, "Aaj outdoor nahi?

"Nope bas do theen video calls hai jiske liye jacket candy ke paas already hai tho kyun extra sajun. Aayan rolled his eyes at her response, "Aabe kam se kam thoda eyeshadow tho daldhe. Sirf teri chehera saab se zyadha dhikegi. Patha nahi kaise namoni ko teri candy higher karlethi hai.

"Namoni kisko bola? Aacha kasa profit lekar aathi hoon. the girl replied as Aayan made sure Ivya was away before removing his shirt, "Kithni garmi hai, aur namoni tuje bola tuje kisne kaha jakar Maya ko bolne ke liye? Bahana nahi bana saktithi kya?

"Kya bahana banathi tera vo chipku bhai tho theen hafthe se peeche padha hai. Na jaane kisne bola use ki main candy ke liye kaam kartha huun. Sala mera haath main aaya na tho ma kasam sari ki sari goli uski andhar dal dungi. this information shocked Aayan, "Ek minute, bhai ne tume contact kiya?

"Nope uska chamcha J.D ko isthimal kiya peecha padha tha vo ladka mera jaab maangayi thab patha chala ke tera bhai ka chamcha hai. added Sanga, as Aayan spread his shirt onto the clothes line on the side. A spot reserved for the reuse clothes as they walked back inside. "Dhek tuje na humari candy par extra nazar rakna hoga. Bahoth roi thi vo Arjun se milne ke baadh. Vaha par kaise thi? Table set hai, bhas Ivya ko aana hai.

"Oh... ok. Aayan replied changing directions from where he was going and moved towards the lunch area - a cold sweat breaking on his forehead!