Thank you so much, Love_myheart, for this beautiful cover picture :)

Riya.

We were still on our way back from visiting mamma.

I feel like everything is back to normal, except that one thing.

My real family...

What Nikil told me is still ringing inside me.

If I had learnt one thing from coming to Aldricks, it's not to go after things like that.

I accepted Joseph Aldrick's invitation and stayed with Aldricks to find my family, but I have given up on finding them long before.

I looked at Neev, driving.

He's my family... mamma is my family; I don't need a family who was not there for me for the past 20 years of my life.

I need to tell Neev about Nikil though; I am going to tell him as soon as we get back.

"Riya, Are you okay? How did you get hold of that flash drive? How did you manage to escape?" Neev asked me.

"I am okay Neev," I said slowly. "My dad left it in a locker, and they took me there," I said.

"They were aware of that?"

"Yea... but they couldn't find it as it was hidden well, I got hold of it when I fell down..." I stopped as I remembered how I fell down.

"Actually there is something I want to discuss with you," I said.

I know Neev will know what to do about this situation, I can't take a decision.

"What's it?" Neev looked at me for a moment before turning to the road.

"Are you alright Riya? You look worried,"

"I am okay Neev, I was just scared," I said. "Let's get home first, I will fill you everything then,"

"Relax, you must be tired with everything that was going on today," Neev turned to me slightly. "I am glad that you are safe Riya... I was scared when they took you, I couldn't do anything and I was terrified," he said. "I experienced a hell lot of things I thought I was incapable of,"

"I am sorry, I worried you-" I stopped as my phone started to ring and I take it out.

"It's Rohan," I told Nivin before I attended.

"Rohan," I attended the call

"Riya, I just got a call from the police station, Naina's Uncle and Aunty are arrested and they need her statement,"

"What! They are arrested? That's good," I said, I still can't believe the fact that her uncle had been using his niece, Even going as far as to kill her!

"Yes, I will take her there, but I would like you to come there too, She will need your support," Rohan said.

"Sure Rohan, we will come now,"

Naina.

I was really scared to face them; I couldn't have done it without his support.

"What about that guy who hit my grandpa? Did you get him?" Rohan asked.

"He's still in hiding, but we have enough evidence to prove that he is Sebastian's man,"

"You have to get him no matter what... He was trying to kill Neev and Riya,"

"Yes, we are trying hard, Philip is already in custody even though he's hospitalised,"

"It's too bad that you are taking him in before I can see him," Rohan said darkly.

I waited patiently while he was still chatting with the officers, He has taken care of all the legal formalities and such, so it was a great relief to me.

"Here's your ring ma'am," One of the lady officers brought me a jewellery box and I stared at it.

"Wh...What?"

"It's your engagement ring, Thanks to it, we were able to stop your Uncle and Auntie from getting away," she said and I looked at her blankly.

"What do you mean?" I asked her.

"They were trying to sell it, but apparently your ring has a unique design, the jeweller recognised it right away," she told me. "Because it was custom made and very rare,"

What!? Rohan designed this for me?

I looked at him, still going over paperwork. It has been a long time.

"It's time for you to make your witness statement, Ma'am." one of the officers came near me.

Another advantage of coming here with Rohan Aldrick was this- Everyone is talking to me politely and with respect.

I nodded and Rohan walked to me.

"Will you be alright? They will need you to identify Sebastian," he asked me, concerned.

I nodded slowly.

"I faced my Uncle and Auntie earlier, it won't be more difficult," I said.

I was really stressed to meet them, they took care of me and I thought that they really care about me, so it was a shock to hear the truth from them.

I don't know why I have to meet Sebastian, I know I can't recognise him, But they still insisted to try and see if I can recognise him.

"This way sir," one of the officers led us inside and I walked in with Rohan.

He turned to me as we reached the door.

"Ready?" he asked me and I took a deep breath and nodded.

"I am right beside you," he whispered as the officer opened the door.

Rohan.

We walked inside and waited as another person brought a handcuffed Sebastian inside.

The mere sight of him made me angry; He walked near with the police officers.

"Do you really think I will stay behind the bar forever?" his first sentence infuriated me, but I kept close to Naina.

He turned to Naina.

"I am going to get out of here... and when I do, I will come and find you," He looked at her evilly and Naina took a step back.

I clutched her hand and looked at him coldly.

"You will never get out; we are going to make sure of it-"

"I will start again, starting from Riya and Naina, I will get back at you, Nivin, the Aldricks and the Dixits," He turned to me with such hatred.

"Stay back," the officer said sternly and Sebastian stopped.

"Naina," I exclaimed as she started to shiver, "Are you alright?" I turned to her and supported her from behind just as she lost balance.

"The... nig...nightmare! He...he... pushed me...He..." Naina was starting to shiver all over and I clutched her tightly.

"Relax... he's not going to hurt you anymore-Naina!" I shook her as terror filled her eyes, her body went limp and her eyes widened.

"What's happening?" The police officer shouted, "Take him back," he pointed at Sebastian who was still looking murderous.

Two officers dragged him out, but I was too scared, Naina was having difficulty breathing and I don't know what to do.

I turned her around and hugged her tightly.

"It's okay... it's okay, relax... I am here," I said desperately, she was still motionless and I crushed her to me.

"Naina... Please," I shouted.

"Call the ambulance, she's having a panic attack, she can't breathe!" I heard shouting around me, but nothing registered anymore.

I held her in an arm's distance and shook her hard.

"COME TO YOUR SENSES, YOU ARE SAFE NAINA!" I Shouted and she snapped back, she started to take deep breathes.

I hugged her to me tightly.

"I am sorry... I am so sorry, it's my fault, I shouldn't have brought you here, I am so sorry Naina," I murmured as I caressed her hair.

I stilled in shock as she wrapped her hands around me, she leaned to me, resting her head against my heart.

"Don't... don't leave me, I am... I am scared," she whispered and I pulled her to me.

"Sir?"

"She's alright," I told the officer, "I am taking her away, finish the paperwork, I will drop by another time,"

"It's okay, Now that Naina has recognised Sebastian, It makes everything easier,"

I nodded and brought Naina out with me, still holding her close to me.

Naina.

"Naina," I heard Riya's voice and turned around. I sighed in relief, I am really glad to see her. Riya and Neev walked to us.

"What happened? Are you alright?" Riya reached me and I let go of Rohan slowly.

"Let me get you to the car," Rohan clutched my hand and pulled me back to him. I detected the suppressed emotions underneath his tone.

He looked too affected like he's barely controlling himself.

For some reason, for the first time after I knew my true identity, I wanted to stay with him and console him.

"I am... I am okay now," I told him, avoiding eye contact; I want to reassure him I guess.

"Okay, we will meet at the family house, Rohan, please take her back, we are following you," Neev said, giving us our own time.

"I... I will stay with Riya," I added quickly, I am scared about these feelings Rohan is awakening inside me.

I don't want to be with someone else, not until I am so sure about the people around me, I don't want to make another mistake after my Uncle and Auntie.

Rohan still looked tensed and stressed; he was not at all pleased at the idea of me going back with Neev and Riya.

"We will wait in the parking lot," Riya told me before walking back with Neev.

I turned to Rohan.

"Thank you...Thank you for everything," I walked near and placed the square box in his hand, his eyebrows shot up and he looked at me, "I don't think I should keep this, It doesn't belong to me." I told him quietly.

Rohan was still looking hurt and in pain as I walked back.

"Let's go,"

I said as soon as I reached the car and Nivin started the engine.

"I want to move from the family house as soon as possible," I said slowly.

"There's no need to hurry-" Neev started, but I cut across him.

"I don't feel comfortable, it's burdening me," I told him.

"You can stay with us-"

"Riya, I want my own place now," I told her firmly.

Neev took the car out and came to a halt suddenly.

"Rohan!" he cursed and I looked up to see him in front of the car.

Before I knew it, Rohan walked around and opened the door at my side, making me startled.

"It's all your fault, Naina." he said and I looked at him in shock as he placed the jewel box back in my hands, "Do one thing, just throw it away if you don't feel like keeping it." he said, "And if you think you can just walk away from me like this, you are wrong, I am never going to give up," he said sternly.

I gaped at him.

"Err... guys, we need to move, we are blocking other people," Neev said and sure enough, horns from other cars started to register.

"I will see you at home," Rohan said firmly before he closed the door.

I was still in shock as Riya turned to look at me from the front, "you alright?"

Neev took the car forward, "Rohan is easy going most of the time. But when it comes to the things he really wants, he is stubborn and doesn't know how to give up." Neev said and I detected the admiration in his voice.

.........

As soon as we entered the house, something popped and we all were covered in glittering stars.

"Tada," Danny shouted, looking very happy, "We did it! Yeah." he said enthusiastically.

Auntie Alice, Kamala, all the house staff and security people were there, it was like a mini celebration.

Rohan too reached and everyone was happy.

"I am so proud of you, boys." Auntie Alice said as she approached Nivin and Rohan.

"Naina, come on, we need to celebrate," Riya pulled me with her and I slowly relaxed.

It's okay... calm down Naina, these are people who will stay with you... they are not going to hurt you...

"Now I can get back at all of those who were sneering at me, they were talking about Aldricks losing our company," Danny said smugly, looking satisfied.

Apparently, he too was under tension all these time.

"Don't get into fights, Danny," Uncle John warned.

I slowly slipped inside from the family union.

I reached the guest room where I am staying and slumped down to the bed.

What am I going to do now?

I can't keep on troubling everyone...

"Naina... it's dinner time, everyone is waiting," Riya came inside and sit beside me.

I nodded slowly.

"Don't get stressed about anything, you have me, whatever you decide, I will be with you," she told me and I smiled.

Riya hugged me and I hugged her back, "I'm glad, I have you," I said.

Rohan.

Naina took the farthest seat from me on the table and I tried to ignore it.

She needs time, I can't scare her...

"What will happen to grandpa now?" Danny asked as he looked around.

Grandpa is still hospitalised.

"He said he has no intention of getting the company back, He wants to take care of our non-profit organisations," Uncle John said.

Neev started to retort but stopped when he got a pointed look from Riya.

He shrugged and turned back to his food.

"I can't believe Sebastian was behind all of these," mom said.

"He's a crazy psycho!" Danny shook his head.

"I am glad nothing bad happened to any of you, I was worried," mom said again.

"On the bright side, we have the company back," Dad said.

Neev.

Yup, we managed to save the company, Yeah... I meant it when I said that we saved it.

I know I need to work hard to protect what my dad and Riya's dad protected. I need to make sure that greedy bastards like Sebastian wouldn't touch it.

But I can't do it alone...

I watched Riya talking with Naina and Danny.

I need an ordinary life; I can't get tied to the company.

I looked up at Uncle John.

"It's time for you to step up, Uncle, you need to take grandpa's position," I said.

Everyone turned to me.

"I don't want it, Neev, I just want to continue on my position," Uncle John said.

"Please think about it, you were in this company for long years Uncle, there's no one better than you to lead us forward," I said.

I was trying to convince him to be the chairman, I think he can do it well and most of the directors will support him too, everyone knows he's not greedy.

"I don't think I have it in me to-"

"Uncle Dev, Sachin and Rohan all think the same, everyone supports you,"

"You have James's talent Nivin, you can do it-"

"To be honest, I want to be free Uncle, I have decided that my family comes first to me, I will take back the CEO position. You are perfect for the chair position," I said firmly.

"I will think about it,"

"You can stay home now, don't refuse it and stay close to Auntie Alice, you have been working outside most of the time," I said.

"That's right dad, we discussed it, you are the only person who's apt for the position now, Uncle Dev doesn't want to do it as he has to worry about his firm too," Rohan said.

"We will discuss it in the next board meeting and see," I concluded quickly.

"Wow! Dad, that's good news, you can stay at home now," Danny exclaimed and everyone nodded.

"Then we will need a party to celebrate," Auntie Alice said "Riya, Naina, and I will get everything ready," she said.

I tried to hide my smile as Riya groaned softly.

"Err... I will start to look for a place tomorrow," Naina said slowly and everyone looked at her. "I can't stay here anymore, I need to get back to work," Naina said.

"There's no need to hurry dear, we can think about it slowly after the party," Auntie Alice said quickly.

"If she's determined to go, we can't stop her mom," Rohan said and everyone turned to him.

Naina nodded slowly, she looked confused and hurt, like she doesn't know what to do.

I feel bad for Naina and Rohan. They were even planning to run away together, It must be hurting Rohan too much.

Naina too, She can't even remember anything. It must be hard for her to trust anyone after her Uncle and Auntie.

John uncle cleared his throat and looked at me.

"I need to think about this Nivin, I can't just take a decision overnight, I need to settle all of my works first," he said.

"Don't worry about it, I will settle everything for you, I will take the earliest flight possible tomorrow," Rohan said.

"It will take time, Rohan; you will have to travel from place to place. I will ask my PA-"

"I am willing... I want to go and settle everything, don't worry about it," He said and rose up before anyone said anything.

"I... I'm sorry..." Naina said as soon as he left the table. "It's my fault-"

"Don't be sorry, Naina, I think it will be good for him to stay away for a little while," Uncle John said.

Rohan.

Naina doesn't even know me, she wants me to stay away from her.

I was getting mad again, I have waited for a long time now, I can't do this anymore. If she feels burdened to see me, I can no longer do this.

I want to think about this, I want time.

"Rohan,"

I whirled around at her voice.

"Naina!? I asked in shock as she entered my room.

"Wh... why are you here?"

I tried to ignore the feelings inside. I can't believe Naina is in my room! It's a first!

Endure it, Rohan... you just decided to give it time... don't get shaken now...

She looked back at me, "You are making everyone worried, Auntie Alice don't want you to go-"

"Are you worried?" I asked her.

"Rohan please," she exclaimed.

"Your mom-"

"I don't want to talk to you if you are here for others, you can go back now," I said firmly.

She looked at me, her eyes were sparkling with unshed tears and my insides felt heavy suddenly.

I want to take her in my hands, I want to console her, but I know that I can't do that.

"I... I really can't remember, but I feel... déjàvu... like I have known you for long," she said. "Rohan... how... how far did we go?" she looked at me.

I watched her eyes; I don't know what to tell her.

Never in a million years would've I guessed she will ask me this!

"Whenever I am trying to think, my head is bursting, it's... it's so hard for me, it's hard and frustrating-"

"Naina," I take her hand in mine gently, trying not to scare her away.

"I'm sorry I was mad," I said slowly, "I was so selfish not to think about what you are going through, I'm sorry,"

"You... you are familiar and safe, but I can't remember, I am so sorry-"

"I have all of our memories of us, that's enough for me, don't strain yourself."

"You still haven't answered my question, I... I saw the photos... it seemed we were too close!" she said.

She wants to know how close we were.

My heart gives a painful squeeze as I remembered our time together.

"We were going to get married, you were ready to leave everything and leave the country with me," I said slowly.

She looked at me, still listening, her eyes looking deep into mine; it felt like she could see right through me.

"Yes... we were living together for some time too," I said, "For me, you are as good as my wife,"

Her eyes started to fill again.

I turned to her and placed my hands on her shoulders on either side.

"Listen to me Naina, I don't want you to feel burdened, I am not running away, I think we need time, Please relax and live your life happily," I told her and her tears started to flow down.

"Shh... don't cry, Everything happened because of me, you were in trouble because of me, I couldn't even tell you about my true identity last time," I said and she looked up, shocked.

"Th... that's right, I couldn't tell you that I am an Aldrick last time... I... I had no intention of lying to you, But you...You were the only person who loved me for what I am... not for my title... It was a wonder that you didn't find out, but for me, it was a change from everything else. I too wanted to feel how it's to be loved for what I am..."I stopped.

"I swear... I was not intending to hide it, but then all those things happened and I had to leave, I thought I was leaving you to protect you, I had no idea about anything that happened after I left," I slightly turned away from her while trying to control my emotions.

I took my hand back and take a step back.

"Naina... I am not running away like last time, I am waiting... I will wait for you to come back to me, I am willing to wait for a long time,"

We stared at each other for a moment.

"What... what if I can't come back?" She asked me.

"Don't worry about me and be happy in your life," I told her, wiping her tears. "Do that for me, Okay?"

Naina looked down.

I wiped my eyes.

"Okay..," I said and took a deep breath.
"Let's... let's say our farewell now," I turned to her.

"I will see you Naina..." I said and wrapped her gently in my hands.

I felt her body jerking in shock, but I just held her to me for a moment.

"Take care of yourself," I whispered before I let go of her and turned back around.

I don't want her to see me like this.

Naina.

I was still rooted to the spot; Rohan was facing away from me.

You need to move...

A voice inside me whispered, but I couldn't. It's paining me too much.

I forced myself to move. It took great effort to move back and out of that room.

I entered my room with a heavy heart, I feel empty and incomplete all of a sudden.

I need to forget everything... I need my canvas... I want to draw.

Riya.

I was still looking in the mirror when Neev wrapped his hands around me from behind.

"Neev,"

"You look beautiful," He said, bringing me to him and tightening the grip around me. "So... what's it?" he asked me and I looked at his reflection in the mirror.

"What's bothering my beautiful wife?" He asked again and our eyes met in the mirror.

He can read me?

"I... I told you that I have something to discuss with you," I started and he nodded.

"Well... it's not of importance...I mean... I don't know-" I stopped as he turned me around to face him.

"What's it?" he looked me in the eyes.

You can't hide anything anymore Riya! He's someone who would give up his safety to protect you... you are not alone anymore.

"It was Nikil Atharva... He helped me to get out of there and he attacked Sebastian's men."

"What! Nikil Atharva?" Neev's eyebrows shot up.

"Yes, he was trying to take me away, but I escaped-"

"He was trying to kidnap you?" Nivin's voice turned thunderous.

"No...No," I said quickly. "He didn't hurt me, He was trying to help," I said and he visibly relaxed.

"Did he say anything then?" he asked me, more calmly now.

"He... he was being strange. He talked like he knows my family," I whispered, looking down, "I don't know what to do. I don't want to go back to my family, but it keeps bothering me," I admitted.

Neev pulled me to a hug.

"I will look into it," He said softly. "But don't get your hopes up, I don't want you to get hurt," he said and I nodded.

I felt relieved suddenly, I know I can depend on him and trust him.

I looked up.

"I am worried about Naina and Rohan too," I said.

Neev sighed.

"I know," he said, "But it's something the two of them have to settle, we can't help them." He said.

I nodded again. I know it too.

Neev pulled me to the bed.

"Let's move back to our place tomorrow, I don't want to share you with anyone, let's spend some time together, only the two of us,"

Parvathi Atharva.

I looked at the DNA report on my table.

I found her, my long lost granddaughter!

I was searching for her ever since Sneha came back home, critically ill.

I still blame Anil Ragunad for her illness, If he had the nerve to marry my daughter against my wish, He should have stayed with her until the end, He should have made her happy at the last moments of her life, But no, He just left her alone and never came back.

Sneha too, She was so blinded by her love that she was not even ready to press charges against him like I wanted her to, instead, The foolish girl decided to trust him again.

She loved her husband until the last breath. She even handed over her only daughter to her husband.

She didn't even tell me what's going on, and worse-She didn't even allow me to see my granddaughter.

"She's safe with her father, He will protect her."

She always had that answer whenever I tried to ask her about my granddaughter.

I looked at the bio-data collected on her.

She was brought up by an orphanage! I knew it, Sneha was wrong; Anil Ragunad left his daughter in an orphanage!

And worse, she's married to the Aldricks, whom I hate the most!

It was because of them my daughter had to die alone like that; Because Anil Ragunad valued his friendship more than his family.

Because he left his wife and daughter to get entangled in that family business!

Sneha thought it was for the best and she said they had decided what was best for their daughter, but I don't think so.

I can't forgive him for leaving my granddaughter in an orphanage.

I can't approve of the Aldricks too, It all happened because of them.

I am going to get my granddaughter and that's it!

I looked up from the report as someone knocked on the door.

"Did you call me, Gran?" Nikil came to the room and I looked at my grandson.

He promised me to find my granddaughter at all costs and it seems that he finally succeeded.

"Did something happen? Why do you look so down?" I said.

"Nothing," He mumbled. "Why did you call me?"

"Did you find her? My granddaughter,"

He hesitated a bit, "No." He said, "I am still working on it."

He's starting to lie too.

"Okay, Let me know if you find out anything," I said and he nodded.

"Okay, please don't fall sick, I will take care of this matter. I will find her, please relax Gran," He said and I nodded.

Ha! Find her? You already found her and you even did this DNA test!

Do you think I wouldn't know about it?

Youngsters don't actually know how much power and connections we have!

"Okay," I nodded.

He left the room.

I picked up my phone.

"Hello, yea keep following him and find out what happened to Riya," I ordered. "And arrange a meeting with Dev Dixit for me, tell him that I am back in India," I added.

I totally disliked their gang before.

I disapproved Anil as he was an only son with a large fortune; I wanted to marry my daughter off to a good family, not to a guy whose parents were already dead.

I was not very fond of James because I didn't like Joseph Aldrick who was a real cunning businessman and I always knew that Sebastian guy had something weird in him.

The only one who I thought okay was Dev Dixit, but all of them helped Anil Ragunad to get married to my daughter.

I had to cut all ties with her until she came back alone and I regretted my decision to let her go all my life.

If I had interfered in her relationship before, if I had opposed strongly before, Sneha would've been well today.

I can't do it to my granddaughter; I can't turn away from her. I need to get her back, and I will get her back at all costs.

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