Next day, everyone were gathered in the Dixit's mansion. Jay got to know the whole story from Jatin and he was completely in denial that Ishwari could do such a cruel thing. After Jatin explained how the proofs were found, Jay was dumbfounded. Now he could imagine what Dev was going through. The pain was worse than what any human being could go through.

His love ones had completely betrayed him. He had lost his trust in everyone around him. Dev's face lost all emotions. He became fierce and arrogant as days passed. None of them dared to talk to him after that breakdown at the hospital. They were still surprised that Dev didn't take any actions against them legally.

He stopped consuming the food cooked at home as he would always order or have take-aways from outside. He had also appointed two new servants to do his chores for him and instructed not to let anyone near his room, including his mother.

Ishwari tried to talk to him. But every time he saw her, his face contorted with the venomous outburst. All the things she did behind his back, caused him to hate her more. He hated his family members with passion. But out of all, he hated his mother the most. He never thought that she could input so much of pain on an innocent girl's life.

Nisha and Radharani were too scared to loiter in that house as they lived in fear of their lives. They decided to move away from there as they knew that staying there was too dangerous for both of them.

Dev would always get himself engrossed in company's work. He had fired Nisha from her position and terminated all the access and facilities that she had in the company. The credit cards and office facilities all were snatched away from Nisha, leaving her completely devastated.

Dev's only relief would be, visiting Sonakshi in the hospital. He wasn't ready to give up on her. He went there everyday after his work. He desperately wanted Sona to come back. He always talked to her and encouraged her to do any kind of movements.

But all he received was disappointment. There was no improvements in her recovery.

One day when he came back from work, he saw Nisha and Radharani sitting in the living area. They were engrossed in talking that they didn't even realize that Dev was there. Once they heard Dev clearing his throat, both of them looked at him in shock while Dev walked towards them.

However, Dev showed no emotions. He slowly came there and sat in the sofa with his legs resting on top of the table. They waited for Dev to say something. But he didn't say anything. The silence was growing uncomfortable until they heard a loud siren.

Soon a police officer walked inside the house with his head held high as Radharani and Nisha looked puzzled. They gulped in their fears and watched as the officer walked towards Dev.

"Hi you must be Mr Dixit?" he asked as Dev nodded and shook his hands.

"Yes....and here is the person you are looking for Mr Roy." Dev said pointing towards Nisha.

That police officer nodded at Dev and walked towards Nisha. Nisha was alarmed by the sudden happenings.

"You are under arrest Ms Nisha! Please come with us..." he said as Nisha's eyes widened.

"W...why? What did I do?" she argued.

"You have stolen the money from Dixit Enterprises and also...........we have a murder attempt case on you!" he said while Radharani yelled for help. Immediately Ishwari, Jay and Neha were all assembled in the hall.

"What happened Dev? Why is she being arrested?" Jay asked as the police officer turned and started explaining.

"Mr Jay....On Mr Bijoy Bose's accident case, we finally managed to catch the guy who caused the accident six months ago. And after lots of enquiries, he named Nisha as the person who paid him to create the accident. When we enquired Mr Dixit about this, he confirmed that his cousin Nisha was the one behind all the incidents. So now we have no choice but to arrest her." He said and started to handcuff Nisha while she tried to struggle more.

Everyone stood shocked while Dev just nodded at the officer and walked upstairs without giving another look to Nisha.

"Dev.......You can't do this to me! Dev... Please..........I have helped you in building this company and wealth. You can't betray me like this..... please Dev! Please forgive me! Dev I did all this because I love you. Won't you ever give me a chance to express myself? Trust me Dev.... I did it all for you....Where do I go Dev? You can't chase me out like this? I don't deserve this..." She cried as Dev stopped in his tracks.

Sonakshi's cries still echoed in his ears.

"Dev... I am your culprit na! Listen to me...just punish me but don't leave me. I can't survive without you....please don't do this to me....."

"ITS ALL A CHEAP GAME PLAYED BY YOUR COUSIN NISHA!...."

"Don't you even trust my words? I can never do that Dev.... You know me right? Why should I steal from your office when I know that you are willing to help my dad?"

"What do you mean by what I want? And where do I go? Isn't this my home?"

He turned towards Nisha and smiled at her. "You did this for me? Really? You planned to kill Sonakshi's father for me?" he asked as she shook her head vigorously.

"I swear it's not me Dev. Please believe me......Please Dev!" she said as Dev grinned evilly. He slowly recalled Nisha's words that day when Sona was chased away.

"Dev....why should you leave? It's her who has to leave if she wants. This is your house."

Her venomous words rang in his ears as he stared at Nisha. How she provoked him every time to chase Sonakshi out of the house. He didn't realize it then but now, he could clearly see her intentions.

"Officer..... bring her out of the house before I drag that filthy-corrupted lady with my own hands!" he yelled as the officers dragged Nisha mercilessly out of the house. Radharani stood with teary eye. She couldn't believe how Dev had changed three hundred and sixty degree overnight.

"DEVVVV...........I will not leave you.....You can't chase me out of your life like this!" Nisha yelled as hot tears rolled out of her eyes.

"Oh don't worry my dear..........this is not your end yet!" Dev hissed as he watched Nisha forcefully pushed in the police van.

"Dev..........." Ishwari tried to intervene but Dev shot her a death glare. She immediately stopped in her tracks and backed away.

"You..." he pointed to Ishwari, "Should be out of this. Because the next one is you! You should be thankful that there are no proofs of the sins you did three years ago. Or else, your state would be same as hers!" Dev said as Ishwari looked stunned.

"Dev... Please calm down. She is still your mother." Jay said as he knew that his son was going beyond limits with his words.

"Nah..... Her son is dead, dad. I am not her son. She killed her own son. She is a murderer. She tried to kill my wife......cruelly."

"Dev, please-" Ishwari started but Dev cut her off.

"Save it!" He said and turned around, ignoring everyone. As he walked closer to Radharani, his eyes suddenly froze on his mami.

"I am still not satisfied mami. Don't worry... Your turn will come soon. One....by....one. Just get prepared." he said in a dangerous tone as his bloodshot eye and cold nature really made them engulfed in fear.

Dev was really out of control these days. Even Jay couldn't speak to him much. The way he spoke to elders, his tone and character were all changing. It wasn't the Dev they knew anymore. He acted against his conscience. He didn't respect the elders in the house. He didn't think that they deserved that respect anymore.

He only expressed bitterness to everyone. Not just his family... But people outside too

3 months passed...

He would vent his anger and frustrations on his work. His employees started fearing him. Only Jatin could speak to him normally. The rest of them didn't even have the courage to face Dev.

He didn't used to be the way he was. Last time, his emotions were all variable. Sometimes expressive, other times moody. But now he was stuck in his negative range and always extreme in his emotions. Once his face was soft with the beginnings of laughter lines but now, they were creased in that angry way that has become his only face to the world.

He stopped socializing with people and started shutting himself from the world. His company started doing well. But his mind wasn't at peace. He worked day and night, looking forward to nothing in particular.

The only place he would find his solace was with Sonakshi. Her place was like his temple. His heart would receive the much needed warmth whenever he was with her.

He would sit down with her for hours and talk to her, expecting her to say something back. But as usual, there would be no response from her. There was no improvement in Sona's condition. Dev's worries increased as the fear of losing Sonakshi shook him to the core.

He paid a huge sum of money to keep Sonakshi on treatment and to take care of her. He didn't believe in giving up. Growing careless about his food or exhaustion, he always followed up every week with Dr Prathap for the updates.

One day, Dev went to a big charity event with Jatin and Pooja. That event was a very crucial one for their company and Dev had to attend it. Jatin forced Dev to have a drink and chill with the colleagues. He was only trying to make Dev a little relaxed there. But as usual, Dev was wearing his angry bird mask.

"Can you at least smile a bit?" Jatin whispered while Dev faked a smile towards the company's chairman.

"There is nothing to smile about...." He scoffed. Just when he was talking to Jatin, a girl's voice distracted him.

"Heyyy DEV! Do you remember me?" she chimed as Dev just stood there rolling his eyes. Jatin squinted his eyes and looked curiously.

"Who the hell are you?" Dev answered coldly as she got shocked by his answer.

"Urm....Diya. We met long time back in a Charity event? You even brought your fiancée with you. Remember? She got drunk?" she said as his eyes widened.

Dev started remembering those moments and a small smile spread on his face. After a long time, Dev's face actually had a real smile. Even Jatin stood there surprised, seeing that smile on his friend's face.

"Yea...I think I remembered her calling you a disease, if I am not wrong. You look exactly the same now. Nothing better." He chuckled and Diya's jaw dropped in shock. The Dev she knew was never this rude and cold. But now, his behaviour was so hurtful. She didn't even know what she should say as left from there in embarrassment.

Jatin gave her a sorry look and turned towards Dev.

"You didn't have to be so rude to her... She was just talking." Jatin sighed and spoke to Dev.

"Well, that was my most decent reply. Anyway, I am leaving now. I am sure you can take care from here onwards." Dev muttered as Jatin just sighed.

"Where are you rushing this early?"

"Gonna meet my darling...." He waved happily, making Jatin smile.

"Yea, just tell her that I said hi." Jatin waved back. The only times Dev looked normal was when he was going to visit Sonakshi.

Jatin just couldn't see Dev in that state anymore. He was cold outside and he was purposely pushing people away. He succeeded in making people call him an arrogant jerk. But no one could see or feel his fears. He developed a fear of trusting people. Jatin could read Dev like an open book.

Jatin no longer could he see that inquisitiveness, desire and fire inside his eyes anymore. All that remained behind was the deceiving hollow soul that reflected in those honey-brown eyes. The pain inside Dev's heart, left no room for him to see his true self anymore. He was just a shell of a man. But there was something which could still heal him.

His Sonakshi....

But was that even possible now?

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

"Hey sweetheart....guess what? I have become an expert in cooking my own dishes now. Ouh yea.... Your mum called me yesterday. Your baba's treatment is finally coming to an end. He is getting better you know? He scolds me like ten times a day....." Dev laughed as he saw Sonakshi still laying motionlessly.

He moved forward and kissed her stomach multiple times. The pain of losing his child just chased him like a nightmare everyday. But he was trying to overcome it. He was overcoming his pain by speaking to her everyday.

"Sona... Our company finally received the award that you have waited for a long time. The top ten whatever award, you know?...... I mean, what am I going to do with this, huh? If you come back... then I promise we can celebrate together. Say what?" He asked and sighed. He knew he was talking a lot nowadays.

The tables had completely turned now. Sonakshi used to be the chatter-box while he used to remain quiet. But now, there was no response from her. Instead, he was the one talking non-stop. But he had no choice as that was the only thing that helped him vent out his sorrows.

"I miss you, Sonakshi. You know the house is so quiet without you. I can't even sleep nowadays. It's been days since I had a good sleep. Like at least a proper four-hour sleep! Jatin and Pooja are missing you badly.... Come back love... I can't see you like this. I swear I will never ask you to shut up anymore. Your silent treatment is killing me. " he said as he intertwined her fingers with his and brought them to his lips. Tears rolled down to his cheeks and stained his rough stumbles. He couldn't act strong anymore.

He was trying, but he couldn't.

"I miss you..... Come back, please." He said kissing her hand.

"I read your diary....... You told me how much you loved me. Now it's my turn." he said wiping his tears.

"The first time, I saw you in the road, you kind of created the accident. If it was some other girl, they would have just left the place with a 'sorry'....But you argued with me. I found that cute...I don't believe in love at first sight, but I don't know how I fell for you. I indeed fell for you so badly..... Your strong and brave side, attracted me.........You are a fighter Sona. I won the football match for you..... Not just for a kiss, but to win your soul which I just killed.........."

He breathed in sharply as silent tears escaped his eyes.

"I didn't believe when you told me to breakup, three years ago..... I actually waited for days for you to call me back. When I knew you were serious, I left the country............. But you never really left my heart." He gulped his saliva.

"I am............sorry Sona. Sorry for not trusting you..... Now there is no one except you whom I trust."

No response

"Sorry..."

No response

"I know that you won't forgive me.... But I am really sorry." He cried.

That's when he noticed something.

He saw her eyelids twitch.

Dev grew still and his breath stuck in his throat.

"Sonakshi?"

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

Dr Prathap smiled when his eyes met with Dev's.

"Wow.... Looks like she is improving faster than we have expected. Guess your efforts have really worked, Mr Dixit." He said while Dev beamed in happiness. That was the most genuine smile he had after a long time.

"How long will it take for her to recover fully doctor?"

"We can't predict a fixed date, but I am sure it's not very long. Try talking to her. Bring her close ones around.... You never know when or whom she may react to. But one advice. Don't force it on the patient. Let her take step by step." He advised as Dev took note of everything the doctor was saying.

"Thanks a lot Doctor!" Dev said as he walked away and made a call to Asha.

"Hello maa?"

"Haa beta? What's wrong? You have called early in the morning?" Asha asked as Dev told her everything he witnessed and the doctor's reports. Asha was truly elated. She felt happy for both Dev and Sonakshi. Only Asha and Jatin knew how much Dev struggled all these days to take care of Sonakshi.

Asha found a protective side of Dev during these three months. She found out most of the problems that happened in their house and always supported Dev in his decisions.

"Dev....I can understand what you saying. But how can I suddenly come there leaving Bijoy alone? He is still recovering. I need to take care of his diet and all..... How Dev?" she asked as Dev sighed.

"Please maa..... You know right? She loves you a lot. What if she responds to your words? Just a few days please... Maybe you can leave Elena with baba for a few days. I can arrange all your tickets if you agree." he suggested as Asha finally agreed without any other choice.

Two days passed....

Pooja, Jatin and Asha.... All of them tried speaking to Sonakshi but there was no progress in her movements or reports. Dev stayed strong. He took leave from his work and stayed in the hospital days and nights. Jay often visited Sonakshi too. He forbid Ishwari to even step inside the hospital. Even Neil came a few times although his bond with Dev wasn't a great one.

Sometimes Sonakshi would blink a few more times, giving Dev more hopes. He sat by her bed all day till his back started aching.

One day Pooja walked him and started teasing him.

"Hey loverboy? Can you give her at least five minutes to breathe? How long are you going to spend here? Go out and get some fresh air...." She said while Dev looked at her and nodded robotically.

Pooja walked closer to him and sat beside him.

"You can at least smile, right? She is showing progress compared to last time, Dev. It's not so bad." She said as she touched his shoulders. But Dev just remained emotionless.

"I don't know Pooja. It's hard to see her like this. She have been surviving in IV fluids for over three months... It's just so painful for me to see her like this. I can't do this, Pooja. I just want her awake." he said running his hands down his hair in frustration.

"It's ok. I understand. Have you eaten by the way?" she asked to which he just shook his head.

"God! You are so terrible Dev. You and your wife are impossible... Have you guys made an agreement on skipping meals whenever both of you are upset? Both of you are just so terrible when it comes to eating proper meals. Just remember one thing! You have to be alive at least until Sona wakes up.... Go and eat first. I will be here till then..." she chided as Dev clicked his tongue and walked out.

He could deny everyone's orders. But Pooja was someone he couldn't escape from. She was like his Dadi maa (Grandma). Reluctantly, he walked out of the ward.

Afternoon Dev was back in the room again. He still saw Sonakshi in the same state. She was growing thinner as days passed. Her jawlines were more visible and her skin was white like a chalk. Her bones down her neck to her jaws were becoming prominent, scaring Dev a lot.

Dev walked closer to her and leaned down till his face was close to hers.

"Hey sleeping beauty..... If you are not going to wake up, then I am going to kiss you and wake you up like a proper prince charming." he threatened playfully while grazing his fingers on her cheeks.

And that's when he felt it again. A slight movement in her fingers.

His pulse started racing. His eyes teared and his breathing skyrocketed.

"Sonakshi.....Do you hear me?................DOCTOR!!!" he shouted.

Very slowly he caressed her cheeks and rubbed his nose over hers. That's when he saw her face scrunching into an uneasy frown. Her eyes squinted and her lips slightly trembled.

"God...Sona! Open your eyes, love...... Just once" he spoke desperately.

Listening to his screams, doctors and nurses were already rushing inside the ward.

Dev was asked to wait outside. But he was adamant to leave Sonakshi alone. His heart raced in an inhuman speed.

His heartbeat increased in a mixture of anxiety and happiness. It was too much of emotions as his eyes couldn't leave hers'.

Then there was no reaction from her again. It was almost as if she went back to sleep.

"Sonakshi??" Dev called her again, but there was no reply.

That's when Dr Prathap decided to intervene. He slowly adjusted her pulse and faced Sonakshi.

"Ms Sonakshi Bose......" Dr Prathap called softly while Dev looked at her closely from the side.

"Yes....?"

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

Yayy how many of yall missed Sonakshi?

Precap : Is Sonakshi Awake?

He dropped a diamond while picking up the rocks - Chapter 76