Chapter 1: 

An unspoken words piled into Daya's car as they were returning to Mumbai.

It's been a week since the harrowing mission ended with everything coming back to normal and everyone were still buzzing with the relief of Daya's return. The weeklong leave in the village had been filled with laughter, fun, and a sense of normalcy. But the atmosphere in the car was anything but normal.

Abhi was seated in the passenger seat helplessly looking outside window, Tarika and shreya were in the back - middle seat with shreya under medicine, taking a nap and Tarika poking Abhijeet from back about the situation. Sachin-Purvi were at the last seat giggling, wishpering and romancing. Daya was driving the SUV while his eyes were glued to Shreya, who sat stiffly behind him.

The incident – the one that had almost cost Daya and Shreya their life – hung heavy between them. Daya had been silent, observing her from afar, acting like a lovestruck puppy for Shreya. Now, with everyone else in the car, his behavior was even more pronounced.

Abhijeet stared back at Tarika who send him signals about Daya's driving. Abhi glanced back at Daya and recollected his request.

**Daya: Boss suno na... tum, Tarika, Main aur Sachin-Purvi ek car mein chalte hain

Abhi:(teasing)Aur shreya?

Daya:(smiled)Uske saath hi..(looked around wishpering)kuch karo na yaar jisse hum sab saath chal sake.

Abhi:(smiled)Haa theek hain main kuch karta hu.

Abhijeet readily agreed. He watched Dareya for the past week and knew something was up with Shreya as he wanted to understand what was happening with her while she was silent and Daya was waiting for a chance to talk to her.

As per Abhijeet plan, Pankaj-Freddy, Nikhil, Rajat, Acp and Salunke drove back in other car while remaining all were in Daya's car. Daya smiled nodding to Abhijeet as he started the engine, Tarika shot Abhijeet a withering glare. The car sputtered to life.

Abhi: Daya..(he glanced at him then again back at road)dekhke drive kar accident hojayega itna fast chalyega to..

Abhijeet exclaimed taunting Daya's driving as he drove like a bullock cart, ignoring the minimum speed limit.

Daya:(whispered understanding his words)Boss, Shreya ki tabiyat abhi bhi theek nahi hain isliye dhayan se chala raha hu.

Abhi;(raising his eye brow)Isse dhayan se chalana kehte hain?

Daya noded and Abhi glanced back at Tarika who shook her head giggling.

Abhi:(glanced at shreya)Daya finally apne feelings showcase kar raha hain.

Sachin and Purvi, oblivious to the tension, whispered sweet nothings to each other, their joyful reunion taking over any concerns.

Abhijeet, sitting beside Daya, was going crazy. He was already frustrated with Daya's driving, but what was worse was Daya's constant attention to Shreya.Daya kept turning on and off car's AC and heater for shreya while she self comfortably.

Abhi was sighing when his phone buzzed with Acp call as he answered back with low voice and disconnected after few minutes.

Abhi:Sab highway ke dhaba pe ruke hain lunch ke liye, hume bhi wahi rukne kaha hain.

Daya:Theek hain.

Abhi:Theek hain kya?Hum waha tab jaayenge jab tu gaadi ko chaliyega.

Daya:(smiles at him)Car chal rahi hain Boss.

Abhi :(glanced around)Chal rahi hain?(Daya noded smiling as Abhi watched outside the window feeling the breeze mummers)Iss gaadi se to tez ye hawa chal rahi hain.

Abhi held his head as Daya drove more slowly, Abhirika watched the cycle beside them passed them like a speed of flash and watched back at Daya who was glancing at Shreya through rear view mirror and smiling.

The others who reached place for lunch had already started their meal when Daya's car finally arrived. Daya was parking, Tarika and Purvi helped Shreya out of the car.

Abhi: (pulling Daya aside)Daya, kya chal raha hain?

Daya:Kya hua?Maine fast drive kiya?

Abhi:(hitting his forehead)Fast drive yaar tum drive bhi kar rahe the?

Daya:Boss shreya thi car mein to..

Abhi:Daya.. shreya theek hain abh aur tu usse phool ke jaise treat karna band kar.

Daya:(glaring back)Boss wo fool nahi hain aur maine usse kab bewakuf banaya?

Abhi:(hitting his forehead)Yaar english wala fool nahi, hindi wala phool.

Daya:(realized smiling)Phool ko phool ki tarha hi treat karunga na boss.. waise shreya ko gulab bohut pasand hain.

Abhi hit his forehead moving and moves away thinking its waste to have a proper conversation with Daya and saw Salunke, overhearing them, chuckling standing aside.

Abhi cleared his troat as Salunke put his arms around him and walked towards lunch cot.

Salunke:Abhijeet relax karo.. abhi to ye surwat hain abh. Aage aage Daya ki halat aur nazuk hogi bilkul pyaar mein gire majnu ki tarha.

Abhi(raised his eyes):Isse bhi zyada?

Salunke:(chuckled)Haa bilkul jaise tum Tarika ke pass bhaware bane ghumte ho na waise hi... Abh It's Daya's turn.

Abhijeet rolled his eyes, about to retort, when he noticed Shreya stumble as she tried to wash her hands. Before she could fall, Daya was there, catching her in his strong arms. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to disappear.

Shreya watched him, his eyes were soft a little small smile appeared on his lips, she can hear his heartbeats, his grip around her was strong yet comfortable. It was peaceful to be in his physical embrace.

Abhijeet and others chuckled, finding the scene amusing. Shreya, however, pulled back, her cheeks burning. Purvi smiling rushed to help her, while Daya, oblivious to her discomfort, smoothed her hair back gently as others watched them.

Salunke:(tip toed beside Acp)Dekh rahe ho(acp looked at him)Phele Abhijeet hi ghayal tha abh to Daya bhi pyaare ki nadiya mein dub gaayaa(salunke giggle with Acp glaring at him shooting sharp eyes)Main..main to bas keh raha hu wo to kar raha hain.

Salunke moves to his chair while Acp watched them and gave a sigh.

Daya sat beside Tarika while Abhi on the otherside opposite to Shreya. As most of them already finished lunch they ordered cool drinks and shreya wanted to have something light.

Daya:(wishpering to Tarika)Tarika shreya ke liye dahi order karna with halki roti, strength rahega aur buttermilk and thoda..

Tarika:(whispering)Tum hi order kar do..

Daya:(smile)Please.. sab hain yaha aur shreya ko acha nahi lagega.

Tarika noded smiling looking at the new side of Daya, as she ordered on behalf of Daya for shreya while they had lunch.

Abhijeet, watching the scene unfold, felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his chest. He watched Shreya who haven't had a glance at Daya throught the lunch but Daya eyes were glued on her. Abhi needed to talk to Shreya, to find out what was happening and what was she thinking.

After the lunch, Daya moved with Sachin and Rajat to get Pan for everyone when Abhi trying his best to swap the sitting arrangement but Acp denied it stating the current cars and ride are perfect.

Pankaj launghed with Freddy stating that they are having a great time going back. This was amazing break they had.

Abhi got upset and exchanged look with Tarika who giggled at Abhi's condition.

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As Daya continued to shower Shreya with attention while driving. Abhi was  frustrated in the cramped confines of the car. His brow furrowed, tapped his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel.

Abhi:(grumbled)Main keh raha hu na tumse hume drive turn by turn karni chaiye.

Daya:(shaking his head)Boss, aram se(saw Shreya through rear view mirror)sabko aaram se chalna chaiye.

Abhi:(sighing quickly thinking)Shreya ko jaldh se jaldh ghar pahunchke aaram karna chaiye, samjh nahi aata tumhe(he turned back)sab ko ghar jaake aaram karna hain na?(no one responsed as he glare at them and they say yes)see.. (he looked at shreya)Shreya tumhe aaram karna hain na ghar jaake?

She watched him then glanced at Daya through rear view mirror and nodded softly and again looked outside the window. Abhi happily turned to Daya and signaled him to pull over.

Daya sighed, knowing it was a lost cause. Abhijeet was determined to implement the plan B to save the boredom in car.

Daya looked at Shreya, her face pale and still, a small smile playing on her lips thanks to the medicine. He couldn't bear to see her suffering, especially after the harrowing journey.

As per Abhijeet Daya pulled over and they shifted place to drive and Abhijeet getting steering wheel in his hand smiled proudly at Tarika and started the engine.

Abhi;Mumbai here we come...

Abhijeet, appeased, turned his attention to driving. As they drove with speed limit but still at great speed. Daya watched Abhi smile driving and smiled back then watched Shreya through the rearview mirror adjusting it, his heart warming at the sight of her, even though she was barely awake. He smiled, feeling a surge of joy at being back home, Alive. He couldn't believe he had actually made it back.

Daya:Boss, uss stall wali shop pe roko. Mujhe snacks chaiye.

Daya requested as Abhi looked at him grumbled.

Abhi:Aur ek halt?aise karte karte jaayenge to 10 din lagenge Mumbai pahunchte pahunchte.

Daya chuckled, enjoying the banter, as he got out and bought a bag full of chips, biscuits, and tea for them. Daya passed some to Sachvi, some to Abhijeet and some to Tarika and few specially for shreya passing to Tarika.

Tarika:Tum pure badle badle lag rahe ho, kahi Raghu to humare saath nahi aaraha hain na?

Daya pause and glanced at Abhijeet who watched them back and smiled at them. The trio chuckled, daya watched the peacefully sleeping beauty "shreya"

The drive was long and tiring, but as they finally approached Mumbai, Daya felt a wave of relief wash over him. They finally made it. He glanced at Shreya, who was fast asleep, and whispered a prayer of thanks.

Their first stop was Sachin and Purvi's place. After a brief, joyful reunion, they said their goodbyes and continued their journey, heading to Shreya's home. As they pulled up, her parents rushed out, their faces filled with worry and relief.

Abhi, Tarika and Daya were tensed and nervous to face shreya parents as they could blame them and scold them for their carelessness around shreya.

Shreya mother rushed to her daughter's side as his father stood beside them watching the reunion.

SM: Shreya..

SF:(caring her head)Theek ho tum beta?

Shreya smiled hugging both of them together as they were happy to see their daughter back.

After a brief reunion shreya parents meet the glances of Abhirika and Daya standing at distance.

Daya stood awkwardly, feeling the weight of their gaze. He felt a pang of guilt, knowing that Shreya's condition was a direct result of his actions. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, bowing slightly.

'Namaste,' he said softly, feeling his heart heavy with a mixture of emotions.

Shreya's father, a stern man, softened his eyes and placed a hand on Daya's shoulder. '

SF: Hume khushi hui tumhe zinda dekhke Daya.

SM:(smiled)Haa "Welcome home beta"

Daya felt a sense of relief wash over him as he smiled at them then at Abhirika who were happy with their response. Daya was happy that Shreya's parents weren't angry, they were just happy that he was alive.

As shreya bid them good bye she watched at Daya, Daya was watching her go but his heart still wanted to stop her from leaving. He wanted to talk, spend time, take care of her.

As shreya entered her house, Abhijeet teased Daya mercilessly.

Abhi;Daya kisi mandir pe matha thek ke aaye ho kya?(Daya watched him confused)Tum lucky Cham banke aaye ho, shreya ke parents tumhe dekhke khush the aur wo log gussa bhi nahi hua shreya ki halat ko leke.

Tarika:(smiling)Abhijeet, parents hote hi aise hain. Unke liye to bache sahi salamat ghar laut je wapas aajaye isse badi baat kya ho sakti hain.

Daya laughed agreeing to Tarika, feeling a bit lighter. He was grateful for Abhijeet's unwavering support while

Their next stop was Tarika's house. As they dropped her off, Abhijeet stopped outside giggling, romancing a little while Daya kept horning the car.

Abhi:(irritated)Aaraha hu Daya.

He bid Tarika good bye hugging her.

Abhi:Itne waqt saath rehne ke baad bhi dil nahi bhara mera..

Tarika:(smiled)Jaldi jao warna Daya horn baja baja ke sab ko jaga dega.

Abhi;(held her finger placing a perk on them)I love you Tarikaji..(he winked at her)

Tarika:(Smiled back)I love you too..

Abhi couldn't resist and stealing a quick kiss on Tarika's forehead took backsteps waiting for her to go back inside her house. Tarika blushed caring her forehead and moved back inside smiling and waving a bye.

Daya watched them smiling thanking shreya for amending Abhirika relationship. Abhi sat back inside the car and scolded Daya.

Abhi:Tumhe shreya ke saath time chaiye lekin mujhe Tarika ke saath time nahi de sakte huh??

Daya chuckled as Abhi stated the car back to life playing radio rejoicing they time togeather like old times.

"Tum to there pardesi, saath kya nibhaoge"

Daya watched Abhi as he looked at Daya then started vibing to the song while Daya shook his head with Abhi's chuckling.

Daya looked outside the window, the moon was shining brightly in the sky, he felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him.

Daya:(thinking)Puri duniya ghum lo par khushi to apne ghar laut ke hi aati hain.

He slumped back in his seat, closed his eyes and already drifted off to sleep.

They finally reached home,Abhijeet watched Daya with wave of affection in his eyes. He was so happy that Daya was alive and well. Daya was the most important person in his life, and he would do anything to protect him, He had a small smile on his lips. He was happy that their journey had come to an end, but he did not knew that this was just the beginning of another adventure, a new journey which would change every relation, every emotion and every sitaution upside down effecting their life in the most unexpected way.

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Daya woke with a jolt, his eyes snapping open. He was back home, in front of his house . He sat up, feeling disoriented, and looked around. His eyes fell on the door, and he felt an icy dread creep into his heart. He couldn't believe what he saw.

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The morning sunlight, filtering through the dusty windowpanes, painted the small apartment in a warm, lazy glow. Abhijeet, bleary-eyed and still half-asleep, stumbled out of the bathroom, his head buzzing with the day's anticipation. Abhi called out Daya with half sleepy eyes.

Abhi : Daya,Chai please...

There was no response as he woke up fully, rubbing his eyes. Finally, his tired body felt relaxed and refreshed after a peaceful sleep. He stood up, taking in the sight of the house. It was clean and neat! He remembered how dusty and worn out it had been when he first stepped inside. Now, it was tidy and inviting.

Abhijeet roamed his eyes, searching for Daya, a fear gnawing at him that was it all a dream. He called out again, 'Daya' but there was no response. Panic surged through him. Had Daya left him again? He rushed to the door, his mind racing with a million terrible possibilities. And as soon as he opened the door then he saw him.

Daya stood on the porch, a bunch of grocery bags in his hands, a baffled expression on his face.

Abhijeet burst out, his words tinged with relief and disbelief.

Abhi:Ye sab sapna nahi tha.. sapna nahi tha..

Abhi choked back a sob and hugged Daya standing at door.Daya's face broke into a smile, his eyes shining with happiness.

Daya;Boss, bags hain haath mein hato andar aane do..

Abhi broke the hug patting his heart, Daya walked in, placing the grocery bags on the kitchen counter.

Abhijeet just stared at him, unable to speak. He was still processing everything, the relief, the joy, the sheer disbelief. Daya was back. He was actually back.

Abhi :(glaring at him holding his hand)Kaha chala gaya tha?

Abhijeet burst out, his words tinged with a mixture of relief and accusation. Daya, taken aback by his friend's dramatic turnover, blinked in confusion.

Daya:(confused)Kaha jaunga main? Ghar pe khane ko kuch nahi to kuch saman laane gaya tha aur(turned to him)ghar ki chabi tumhare pass thi na,(abhi nodded)phir isski safai dekhbhal kuch nahi kiya tum logo ne?

Abhi:(leaning against wall)Tere jaane ke baad yaha aane ka matlabh tha teri yaadeion mein khojana jo mujhse nahi ho raha tha isliye main nahi aaya.. By the way Mr.Daya jab aap Raghu banke ghumrahe the tab hum sab aapke saath waha the to yaha ki dekhbhal kaise karte?

Daya (smiled)Phir bhi kisiko to dhayan rakhna chaiye tha, mana mujhe laga tha main wapas nahi aaunga(Abhi jolt glaring his eyes at Daya) phir bhi itna dust aur kitni buri halat hogayi thi. Kal raat se ghar ki safai mein laga hu, jale saaf kiye, pocha kiya, jaadu kiya sab kiya jante bhi ho.

Abhi watched Daya glaring as Daya continued to complain.

Abhi:Jhut bolke jaane ke saaza hain.

Daya:Saaza?(shakes his head)Mujhe laga tha mera pholo se, gaano se, apne paan se swaagat hoga aur yaha Swagata hua khadar wale ghar se.. kuch aur din nahi aate to ye bhutiya Haveli lagne lagti.

Abhi:(smirking)Haa to acha hain na horror movie ki shooting ke piye dete aur paise karate.

Daya shrugged, his face unreadable. Abhijeet breath catching in his throat, lunged forward to leap into the bags. He scanned the contents with a nervous eye, a sense of relief washing over him. It was just groceries.

Daya:(his eyebrows furrowed in concern)Boss, tum kya thak jhak kar rahe ho

Abhi:(smiling)Dekh raha hu kahi naye mission ki tayari to nahi kare na tum.

Daya:Ghar pe kuch nahi tha to lane gaaya tha aur ye tum pal bhar mein Shola pal bhar mein Shabnam kyu ban rahe ho.

Abhi glared at him as Daya noticed the way Abhijeet's hands were still trembling, the way he was breathing hard, and a wave of concern on his face.

Abhi :(controlling his emotions mummbering) Aaj tak to saman laya nahi phir aaj ye alag cheeze kyu kar raha ho?

Abhijeet mumbled, his voice barely a whisper. Daya couldn't help but chuckle at his friend's nervous energy and concern.

Daya: Wo kya hain na,(blushed) mujhe laga abh Shreya ka ghar aana jaana hoga to uske banane ke liye saman ghar pe hona chaiye na? Sirf Maggie aur chai se kaam nahi chalega.

Daya winked at Abhi, his face glowing with a mischievous smile. Abhijeet turned, his gaze fixated on Daya's face. Something in the way Daya carried himself, the new confidence in his step, the glint in his eyes, was different. He saw the soft lover for Shreya - a side of Daya that was so new, so wonderfully unexpected.

Abhi recollected the time when Daya was hurt during a blast and shreya took care of him, while she use to visit him everyday to make him food and complain about no groceries avaliable at home.

A smirk played on Abhijeet's lips seeing talking about shreya but his heart felt heavy.

Abhi : (mummering)Shreya se baat hui tumhari? 

Daya, sensing Abhijeet's unease, glared at him, his face a mix of annoyance.

Daya:(staring at him)Tum mere dost ho ya nahi? Main itna positive baatein kar raha hu aur tum hoke ki..

Abhijeet sensed the irritation in Daya voice and now it was his turn to chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Abhi : Main Shreya ka bhai hu aur wahi rahunga. Maine dekha hain usse aur sach kahu to ache se samjhne laga hu,(he looked at Daya) abh tak usne tujhe se baat nahi ki matlabh wo kuch to ghera soch rahi hain.

Abhi retorted, leaning back against the wall. Daya, shaking his head in exasperation, turned to the kitchen. He set about making tea, his mind preoccupied with Shreya's silence throughtout the journey.

Daya:Main bhi ache se janta hu usse, wo meri baat hamesha manti hain aur uss baar bhi maan ji jayegi agar naraz hain to.

Abhijeet watched him, a wave of bittersweet emotions swirling within him. He knew that Daya loved her, but he also knew that Shreya had her own boundaries set now. He could only hope that Daya's love, pure and unwavering, would be enough to win her heart.

Abhi : (twilint his tounge, whispering to himself)Tum dono ke ruthne maane mein main budha hojaunga.

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The lazy Sunday sun streamed through the window, bathing Abhijeet and Daya in its warm glow. Abhijeet couldn't help but stare at Daya, a quiet intensity in his gaze. Daya, feeling the weight of his friend's scrutiny, shifted uncomfortably.

Daya: Tumhari nazare mujhe iss tarha kyu dekh rahi hain Boss?

Daya finally asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice. Abhijeet chuckled softly.

Abhi; Main bas tumhe aas pass dekhk khush hu yaar... wapas apne ghar pe, chai banate, tv dekhkte, book padhte dekhke dil khush hogaya.

Daya's heart softened and looked at Abhi who kept following him like "Hutch telecom ad" of puppy following the .

Daya:Boss, Main thak gaaya hu aur mujhe neend aarahi hain so mujhe sone do please.

Abhijeet smiled, a genuine, relieved smile that reached his eyes. He felt a wave of gratitude. His friend was back, and he had finally won against the cruel hand of fate, at least for now. He knew fate had a way of throwing curveballs, but for now, he was determined to savor every moment.

He spent the entire day with Daya, refusing to let him out of his sight. Daya, while grateful for his concern, found himself increasingly frustrated. He wanted to relax, to be alone for a bit, but Abhijeet wouldn't allow it.

Finally, as the sun began to set, Abhijeet's phone buzzed. He looked at it, then at Daya, his face clouding over.

Abhi:Daya main aata hu..

Daya blocked his way and flicked at him.

Daya:Kaha jaa rahe ho boss, subha se mere saath the aur abh kaha jaa rahe ho?

Abhi:(mummering)wo maine Tarika ko promise kiya tha date ke liye.. jaan hoga yaar.

Daya raised an eyebrow and circled him.

Daya: Oh really? Kab se tum dates pe jaane lage ho?

Abhi; Daya, Maine Tarika ko propose kiya hain abh wo meri girl friend hain isliye jaana hoga uski demand sabse upar.

Abhijeet mumbled, trying to slip past Daya.however, daya was not letting him go so easily. He blocked Abhijeet's path.

Daya:Subha se magnet ki tarha mere saath ghum rahe ho aur abh achanak promise yaad aagaya? Meri parchai ho tum abh main tumhe nahi jaane dunga.

Abhijeet smiled but he managed to sneak past him, chuckling as Daya giggled back.

Abhi:Aake milte hu tumse ache se kha pilo aur aaram karo

Daya:(settling in his couch laughed)Boss bhi na..

Daya smiled looking at the picture in his room with team and fixed his eyes on shreya. He recollected the work he had done in the morning and pulled his mobile back dropping a message.

He drove back in kitchen munching snacks and food and rested for sometime in his bed happily and peacefully.

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So here is the 1st chapter of season 3 of kkk hope you all liked this little dramatic sweet slow chapter.

Drop in your reviews and votes.

Keep loving ❤️

Dareains rocks!