Flashback continues...

Days passed and things started to get better but suddenly after the mid- term exams, Sonakshi's behaviours started to change. She became quieter and started to avoid everyone, including Dev.

Pooja was the first one to notice this, since she spent most of the time with Sona. Dev and Jatin decided to give her some space as they believed that women tend to have their own mood swings, and they have to be dealt with care. However, Dev was still not satisfied with such reasonings.

He always wondered what bothered Sonakshi so much that she was isolating herself away from him. He knew that Sona was a fun and loving girl. For her to be behaving in such a weird manner was definitely fishy. This wasn't the same Sonakshi he had seen for the past 2 years. She suddenly felt like a different person.

Dev gave all the time to her, making her feel like the most precious women on earth. But no matter what he did, Sona was not interested nor she appreciating his efforts. She always found fault in whatever he did. She tried to pick up a fight in every situation. Dev's patience level was slowly decreasing. He could not even figure out what was wrong.

Whenever Jatin and Pooja tried to talk to Sona during lunch, she always replied that she was fine and nothing was wrong with her. However, she still remained as the same person whom she was after the talks. After some time, everyone gave up on advising her.

Dev brought her to her favourite restaurants, cafes, street shops and showered her with gifts almost every week. But Sonakshi's still behaved rudely to him. She would just refuse his gifts most of the time and tell him she wasn't hungry if they went out for lunch. Dev was clueless to why she was behaving like this. Fear started to engulf his heart with Sona's detachment.

One day he was sitting down at home, stressed up with all the chaos in college when he heard his parents talking in the living area.

"Jay, we can't let this go off easily. Something has to be done." Ishwari spoke.

"I know Ishwari. This is difficult for me too...Our companies are facing great losses. Last week, it's all over the newspapers. I don't know how long it is going to take for me to recover the losses. Moreover, our company In Australia is not doing well too..." Jay sighed heavily.

"Jay I think it's high time we should ask help from our son" Ishwari's voice made Dev's brows narrow. He never heard his parents so stressed before.

Before his mother could continue, Dev barged in between their conversation. He was shocked to hear about the situation at home. He knew their company business were not doing so well, but he was not aware that the situation was going out of control. He felt ashamed that he was too absorbed in his own life that he failed to help out his family when they needed him.

"Dad, what is all this? You could have told me that you needed help right? How is this possible?" Dev asked and Jay bowed down in reluctance.

Eventually, his father explained to him about the situation in the companies and how bad their situation now was. Dev listened to him carefully and concluded that he will help them out. But his parents expressed to him that his help here, was not what they wanted. In fact, the request they asked, made his bones freeze.

Dev's posture went numb and he felt as though the whole world was against him.

They wanted him to manage the company in Australia as that branch needed his help, while his father and uncle could take care of the branch in India. They also convinced Dev that by going to Australia, he would get more exposure and experience from the industries. Adding on, they suggested that he could also continue his masters there.

Dev could not deny that it was an extraordinary offer, but he just couldn't accept it. Leaving Sonakshi and surviving 24 hours was already living hell...and here they were talking about years. That was totally impossible.

"Dad, I am really sorry. I really would join our company after my graduation next month. But going overseas is just not my 'thing'...please try to understand. If you want, I can help out in the company here." he told his parents.

Hearing Dev's statement, his parents were disappointed. They tried convincing their best, but Dev was adamant on staying in India. He expressed that he hated the life in overseas and wanted to achieve something in India. Listening to him only made his parents distressed.

After a long conversation, even his parents understood that convincing Dev to do something he doesn't like would be unfair to him. They always wanted their son to be happy and now, if his happiness was to stay with them, they gladly compiled. Finally, his father decided that he would travel Australia instead. When his father took the decision, it was hard for Dev to witness it too.

But he did not know what he could do to help the situation either.

That night, he called Sonakshi and asked her to meet him at their favourite coffee shop. Sensing his upset voice, Sonakshi did not argue and immediately sneaked out from her house. When she arrived at the coffee shop, she saw that Dev was sitting there in deep thoughts. Leaning against his bike and facing the sky, he looked completely broken.

She went and immediately hugged him from behind. Dev came out from his thoughts and leaned more into her touch. She came in front of him and took his palms into hers.

"What's wrong Dev?" she asked. There was concern in her voice, making Dev so emotional.

Without saying anything he hugged her tightly. He nuzzled his face in her neck and kept mumbling sweet nothings in her ears. She was confused over his sudden change in behaviour. Dev had always been her rock. She had never seen him in such a confusing state, but today he was not himself. She knew that she had to distract him.

She pulled him and gave him a long smooch on his lips. Before she could pull away from him, she felt him sucking her lower lip and gripping her waist possessively. Sensing that things were getting out of hand, Sonakshi abruptly pulled away from the kiss, leaving Dev completely flabbergasted. It wasn't the action that offended him, but it was the way she did it. The way she pulled herself from him made him feel like he had disgusted her.

Dev knew the level of comfort zone they shared and Sonakshi had never pulled away from him before. Why was she so weird?

"What happened?" Dev asked, looking confused.

"I am not in the mood Dev.. Tell me why you called me here suddenly?" she asked, avoiding the topic.

Dev was getting irritated with her behaviour for the past few days. Although he called her initially to share his problems with her, this time he decided not to. He just told her he was upset due to some family problems.

"Oh.. Ok. Just that?" she replied coldly.

He was shocked by her reply. He expected her to at least console him or say a few nice words. But her cold behaviour, made him feel so low.

"What's wrong Sona? Why are you being like this for the past few days? I know you are angry at me for a reason... But I need to know why na? What did I do? You know we can always talk it out....you are the only person I can lean on to nowadays. You know how much I love you right? " he told her sincerely.

For a moment a hurt look crossed her face but immediately changed into a disgusted look.

"Stop being dramatic Dev.. Sometimes love itself is not enough to hold a relationship!" she spat angrily.

"What do you mean?" he asked as his eyes went wide listening to her rude remark.

"You know what I mean!" she said and left the place. Dev did not bother to stop her as he himself was stoned at his position.

That whole conversation just sucked out the life out of him.

He couldn't sleep the whole night. He immediately called Pooja that night and told her about the entire conversation. Even Pooja was shocked at her friend's behaviour. She knew that Sona was never the kind of person who would say such things. Hearing Dev's story, she was perplexed too.

Nevertheless, Pooja assured Dev that she will speak to Sonakshi about it and asked him not to worry.

However, Dev could not sleep the whole night. His feelings were changing from anger to hurt and lastly to fear. Fear of losing Sonakshi. It was almost 3am when he heard his phone ringing. He quickly woke up with a jerk and looked at the caller ID hoping it be Sona, but all his enthusiasm died when he saw Jatin's name flashing. He picked up the phone dejectedly and placed it on his ears.

"Hello mera Dost!!!" Dev heard Jatin's electrifying voice. Dev wondered if there was any time Jatin sounded like a sad person.

"Hi Jatin, may I know why you have called me now? As far as I know, my name is far from all your girlfriends names in you contact list. And it's also freaking 3am in the morning dumbo!!!" he said sarcastically.

Jatin just chuckled.

"Yes, I know. But how can I sleep when I know that my friend is in trouble yaar? Come on Dev... It's not rocket science to find out whether you are disturbed or not.. Ermm... and Pooja told me a that...." Before Jatin completed Dev interrupted.

"So, you know everything right?? Why did you call me? To console? Errr just leave me alone Jatin. I am not in the mood for anything now."

"Fine... Fine.. Okay. but listen to me, Dev. There is something I want to tell you. I have spoken to Sonakshi." Jatin paused, grabbing Dev's attention.

"Wha..at? What did she say?" Dev's voice softened filled with curiosity.

"I know there is something disturbing her, Dev. I think she is having some problems which she might not be sharing with us. She is not the same person we knew. Whenever I talked to her, she just looks lost. I know there is something bothering her for the past 2 weeks.. I thought that maybe it might be because of some fights between you guys. You know how these girls react, right? How they are when they are upset.... You can't understand all girls, Dev. It takes time. Sonakshi is an extremely sweet person. Don't let small arguments grow between the both of you. You know how many evil eyes at college are waiting for you guys to fight, right? Don't give them that privilege Dev! I want you to be happy! I am sure Pooja will talk to Sona! Don't worry." he said.

Speaking with Jatin made Dev feel lighter. Dev felt really blessed that he had such a great-hearted friend who was willing to call him up at 3am and crack crazy jokes.

"Thanks, Jatin... Pooja and you would make a great couple you know. Both of you can start your own counselling sessions." Dev said with a small smile.

"As long as it is effective, I don't mind" Jatin replied and both of them started laughing again.

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Next day, both Pooja and Sona were having a study together session after college. Pooja keenly looked at Sona before she started her conversation.

"Sona, I know that something is running is that small brain of yours. You can try to fool Dev, but not me. I have been seeing you from childhood. Don't lie to me that you are okay! Now tell me what's wrong?" Pooja asked straight to the point.

"What? What did I do Pooja? And why are you bringing Dev in this?"

"Come on Sona... You do know how hurt he is. Your actions and words are all hurting him. why are you doing this to him? Are you angry at him for anything? If yes, go ahead and talk to him? Or else, if there is something bothering you, you can try telling me.. I might find you a better solution. Pushing everyone away is not a solution."

"No Pooja...I know what you are talking about. But before talking to anyone else, I want to talk straight to Dev about this." she stated angrily and got up from her seat. Pooja was stunned as she saw how Sona abruptly ended the conversation.

"Talk to Dev about what??"

"About our break-up!" Sona spoke, leaving a terrified Pooja behind.

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Sonakshi walked towards a bench at the corner of the school gate. It was the regular meeting place for both Sonakshi and Dev. As she was nearing the bench, she saw a bunch of roses laid there neatly. Before she took it, a pair of hands came and closed her eyes from behind.

She knew who it was and quickly pulled away from him. Dev was startled by her sudden actions. He thought that she may have cooled down from their tiff last night, but something about her expressions told him that she wasn't playing.

"Dev, what's all this?"

"Umm... I was just trying to compromise and have an open talk with you! And yea... I bought these for you." Dev said with a small smile, forwarding the roses to her. Sona's eyes widened and she gave him an unbelievable look.

"God... Dev??? I don't know why you are making this so difficult for me." she said looking frustrated.

"What are you talking about Sonakshi? Just tell me straight. I am all ears for you."

"Dev... Let's just break up!" she said curtly, making Dev drop all the roses in shock.

Dev just got stoned at his place. His heart shattered into pieces. Never in his wildest dream, had he thought that Sonakshi would say those words to him. Sona was the only girl whom he fell for deeply and truly. He couldn't form out what went wrong in their relationship. They did not even fight often like normal couples did. He tried to gain back his composure, but his struggle was real.

"Sona.... Just tell me this is some kind of cruel prank or something." His voice shook.

"Come on Dev, we are not at the age to play games. I am serious! I don't think our relationship is going to be promising like I thought it to be. If we don't end this now, then we have to end it sooner or later."

"Why are you constantly talking about ending?" he yelled making her flinch.

"I have been dying to make this work every day between us. Is this some kind of joke because if it is, then it is scaring me Sona. If there is something wrong with me, then tell me. Speak to me like you always do. I am sure we can sit down and talk, whatever problem it is. Separating is definitely not a matured person's thinking, Sonakshi Bose! And where did this idea even come from??" he spoke as anger was evident in his tone.

"Dev, I am sorry but I can't act anymore.. I have seen the news..." she dragged as her voice became softer. Her eyes bore holes in the ground!

"My eyes are up here Sonakshi....and what news are you talking about?" he asked trying to breathe normally.

She took a deep breath before answering,

"I know that your family business is down at the moment. Your father's company is going to be raided soon. Your family is struggling with their financial situation...and I saw it all in the news Dev." she sighed.

Dev was now totally confused. He did not understand anything as whatever she told him, had no link to her stupid decision. Then it hit him.

His eyes widened and he gaped at her widely. He couldn't believe his eyes and ears. He felt a huge pain hit his chest, making him almost unbearable to carry himself. He looked at her curiously, expecting her to continue. After a long pause, Sona looked up at him and continued.

"Dev... I loved you but I don't think love is enough to live a practical life. I come from a middle-class family and I can't fulfil my dreams and career by staying in my family. I want to further my studies, improve my career and live a luxurious life after marriage. With the financial status of your family now, I don't think even you can support me in future....." she kept on saying but Dev went deaf to all the words she said next.

He just stood with his mouth open. Shock would be an understatement. He felt cheated and betrayed. He could not believe what he was listening to. This was never the girl he fell in love. She never judged anyone, never measured her love with anything and never had the guts to hurt anyone.

He still trusted her. He knew she would not do this and there was a reason behind it. Or at least that's what he wanted to think about her.

Here he was expecting her to support him during the hard time of his life but there she was just being cruel. Was she that selfish? All she thought was about herself. Her career? Dev never knew Sonakshi kept records of his business. Sure, he came from a wealthy family but they had never talked about money anytime during their relationship.

Sure, she should have seen the news but instead of consoling him, she was trying to break up? Was she for real?

When Sona realized that he had zoned out, she waved her hand infront of him to bring him out from his reverie. His eyes were filled with tears by the time he faced her.

"So, was it all about money Sona? Or.....any other reason?" he asked with a heavy heart. His voice came out almost as a whisper as he hoped to hear a different answer every time she spoke.

The pain in his voice was so evident. He couldn't even form any other questions. He knew about friends who befriended him just for his wealth but he never thought Sonakshi to be one of them. He trusted her with all his heart. She would be the last person that he thought would hurt him.

"Dev...I won't say it's all about money................... but it is essential." She ended with a guilty look. Dev felt numb. He felt as if someone was stabbing him straight in his heart repeatedly. He felt so low and cheap.

Just as she was about to move away, he held her wrist and jerked her towards him. He hugged her tightly and spoke,

"Sona...this is not you. Tell me what's bothering you. My Sona can never do this. I am sure we can solve this matter if we speak patiently. I can work harder if you want... My god... I love you and I know you love me more than this. You can't do this pleaseee" he begged. He broke down badly when he realized that Sonakshi was not even reciprocating to his hug.

"I am sorry Dev... I should have told you earlier. My parents are searching for a good alliance... It's good if we break up now and move on... It's the best if you forget me now" she told as her voice came out extremely weak.

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHAT I WANT TO REMEMBER OR FORGET??" he screamed at her.

Tears flowed through Dev's eyes. The pain in his heart was becoming unbearable as she pushed herself forcefully and walked back. He realized this was the reality and quickly ran behind stopping her again.

"Sonakshi... You can't do this to me... You know I can't live without you" Dev pleaded, hoping that she would change her mind even at that point. He was desperate. He couldn't see what was right or wrong. All he wanted was her to come back to him and life to be back to normal. He was ready to do anything she was about to say.

"I am sorry Dev.... I can't do this. I can't live with a person who I am not sure how my life is going to shape up. I want to live with someone who has a status and someone who can support me financially. I am not sure if you can do that now." she replied. Her voice was stern and strong.

"Does money and status mean everything to you?" his eyes were reflecting anger and agony.

"....YES"

The minute she replied, she saw pure hatred and disgust in his face. She turned and walked away from him.

Dev had never felt that disgusted by someone. Now he loathed the same girl whom he used to give his life for. How could an angel like her turn into a snake? She was a gold-digger. No doubt. She was sticking with him just for his money. But what about the love he saw in her eyes everytime he spoke to her? Was that all acting? He wanted to know.

"Did you not love me even once? Was it all acting?.....................not even one minute in our entire two and a half year relationship?" he asked as a lone tear escaped his eyes.

Sonakshi halted in her steps as she heard his question. Her back was still facing him.

"I used to love you Dev...", she replied as she continued walking.

Flashback ends.....

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So, do you guys think Dev has a right to be angry on Sona in the present? Are you guys ready to meet the present Dev and Sona after 3 years? Is she a gold-digger for real?

Precap : Present days...