NAIRA'S POV

That felt like another first. I heard him call my name for the first time and it felt different. Of course, he knew my name. I'd like to believe I know his too. Well, I had overheard it but then why would we any introductions? This wasn't a meet and greet, right? Then he let me go and handed the plate he'd cooked to me. 

" Eat, drink, and do whatever you want but you ain't going anywhere and you aren't getting your phone." It wasn't an order but felt like a warning. 

" Huh! What is..." I couldn't finish my sentence as he helped himself with a fork and in an absolutely intriguing deftness stuffed my mouth with a bite of his omelet. It was neither truly amazing and delectable or I was so famished to distinguish between good and not-so-good. So, without arguing further I went on to finish it.  

" Slow girl... You'll choke yourself. If one's starving then one doesn't skip dinner. " I looked at him and I noticed his really dark brown eyes looking right at mine.

" Well, I'm still upset but also this is so good. I'll give you that. You can be a chef if you like if just give up this kidnapping business. "

" Hmmm... Sounds fair but you can't judge a person's culinary skills just by tasting an omelet. Although, thanks. One needs to learn everything when one has to live alone." He added softy. And for a second I saw something in his eyes and I couldn't believe that I was engaging in a normal conversation with my captivator. But, I didn't have many options either. 

" Morning Boss... Morning Naira. " The moment or whatever that was, was interrupted by that annoying employee of his. He's probably the one who was directly involved in my misery. 

"Good Morning Rian... Have some. " And the boss displays his kindness. Despite the awkward situation I was in, it all felt somewhat normal. 

" Thanks but I had my breakfast. Here, I hope you find all your essentials in this. " He said handing me a bag. I opened it to find all my bare necessities and some clothes along with my teddy which was indispensable to me and a family photo which I kept on my nightstand. 

" Why did you bring this? And did you meet Simi? " I asked filled with curiosity.

" Yes. You'll need them. We don't know for sure how long you'll be staying here and we don't want your friend to worry and create any more problems for us. So, if you need anything else be free to ask Rian. He is Rian and he'll take care of you if you need anything from the outside while Nina, you met her yesterday, will help you here. Don't worry, you'll be taken care of. " The mafia boss went on as if he was lecturing me on some science topic. It wasn't long but I could feel my heart swelling up. Did he really mean all this?  

I did listen to all of his words very carefully and at any moment I thought I'd burst but I took some deep breaths. 

" What do you mean? What do you mean you don't know how long will I stay? I don't wanna stay here, not for a day, an hour, or even a second. I don't wish to be taken care of. And by taken care of do you mean that you might kill me? What... " I rambled but he burst into fits of laughter. 

" What kind of movies have you been watching? To answer one of your many questions, No, dear. We don't wish to kill you. That'll be a shame. " He answered amidst all the chortling. I stood clueless.

" What... And you..." Since the boss had rendered himself useless I turned to his pet. 

" What did you tell Simi? She's never gonna believe you. She'll call the cops. I know her. Did you threaten her? If you did trust me... "

" God! Boss... She's impossible. I'm giving up already. " Rian threw his hands up in surrender. 

" Yeah! I know. She has a temper. " He smirked and I was already exasperated. 

" Hey, answer me and stop talking amongst yourselves. " I shouted.

" I met your friend and asked her to give me some of your essentials politely. " Rian replied. 

" That's it? She caved. What reason did you give? "

" I told her that due to a family emergency, you had to leave on very short notice, and since I was your close relative... "

" No, you did not. You did not tell her that. Liar. You're not my relative. I don't even know you.  " I interrupted. 

" I came by to inform her about your safety. Also, I told her you'll be staying somewhere off the grid since your life is in danger. " He completed nevertheless.

What the hell was going on?

" Liar... Firstly my life is not in danger or maybe it is since you guys have entered and made it worst and secondly, she wouldn't believe it. " I spoke. Simi wasn't a person who could be fooled so easily.

" Boss... " He begged, looking towards that shirtless guy who was the most irritating person I had been in my lifetime.

" Handle it... I'm doing it since yesterday. "

" Fine. I didn't lie. You're my relative. Look at this." He handed me a photograph. I was standing in a corner with my dad while this person was next to me with someone else. It was an old one but our faces were quite similar to recognize. I must've been about 8 or 10. But, I couldn't remember it. We looked younger maybe in school but I could make a resemblance. He had to be Rian but why don't I know him?

" You wouldn't know since we were never like family. Our parents weren't on speaking terms. So, I'll introduce myself. I'm Rian Mills, son of your father's real bother. Since things weren't going well between them both parted ways and we never met as cousins. This photo is from the last family meeting we had as a courtesy for some business photo op. He must've never spoken about me. "

My head was already spinning. I was aware that I had an uncle but this guy who kidnapped me was my cousin was even more tormenting.

" I-I don't remember anything. I think I knew about an uncle but he was my dad's real brother, I had no idea. No one ever told me. I even have cousins?" I felt as if I might cry but I didn't. I looked at Rian but he didn't answer.  

" Naira... Hey, it's alright. I understand it's a lot. Don't be frustrated. There are still many things you don't know. " Shivaan said and I looked at him fiercely.

" And... I don't want to know. And how could you kidnap your sister."

" It had to be done anyway. And your life was in danger out there. " When he said that I had to laugh which was hysterical and followed by somewhat crying. Both of them were a bit perplexed by my reaction. 

" See, you keep saying my life 'was' in danger but I find it difficult to believe it since 'technically' it was all good until you 'dangerous' men kidnapped me so if any sane person would comment they'd say my life 'is' in danger right now. " As I heaved a sigh after completing my complicated sentence with gestures whenever necessary the look on their faces didn't change much. Then they had to laugh and make me furious.

" What... "

" Seriously... Trust us, you're better off here than anywhere else. This is the safest place you can be. Also, if you've seen 'Knight and Day', please don't let Roy Miller's warning to June get to you. I mean it when I say safe. " Shivaan conveyed in a grave yet with his continuous laughing.

The last line made me feel concussed. 

" Look... I want to go home. Please. Danger notwithstanding." I beseeched. Now I was on the verge of crying and I didn't wanna show them I was weak.

" That you're not going anytime soon, girl. Not until we finish our work and get what we want. "

" What the hell do you want... Tell me Huh!!... " I pushed him and hit him on his chest.

" Sshhhh!!! It's gonna be alright....." He pulled my hand and looked into my eyes. His brown dark ones assured me that he wasn't lying but then why is it so hard to believe? 

At once I realized that we were in an awkward position. I jerked his hand away and grabbed my bag and ran back to the room I had been assigned to, shutting it loudly. The tears were falling now. It was haunting me and the air was stifling. I was stranded alone after a long time again. I was having bad feelings and it felt as if my past was beckoning me, finally catching up with me.  

I sat on the bed my head on the pillow which was all wet.

" Naira... Naira..."

" Huh! '' I didn't realize when I fell asleep.

" Lunch? " Nina asked.

I looked at myself. I looked terrible and I didn't even get a chance for a bath as apparently, I slept after that tormenting morning.

" Can I have a bath? Then I'll come downstairs. "

She nodded.

I had a long warm bath and it did feel like heaven. I got into my black jeans and a crop top that Simi has sent. If I can't go home, the least I can do is be in my own clothes at least. 

" Hi... Nina. We didn't get a chance to meet properly given the predicament I find myself in. " Where is everyone?" I tried to smile but it was hurting. 

" I understand. But, Shivaan isn't totally the bad guy you think he is. You'll see." She had a genuine smile and I believe it was like a mother's love that was talking. 

" I-I don't know. I can't see. I don't know him..."

" Relax, eat something." She had fixed me a plate.

" Is there anyone else in the house?" I asked going into the kitchen and gorging on that delicious chicken. Damn, since when was I this ravenous?

" Well, Shivaan and Rian left long back. So there is no one here. It's only you, me, and some more people who work here."

" His family?" I had to know. 

" Shivaan's Dad passed away about 7 years ago. Since then he is all alone."

" And his mom?"

" No one knows and no one speaks about her. C'mon, have your food. There's a TV in the living room if you wish to see it. "

I dropped the conversation there. I wonder what happened to her. I had my lunch and then I was watching some random shit the entire afternoon. It must've been years since I last saw so much TV. I don't get enough time to even wash my hair on some days. I was sprawling on the sofa the entire day and honestly, it did feel good. 

" God! Have you not slept in ages? " I rubbed my eyes to look at where the voice came from. I realize I had slept and it seemed as if it was quite late in the evening. 

There was this towering man standing in front of my sleeping form blocking the light from piercing my eyes. And he was in a black suit. That's great. 

" I wasn't sleeping," I declared while trying to stand straight but I was still in my slumber and slipped back. He wasn't wrong. I might as well be snoring too and it will make anyone think that I've not slept in ages and I was making that up by sleeping the entire day. 

"Your actions might disagree."

"I...I-I...Let it be." I gave up. I had zero energy to argue. 

" Fair. So let's have a proper introduction. I'm Shivaan Malik. " He said stretching his hand to me.

I looked up at his bold stance only thinking about why does it feel as if his last name rings some semblance in my ears? 

SHIVAAN'S POV

When I returned in the evening from the office I saw her lying on the sofa and I'm pretty sure she was snoring. It seemed as if she'd not rested well in a long time. The morning didn't go as I'd hoped but I think with some time Naira might adjust. She has to for our plan to work. It wasn't pleasant and that somehow upset me. 

".... I'm Shivaan Malik. I'm pleased to meet you," I repeated again.

" Hi... I'm not at all pleased to meet you. Not that you don't know but I'm Naira Sharma..." It didn't come as a shock but I knew she was lying. 

" Not Sharma... It's Bakshi. You are Naira Bakshi."

I could make out that she was completely stumped. She had to be.

" What did you think? We just go on the streets and abduct anyone on a first come first serve basis. Huh?"

" Look, you don't know who I am. It is what I said it was. You can verify my documents. That's what I've been saying. You're mistaken. "

" Changing your last name for just a matter of few years won't transform the fact that you are the daughter of none other than Kabir Bakshi. That last name you carry is heavier than you think it would be. " Her eyes went wide and she did get a bit pale. I think she finally understood the gravitas of the situation she was in. The past that she assumed she had left in some corner was right where she had left it, behind her, chasing her and now she was facing it. 

" No... No... You don't know..." But I knew and she knew too. She slumped on the sofa as if she had accepted her defeat and it was a sad sight. I had no idea what went wrong between the two but evidently, they were not on talking terms.  

" No, he's not my father. He can never be my father. " I saw fresh tears in her blue eyes. She had decided to not wear those lenses again but I don't think she had any spare too. 

At once I regretted bringing this topic up. It was too soon but then I had to. I had to know how much she was willing to give in. 

" There is nothing between us now. I've abandoned that life very much behind. They don't mean anything to me, anymore..."

" But, it doesn't change the fact that they still consider you as their daughter."

" Of course, they will. It was his fault for how things turned out He did this to our family. He broke us up. And anyways, no parent ever abandons their child. " She said looking at me as I was still standing close by. Maybe, I should sit as she could strain her neck or I could leave. But, I stayed.

" Well, everyone is not that lucky though. But, Naira running away from Delhi and coming to Mumbai wasn't a very good idea. " I sat next to her and switched the TV off.

" Why? " She questioned looking at me. Her eyes were red. Blue and red. 

" Did you think that you were in some isolated place in the world, somewhere, where no one could trace you... "

She was silent now, a trait that is evasive to her. In our brief time together, I understood that she loves to express herself without any filters. 

" Do you mean to say..."

" Always... Always. Your father's men have been keeping track of you 24/7. He knows everything that you do and everyone you meet. After you ran they would've barely taken a week or so to trace you. Did you ever realize how easily you got a flat at such cheap rates, how did you get admission to the best institution... Ever? "

A set of fresh tears were flowing down her soft cheeks. I didn't mean any harm to her but she needs to know this. The more she is against her father the easier it will for us. And for her as well, to adjust and cooperate with us. 

" Did you ever pause to think that despite the hustle of this city you've always been protected and things were a bit smooth for you? You landed a great job too."

" Please... A-are you implying that I had nothing to do with all of my achievements?" It was a whisper. 

" I-I... I don't mean it that way." Of course, I didn't mean it in a demeaning way. I just wanted her to know that her father still held the reins of her life. 

" It wasn't merited then, is it? My father bulldozed his way into my life here too." 

" Naira... What I meant is..."

" Then how?" She interrupted and didn't let me finish. She clearly was lost in her own train of thoughts and questions. 

" Pardon?"

" Then how did you get hold of me? If I was so protected he'll know."

" Ha, it was tricky, indeed. Hence, it took us a lot of time. It was an elaborate plan. They were tracing you wherever you went with whoever you were. But, this week he's been away due to some emergency and the business has been tumultuous. We saw our window. " I explained. 

" You thought that you left your past behind but the truth was that it was always chasing you. "

She looked at me all broken.

" Naira..." I wanted to soothe her pain. I rested my hand on her shoulder but she shoved it away. It left a tingling empty feeling in the gut. Maybe, this was all a bad idea. 

" I get it. He had used me as a pawn. Maybe, he still uses me. Well, he did it. I was his pawn and have been the entire time. I thought I had my life in my control but the truth is it was all for nothing. It has been a lie. And now, you've me. You'll use me to get some kinda revenge on him, right? That's exactly why I'm here. He must've done something terrible to you. So, now I'm gonna be your pawn in this fucking, life-sucking game..." She let out and it wasn't a cry, it was pure anguish. 

" I-I... No..."

" Please..."

" No, I don't want you as a pawn. "

" What? You don't?"

" No, I've got a better idea. A business proposition." 

_______________________________________________

Hey Guys!

Sorry for a late update. 😅

I hope you enjoyed this update. Let me know what you're thinking in the comments. 🤗

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Next Chapter - A Business Proposition 🔜

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Vruksha.