Dev was walking along the lobby after his conversation with Sonakshi when he heard his name being called.

"Devvv...aree yaar!!!" an impatient Jatin screamed. Dev's lips curved into a genuine smile when he saw Jatin there. It was truly the most precious moment ever since he returned Delhi.

"Jatin?" Dev gasped.

"How are you, Dev? Oh god, when did you land from Australia? I can't believe that you are finally here! Do you know.... I never thought that we would meet again. You left all of us and went missing. Life was never the same after you left, Dev. You bloody idiot!" Jatin cursed and Dev chuckled.

"Woww.... Jatin??? Goodness, you lost a lot of weight man. I can't believe that you are working here too. What's your position? Why didn't you tell me? I didn't even see you just now. My god, how are you dude??"

"I am fine yaar. I know you didn't see me. Forget about me, you didn't even meet anyone else properly. How would you notice me when your eyes were all fixed on just one person huh?" Jatin winked mischievously at Dev.

"Please Jatin. Don't even go there. I do not want you to start your usual nonsense, okay? Now stop your bakwas and please come with me. We have a lot to catch up during lunch!" Dev said and dragged Jatin before he threw unnecessary questions at him.

Sona's POV

I quickly drove to Pooja's place after informing Nikita about my half day at work. I just couldn't process all the drama that happened all at once. It was all too much on my mind. Pooja was my best friend, all the way from college. She was someone who knew almost everything that happened in my life... Almost...

Impatiently ringing the doorbell of her house, I felt the door open to the most adorable sight ever. Pooja was chasing her one-year old son who was trying to crawl out and make his way towards me. I quickly scooped him in my arms and kissed his cheeks lovingly. He was my only stress-buster these days.

Pooja was married to Jatin, who was also another good friend of mine. They fell in love during college days and were happily married to each other. Unfortunately, not everyone's life had a happy ending like theirs. I sighed and looked at Pooja.

"Hey, what's up Sonu? Are you ok? How come you left work so early. Is everything fine?" she asked and I sensed the worry and concern in her tone.

"Dev is back, Pooja." That was all I had to say. I didn't see Pooja's face but I heard her loud gasp. Her eyeballs almost popped out of her sockets as she opened and closed her mouth speechlessly.

"Dev? Wait what?...... D-Dev? You mean Dev Dixit? When? Where? Oh my god Sona, don't tell me you were..." I cut her before she could ask me more questions.

"He is the new CEO of our company. By now Jatin should have known as well..." I sighed.

Pooja was just stoned in her place. Her eyes held so much of curiosity and perplexity. Sitting down on her couch I narrated to her the entire story of what happened the whole day. From her expressions, I could see that she was not impressed at all.

"Wow, that's harsh of him. He really asked for your name?" Pooja scowled unhappily.

"He's changed... But I guess he is only behaving like that with me." I sighed.

"Woah Sona... I don't know why, but I am extremely happy that Dev is back. I know it might be difficult for you to work in the same company as him but if you have moved on, it shouldn't be a problem for you right?" she asked as her eyes narrowed questioningly.

She was right about how his existence should not bother me but deep down I knew that this entire game wouldn't end well.

"Pooja, please don't ask me difficult questions. You know I am not here to talk about whether I have moved on or not. It's just that...I am afraid. I am afraid that Dev, working as my boss will affect my work. What if he tries to just throw me out? I have worked so hard for this job Pooja..." I probed as my voice almost choked at the end.

I somewhere hoped that he wouldn't do anything of that sort, but I was insecure of myself. Only I knew how much this job meant to me and my family. I could not even imagine myself losing this job. Losing this job could jeopardise my entire family's financial state.

"Just relax, Sona. I know how much you have struggled all these years for this job, but certain things in life can't be helped. I can try and solve this for you but that is......only if you give me some answers." Pooja replied sternly. I could see where this was leading to.

"What happened between both of you that you had to do this to him Sona? Please tell na.. I am sick of all those baseless rumours about you. I know my friend is not a gold-digger. She can never even hurt a small ant... forget about a real human being. Tell me why did you do it Sona? Won't you at least tell me... It's been freaking 3 years. Being your best friend, I at least deserve to know this truth right?" she asked desperately.

Her questions did not shock me at all. This had been a routine question, coming out from both Pooja and Jatin. As usual, I had nothing to reply to her.

It has been a long time since Pooja started talking to me about Dev. I felt extremely terrible for being a bad friend but I just could not bring myself to tell her the truth. Pooja has never hidden anything from me but if she knows my truths, she definitely would not stay silent about it.

"The whole college knows Pooja... It's all true. You are allowed to think whatever you want about me but no one can change the truth. I had to do this and I don't regret anything I did" I replied firmly, trying to sound as normal as possible.

Pooja just looked at me with pity in her eyes. She knew that I was not saying the truth but before she could question me anymore, I packed my stuff and got up to leave. I somehow felt relieved that I told Pooja everything, but there were still some unanswered questions between us. Before I could leave, she stopped me.

"Sonu, whatever is it, please do not keep it to yourself. You always have Jatin and myself to rely on. I know Dev would not hurt you by doing anything unprofessional. However, you need to understand from his perspective as well. How much must he have endured over these 3 years? I know my friend would never hurt another person without any valid reason. I have more trust in you than myself. I am always here for you...even if you are in the bad side, Sona..." she said almost making myself tear up.

I abruptly hugged Pooja tightly. She was the only person who stood by my side when everyone else moved away from me.

No matter how many people tried to degrade me infront of her, she stood by my side. She trusted me more than anyone else. We always shared a silent conversation through our eyes. No matter how much I denied the truth, she could always read my mind. We stood there in the position for a few minutes before we could hear her son Ayaan's cry.

"Thank you Pooja...." I thanked her and silently left the house.

Dev's POV

"Come on Jatin, this is not the time to be angry...I know I didn't attend your wedding and it's my fault, but what to do yaar? My Job was such. You know that, right?? I have stopped contacting all my friends in India for the past 3 years. I missed you guys so much. I really do. I even want to meet Pooja and apologise to her personally you know. Damn, my life is so fucking screwed.." I ranted as Jatin just laughed at my state.

"Ok fine, but I can't promise you that Pooja won't throw you out from our house ok? She's super angry with you!" he replied still laughing.

"Ya ya..."

"Hey by the way, can we be a little seriously now? I wanted to ask you... Ermm.... is everything ok? I mean between you and Sona-"

"I have appointed Ms Bose as my PA and she will start her work from tomorrow as usual. That's all Jatin. I replied immediately. I knew Jatin wanted to ask more but he just decided to keep quiet. I should have left that topic too.

But too late, I couldn't stop my stupid mouth from asking about her.

"By the way, I hope she is a trustworthy employee. Hope she doesn't fly away with another client who offers her a better job than us." I stated, wanting more information from Jatin. However, he just smiled and replied to me calmly.

"Dev, I understand that you are still angry about her and stuff. But whatever happened was 3 years ago. She is not the same Sonakshi we all know from college anymore. I am not going to argue if she was right or wrong in the past, but I would just like to say that she is the sincerest employee we have as of today. She has put in 100% of her time and effort for this company. This job means a lot to her, Dev. I hope you don't mix your personal feelings into business and misuse your position." He uttered seriously.

I knew he was right...but damn! I can't even think anything positive about her. I expected someone to say something bad about her or find at least one bad review. But ever since I came to this office, everyone had been praising her for her sincerity and loyalty. Nikita was even suggesting her name for the promotion. I was super pissed with the turn of events but I knew that this was just the beginning of our journey.

Get ready for work Sonakshi... You have a long way to go! I smirked mentally and planned my next move.

This was going to be fun.

***************

HEY Guys! Sorry there wasn't any devakshi moments in this chapter. However, the introduction of the characters Jatin and Pooja are really important for the story to progress further. Hope you guys understand. Thank you :)

PRECAP : Sonakshi loaded with work at Dev's cabin!