5thoct#Devakshi ss In Tears And In Laughter part 3&4 updated - Page 4

"What are you doing?" My voice is raspy since I'd just gotten up. I wouldn't have minded sleeping another hour, I think lazily before a giggle escapes my lips when I feel a ticklish sensation on my back.

"Really what are you doing?" I asked him in all seriousness as I turned my neck to look at him and he plainly grinned at me and went back to whatever he was doing.

"Sketching." He said like that answered it all and I swear I wanted to get angry at him for doodling on my back. But how could I when he was so adorable?

I made a mental note of reminding him to cut his hair. Forgive me, I knew he looked all kinds of cute and puppy like with his hair almost covering his eyes, but I loved my short and neatly trimmed hair Dev better. He looked more of shabby now. Shabby and puppy.

"Its ticklish." I told him squirming when the cold nib of the pen moved smoothly on the skin of my upper back.

"I can never forget how ticklish you are." He said his movements faster and i didn't look back to know that he was smiling. Then he stopped and after a few seconds I heard a snap that made me swiftly aware that he'd clicked a photo.

"Dev." I began in my reprimanding tone but he cut me off as soon as he turned me around and climbed over so that we were face to face now.

Without another word he showed his phone to me where the starking image of his artwork was to my display. It's an array of breathtaking designs and then in the most stylish handwriting the words ' Dev ' engraved on my skin. I've always told him he'd make an wonderful artist if not a businessman and this was proof enough. Too bad this wouldn't be of any use because I this would be our little secret.

"I've noticed sonething." I told him and his expressions changed from childlike glee to intrigued. I released my breath and confessed something I'd noticed from long.

"You love to mark me. One way or the other. It's almost like you're marking your territory. It's possessive." I confessed and saw something dark pass his face. He breathed in and out before placing his forehead against my jaw and muttered almost incoherently.

"Because you're mine." I'm practically beguiled and speechless. I'm not sure how to react. The man has almost made me lose the ability of cohesive talking. So instead of words I go for actions and encircle my hands around him and pull him closer.

"I don't ever want to let you go. Ever." He said and I'm not sure if he's telling it to me or himself. Nevertheless I chose to respond.

"I'm never leaving." I said and lightly kissed his shoulder. He groaned like he's in pain and shifted further closer if possible.

"I'm scared." His confession caught me off-guard. What?

"Of what?" I asked him almost immediately and he chose not to respond. I nudged him after a little while and he finally looked up to face me.

"I'm scared...someone will take you away from me." He said slowly and my heart twitched involuntarily. It's like we're connected emotionally and in every other way possible.

"I'm not letting anyone take me away from you." And I'm not telling this only to reassure him but also I'm promising this to myself. He merely smiled back and ducked back into my neck.

"That's not really a me colour." I told Dev as I sank my teeth into my lower lip. He looked at me strangely before giving me a shy smile and shook his head. Huh??? What was that????

"What? Say something. I thought I brought you here for a reason." I complained when he made no move to help me pick. It's of no help when you're quite hopeless in choosing something for yourself, especially when you love a lot of stuff you see. Dev and I had come shopping this evening since I was in need of a saree for the upcoming charity event. Yes, I'd fiinally decided to attend it because Dev practically bullied me into going. I agree I was not very keen on the idea first, but then hey!!! Who doesn't like dressing up??

And Dev was the one who wanted me to wear a saree for the occasion. So here we are.

"It's not your colour." He said mimicking my words like a parrot and I visibly narrowed my eyes at him.

"Yeah??" I asked him sounding as cocky as possible and making him know his effort wasn't appreciated. He merely chuckled and reached behind me to the counter and pulled out a material.

"I like this one." He said with a cute smile and I looked at the black gorgeousness. Its beautiful and all black minus the borders. The silver shimmery work on the borders gave it an edge and the readymade blouse attached to it was quite exquisite in itself. All in all I'm simply speechless.

"I guess you like it?" He said with a knowing smile and I'm left nodding.

"Nice." He said chuckling and asked the sales man to pack it. As we headed to the billing counter I saw numerous woman eye him. A few who had come shopping like us and other salesgirls. I silently hooked my arm with his and we matched our steps as we walked forward. He's mine and I'm claiming it alright.

Once we'd paid the bill we moved out and headed to the icecream parlour. We argued for 15 minutes over the flavour and ended up ordering what we liked initially. As I watched him slowly dig into the icecream and relish it with a childlike glee my heart warmed up to the beautiful man who had to grow up all too quick. I'm so glad to be giving him atleast a part of his childhood if not all of it. It's strange how I felt so protective of him. Maybe it was because he was always taking care of others, selfless and relentless and for a change I wanted to do things for him. I wanted to take care of him, love him and make him happy. When he was actually happy there was no bound to his joy and his smile was uninhibited. And I wouldn't mind him being like that forever.

"Dr. Bose you better get on with eating the icecream or else there won't be left anything for you." Dev's teasing voice broke my daydream and I looked at the bowl which was half empty. I glared at him as I pulled the bowl closer to me. My icecream!!!!

He does a face when I refused to let him eat from it and tries to snatch the bowl from me. But I tightened my grip on the bowl and he huffed but doesn't give up. Finally he pouts, his eyes wide and lips quivering. It's comical and I burst out laughing. I'm laughing so hard I've tears in my eyes. He happily spoons the icecream from the bowl that's now free from my clutches because I'm too busy laughing.

"Damn he's quick." I heard Dev muttering from his place in the dining area as I stood in the kitchen. I used the opportunity of no one being around and walked closer to him. Putting my hands around his neck from behind, I placed my chin on his shoulder and looked at what he was looking. It was an invitation card.

"Bunty's getting married. He's invited us all for tomorrow's engagement." Dev answered without being asked as a fond smile played

on his lips.

"Really?When's the wedding?"

"13th of Next month. Will you come with me for tomorrow function?" He asked keeping the card down and placed his palms on my arms.

"Tomorrow?? umm can't do. I have a few relatives visiting us tomorrow. I'll join you for the other functions." I promised him and he nodded.

"Nutrition." Had us snapping back immediately and we create maximum distance as possible.

"I'll see what auntyji wants." I said Dev and made my way upstairs.

Dev's pov:

"Hello"

"I think you've called this number by mistake. This number's no longer available to you. Kindly place the phone down." Bunty bowled over in laughter hearing my sarcastic reply to his somber hello.

"Look who's talking. Like you've been texting me every freaking hour." He spoke as his laughter reduced.

"Shut up idiot. I'm not the one who's getting married. When the hell did this happen?" I asked settling down on my bed.

"Everything happened so quickly. And you've been busy too doing God knows what" he laughed shoving my complain back on my face. That's how friends were right??

He goes all poetic on me telling me how wonderful his fiance was and how quickly he'd fallen for her. See if you'd be telling me all this shit 6 and a half months back then I'd have groaned and told you I was not interested. But now all I can think is I feel you man.

"And you'll be there anyway. I am going to come this evening to personally invite everyone. And maybe even extend the invitation to your Dr. Bose. How is she by the way? Last time I saw you guys you were at each other's throats." I can hear him teasing me but reacting would tell him something was up. I didn't miss the 'your' when he referred to Sonakshi and I was honestly pleased.

"Dr. Bose is fine. And you can invite her too. And I don't fight with her, she's the one who begins it all." I told him not giving him too much and he laughed over the phone.

"Why don't you just admit you like her man? I've seen the way you look at her. I think the only reason you guys fight is because of all that unresolved sexual tension." My eyes widened at his observation and I'm actually worried how obvious we were. And bunty had seen us months back and the tension was there then too. And what does he mean the way I looked at her? If it was anything close to how I looked at her now then I think we were in deep trouble. Oh bunty if only you knew...

"There's nothing like that between me and Ms. Bose. You're going all mellow dude. Are you sure the wedding's not getting into your head?" I teased trying to change the topic and internally sighed when I was successful at it.

"Let's discuss this later. Do me a favour and call Mr. Paolo and ask him if he's free for lunch tomorrow and tell him I needed to discuss the details of the project with him. And Tina please get me a cup of coffee." I said as I typed an email on my pc.

"Yes to the first, no to the second, I'm sorry sir. Dr. Bose has strictly asked me to allow you..." she started when I cut her off.

"Yeah yeah. Dr. Bose has asked you whatever. But I'm the one paying you remember? Now go." I dismissed her with a flick of my hand and she sighed exasperatedly.

"Wait..." before I could talk to her my phone rang and it was none other Dr. Bose. I couldn't help the smile that formed on my face but I quickly hide it when I saw Tina's amused expression.

"Hmmm."

"What hmmm? Is that how you're going to greet you're girlfriend? Have I thought you nothing over the few months? You're such a tubelight Mr. Dixit." Even as she told this in her 'you're-impossible-I-don't-know-what-to-do-with-you' tone I could feel her smile through the phone. She knew I only did this when we had company. Usually when it was me and her alone I greeted her with a long kiss or my signature 'hello baby'.

"Ms. Bose." I began in my reprimanding tone and she gave up her pretense giggling over the phone.

"Okay sorry. I was just calling you to remind that we'll recieve aunty ji's monthly report's today. So I wanted to know if you want to collect it yourself or should I do it?" For one moment I'm lost in how sweet her voice sounds but snapped out of it when she mentioned maa's reports.

"Oh. I'd actually forgotten about it. Thank you for remembering. I'll come to pick it up. While at that how about I'll see you around 2 and we can head to lunch together. Sounds good?" I gave a quick glance to Tina and saw her more interested in her nail paint. But I could clearly see her hiding a smile.

"2 sounds good. I'll be ready. Collect the reports at counter no.7. I'll inform them you'll be coming."

"Thank you. See you then.

"Bye. Love you.

"Love you too." I cringed as soon as it was out of my mouth silently placing my phone down. It was so natural at the end of our every conversation, it was like my mouth and brain were on autopilot. But I can't believe I'd said it front of my secretary. Oh hell it's Tina so that's okay.

"Anything else sir?" She asked biting her lip, clearly suppressing her laughter and I could feel my ears turn red in embarrassment.

"Not..hing." I managed to croak out in my embarrassment, clearing my throat awkwardly.

"Tina" I called out to my secretary before she headed out of the door.

"Get me the damned Orange juice."

I didn't even lift my head to know she was grinning. Call me whipped for all I care. I loved my girlfriend and I didn't care how the world dealed with it.

"Okay." Tina quipped before heading out.

Sonakshi's pov:

"Oh there he comes" Muskaan whispered conspicuously as we stood next to the reception. I looked at what she was pointing out and almost groaned. Mr. Ilias, our medical superintendent, made his way in the corridor. Our receptionist purred like a cat and made googly eyes at him while

I and muskaan ducked away from the reception to avoid meeting him. He's been trying to get me to date him for a few months now and I kept telling him no like almost on autopilot. All I knew about him was that he was my boss and a 40 year old divorcee. He was kind of pushy and controlling but one of the best neurosurgeons of India. The man had let power and money get to his head but not overly or to the limit of madness. I hadn't told Dev about him because I'm not very keen on the idea of being locked in a room or being a reason for a murder.

"Dr. Bose."

Crap I thought as Dr. Ilias himself entered the lift and grinned when he saw no one inside. Maybe I should get out...

It was almost like he could sense my thoughts because he immediately closed the door.

Double crap.

I positioned myself close to the buttons that means closer to the door so I could leave as soon as possible.

"I was actually going for lunch you see but I hate eating alone. Why don't you join me?" He offered scratching his jaw which was covered with a two day old beard. I almost felt bad looking at the lines on his forehead and the dark circles around his eyes. His jet black hair had a few white strands peaking here and there but it all gave him a raw approach. Honestly speaking, the man was handsome. No no I don't have any impromptu feelings or any sort of attraction. I just tell what I see. He was handsome, not only for his age but genuinely. And a great doctor too.

"Actually I already have plans, sorry." I mumbled trying to stay calm. Good looking and all being alone with him creeped me out. A look of disappointment flashed his features but he was quick to hide it.

"Oh you're eating with your friends. I'm sure they won't mind it if I steal you." He winked at me playfully. The man was too charming for his own good. Too bad I was already charmed by another man.

"Umm...no. I'm having lunch with umm...my boyfriend." I revealed awkwardly from the corner of my eyes I saw something flash his face...hurt? It was brief before he covered it with a small smile. Well hello I never gave him any signs or anything so it was not my fault if he was expecting I'll come around. But I couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. Dev was right, I tended to care too much at times. But I was never going to admit it front of him. Never. Ever.

"I just revealed to Dr.Ilias that I have a boyfriend." I confessed to Muskaan as we headed towards the doctor's room. She arched her eyebrows in return but doesn't say anything.

"What say something?" I nudged her nervously.

"What do you want me to say other than it's high time he knew you are not interested. And I think it's high time you and Dev talk to your respective parents about you both. Its been six months now and it's better you tell them before somebody else does." She advised as she removed her coat and hanged it on the hanger.

"It's complicated." I groaned and she hits my arm.

"Oww what was that for?" I asked scowling at her.

"Complicated? Are you kidding me? You love him, he loves you. His family loves you and your family loves him. You're families are cordial with each other. What the hell is complicated in all this?" She reasoned glaring at me, as her hands rest on her hips. Now that she said it so nicely...

"It's just that...we're happy and we don't want to jinx it. Letting others in our bubble would mess it up. And..." I began only to be cut off by my friend.

"The bubble has to break one day Sonakshi. Look I get it you guys are living the honeymoon period now. But it will get over soon and then it's time to get serious. And just because you'll tell your families about it doesn't mean you've to get married. But it will stop all the unnecessary talks of possible alliances and people like Dr. Ilias. Don't you want that?" I stared at her as she gets over with her speech.

"You're right. I think I should talk to Dev about it. Thank you for being such a great friend." I hugged her and she hugged me back tightly.

"What would you do without me?" She said causing me to laugh.

"Ya right. And oh before I forget I actually needed a new set of contraceptives for the next month. So I guess I need to get a few tests done. I ran out of them a while back and Dev hates...you know..." I blushed at her grinning face. I was still too shy to say the word condom.

"I see. Okay then see me tomorrow at 4. We'll get a few tests done and I'll prescribe you one. Don't forget to get your previous prescription. We'll see what your body's used to and decide on the next course." I nodded still slightly embarrassed. But I'm glad it's my friend I'm discussing. Could you imagine how embarrassing it would get if it was another doctor.

"What are we having for lunch?" I asked as Dev fastened MY seatbelt. See I'm more than capable of doing it myself but it's like second nature to us that he does my seatbelt. Sometimes I'm frightened if I've come to depend on him too much.

"How does Italian sound?" He asked smiling at me and I licked my lips in satisfaction.

"Are you trying to make me fat Mr. Aubodhro?" I questioned him and he smiled amusedly.

"I wouldn't mind if you became fat. I'd still love you the same." I grinned at his cheesy words and swatted his arms.

"Cheesy much.Too much cheese is not good for health Mr. Dixit." I reminded him as the car swirled right.

"It's Dev for you. And I'm not cheesy." He grumbled like I'd offended him.

"Okay Mr. Cheesy." I teased him and he muttered something like impossible under his breath.

Oh wow!!!! I'm this far from groaning out loud as my mouth made slow love to the cheesy gooey goodness. I personally wanted to send a mini muffin basket to the person who invented cheese albeit he's dead. I dug in as soon as the food arrived on the table. Blame it on the long morning. I was early at the Dixit house and then reported to the hospital and missed breakfast.

When I'd finished every little thing on my plate and drank sufficient water did I look up to see Dev's amused-surprised face.

I hadn't uttered a single word to him throughout my meal because my mouth was always full and this was the first time I looked up at him from the beginning of my hogging.

"I'm glad you're eating more than you usually do which is quite less. But you were that hungry?" He teased me looking at my plate and I narrowed my eyes at him. He's always complaining I never eat enough and now that I am he's complaining that too. Complicated man.

"It's okay. I'm not complaining. Its good to see you eat well." He answered and I'm worried if he can read my thoughts. I just shrugged and continued drinking my water.

"We should have Italian every week. I think that's the only way you'll eat." I spurted out the water I was drinking and glowered at him.

"You're dreaming if you think I'll allow you or myself to eat so much cheese on a weekly basis. Once a month should be good. And I was just hungry. I skipped breakfast because I was getting late." Okay that's not entirely true. Maa had prepared something but I just didn't find the will to eat. The previous night's pakoda eating competition had made me sick today morning and the thought of having anything had horrified me.

"What do you think about maa's reports?" Dev asked as we made our way outside after he'd cleared the bill.

"Everything is normal. We just need to keep it constant. Her cholesterol levels have decreased too. Everything comes to how she'll control it. That's the hardest task." I informed him with a small smile and he nodded soberly.

I could feel someone shaking me but my eyes refused to open.

"Shona get up. I need to talk to you."I heard Elena telling me but my mind was too tired to register anything coherent.

"Shona." I groaned as my eyes half opened forcibly.

"Not now Elena I'm too tired." I could only feel my brain functioning because the rest of my body had already fallen asleep.

"What? It's way too early for your sleeping time. You've not even skyped Dev and you're already sleeping." She said shaking me.

"Ele please. I've had a long day and I'm too tired. I'll see Dev tomorrow anyway. Go away and let me sleep." I grumbled tucking my head beneath my pillow. I heard her mutter something that sounded like weird girl but before I could comprehend I'm out like light.

"Good morning grumpy." Elena said when she spotted me sitting on the bed and yawning. I rolled my eyes at her and paddled my way to the bathroom. When I came out freshly showered and dressed Elena was nowhere in sight and I groaned looking at the time. I was going to be late and mamiji would have a field day out of it. Great.

I decided to skip my breakfast and grabbed a cup of tea from the dining table. I took one sip and immediately moved the cup away my mouth.

"Too sweet maa." I admonished before rushing to wear my footwear.

"Ki korche shona. Have your breakfast." I heard my mother's concerned voice.

"No maa. I'm already late. Bye bye bye bye bye." I bid my family rushing out.

"Sona di." Nikki yelled just as I set my foot inside the Dixit house and every eye on the dining table turned at me. I gave an apologetic smile at Dev and auntyji, while auntyji returned it with an understanding smile Dev seemingly kept a straight face.

"Seems like you've gotten used to coming late." Mamiji muttered looking at her plate and everyone including me ignored her.

Nikki jumped up from her place and followed me to the kitchen. She wanted me to accompany her to shopping today but I told her I was busy and promised to go with her tomorrow. She cheerfully accepted and hopped out of the kitchen. Silly girl, I think smiling at her fondly. There was no difference between her, Riya or Elena for me. They were the younger siblings I'd never wished for but luckily had been gifted with.

Within minutes I heard my phone buzzing and I think I already know who it was.

'Why didn't you come online yesterday?'

-Dev

'I was too tired. Fell asleep as soon as I hit the bed. Sorry. :(

-Sona

'That's alright. I was worried when you didn't answer my texts.'

-Dev

'Sorry baby. I didn't check my phone until morning but I was running late so couldn't text you.'

-Sona

'Okay. Want to have coffee today?'

-Dev

'Not sure. I have a doctor's appointment today. Can you drop me?'

-Sona

'I'll drop you. But appointment for what? Everything alright?'

-Dev

'Everything is fine. Its just stuff about my contraceptive. Appointment at 4. Okay for you?'

-Sona

'Oh. Fine I'll pick you at 3.30.'

-Dev

'Okay. I should work now. I'll see you later. Bye. Love you.'

-Sona

'Bye. Love you too khargosh.'

-Dev

I shook my head smiling as I placed my phone down and got back to work. The day went with an incredible speed and before I knew Dev was already coming to pick me up. I informed aunty ji and then walked out of the house. Dev picked me up from our usual spot and we talked throughout the journey to the hospital.

"I'm sorry I can't pick you up. I have an urgent meeting and other commitments today. I guess we'll just have to talk tomorrow." Dev informed sadly as we sat inside the car parked outside the hospital.

"That's fine. Enjoy your dinner." I told him giving him a small smile.

"I've missed you these days. We haven't had time for each other properly. You know what I was thinking. Let's go out this weekend. Just you and me. No work, no family just us."

"Okay as you wish." I smiled pecking his cheek and his nose before getting down.

"I'll call you later." Dev said before driving away and I walked inside the hospital.

"Can I come in doc?" I asked peeking inside and muskaan looked up from her file and smiled.

"Come in. Have a seat." She offered politely and I sat down on the chair opposite hers.

"What do you usually take?" Muskaan asked pulling out a blood-pressure cuff. When I didn't answer muskaan looked at me.

"Sorry, Sona, but I'm not going to give you a repeat without checking your blood pressure."

I nodded because I knew she was a thorough doctor just like me.

"All good. So what are you on?" Muskaan asked setting the cuff aside.

"Currently I'm not." I answered tucking my strands of hair behind my ear.

"What type of contraception do you usually use?"

"I-pill. Once I finished my first course, condoms." I said and then cleared my throat.

"Okay." Muskaan answered carefully.

"Do you have any history that I should know about? Blood clots, migraines..." She went through a list of contraindications.

"Nothing."

"Good."Muskaan smiled.

"When did you last have a smear test?"

"It's been a while" I told her my cheeks on fire.

"I'm not going to tell you off for leaving it too long. Let's just get it done and over with. When is your period due?" Muskaan asked calculative.

"The day after or Thursday."

"Have you had any unprotected sex?"

"No." I let out a breath in embarrassment. God, no wonder patients loathed all the questions.

"Fine then. You won't mind peeing in a jar to put my mind at ease. Then I'm going to do the smear test and give you a work up." Muskaan said. She was a thorough doctor and refused to be rushed by anyone. A little while later they looked at the pregnancy card on the desk before her.

"Sona." Muskaan said and watched as she pushed the card over to me.

I stared t it for a long time. There were possibly a thousand thoughts in my head but not a single one was clear.

"How..." I trailed off my voice clear but devoid of any emotion.

"Sona.."

"Can we not discuss this, please?"

I stood up and walked away. I turned back just as I got to the door.

"Just...you won't tell anyone..."

"You don't have to ask me that Sona. But if you want to talk any time, you can." Muskaan said concerned and I nodded. Muttering a brief thanks I headed out and quite mechanically reached home. Once I reached inside my room I locked the door and pulled the curtains.

I laid on my bed and just stared at the ceiling, utterly numb.

When my phone beeped I knew who it was but I refused to look at it and silently switched it off and hid it under my pillow.

I just laid there and breathed as multiple thoughts rushed in and out like a movie. When the shock subsided panic set over. My stomach twisted painfully and before I knew I was rushing to the bathroom and puking out all I'd eaten. The smell of the vomit filled the bathroom and I had to hold my hand against my nose to keep myself from passing out. Flushing the toilet I carefully walked over to the sink and cleared my mouth with water. I refused to look up and stare at my reflection. Oh Lord, why?

Tears quietly escaped my eyes and I slipped on the ground and gave into the overwhelming urge to cry. I sat on the bathroom floor crying for the longest time. I was even scared to acknowledge the truth. I needed time. I'll just sleep over it. I mutely got up and headed to the bed. Quietly lying down, I pulled up the sheets and covered myself till the neck. Silent tears fell from my eyes but I was too disoriented to wipe it off.

Subconsciously my hand moved to my abdomen and I flattened my palm against it. An Overwhelming protective urge surged over me and a sob escaped my lips.

"Sorry little one, I'm so sorry this had to happen this way."

The crying completely exhausted me and sleep finally took mercy on me, covering me with its blanket.