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"I grew to understand that people don't always build walls to keep others out. It's done out of necessity to protect whatever is left within." Xander said and took a pause, he held Naina's hand and looked at her whose eyes were perplexed.

"There's a lot Sameer has gone through, which has made what he is at present. I don't know much about you, kiddo. When my mother died due to a few health complications, Dad was in a fix. He loved her,loved her more than anyone. He wasn't able to live in that home as memories started to haunt him. Vivek uncle who was a really close friend of Dad asked him to stay in his mansion. Dad sold the house and arranged for us settling in abroad. That's when I met Sameer who was son of Vivek uncle and Vishaka aunty. Dad and I stayed there for a week. Once Nanaji had brought a little baby to their house and that was you. He said that you were his friend's kid and your father had some work so he left you with Nanaji. Vishaka aunty was too fond of you and I remember she was really tensed about something when Nanaji had said her something, which was mostly related to you. Sameer and I were never great friends because of difference in our behaviour. He was cheerful and a prankster while I was always into my books. I don't know how but you got close to me. It was really difficult for me to leave you that day." Xander said while Naina nodded her head in a way of understanding.

"Do you know what happened that changed Mr. Maheshwari?" 

"I don't know Naina. He never speaks about himself."Naina hummed in response, lost in her thoughts. She was the one who urged Xander to tell about him and how he met her. Xander raised his arm and rubbed her head softly.

"Don't think much, kiddo. Sometimes it takes time to heal old wounds. You just have to give that person some space."Xander explained.

"Did Mr. Maheshwari call you? It's been a week since he hasn't returned home."

"I did try but he isn't picking. He would be safe as a few guards are with him. Do not stress yourself as you are not well."  

"Xan, I am fine. I don't want to drink this." Naina cribbed.

"Fine, really? You have puked two times today and just a moment before you were crying as your stomach hurt. This is all because you eat a lot of sweets." Xander spoke, giving her a cup of some traditional tea (khada) which he had made for her. She gulped it making faces only to earn Xander's hearty laugh.

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Sameer strode in the room,slamming the door behind. His each breath varied while beads of sweat rolled down his face. He went back to where it happened.He gulped a lump of saliva and pressed brows in order to calm himself but failed miserably. He stared at the room,which he dared not to enter these years. Subconsciously, his eyes darted towards the fan where he saw a person hanged. "Maa.." He whispered more to himself, as he walked towards the strangled dead body.

Tears streamed down his eyes as his lips quivered in fear. He raised his hand to touch her but before he could it disappeared into thin air. Streams of tears flowed faster than his racing heartbeats as the reality struck him. He had become an orphan in true sense. Losing his parents and then, losing his only family, Nanu kicked right at his guts. Sameer stood there with tormented eyes as he held a table with his shivering hands for support.

"All my l-life I have spent just moulding into a p-person who I ne-never was. All I had was you and I never wanted to lose you. I just wish to end my life but then I realise that there's a lot that I need to give an end to. My bones are stained with sin, broken by betrayals and cold due to loneliness. Will you forgive me Maa, Baba for this? I did not want to lose you. Not you, Nanu. Nobody knows what you meant to me." Sameer uttered much more to himself as he wasn't able to get over the loss of his Nanu, who died due to health complications.

After a few moments, he wiped his face and put on his blank expressions. He stared at the room for a last time, vowing to never return back until he takes revenge for his parent's death.

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"Mr. Maheshwari!" Naina squealed,the very next moment she winced. Sameer looked at her in concern and then glanced at Xander.

"Sameer, are you okay?" Xander asked in pure concern.

"I am fine, Silva. "He replied. Xander bid goodnight to them and left their room. Sameer noticed Naina staring at him but then she smiled softly. She gestured to him to sit next to her which he followed.

"This is the reason I have always stopped you from eating sweets." He scolded as he saw a warm water bag placed on her stomach.

“Does it hurt?” Sameer asked carefully, looking at the huge scar that trailed from her chest to stomach. The scar was pale in color and bumpy, raised above the skin ever so slightly. 

“It did. When I first received it” 
Naina replied, looking away, pursing her lips in nervousness.

“I can't believe someone could do this to you,"Sameer whispered as he stared at the scar controlling his raging anger.

"It doesn't hurt now, Mr. Maheshwari. Moreover that person can never hurt me again." Naina replied softly caressing her thumb over his fisted knuckles which did act as an instant relaxer.

"Are you not scared of me,Naina?" 

"You are not as evil as people think and speak about you." Her eyes drifted up to his, which was unreadable. His eyes were cold and lifeless as he stared at her.

"You have no idea of who I am. Maybe, worse than what people think about me." He engulfed her into a soulful hug.He held her close to himself for the last time which she wasn't aware of and did not expect him to hug after what he spoke. A small voice echoed in her mind. She wasn't able to comprehend his actions which were too distinct from his words. He quickly moved back and stared at her who was confused.

"Take care of yourself. I won't be there always for you." Sameer said adjusting the hot water bag which was placed on her tummy and left the room. Naina sighed and looked at him leave. Smile drained off from her lips as his words roamed in her mind. She hid her problems behind a smile to enclose her pains but now it seemed that it had started to haunt her. She pat her face slightly and wiped the lone tear that dropped from her eyes unknowingly and laid on the bed. Her vision blurred as sleep engulfed her.

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Through the closed door came raised voices, each to and fro of the verbal fight getting more shrill, more severe. Naina gasped in horror as she heard her husband yelling incoherent words. She withdrew her hand from the handle and crept backwards.

"Calm down. We can speak about this matter in a better manner, Sir. Sameer, do not lose your cool." 
Naina heard Xander's voice who was trying to calm the two men.

"Xan." Naina called him in a hushed tone. Xander's eyes widened in horror and  rushed to her.

"What are you doing here? Go to your room now!" 
He said pushing her out of the room but she did not budge.She stared at the man who was standing there looked familiar. The man walked towards Naina's and held her hand gently.

"Stay away from her!"
Naina shrinked as Sameer yelled.The man who was in his fifties,glared at him.Naina stared at Sameer's raging figure.He didn't just raise his voice, his muscles tensed and he got right in close for maximum impact.

"Naina, kaisi ho aap?" The man asked as softly.

"A..aap kon? Mai janti nahi aapko. Xan, Mr.Maheshwari, do you kno-" 
Her voice trailed as she realised something. She glanced at Sameer to assure herself.

"Go in the room, Khaza. I will handle everything."

"No, I-I want to speak to him."
Sameer resisted but she was firm with her decision.

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