I slowly picked up the diary from the floor and turned towards the last few pages....and there I saw another important page. It was on our engagement! But before I could read it, the buzzing sound of my handphone went off like an annoyed beetle. I scooped it up and answered without looking at it.

"Hello? Dev!!! Where is Sonakshi man? Why is she not picking up? I heard all the chaos that went in the office 2 days back. Tell me it's not true...........wait... I want to talk to Sona RIGHT NOW! Give the phone to her!" yelled Jatin making me frozen at my spot.

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

"Hello...."

"Hello Dev....I am talking to you. Where is Sonakshi?" Jatin asked impatiently as Dev's voice choked in his throat.

"She.......................... is admitted in St Andrews Hospital." Dev breathed as there was no response from the other side.

Dev could tell that this was more than a shock for Jatin, but there was no way he could hide it. Sooner or later he would have to find about it.

"What's wrong?" Jatin panicked.

"She met with an accident." Dev's voice came out without any emotions.

"I am coming there right now!" Jatin said as he cut the phone.

Dev immediately clutched the diary in his hand and rushed out of the house. He immediately bid farewell from Asha and Elena, sprinting his way back to the hospital. He had to reach there before Jatin reached.

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

"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU IDIOT?" Jatin screamed holding Dev's collar accusingly. The usual calmness and humour was all gone from his face.

It has been an hour since Dev explained about everything that happened in their house to Jatin and Pooja who were utterly confused with Sonakshi's accident. Starting from the office problems till Sonakshi's accident, Dev told them everything that happened. The guilt in his tone didn't go unnoticed by his friends. But they didn't even feel like pitying him as anger overtook them.

"I know I am wrong Jatin..... But the situation was such." Dev explained as Jatin huffed in annoyance.

"Hell with your situation, Dev. How many times? How many? You never learnt your lesson, right? You believed that she betrayed you? Guess what? You betrayed her! You don't even deserve her Dev... You totally don't. She is too good for you. I rather she had married some random guy in the streets.... At least she wouldn't have been insulted like how she was, in your house. At least..........she would have led a normal life...... Not like this. Landing in the hospital and all." Jatin said as every word stabbed Dev directly in his guts.

Dev was hurt by Jatin's words but those were the truth. He felt like he didn't deserve Sonakshi. She was an angel, unlike him. He was a normal human with flaws. He couldn't match up with Sonakshi's goodness. He had erred, and it was a big one unlike the previous times. Just guilt wasn't enough....

Pooja still stood in a corner in shock. She couldn't digest that her best friend was fighting for her life for the past twenty-four hours. She looked at Dev with disappointment.

"Dev.... If you were so doubtful about the pictures, you could have waited till we came back. You could have just asked me. You know that the only one person Sonakshi hangs out is, with me..... That day, I was with her in the shopping mall. She was crying bitterly. She said that she didn't want to hurt you. She was scared to tell you. And you know what? You exactly reacted like how she expected." Pooja teared as she couldn't imagine what Sonakshi would have gone through for the past few days.

"I am sorry..." Dev kneeled and rested against the wall. He couldn't take anymore accusations. Everything was making him dizzy.

Neil's confession, Kichu's words, Sonakshi's diary, Pooja-Jatin's accusations..... everything was making him dizzy. The aching pain in his heart was increasing and the more he tried not to cry, the more tears started threatening in the corner of his eyes.

"I just don't understand one thing from you dude. I have always warned you to think from your heart instead of your brain but you chose your stupid brain at last. Even a brainless man wouldn't send his wife out at late night..... Oh wait. Not send out, leave his wife and run away to Australia! What were you thinking?" Jatin huffed as he lost his patience. His mind was just scattered with the events and the last miss call from Sonakshi just increased his guilt.

"I didn't expect this Jatin. Can you please stop it..........I am already in pain and you are just making it worse. I know.... I have made a mistake..... A grave one indeed. I never thought that she would be chased out like this. I trusted my parents and family." Dev spoke but his voice came out softer than a whisper.

Jatin looked at Dev and he calmed down immediately. He walked to the nearest chair and sat down with his eyes closed. He took a long breath and stared at Dev who was still sitting at the same position.

"You trusted your family........ But she only trusted you, Dev." He said as Dev's heart gripped ten times harder.

"You know how much she had to go through for the marriage. You believed your mother and Nisha.... But the one who was behind the missing mangalsutra on the day of your marriage, was Nisha. I found it in her handbag........ Nisha is not what you think Dev..." Jatin whispered as Dev's blood raged at the mention of her name.

All along Dev didn't even suspect Nisha but she was constantly accused by many people. First Sonakshi, Neil and now, Jatin. Now he desperately wanted to know why Nisha was doing this... But before that, Dr Prathap walked out from the operation theatre. Jatin and Pooja also stood up as they were hoping to hear some good news.

"Doctor, may I know how is Sonakshi...?" Dev asked as his eyes were still tear stricken.

"The operation was successful, but we have to wait for another twelve hours to see how the patient is responding. Don't worry, lets hope that everything will be fine." he said while Dev's brows scrunch in confusion.

"What do you mean, doctor?"

"Look Mr Dixit...Your wife is really weak. The accident was a life threatening one and it's a huge blessing that she has survived this safely. Usually if the patient becomes conscious in a few ours, then it shouldn't be a problem. But if she still doesn't respond after twelve hours.................then"

"Then what doctor?" Pooja interrupted.

"Then....we fear that she will go into coma..." he said apologetically and Dev froze on his spot.

"Coma... Really? Don't you have any other solution for this?" He asked angrily trying to get some positive answer, but the doctor's face just showed sympathy.

"There was swelling and bleeding found on her brain, sir. We have done what we could..... Let me warn you that brain surgeries are complicated. They may take time to heal........ So, we won't be able to give a fixed answer as of now." Dr Prathap tried explaining calmly but Dev just broke down. His rage and helplessness were increasing with time.

"No doctor.... How can you say like this? There has to be a way out. Something that can save my wife? I mean.... I don't mind paying. Just tell me what else we can do" he blabbered in agony.

Sensing the situation, Jatin pulled away Dev by holding his hand and looked at the doctor apologetically.

"Thanks doctor....I...I will manage him" Jatin spoke while Dr Prathap nodded sadly. He seemed to understand the situation better than any others.

"Jatin... What the hell is happening? What is he saying? I want to know. This can't be possible... How dare he say that Sonakshi will not wake up? How can Sonakshi go into coma? How...? Why didn't you let me ask him? There can be something done to solve this!" Dev exploded and broke down while Jatin consoled him.

"Dev! Please stay sane..... He is doing his best." Jatin sighed.

Jatin was angry with Dev for his foolishness. He couldn't come in terms to forgive Dev. But after seeing his state, he felt sorry for both of them. He just felt like the situation was too screwed. There was no point of constantly accusing Dev when he himself was in a regretting mess.

He wanted to help them out but there was no way as things have gone too far. Now all he wished was for Sonakshi to wake up. There can never be a better news than that for all of them.

But the next twelve hours only increased their agony.

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

Jatin's POV

Everyone were allowed to go and see Sonakshi in the ward. It was too painful for me to see her in that state. Since only one person was allowed at a time, I walked in after Pooja visited her.

I sat down beside her reminiscing all the memories I had with Sonakshi. The last conversation I had with her increased my guilt. She was going through so much...yet she didn't tell me anything. I told her that I was a call away.....why Sonakshi? Why didn't you call me. I would have been there for you.

Only if Dev had been a little patient... What was her fault. Will she ever be normal again if she knows about her miscarriage? How much can she go through? Will life ever be normal for her again?

"Do you know.... Tomorrow I have the final counting of the transactions and stuff in office... I thought you would be there to help me..."

Her voice still echoed in my mind. Only if I had been there on time, this wouldn't have happened. I should have been there. It's all my fault. The only person she found solace after Dev was me. How could I leave her alone?

I wasn't with her during her bad time. I had been the most horrible friend. She wouldn't have lost her child and fighting for her life, if I had stayed a few more days with her. I should have been there in the office when the problem was going on! Shit...........It's all my fault. How will I forgive myself? I closed my eyes as our last conversation echoed again in my mind....

"Jatin, I just want you to know...... you are a great friend okay?"

"Oh crap! Where did this come from? You never told me all this in this seven years...and now when I am going for a three-day trip, you are trying these emotional tricks to stop me huh?"

"Whatever...I just thought I wouldn't be able to tell you this later if not now......"

"What do you mean?"

"You never know....maybe it's my time to take a break!"

Tears ran down my face, like the water flowing through the drains, rubbing salt into my open wounds. No Sonakshi.... You can't take a break like this. You are a strong woman! You need to fight back Sona please...

Her pretty face, beautiful smile, soft heart, confused mind, and kindness tortured my soul. My heart was missing an integral piece. A part that keeps it from working correctly. My best friend...... was actually fighting for her life.

"Jatin, I just want you to know...... you are a great friend okay?"

That sentence just repeated in my mind like a nightmare. No, I am not a good friend. I left you when you needed me. My face creased and my fists closed so tight as I could feel the sweat trapped inside them.

"I believe you Sonakshi.... You will come back. I trust you. You can't leave us all alone. You have to come back for your parents, your friends..............and your Dev. Dev needs you Sonakshi. He is an idiot, a brainless man...... But he is too broken Sonakshi. He can't survive without you.... You can come back and punish him. This time I will be always by your side in whatever decision you take...."

"Please..........wake up Sona. You can't make me guilty...... I said I am sorry, didn't I?" the tears left my eyes even before I could stop them.

But there was no response.

"Sona....please wake up" I said as the cries echoed across the quiet room.

*End Of POV*

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

A few hours passed and Dev's family members were all present in the hospital. But Dev didn't even give a glance at them. He was too torn and his mind was constantly praying for Sonakshi's recovery. He hadn't wanted anything as bad as how he wanted Sonakshi's recovery now. He just wanted her to open her eyes. Even if she hated him after that, he was ok with it. He just wanted her to open her eyes.

It was twenty-four hours since Dev had consumed anything. Everyone were worried about Dev's condition. Even Jatin tried to give him some juice but Dev wasn't even listening to anyone. He was on his world....all alone.

Everyone were allowed in the observation ward to see Sonakshi but Dev didn't have the courage to see her. He was scared that he may increase her agony by talking to her. He didn't want her to suffer anymore. Everyone including Jatin and Pooja went to take a look but Dev just stood outside, stoned in his position.

Jatin came outside from the ward and left the hospital, saying that he had something urgent, leaving Pooja confused.

Dev slowly moved his gaze towards Sonakshi's diary. He slowly clutched the diary in his hands. That's when he recalled Sonakshi's last note that he left unread. He slowly opened the book and turned to the last incident she wrote before her marriage...

12th May 2017

Today is the most memorable day for me..... in a good and a bad way. Good because I was getting engaged to the love of my life... all the mysteries between us is not solved but at least Dev believes me a little. I can live with that.... Bad day because, I saw the devil whom ruined my life. The same person named who called herself Neha to me 3 years ago... it was none other than his cousin Nisha!

I couldn't believe it. She spoke to me in such a cruel way... She declared that she LOVED Dev! Love!!! Seriously? How could she even say that? Isn't she ashamed of herself? How could she love the guy who gave his heart to another woman.... She was never his nor will she ever be!

She threatened me to run away from this marriage and told me that she would never let me live in peace! Pfff ... Who cares? If I have Dev, then I do not need to worry about anything. He is my shield...my protector. I believe in him the moment he came back. I trust my love and believe that this will work. My Dev will never leave me alone in any situation. -Sona

Regret washed over Dev like the long high waves on a shallow beach. Each wave was icy cold and sent shivers down his spine. How he longed to go back and take a different path, but now that was impossible. There was no way back. There was no way to make it right. The remorse would eat him everyday in his life.

The tears flowed unchecked down his cheeks and dripped from his chin. He was too sad to cry out loud or wail as he just stood there as still like a statue while the magnitude of his loss swept over him.

How much she had trusted me to protect her? How will I ever forgive myself? No amount of punishment would justify my deeds.... I am hopeless.

Wiping his tears, he quickly stood up and rushed towards the observation ward where Sonakshi was. Without wasting anytime, he walked inside in a daze. Everyone who were waiting outside, looked at him in shock as they saw Dev walking inside.

Once he went in, he gulped looking at the view in front of him. He watched the lifeless face of Sonakshi as all those words she said echoed in his mind.

"Dev STOP BELIEVING HER! She is a snake in disguise of a cow! Her intentions are not good..... She is the reason behind all this. She had been framing against me all this time.... She even tried to kill me! She tried to hurt me... She is a horrible human being Dev. How can you trust her more than me? Please Dev.... Just open your eyes and see what's happening around you. THE ONE WHO DISGUISED AS NEHA AND FOOLED ME THREE YEARS AGO WAS YOUR COUSIN NISHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

***

"Dev....I have left my family, parents, siblings and friends to live with you... I trusted you with my entire life but you are leaving me with a bunch of people who are dangerous for me.... What if something happens to me? Will you be happy? What if they harm me.... Your mum, Nisha and mami... they are not good people Dev. They don't like me..... please bring me with you as well.........."

***

"Don't worry Mr Dixit........... This is the last time, you would be seeing me..."

He clenched his eyes shut wishing that he had given her a chance that day when she had constantly begged him... Why? Why did he turn so dumb?

Her last words still pierced his heart...

"You know what.... I will never forgive you Dev! If I was in your place, I would have trusted you with all my life...........but you cheated me. You betrayed me........ You promised to take care of me but today... I am in the streets because of you. I didn't want this marriage but you assured me that everything was fine.............. I was afraid that our marriage would come to this stage one day and it became true......."

***

"I hate you.........for doing this to me......"

***

He stared at Sonakshi face, ashamed to even start a conversation. How was he even supposed to ask for forgiveness when he knew he didn't deserve it?

"Sonaaa...... Are you listening?" he whispered as he saw no reaction from her. Not even a single movement. Only the beeping sound from the monitors were heard.

"Sona..... I know you hate me... but please, just come back. You can't give up. You can hate me, punish me in whatever ways you want. I promise I will punish those people who were responsible for this state of yours but please...... come back. I just need you to be alright. You can't punish me like this..... Please Sonakshi. Just wake up..." he sobbed like a child as he held her pale hands and intertwined his fingers with hers gently.

"Sonakshi............... You know.... I don't have anyone for me now. So long, I was so proud that I had a perfect family, perfect friends and everything I needed in my life....... But I was so wrong. My mother and cousin betrayed me. They backstabbed me.... Our friends are all now on your side..... Your parents look at me like a murderer.... I don't have anyone outside..... All the while, you were the only one I had. You were there for me, but I didn't realize your worth then. I took you for granted. I am sorry... please save me from the cruel world Sona." he choked as he held her hands.

But there was no movements from her side. Soon the nurse came there for some observation and Dev had to leave the ward. He was heartbroken that he received no reaction from her. Had he really killed her soul, he thought.

But little did he know that he failed to see the tear which left her left eye....

There was still some time left for Sonakshi's reports to arrive. Hence all the family members were waiting outside the ward, walking along the pavement. Only Jatin was missing there but everyone were busy to even notice that.

Suddenly Dev's phone buzzed, catching the attention of everyone. He picked up the phone, knowing that it had to be Jatin.

"Dev.... Can you immediately come down to our office. It's something urgent!" Jatin said.

"Jatin.... I can't. You know that I have to be here at this time right?" Dev asked.

"I know Dev....But this is really important. It's about.........Sonakshi."

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

Precap : A completely broken Dev..... His LAST broken stage! Will Sonakshi wake up after 12 hours?