HIS TO PROTECT- CHAPTER 9-10 - PG 7 - Page 2

Chapter 1

Pujari Ramakrishnan has been Devi Maa's temple Pujari for  25 years. He has seen all kinds of people offer different kinds of prayer. Seen so many people offer bribes for solutions of simple problems. Some want more money, some want some peace, some want a beautiful bride, someone just wants someone to be on their side, someone begs for ways to cheat death, someone begs for ways to prolong life. Yet on that day, he had seen something in that girl's eyes which he had never seen in that girl's eyes before. Utter Defeat. But by the time, he could bring himself to say anything, the girl had already given her puja thali and had stepped aside for the next person to come. He was then busy in conducting the puja and giving prasad to everyone. As soon as the crowd dispersed, he saw the girl sitting at the side leaning on the pillar her tiredness apparent even through her face as she stares into nothingness, tears slowly coming down her face silently.

He went beside and so as to not startle her, he said "Beti. (Daughter) Even then she was immediately startled and wiped her tears quickly. Turning to him, she covered her head with her dupatta and getting up took the prasad from her. Sensing that she needed to stay there for some time, he stalled saying "Mai Abhi Puja ki Thali lekar aata hu.( I will just bring the Puja Thali) She nodded silently and went back to staring into nothingness. Turning he signalled his assistant to handle the arrangements for the next puja. He went and got her thali. Getting up, the girl introduced herself as Piya and said that she wanted to arrange a puja on her mother's death anniversary which was 5 days later. When he asked whether there was anyone else, Piya lowered her eyes and said "Nahi, sirf mai hi hu puja ke liye.( Only I am there for the puja(

His heart sympathized hearing the emotion in her voice. He accepted and was going to leave when he sees Piya raise a hand as if making a gesture to stop. He asked "Kuch aur chahiye beti?( Do you want something else, daughter). Piya hesitates and then asks "Aap kya mere ek sawal ka jawab de sakte hai?( Can you give an answer to my one question). He nodded his consent and was stunned to hear her question.

Piya asked "Kya aaj sachai ke liye ladhi ja sakti hai? ( Can we fight for truth in today's times?).

Ramakrishanan sat down, gesturing her to sit and said "yeh toh bohut hi mushkil sawaal hai beta. Saamne wala sachai ko dekhega aur parekhne ki samaj rakhta hai toh sachai ke liye ladhi ja sakti. Lekin agar saamnewala aankho par jhooth ki pati bandhi ho, toh jitna bhi koshish kar lo jab tak sammne wala pati nahi hatata, sachai samane nahi aa sakta. Ha, ladhna who humari marzi. Maine yahan par kai logo ko sachai ki ladhne ki baat and aur use haarte hua bhi dekha maine. Toh agar tum sachai ke liye ladhna chahti ho toh yeh bhi samaj lo ladhai khatin ho sakti hai.

(that is difficult question child. Only when the person in front of us has the insight and the understanding to accept the truth then the fight for truth is possible. But if the person in front of us is blinded by the lies then how much we try, till the person does not stop himself from being blinded, then the truth won't come in front of them. Yes, to fight for the truth is our choice. I have seen many people here who talk about fighting for the truth and also talk about failing. So if you want to fight for the truth then you have to also understand that the fight for truth can be difficult also).

He sees her deep in thought and then said "tum kis sachai ke liye lad rahi ho beti?. ( for whose truth are you fighting for child?). As if Piya required some prompting to tell, she told her story. Her meeting someone named Abhay, who was rude arrogant yet always saved her life, always gets angry on her when she tells something good about him, her friend Maya, how at first she thought Abhay and Maya were in a relationship then she found out Maya was pregnant, and then the miscarriage, and then finding out about Danish being Maya's baby father who was Panchi's fiance, and her friend Kabir's brother. How her best friend Misha also had heard their conversation but being in a drunken state she couldn't remember that conversation the next day. Later on Piya found some evidence against Danish but he turned everyone against her including Misha and Kabir. Abhay was with her but after an incident he also didn't want anything to do with her.

After listening to everything she said, Ramakrishnan said "Beta, maine yahan par kai logo pareshaniya leke aur sunate hua dekha hai. Aur yahan par kai logo ke saath bohut kuch acha hote hua dekha hai. Tum chinta mat karo. Devi Maa ne jab tumhari Raksha ke liye ek farishta bejha hai, toh sachai ki iss ladhai me bhi who koi rasta dikha he legi. ( Child, I have seen many people come here and say about their troubles. I have also heard many good things happen to people who had these troubles. You don't worry. When Devi Maa, has already sent one angel to protect you, then in your fight for truth, she will also show you a way to fight.)

Hearing his assistant call him for the next puja, he blessed Piya and left seeing her having a contemplative expression on her face. Later on he didn't see her and assumed she left.

After 2 days,

Kabir was in a hurry. He had to meet Angad in half an hour at a party and he was already late. After the breakup with Piya, Kabir tried to lose himself in doing something fun. She wasn't worth thinking about. Searching he couldn't find his mobile and he remembers seeing it last in Danish's room. Danish had stayed over yesterday and they had lots of fun, just like old times. Entering Danish's room, he heaves a sigh of relief as he sees his mobile on the bedside.  Turning to go after taking his mobile, Kabir hears a ping and see a light appearing on Danish's mobile which was connected to the charger, he thought to see the message since Danish was just down talking with his dad. Walking to the table, Kabir unplugged the phone from the charger and opened the screen and what he saw next made his blood run cold and his hands started shaking seeing what was on the screen.

Misha paced the room. She sat on the bed and remembered how Piya was pestering her to remember Panchi's engagement night. Seeing the date of the stalls when Maya was injured and then remembering the date on the cheque before the earthquake struck, Misha tried to remember exactly what happened on engagement but she was coming up blank. Kicking her bed in frustration, Misha remembers how Piya accused Danish of sleeping with Maya. During that time, Misha couldn't understand whom to believe, her sister's fiance or her best friend. At that time, it seemed that her best friend is wrong but now it seems she is right. Misha didn't know how she would get Piya to forgive her but she will do anything, after she breaks Danish's bones for making them to go against Piya. Remembering Piya's phone Misha got up to get it when her phone rang. Seeing Kabir's name she hesitated but thinking that maybe Kabir may help she picks up the phone. Immediately after hearing what Kabir said, Misha cut the call and immediately packed her shoulder bag. Opening the door, she makes sure that the coast is clear and sneaks out of the house.

Chapter 2

Abhay takes up a similar position, hands folded across his body and asks "Kyu, aur bhi beizithi karwana chahte ho? Uss din man nahi bhara tha?. Kabir stepped forward his hands clenched, but Misha stopped him and said "Yahan par nahi Kabir. Looking at Abhay, she said "Hume Piya par yakeen hogaya. Please Abhay abh bata do Piya kahan hai?. Hearing the worry in her voice, Abhay loosens his posture and said "Mujhe pata nahi hai. Do din se Piya college me aayi nahi hai. Misha stomps her feet in frustration while Kabir said "Yeh pehle bhi bata sakte the Abhay. Kitna time waste karwaya. Abhay asks "Hostel check kiya?. Misha said "Wohi se aa rahe hai. Warden ne bataya, ki kuch ladkiyon Piya ka hostel me rehne ke bare me shikayat kiya tha isliye warden ko koi choice nahi that par Piya se yeh kehene ki who hostel me reh nahi sakti. Piya kuch samaan lekar nikhili thi aur badme warden ko call aaya ki Piya ko koi jagah mil gayi rehne ke liye. Par warden bataya nahi ki jagah kya hai. Hume laga Piya yahaan par aayi hogi. Abhay closed the door behind him and gestured to the both of them to go outside. He followed behind them and led them into the garden.

He asks "Abh kyu Piya par yakeen hai? Pehle toh tum logo ne bola that ki Danish kabhi kuch aisa kar hi nahi sakta. Toh inn char dino me aisa kya hogaya, ki Danish par se tum dono ka yakeen utt gaya. Misha and Kabir looked at each other and Kabir indicated Misha to go first. Turning to Abhay, Misha explained how on the day of the earthquake, she saw that the date on the pamphlet of the fair was on December whereas the check's date was on November. Abhay listened silently and then turning to Kabir, he looks at him with a look that clearly said that he was waiting to hear what Kabir said. Kabir reluctantly took out a mobile, and opening it he gulped before showing it to Abhay. Abhay took the mobile from him, and as soon as he saw what was on the mobile, he looked at Kabir with anger in his eyes. Mobile fell from his hand as he lunged and grabbed Kabir's collar and said "Kaise insaan ho tum? Yeh videos tumhe kaise mile? I swear Kabir, tumhari jaan lene me koi kasar nahi chodunga. By this time he pushed Kabir into a tree and Misha tried to dislodge Abhay from Kabir. She shouted, "Abhay yeh Kabir ka nahi, Danish ka mobile hai. Abhay looked at her and for the first time Misha felt fear seeing the anger in his eyes. His eyes seemed to change colour. The next second Misha thought she imagined it all. Abhay left Kabir's collar and said in a tight voice "Explain. Kabir picked up the mobile and took it to that offending place where he saw the video in the first place "Mai danish ka room me gaya that apna mobile lene ke liye. Jab me nikal ne wala tha, toh maine dekha ki Danish ke mobile se kuch notification aaya that. Yeh soch kar ki kaam ka kuch hoga maine uthaya lekin fir dekha...

Flashback

Kabir picked up Danish's mobile and opened it and saw the warden talking to the cleaner in the room. Seeing the room, he recognised it as the girls hostel and that it was a live feed. Closing the live feed, Kabir went to the Gallery and saw that there were videos of the same room which were in a folder which were password protected. But one video was in a different folder and Kabir opened the video. He couldn't see that it was Danish who installed the camera but the date the camera seemed to start was the day Piya claimed that Danish had come to the hostel room to attack her.  Later he left the house hurriedly stating that he was late to the party. Only he knew how he was able to say all this with a smile at his so called brother. Calling Misha and meeting up near her place, he showed Misha the phone. Misha was able to hack the password protected folder, and they both saw how since that day Danish has been keeping track of Piya's movements in the room through the camera. They could see Piya's restlessness, her tears, her private moments. There were some videos of some private moments of Maya also. Only Danish's face was not seen in those videos.

Flashback ends

Abhay's fisted hands tightened even further hearing about all this. Misha and Kabir looked on silently and Abhay knew that he had to get his temper under control otherwise his secret will be exposed. Taking a deep breath, he said "Aage kya karna hai?. Misha said "Panchi ke shaadi ka date almost fixed. Kisi bhi tarah se usko talana hai. Agar who fixed hogaya, toh phir hum kuch bhi nahi kar payenge kyuki date already 2-3 weeks ke baad ka possibility hai. Punditji ne Panchi ko bataya. Abhi Mom aane ke baad date fix karlenge. Kabir said "Danish aur mera phone ek model hi hai. Toh adla badle ka wajah batakar mai usko mana sakta hu. Par Piya agar tumhare paas nahi hai toh woh hai kahan aur hum use kahan dhundhege bina kisiko ko bataye ki hum use dhund rahe hai?

Abhay said "Woh toh tum mujh par chod dho. Misha jake apne papa se keh dho inn sab ke bare me. Agar shaadi ke date ko postpone karna toh shayad abh woh hi kuch kar sakte hai. Kabir, kuch dino ke liye tum Danish ka dhyan batao aur kuch aisa karo jise woh humesha tumhare saath ho aur kahi akele bahar bhi na jaye. Aur Misha, Tracker ko call karo. Piya do din se college nahi aayi thi par Tracker aayi thi, shayad use pate hoga Piya ko kaise contact karna hai. Agar nahi toh phir mujhe call karo. Abhi tum dono ko chalna chahiye, Danish ke dad ke saath kuch meeting hai aur woh log ghar par mil rahe hai. Jab tak woh yahaan par hai tab tak mai Danish par nazar rakhta hu. Kabir grimaced but nodded his head and Misha also agreed with a thoughtful expression. They turned to leave when Abhay said "Ek minute. Seeing them look at him, he continued "Jab Piya mil jayeigi aur woh tum dono se puchengi ki tum logo ne kaise uss par yakeen kiya toh tum dono iss videos ka bilkul bhi zikr nahi karoge. Piya toot jayengi agar ussko iss baare me pata chala toh. Both Misha and Kabir agreed and they left. Within 10 minutes, Danish arrived and met with his dad.

Chand thought that Abhay stayed in the room because he was still sullen with them whereas Abhay paid careful attention to what Danish was speaking and saw that Danish sounded distracted. Two times his dad asked Danish about something worrying him but Danish shrugged it off. Abhay could see Danish's thoughts fixated on Maya but there was no mention of Piya or her whereabouts. As soon as the meeting seemed to wind up, Abhay messaged Kabir about the meeting ending. The next 5 minutes saw Danish receiving Kabir's call and leaving to meet him. As soon as Danish left, Abhay changed and went for a run, his parents thinking that he is working out his excess energy. But Abhay reached the hostel and closed his eyes.

Piya's journey Flashback through Abhay's eyes

After reassuring the warden that she would find a place to rest, Piya left the hostel with a small bag. Following her scent, Abhay saw how she reached Devi Maa's mandir and had some sweet as food saving some for later on. He could see her talking with some panditji and then left after the puja was over. Walking Piya reached the tea stand where the road intersects into two forks. Sitting over there for sometime, Abhay could see Piya enquire about something and then she got up and walked on the left fork. After 10 minutes of walking, Abhay saw Piya turn hearing a car from a distance. She raised a hand to stop and he sees the car stopping. He couldn't make out who was in the car but he saw some symbol on the car.

Flashback ends

Abhay opened his eyes to find himself standing on the same place where Piya stood when she stopped the car. He couldn't go further ahead as her scent which showed what she did also stopped there. Abhay ran through the forest searching for any other scent of Piya's but he couldn't find any. He closed his eyes, trying to find that connection he always felt with Piya but it seems to have weakened over the two days. Abhay thought "Piya tum theek to ho na?.

Piya stared out the window feeling a sudden restlessness overtake her. She felt as if someone was looking for her. But who would look for her? Misha and Kabir have disowned her and Abhay, Abhay she is not sure whether he would even bother looking for her. Moving away from the window, Piya walks to the phone and picks up to dial a number. Putting it down she thought " Mai usko kyu call karu? Usne toh bol diya ki who wish karta ki woh kabhi mujhse mila hi nahi tha toh mai kyu soch rahi ki shayad Abhay mujhe dhund raha hai? Nahi mai usko call nahi karti hu? Ya karu. Mujhe aisa kyu lag raha hai ki mera call karna zaroori hai?. She felt her breeze and shivered. She thought "Aisa kyu lag raha ki Abhay mujhe dhund raha hai?Ki usko meri fikr ho rahi hai?. Mai usko call karu ya nahi?. She looked at the phone her thoughts troubling and in conflict.

Abhay's phone rang and he took the phone out his eyes widening as he sees the number on the phone.

Precap: Piya's Location

Chapter 3

Arnab had always felt that he is a good judge of character. Although he knew that it wasn't always possible for him to say whether the person in front of him was a good person or not but he always felt that he could at least know or assume that the person in front of him is a good person and can be counted on. For the first time, Arnab cursed himself. How did his sense of good judgement fail in such a manner? How was he able to not distinguish between a girl who always thought about others before herself and from his so called son in law who till now Arnab always felt will fulfil his beloved daughter's wishes. How was he not able to see the tears in her eyes and only hear Danish's accusations? How was he so blind. Turning to see Misha who was looking at him with a lost look. He felt a heavy weight of responsibility for his actions and guilt that he was and would never be able to make up with Piya for the actions. Hearing a knock on the door, he gave the permission to enter. Seeing the door open, he saw another person he seems to have misjudged. Abhay Raichand, the arrogant son of the Raichands. When Abhay had called him to inform him about his parent's accusation about Piya, Arnab had to say that he was surprised. And he thought that would be the end of Abhay's involvement. Yet when all of them had left Piya's side he was the only one who stood by her side. Seeing Abhay enter, his face and his stride showing his arrogance yet his eyes showing his frustration, Arnab knew he had to revaluate his judgement on Abhay Raichand.

Misha stood up with a hopeful expression but Abhay shook his head. He said "Piya ka pata hostel ke chai dukaan tak hi pata chala. Koi aur pata nahi mila. Wahan ke chaiwale ne kaha ki Piya ke kuch der jane ke baad koi ghadi wahan se guzar rahi thi. Unhe sirf uss ghadi ka logo yaad tha aur kuch nahi Abhay removes a piece of paper and shows the sketch he made of the logo. Arnab and Misha's eyes widen seeing the logo. Misha said "doesn't this logo belong to that hotel, umm Hotel Blue Star Papa?. Arnab nodded his head thoughtfully, and said "Are you sure ki Piya koi aur jagah pahunchi nahi?. Abhay shook his head and said that the last person to see her was the chaiwala. Misha said "But Blue Star is a five star hotel. How the hell would Piya be able to afford that place? She is here on a scholarship basis. Shayad use wahan koi Naukri mil gayi thi. Arnab said "Maybe, Hume pata nahi chalega jab tak hum wahan par jayenge aur unse puch nahi lenge. Lekin Hotel Blue Star itni aasani se apne customers aur employees ke details nahi denge. Hume kuch wajah chahiye Piya ke bare me puchne ke liye

Misha said "wait, Papa I think I know a way to enquire about Piya. But hume aaj hi karna hoga  aur Panchi and Danish ko pata nahi chalna chahiye. Arnab and Abhay looked at her in confusion. Misha said "Oh God! Don't you remember Khan uncle's daughter engagement is in that hotel. We were all invited. Mama is also coming back to attend this engagement. Abhay are you invited?. Abhay simply nodded. Misha said "Great! Toh abhi hum Piya ke bare me puch bhi sakte hai aur kisiko pata bhi nahi chalega. Abh Plan suno. Misha explained everything to them and all of them agreed to the plan with Misha calling Kabir to inform of him of their progress.

Piya stares out of the window. She couldn't do it. Hearing Abhay's words, she couldn't call him. Feeling a hand slip into hers, she looks down and smiles as she sees her. Piya asks "Kya hua Avni, kuch chahiye tha?. Avni with a frown expression said "Piya didi, Aap kiske bare me soch rahe ho? Piya pulling Avni with her sat down on the sofa "Kisike bare me nahi my bacha.Avni said "Mama kehti hai ki jhooth bolna paap hai toh app jhooth kyu bol rahe ho did? Piya smiles and said "Acha Bacha aapne mera jhooth pakad liya hai. Ha me kisike ke bare me soch rahi thi. Avni "Apne farishtey ke bare me soch rahi thi didi? Piya nodded her head. Avni said "Mujhe appke farishtey se milna ha didi.

Piya said "Kyu?. Avni went and took a drawing from the table. Piya could see that it was a card saying Thank You for saving Piya Didi. Avni said "Unko mujhe yeh dena hai. Unhone hamesha appko protect kiya haina. Toh Thank you toh bolna chahiye na Didi. Piya swallowed the lump in her throat remembering all the times Abhay saved her. In their interaction, she never thanked him. Instead she used to always curse him for making her think about him. For the first time, Piya realised how ungrateful she must have been to Abhay for never even taking the effort to thank him. Piya hugged Avni close to her "Hum zaroor milenge use. Okay?. Avni ask "Aapne unhe Aladdin bhaiya ke engagement part me bulaya Didi? Piya shook her head. Avni stared at her with an O' expression and said in a scandalised voice "Didi, bad manners. Abhi unhe call kar dijiye. Seeing Avni fold her hands with a stubborn expression shows Piya that she is not going to move till she calls Abhay. Picking up the phone, Piya in a reluctant manner dials the number.

Abhay still talking with Misha and Arnab over the details of the plan feels his phone vibrate. Taking out his phone, he sees an unknown number. Going to cut the call, he feels as if his non existent heart telling him not to. He presses the Accept button and with a bated breath said "Hello.

Piya breath seems to be stuck in her throat. Clearing her throat she said "Hello Abhay. Abhay doesn't want to tell the others, but he knew that they were as much worried about her as he was. He mouths to Arnab and Misha saying Piya. Misha immediately took out a notebook and wrote to put the phone on speaker. Reluctantly, Abhay put the call on speakerphone. Before Piya could say anything, Avni grabbed the phone and immediately ran. Abhay heard Piya's shout "Avni. Avni ran to the next room and locked the door. Piya started banging and wringing the doorknob imploring Avni to open the door. Abhay looked at the both of them with confusion as he heard a voice say on Piya's phone ask "Aap angel ho?. Abhay just could say "Ji.

Chapter 4

Abhay hears a cheeky voice say "Jab sawaal puche jaa rahe toh appko Ha ya Na me jawab dena hai, ji nahi. Samjhe Aap?. Abhay felt a slight smile lift his face and could see Misha and Arnab choking their laughter. He could also hear Piya's voice from the door shouting at Avni to open the door. Abhay asks "Acha, Sorry. Par hume zara ye bataye ki aap kon ho? Avni said "Hum Avni hai. Didi ke sabse pyari dost hai hum. Abhay smiles and said "Acha isliye aapne apne didi ke phone chori ki?. Avni said "Humne chori nahi kiya. Agar chori ki hoti toh hum pakadne nahi jate aur Didi toh bahar hai. Waise hum aapse ek baat puche? Abhay said "Puche?. Avni said "Agar aap angel toh aapne Didi ke aankho me aansu kyu aane diya. Pata hai jabse Didi yahaan aayi hai tabse hasti toh hai par khush nahi dikhti. Humesha unki aankhe udaas hi rehti hai. Aur pata hai Maa bolti hai ki aankhe humare bina kahe man ki baat bhi keh deta hai. Abhay tightened his hands into a fist hearing about Piya's sadness. Taking a deep breath, he said "wo kya hai na. hums ek galti hui. Humne aapke Didi par chilaya. Jiske wajah se chillaya who wajah bhi galat thi. Aur app aapke Didi humse gussa hai. Avni replies "Maa kehti hai ki galti ko maan liya jaye aur aap sorry keh de toh saamne wala ka gussa thanda ho jata hai. Toh aapne sorry kaha. Abhay couldn't remembered whether he had apologised to Piya. He said "Nahi. Use pehle aapki Didi chali gayi. Avni said "toh ab sorry keh do. Abhay innocently asks "Phone pe?. He could feel Avni slap her forehead in exasperation and she said "Nahi phone pe nahi, agar aapne phone pe maafi maang li toh Didi aur bhi gussa hi jayengi. Aap aaj shaam 7pm ko Blue Star hotel me aa jana. Aur reception me mera naam batana. Who aapko humare kamre tak pahuncha denge. Aur ha kuch meetha aur phool leke aana. Maa kehti hai ki meetha khane se man ka gussa kam jaata hai. Didi ka bhi kam ho jayenga. Samjhe Aap?. Abhay gave his consent in coming. After cutting the phone, he looked at Arnab and Misha. They both could see a hardened resolve in Abhay as if he looked with a new determination.

In the evening,

Piya placed the floor. After Avni returned her phone, she tried calling Abhay again but he kept on cutting her calls. She didn't want him to come here. She didn't want him to meet them. Seeing someone's eyes on her she turns and smiles at the person who is looking at her innocently. He gets up and walks towards her with his arms stretched. Bending down she picks him up and nuzzles his neck. He giggles and her smile widens. She was very surprised when she saw them in the car. She never thought that after all this time, she would meet them or that they would remember her. But they did remember her and welcomed her with no questions on what she was doing in the middle of the road. Staying with them, these past 2 days has been refreshing for her, made her feel some sort of calm from the turmoil in her mind. And now the reason of her turmoil is coming right here. How she could stop him, she couldn't understand. Hearing the doorbell which signals someone ring she heaves him on her hip and said "Chale Alok, aapka khana aa gaya. Alok giggles and claps his hand understanding the word khaana for him.

Opening the door, Piya was still looking at Alok and blindly reached out her hand to take the trolley. Instead her hand encountered an impression which is forever enmeshed in her brain. Her smile dropping, Piya looks up to see the eyes which tells her a thousand storied yet seems unknown. He is dressed in his usual black suit with a white tie yet always looks as dashing as ever. Piya feels conscious in her old torn shirt with the skirt which reflects the long use. Her attention diverts from Abhay as Alok pulls her hair. Abhay's eyes breaks away from Piya's gaze and for the first time looks at the baby in her arms. He could see piya having difficulty balancing and without any thought picks up the baby from Piya's arms. Piya gasps in shock saying "Abhay No. But Alok just giggles and looks curiously at Abhay. Seeing Piya's stillness Abhay stays still too his gaze fixed on Alok. Alok continues to look at him curiously but Abhay feels as if he is scrutinizing him for the first time. He could feel the extra restraint he is placing on his muscles to not to squash the baby held in his arms. The heartbeat of Alok, increases slightly yet Abhay felt no thirst. He just felt a sense of wistfulness as long ago dreams of having a child was remembered by him. Abhay trance is broken by Alok's giggles as he kisses Abhay's nose. Abhay is stunned as he feels no fear from the child, only a sense of safety as if the child knew that the person holding him will not harm him. Abhay's thoughts are broken when Piya touches Abhay's arm.

She gestures him to come inside, and closes the door. Both feel awkard standing in the hallway when Alok squirms showing a sign to be put down. Abhay puts him down and he runs away shouting Di, Di. Piya's gestures Abhay to come inside and both walk inside the hall. Abhay could see the hall was styled in a manner that indicated a richness and a lifestyle of opulence. Looking at Piya, Abhay felt that she rather fitted into this lifestyle. He always saw that Piya's poise her grace, was that of someone used to living this lifestyle yet her simplicity her maturity showed views beyond her age and sometimes beyond his level also. He sits on the sofa and Piya sits on the sofa near him. His enhanced hearing caught someone opening the door a little inch and shushing someone else not to make any noise. He hides a smirk as he realizes it is probably the beauty that spoke to him. Piya's nervous fidgeting puts his thoughts in front of her and before she could say anything, he said "I am sorry. Her mouth opens in a silent gasp. Abhay struggles between hiding what he is and how to somehow convey her the truth. His words pausing, he said "In all these years, I have lived my parents and I have moved around a lot. So it was like every school I was the outside person. By the time, we settled down Dad's business would have us shift to a new location. So, I became tired of constantly making the effort of making new friends. And my habits of becoming aloof kind of became ingrained in me. And then I met you. Abhay sees Piya's eyes and sees the similarity and yet the complete difference between her and Maithili "you reminded me of a loss so long time ago it is now a distant memory. And yet when I saw you it became fresh. That is why I was always so rude to you. And I am sorry for that Piya. I have been a bad friend and I don't deserve you but if you give me a chance I would like to try to be your friend again. Feeling Piya's hands slip into his, he scooted to the side, giving Piya enough space to squeeze between him and the sofa's arms and yet close enough to feel her full body heat, her heartbeat which was beating in a normal rhytm. Piya doesn't seem to notice the closeness too focused on consoling Abhay. She said "if you also equally forgive for not thanking you for always saving my life. And I should also understand that everyone has a past and not everyone wants their past to be known. So if you give me another chance I promise I won't ask anymore questions about your past and I will always be your friend. Abhay nods his head and Piya surges forwards, catching Abhay by surprise as she hugs him. He smells the honey smell in her hair and feels a sense of peace  come over him. Hearing her throat clear, they broke the hug quickly and turn to see a 10 yr old girl with a grin on her face with Alok standing near by her. The girl is dressed in a lehenga and a choli and Alok is fidgeting in his sherwani as if he wants out of. Piya jumps up and said "oh my god, you are so late. Come I will drop you into the reception hall. She gestures them to come forward, but both Avni and Alok shake their heads and said "No. Piya looks at them in puzzle while Abhay coughs to hide his grin and bring her attention. Piya's attention shifting to him he said , "it seems I am your companion for this reception as said by Avni?. Avni enthusiastically nods her head whereas Alok just nods along with his sister. Piya smiles and said "that's okay Abhay, you don't have to do that. You can accompany Avni and Alok to the engagement party. But as soon as she said the words, she saw all of them fold their hands and stand with a stubborn expression on their face. Abhay with a scowl on his face said "Now what kind of friend would I be if I don't fulfil a promise I made to someone? Piya sighs and feels like clutching her head but seeing their unmovable expression she knew that she is going to lose. She said "Fine, I will come to the party. Give me 10 minutes, I will change. Abhay said "Make it half an hour. We are in no hurry. Right. Piya for the first time sees how Abhay's eyes crinkle with the smile he bestows on Alok and Avni but she couldn't ponder upon it as she is pushed to the bedroom to change.

In the engagement party,

Misha is seriously going to murder someone if another person she meets states how now she looks like a proper girl. Her mother and sister beaming at the compliment but she felt like screaming. Urghh, how can anyone wear such long skirts and this top. She fidgets from one side to another as she can literally feel the heels she is wearing digging into her foot arches. Her father looks at with his eyebrows as he is aware of the discomfort and she feels a sigh of relief as she feels someone shift near her so she can lean on. But the next second she stiffens and feels her father itching closer to her as she felt someone say "you okay champ?. Turning to the side, she musters her facial muscle to make a smile and clutches her hands not to punch into the smug bas***ds face. How can he stand there and smile at her like he didn't almost literally destroy the one relationship that was the closest the Misha. Misha was always the tomboy of the girls and whoever said be yourself should seriously go and look at the girls. From childhood till now Misha has seen how girls were always dressed in skirts and dresses and when Misha showed no such inclination they used to make fun of her calling her a person in the wrong body. Piya was like a breath of fresh air who recognized the unnecessity of such things yet knew how to use them when the time came. She never enforced her views on Misha like every women in her life did, she just accepted her. And how did Misha pay back? By being a complete bitch to Piya in her time of need. She can never forgive herself for this mistake but she won't stop also till she has Piya's forgiveness. She will go to any limit to gain that even dress in the clothes she hates just to bring a smile to Piya's face. She just hopes that Abhay was able to get through to Piya otherwise, she will have to find a way to meet Piya in college since nowadays Piya goes completely noncommunicado to avoid her, Kabir and Abhay but also to avoid the college's bad girls which is T and her gang who Misha saw staring at her with a gobsmacked expression.

Feeling an arm snake around her waist, Misha saw Kabir pulling her away from Danish making an excuse of getting some drink. She said as soon as they left Danish's presence "Kabir I am not drinking. Last time I drank I miss Danish's truth but not now. Kabir just quietly pulled her to the side and said "I know champ, but I also know that if I left you for one second there, you would have punched Danish's face. Seeing her father reach them, she heard her father say "Kabir is right, Misha. You have to control your emotions otherwise Danish will get suspicious. Misha said "How can I control my emotions when that son of a b***h is playing my sister and did play my best friend like a fiddle. Hitting him in the face is the smallest punishment he deserves. I should castrate his balls for even doing this in the first place. Arnab looks into Misha's eyes and said "Take a deep breath and control Misha. Let Abhay get Piya and let Piya forgive us then we will think about the next step. Okay. Their eye gaze broke hearing the door open and they turn to see Abhay and Piya enter with two kids holding Piya's both arms.

Chapter 5

Piya could feel Abhay's presence by her side as she sits in one corner of the room trying to make sure no one is noticing her but she knows by now she is unsuccessful. The kids broke away from her hands and ran to their parents. Seeing that they had reached safely, she walked to the corner with the intention of being inconspicuous. She didn't even notice Abhay walking step by step until she saw to the left and there he was walking beside her. And her decision to remain inconspicuous was tossed out as everyone is now either glaring at them like T and his parents, or looking at them with a confused expression like Panchi and Danish. Seeing his parents glaring at him, she leans towards Abhay and said "Maybe you should go and mingle with others Abhay. Abhay whispers back "I don't know anyone here. Piya said "Then why did you come?. Abhay just looks at her and she could feel her cheeks redden as she realizes the answer. Even then, a small smile is present on her lips as she realizes that someone is doing something because of her. A happiness is bubbling in her chest.

Abhay then whispers "Piya, can you trust me and come with me?. Without any hesitation, Piya nodded her head and Abhay is again amazed at the level of trust she is placing on him. He just hopes that by allowing this conversation, He is not making a mistake. Guiding Piya, through the crowd, he could feel the glare of his parents but he ignores it, he discreetly looks at Misha and Kabir and he could see them making their way through the crowd. Getting Piya outside the hall, he guides her to an empty closet he sees on the hallway. Opening the door, he motions Piya to go inside. She looks at him with a confused expression but goes inside the closet. He sees Misha and Kabir and both of them on seeing him walk towards them. Reaching him, they wrinkle their nose but go inside the closet. Going in after them, he closes the door and turns to see Piya staring at Misha and Kabir with a gobsmacked expression.

But before Piya could react, she immediately held Piya's hands and said "I am sorry, am so sorry Piya. She then left the hands and held her ears and started going up and down like a child doing punishment. "I should have trusted you and I didn't. I trusted that b*****d Danish. And I was also blind in my sister's love and I couldn't see the truth and I am so sorry Piya. Holding Misha by the shoulders, Piya said "Okay Misha. Its okay. I am glad that you saw the truth. And you knew Danish for a long time. Obviously, you trusted him more. Kabir said "But we also should have trusted you Piya. You have always shown yourself as someone who always fights for the truth no matter how much it hurts you. And I was also blinded by my ego. I just couldn't get over the fact that you might not want to be with me. I am so sorry Piya. Piya smiles at Kabir and Kabir feels his heart lighten as she said "its okay Kabir. He is your brother after all. You all will trust him. But how did you know the truth? I thought that Danish left no evidence and he twisted the evidence that I had shown you all so how.

Now, Misha, Kabir and Abhay were at a loss on what to say. They couldn't tell Piya that her room was wiretapped, she will be horrified and for her dignity will feel like it was compromised. Before Abhay and Kabir opened his mouth, Misha said "Remember that cheque you had shown it to us?. Piya nodded. Misha continues "Well, the cheque's date was in November but Danish claims having met Maya only in the month of December. So how can a cheque's date be in November when Danish never met Maya in November. So I saw the cheque and got Kabir involved. He double checked the cheque book and saw that there was a cheque receipt torn for that date. Then you weren't in college for 2 days so we went to Abhay to find out where you were. But Abhay was already searching for you since he found out that you had left the hostel. Anyway before we could search further for you, Abhay got the call from Avni. By the way who is Avni, and how do you know her?. Piya blinks at the barrage of information as she sorts everything Mish said in her mind and after gathering her thoughts, she said "Ummm, Avni was a girl I babysitted when I was in the orphanage. I thought I would go to the city, to find a place since I had some money saved from the scholarship, but I met them on the way and they brought me here. Wait so now, you, Kabir and Abhay are friends?. Misha glances at Kabir and Abhay who are looking at each other with a distaste expression but it was better than outright hate and she said to Piya with a smirk on her face "It's a work in progress. Piya stifles her giggles as she sees Abhay and Kabir look at Misha with a horrified expression.

Misha said "Anyway, lets leave all this. We have to figure out a plan to out Danish. And we have to do it quick. And anyway you are with us also. But Piya's stops Misha talk by squeezing her hand. She looks at all of them in trepidation "I want to be friends with all of you but I cannot help in taking down Danish not anymore. Misha, Kabir stares at her with an aghast expression while Abhay just looks at her in confusion. Misha said "Piya is it because of what we said? Because we are very sorry. Piya shakes her head and said "Misha its not that. I know that during those circumstances you all could only trust someone you know well and that was Danish. I don't carry any ill will because of that. But that incident also shows me another reality Misha. I don't belong in the world you all are living in.