Neev.

I can't believe this! I really can't!

"If I ever come out of here, I will-" I stopped when I realised that my gang has already left.

"I... I can't believe... they locked us here?" Riya said as I leaned to the wall.

"What are they playing at? Wait till I see them again!" I said.

"Your Phone... do you have-"

"Do you think I have the phone with me? God! I can't believe I fell for it!" I was actually angry at myself.

"It's all your fau...lt," Riya turned to me in the darkness "I am...co...Cold," she said.

"So am I! We are on the freaking balcony, Riya," I looked at her. I could just see her outline in the dark. "And how was I supposed to know about their plan!?"

"You told me to let her...hel...help me," her voice trembled.

"So this was the whole point of dinner, Wait till I see them," I said.

"It's no use getting angry now, Think of a way to get out of here,"

"Can you hear yourself Riya? We are on the top floor of the building! And there's no light."

"Then do you want to spend the night here? I don't want to freeze!" she said again.

I just shut my mouth. I mean, I don't think there's any need to reason with her, she is being unreasonable and angry.

"Nee...v?"

There was a small two-person settee there, I walked and slumped down there.

"Nivin Rosh Aldri-"

"Let's face it; we are trapped Riya, just sit here and wait,"

"I can't beli...eve you are asking me to wait till...morning,"

"I am already mad, so stop this oka...what in the world are you wearing?" I asked. My eyes have slowly adjusted to the dark now.

"Don't you mind," she said, taking a step back.

"Are you wearing a bathrobe!?" I asked, no wonder she's so cold.

"It's your fault, Amy tricked me," she raised her voice defensively.

Jeez! I am going to kill them when I see them.

I closed my eyes tightly for a moment.

Riya is right, it's all my fault, I would have told them something for them to act like this! I mean...They never played cupid before!

Its okay Neev, think rationally, you have a very strong willpower!

I know I can't touch her, not before everything is cleared between us, and I can't just confess now, Now is not the time.

"Come and sit here, we don't have any choice," I said, very calm now.

"I am fine here," she said stubbornly.

"Fine, suit yourself," I said angrily, I am trying my best here and she's making it difficult for me.

Calm down Neev, she doesn't know what you are going through; you can't take it out on her like this...

"The lights... I will just focus on them..." she was murmuring under her breath.

But unfortunately, I couldn't seem to concentrate anywhere else.

"Just come and sit here, it will get colder if you stand there on that cold floor,"

"No than...ks..." she was still stubborn. "The..li..ghts... focus on it..." she started to murmur again.

That's it; I am done with the talking part!

I got up and walked to her.

"Nivin, no!" she resisted as I took her hand.

"Jeez! Riya you are cold!"

"Ieav..leave..Ni...v..in!" she said again as I dragged her to the small sofa and pushed her to it.

"Sit there! I am not going to take advantage of you, so don't worry," I said firmly.

She didn't resist much; she pulled up her legs to the sofa and hugged herself.

I sit beside her.

Think of something, Neev...

Riya is just inches from me, she's naked underneath that rob-

No! Not that, the project, the company, anything...

"Have you visited Priya recently?" I asked slowly, Riya looked at me in surprise.

"Um... she used to keep in contact, but she hasn't even messaged me this week," I said.

It was not exactly a lie.

"She is busy, they are going to a new doctor this week, abroad," she said.

"Oh," I said.

"I... I am surprised... you two are still...asking about each other," Riya trembled again, "Both of...you are not the type to... to get close to peo..ple,"

"She's not just anyone, she's someone who is important to you," I shrugged and Riya looked at me, her eyes twinkling even in the darkness.

"Than...thank you,"

"Riya? Are you alright? I turned to her, "you are freezing," I stated.

"I... I can...manag-"

"You can't!" I touched her face, "you are ice cold Riya!" I said again, she tried to move my hands away.

"We need to get you warm... I can warm you-"

"No!" she said again, "you...you promised..."

"Yes, I did, and I don't deny the fact that I want you," I said, yes, I said it and Riya looked up in shock.

"But you need me now, or you will freeze to death,"

"I don't-"

"Yes you do," I said again, I took her legs in my hand and she squealed.

Stop making this difficult for me!

I rubbed the sole of her feet and she relaxed slightly.

"You...you are warm," she said slowly. I pulled her to me and she clutched my shoulders in surprise.

Our faces were too close, she was looking into my eyes, her breath fanned my cheek and I noticed the slight shiver of her body which, I am sure, was not from the cold.

I placed both of my palms on her cheeks, it was freezing cold.

"Let me help you,"

"Don't touch me-" she trembled.

"Why? Do you hate me?" I looked into her eyes that are sparkling now.

She's crying because of me!

"No," she shook her head, "because...you...you hate me Neev, and I don't want you to touch me when you hate me,"

I deserve to hear this, it's my fault.

My heart wrenched in pain, I couldn't see her cry, and I don't want to see her cry.

"I don't...hate you Riya," I whispered.

I wiped the teardrop that was flowing down her cheek.

In fact, I am in love with you... I never hated you, I can never do that...

"I will just warm you up Riya, I won't do anything you don't want me to do," I said slowly.

"Nee -"

"Shh..." I pressed my index finger on her lips and slowly closed the distance between us, I buried my face in her neck. My hands wrapped around her and I pulled her to me.

Riya gasped when I touched her and it just drove me mad.

"Neev,"

"Shh...Just relax..." I said

......................

I slowly opened my eyes, it was still not bright outside, and I looked at her.

She was still on top of me, sleeping peacefully now, holding me close to her.

I could never forget yesterday, I had to warm her up and it took all of my willpower not to go beyond it and she had responded to me, but I knew she was in so much heartache; silent tears were falling down her face all the time.

I groaned.

If my gang wanted to help me ease my suffering yesterday, they had succeeded in torturing me, I was touching her, but I couldn't touch her properly, I was hugging her, but not close enough for me and I wanted to make love to her, but she's like the forbidden fruit to me now.

So all in all, I am emotionally, mentally, and sexually frustrated like never before and I am confused like hell!

I know I need to tell her, But I don't know how to do it, because I know, A simple apology is not going to make it.

"Riya..." I called slowly, shaking her.

"Riya-"

I stopped when I felt her trying to move closer.

I stilled, I don't know what to do anymore. I watched her as she snuggled closer.

I tried my best to control.

You can't be selfish, Neev, She needs a proper apology from you, you need to show her that you really love her...just words are not going to be enough; She must come to trust you again...

I placed my palm tenderly over her cheek.

"Riya..."

She opened her eyes slowly.

I removed my hands as her eyes widened and she started to move away from me, she was trying to correct her robe around her and blushed red.

"I... I am sorry," she muttered and looked away; she got up and kept a distance between us.

You don't need to be!

I wanted to tell her that but decided against it as I watched her, She was Looking embarrassed.

We heard sounds and moved to the door, the house help Shanthi was already coming to the doorway and Riya moved in a flash, covering behind me.

She's still embarrassed about Shanthi seeing her only half dressed!

I was pleased as she hides behind me; I couldn't help but smile at her childishness.

Riya.

I walked to the room and just curled there. I think I am too tired from everything.

I don't know how much time I was sleeping there, but I Woke up when Neev called me again.

"Riya, Shanthi is gone, come and have your breakfast," he knocked on the door twice.

He was all fresh and ready to go.

"I am sleepy," I turned around.

"I am going out now, don't go to kitchen when you are alone," he said.

"Bye..." I said before lifting up the blanket up to my chin.

He hesitated a moment.

"Okay...bye,"

Neev walked out and I returned to my blissful sleep.

Neev.

"Good morning, sir," Cijoy came inside followed by Shiaz and Sushand.

"We were hoping to get a day off," Shiaz said, "now that the project is over, can we take a day off tomorrow?"

"Shiaz," I looked at him.

"Yes sir?"

"Do you think you are still in college?" I raised my eyebrows.

The three of them looked at me blankly and Sachin coughed, trying to hide his smile.

"Um... No?" Shiaz said reluctantly.

"Good, because I already sent you some papers, I want you to change it to graphic forms," I said.

Soon they were out of the cabin and Sachin started to laugh.

"Look who's talking! I can't believe this!"Sachin said in between. "There was a time when I had to drag you here!"

"Shut up and get to work, we can't afford to waste any time, these days until the meeting is crucial for us." I said.

"I never thought there would be a day like this Neev!" he smiled.

"I can't risk anything until the meeting," I said. "Or Grandpa will do something and I can't allow it." I said.

"We can only hope for the best since our project is already handed over," Sachin reminded me.

"It sucks, I know, but at least the directors know about it now, so I was hoping to get their support, after all...they are...they know I am James's son." I said slowly.

Sachin looked up at me in surprise. I can't blame him since I am mentioning my dad's name after a long time.

Riya's words just kept ringing in my ears. I know she is right-the only mistake my dad had ever done was to love blindly, I can't just keep my hatred for this long.

As I realised it, I tried to let go of it, it strangely brought some peace to me. I think I wanted it all the time, to let go of this anger and hatred.

"I am glad, you think so, Neev." Sachin said.

There's one thing though, I have promised myself one thing... I will never trust anyone blindly; I will never let anyone cheat me like they had done to my dad.

I will protect my loved ones, Nothing else is important to me...

"Sir, that hard disk is missing, you were working on it yesterday," Sushand opened the door slightly.

"Oh! I think I left it behind, can any one of you three go and collect it?" I looked at him. "It's too important to send anyone else," I said.

"Sure, I will go get it" he said.

"Okay, my...wife's there, she will bring it to you," I said slowly, "I will call her and inform now," I said.

Sushand looked surprised. I think it's first time I am mentioning her in front of my juniors.

"Okay sir," he walked back.

I dialled her number, but she was not picking up. I know she's very careless about her phone. I texted her and leaned to my chair.

Riya...she's planning to transfer out of that college, she is planning to go far away, how am I going to solve everything?

I know I can't just announce that I want her to stay with me, She's very stubborn and proud too, She wouldn't like it if I am asking her to stay after putting her through all that heartache.

"Are you even listening, Neev?" I heard Sachin and snapped out of it.

"What?" I asked.

"You are zoning out now?" he asked. "It's the conference time," he said.

"Yea," I moved to the big round table in my office. Shiaz and Cijoy were already there.

"Check this out, don't you think it's better?" Sachin turned his laptop screen to me.

"Yea, it does look good," I said, looking at the new designs.

We started to discuss about it.

"Wait a sec-" I attended the call as the rest of them continued, "Did you get it, Sushand?" I asked him.

"Sir no one's opening the door," he said.

"What? It's not possible, try again."

"I already tried a lot of time, sir." he said.

I felt uneasy suddenly, it must've shown in my face because all the others turned to me.

"What's it, Neev?" Sachin asked.

"Nothing...wait..." I dialled our watchman.

"Uncle, it's me, Nivin, Is Riya's car there?" I asked.

"It's here, I didn't see madam coming out today," he said.

"Okay," I got up from my seat. I was starting to get worried.

She must be alright, may be sleeping...

"I will go check up on Riya, Sushand can't get inside," I said to Sachin. "And she's not picking up." I said.

"Are you alright?" Sachin asked, "come on, I will drive you there," he said; now looking worried.

"I will take care of it," I started to hurry outside. "She might be so engrossed in her works; you know how she could be,"

Sachin was still coming with me.

"Yea, she will be alright, I am just worried about you." he said.

"I am okay Sach-"

"I want to see her too," he added.

Soon Sachin was driving me out of there.

I was out of the seat and pressed the elevator button as soon as we were there.

Sushand was still waiting outside, looking worried. I pinned my password and opened the door.

"Riya?" I called out as soon as I was inside. Sachin was looking around too.

"Riya?" she was not in either room.

"Riy-" I stilled as I saw her on the floor, "Riya?"

I was beside her in a flash and turned her around.

"God! You are burning up!" I exclaimed.

"She doesn't look good, Neev." Sachin said somewhere beside me, but I was too shocked to find her like this.

Her face was pale and her lips dry. I lifted her up into my hands.

"Riya?" I called her again.

"I think we should take her to the hospital," Sachin said again.

I didn't wait any longer; I wrapped her in my hands and walked out of the apartment.

You are going to be alright...Please...Please be alright...

"You can go back to the office, Sushand, we will be late," Sachin told him before he started to drive.

I was in the backseat with Riya, Still clutching her tightly in my hands. I don't want to set her down.

It's because of me! She was not well in the morning and I didn't notice it!

"Riya?" I shook her again slowly. I really want to see her opening her eyes or responding to me.

"Don't worry, it must be the fever, she will be alright." Sachin said.

I promised her that family comes first to me!

My heart ached when I thought of how long she was there out on the cold floor.

"It's...because of me! I left her all alone...there," I said. "I am sorry, Riya," I said again.

We reached the hospital and they examined her while I waited near anxiously.

"There's nothing to worry about, she's just tired and she has a high fever," Doctor said.

The cold wind from the balcony would have made it worse too...

"She's not taking her food correctly, there are signs of dehydration too, I will just give her an IV drip, it's nothing to worry about," he said.

I looked away as they put the IV cannula on her arm.

"Relax Neev, she's okay, her fever will come down now," Sachin told me.

But I couldn't reply, I took the chair beside her and held her hand, waiting for her to wake up. She was looking tired and weak.

I know it's all because of me.

"Nee...v?" I heard her soft voice and looked up.

She was trying to look at me. I tightened her hand that I have been holding without thinking.

"Riya?" Relief coursed through me.

"Sachin?" her eyes moved to Sachin, who looked relieved too. "What... happened?" she said now, looking around the room.

I can't believe she's asking me this now!

All my worries just exploded at her question, I could not control it.

"I will tell you what happened, Riya; you were passed out on the cold floor!" I started, I don't know from where the words were coming.

"I asked you if you were okay in the morning and you just shrugged it off! You are always creating troubles one way or another, Riya! I clearly told you not to go to the kitchen and you did exactly that! And after doing all these, you have the nerve to ask this? What happened!? Guess what, Riya, you are in the damned hospital now and you have a high fever, that's what happened," I said in anger.

I don't know why I am getting angry like this. Sachin was looking at me, shocked.

Riya smiled slowly. "You're...Worried," she said in her soft voice, reading me well.

She has the audacity to smile now!

"I am mad at you, Riya! Not worried!" I let go of her hand deliberately now.

"Err...guys, I will see you two later then, Riya, get well soon, I will come in the evening," Sachin said.

"Thank you," Riya smiled at him and Sachin walked out.

"Riya! This is not over!"

"I am sorry, Neev." she slowly placed her palm over mine. I looked at her, "Don't worry-"

"Do you think I want to hear your sorry, Riya? I told you not to go there! You should have called me if you were feeling ill! It could have been worse, you could've really gotten hurt, hit your head or break your hand when you fell down!"

"I am... sorry, I didn't know that I would faint," she said again, "I usually deal with it fine," she told me, probably trying to calm me. "I even had to go through viral fever once, I am a tough girl." she smiled.

But it has a very disturbing effect on me; I am worried and concerned about her. I couldn't imagine her being all alone when she is very ill.

"Besides, I was not going to the kitchen... I was trying to water my plan...Err... I was trying to look for something-"

"Is it that damned plant again?" I shouted and she winced.

"Uh...sorry," I took her hand. "Take rest, you are not well... I shouldn't have lost my temper, sorry."

"You sure seem to say a lot of sorry these days," Riya smiled.

I had a weird sensation in my heart, it is happening whenever she's smiling.

"Are you making fun of me now?" I narrowed my eyes at her, but my heart was actually feeling at ease now, Now that I know she's okay.

"Close your eyes, sleep it off, you look tired,"

"You should go back to your office, I will be fi-"

"Riya, don't make me repeat!" I cut across her, "just do as I say," I added.

I waited near as she slowly dozed off again. I looked at her face.

This is my wife, Riya, whom I love with all of my heart.

This is the only girl I want to protect with my life and she is the only person who trusted me without any doubt.

She's an orphan, she wanted to marry for love so that she could never be alone again, but she ended up married to me

I have experienced the love from her, the sincere and pure form of love.

She trusted me, she stayed beside me, protected me from Grandpa in her own way and she practically offered her life to me.

She was staying at Aldrick's for quite some time and I have never heard her complaining, not even once.

I watched her getting punished and threatened by Grandpa, I convinced her to get married to me despite all her dreams, I know I have broken her trust and worse-broken her heart.

But not anymore...she was an orphan, but now she has me, and I am going to protect her with my life.

My hand touched her hair on its own and I smoothed her hair.

I can't even imagine my life without her now, If she ever disappeared, I think I couldn't go on, I know I could never go back to my old life, drinking, racing and partying...

I can never let go of her, I will never be able to enjoy my life like earlier, and I am not that same person anymore.

There's no point in denying it anymore.

Ragunad's daughter or not, I am still in love with her.

I was, I am and I will be in the future too...

So there's no point in waiting for Uncle Dev's investigation to get over, Even if he's unable to bring out what happened 20 years ago, I don't care anymore...because, for me, she's my everything...

If I hurt her, I will never forgive myself...

The only mistake she has ever done was meeting someone like me.

I looked at her pale and tired face.

I can never let go of her... I am actually scared of losing her...

I leaned down and kissed her forehead softly.

Give me a chance to make it up to you... I don't want to see you in pain anymore...you are my wife and I am going to protect you...

I don't care about the results of Uncle Dev's investigation anymore, whatever it may, you are my wife...and it will stay like that.

I straightened when the door was opened again.

"Riya... What happened to her Neev!?" Auntie Alice came inside, looking worried.

"She has a fever," I said slowly, getting up.

"You must have been busy, I will stay with her, you can go back," Auntie Alice said.

"No Auntie, I will stay with her," I said.

Riya.

I tried to reach for the bowl, but the cupboard was too high for me.

Everything in this house is designed for Neev, why does he have to be so tall anyway?

I tried again, but another pair of hands takes it easily and I stilled.

He was still near me, so close, our bodies were almost touching.

"What are you doing here in the kitchen, Riya?" he asked.

Why can't he move back first!

I slowly turned to him, careful not to touch him; it was difficult since he refused to budge even an inch.

I leaned back to the counter and looked at him.

"I... I was going to make..." I dragged off as Nivin Rosh Aldrick just leaned closer.

"I thought I told you not to set your foot in the kitchen?" he asked and I swallowed.

I know I need to answer him, but the damn guy is clouding my senses now.

"I... I am well now, my fever is gone," I tried.

"I think I told you to take rest?" he said again, he was too close and I couldn't go back anymore, so I did the only thing I could, I placed my hands over his chest, ready to push him back.

Not only did I fail to move him, I started to feel his well-defined muscles underneath, I looked up into his eyes, startled and was completely off guard when I saw his face.

He seemed to be enjoying my discomfort, looking pleased with himself, looking carefree and relaxed after a long time, just like when he was on our short days together.

"Aah..." I lost my balance and let go of him, but I didn't hit the floor since he was already supporting me.

"I will bring some porridge to you, take a seat," he said, helping me back to my feet and I groaned.

I am fed up with this. I want food, real food.

"My fever is gone and I am completely fine now," I told him "I don't want porrid-"

"Shh... I will decide it," he clutched my shoulder on both sides and guided me to the chair.

I slumped down, supported my head in my palms and watched him while he started his work.

Something has happened to him, I mean, He never left my side from the hospital too and despite my protests, he carried me all the way to our suite.

Yes, that's right, Nivin Rosh Aldrick just decided things and I am forced to go through it, like this rice porridge.

"Are you alright, Neev?" I asked him as he poured clear water into the bowl.

He looked up at me.

"Where's your medication?" he replied and I sighed.

Something is definitely wrong with him!

He didn't even go to the office yesterday and refused to leave me alone in the room! It was too much, but I had no choice but accept it when he sat there in the table and worked on his laptop, keeping an eye on me the whole night yesterday after we came back from the hospital.

"Shanthi will come today, so don't think about skipping work again," I told him.

"Why did you call her? I told you, I am going to take care of-"

"God... Neev, this is not how you take care of sick people, you have to give them some space too,"

"Get well first, and then we will talk about giving space,"

I sighed.

"What happened to you?" I stared at him.

"When you are all healthy, I want to talk to you," he said and my heart dropped.

Talk to me? What about?

"It's nothing to get worried, so eat this and take rest," he placed a steaming bowl of porridge in front of me. "I don't want to see you sick ever again," he added and I looked at him in surprise.

My heart was going overdrive again. Nivin was still staring at me when the bell rang.

"It must be Shanthi," I said slowly.

"I will tell her to go back-"

"Neev," I clutched his hand. "It's really okay, I am all fine now," I said.

"But I need to make sure," he said, "So don't even think about getting away from me."

Shanthi was already inside and Nivin's phone started to ring.

"Hello?" he attended the call while sitting back to the chair opposite to me.

"What!?"

He bolted up again, looking worried now.

"Neev?" I asked worried.

"How's he? Is it that bad? God! Did Sachin know about this? ...okay, I will go there," he said.

I was still waiting, worried when he disconnected and turned to me.

"Uncle Dev has met with an accident at Singapore, it sounded pretty serious," he said, still in shock.

And my heart dropped at the news.

Another Accident?

-----------------------------------