"Don't worry Mr Dixit... your cuddling bear will return to you soon" she said putting a smile on my face.

Damn.....She understood!

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

Three days passed and Sonakshi kept getting weird nightmares. It wasn't something usual for her. She never used to have them before. She was scared to tell anyone. She did not want to wake Pooja up unnecessarily as she thought that Pooja was already too tired helping Sonakshi the whole day.

No matter how much Jatin and Pooja helped her, she felt like a burden to them. She couldn't order them or ask them help her all the time. Of course, they were good friends but there was certain things she couldn't even ask them for help. Her legs were aching badly. A little massage would help. But the strength in her hands were never enough to ease the pain on her legs.

The doctor had instructed Sonakshi to apply a lotion for the wounds in her thighs and some on her back. But whom could she ask for help? She felt too uncomfortable to even approach Pooja. These things were too sensitive. She felt so helpless and pathetic. That's when she recalled her mother's words.

"... Just remember one thing.........Home is where your husband is! This fact can't be changed... There are certain things that you can never ask your friends for help....but you can to your husband! I hope you get that on your head soon..."

When she recalled her mother's words, she couldn't help but feel annoyed. Yes, her mother was right. Her husband was the only person who she had rights to ask for help. She could keep asking him and not feel guilty. It was the kind of rights that came naturally for each other, where one doesn't feel the indebtedness.

Sona sighed tiredly.

Dev got busy with his work after the last meet with Sonakshi. After that day, he decided to give her the space that she needed. He didn't want to suffocate her constantly with his presence. Nevertheless, he always messaged her and enquired about her health most of the time.

Their messages were too formal than what Dev had expected. After the hug, he expected her to be at least a little open to him. But nope! There was no improvement on her side. He decided to converse more with her. But his office work just kept him busy. Most of the time he would just end up sleeping in the office. He didn't want to end up going home and facing his heartless mother.

However, at the end of the day, he was just feeling lonely.

Jay visited Sonakshi a few times with Neha. Neha and Sonakshi surprisingly managed to get close. They were like good friends. So good that they even exchanged numbers and texted each other. Things were getting back to normal. But Sonakshi's condition was just worsening.

It was yet another day, she suddenly jerked up from the bed after the terrible nightmare. Nightmares of accidents, falls, blood and pain haunted her. Her limbs flexed in shock. Her eyes darted across the room searching for some sort of help. She was afraid to go to sleep as the fear of having another nightmare haunted her.

"Aaah..." she screamed when her legs hit the corner of the bed. Her breathing stopped momentarily and tears streamed. She covered her mouth with her palms, hoping that Pooja would not have heard her screams.

She quickly pulled the phone from the night stand and searched for the number she wanted. She knew it was too dumb to call anyone late night. But there wasn't any choice left. Dev... He was the only person whom she could rely on. She felt like he was the only one, who was always available for her. She placed the phone on her ears and heard the ringing sound.

The phone kept ringing while her mind was feeling restless. Her body was still shivering from the after effects of the nightmare.

Like a horror movie it played again in her mind as if somehow her brain was unwilling to let the images go and in an attempt to analyse them, it made her see it all over again.

Dev's voice came out suddenly, startling her. She tried to calm down her breathing but nothing was working.... Should I tell him?

What if he judges me?

Dev's POV

"Hello...who's this?" I answered as all I heard was ragged breathing. I was so annoyed that someone woke me up in the middle of my sleep. Who could it be in this hour? Obviously, I didn't check my caller-ID due to my sleepiness.

"H-hello?" her voice came and I quickly jerked up from my bed.

"Sona? What's wrong...?" I asked while checking the time. Usually, she would only message me at this timing. Calling me was beyond her comfort zone. So, I immediately knew that this must be something important.

"Dev....I am sorry....I called you late night..." she answered as I heard her sniffling softly.

"Sona....baby what's wrong? No worries...You can call me anytime baba! Now tell me.... Are you ok? Why do you sound upset? Did you need anything?" I asked as my worries increased.

"Can you bring me away.......from here?" she asked and I felt as if the time had stopped.

Silence....

I didn't know what to say. Did I hear that right? Am I dreaming or something? I didn't know whether I was feeling happy or just stunned.

The silence stretched thinner and thinner, like a balloon blown big, until the temptation to rupture it was too great to resist.

"H-hello?...........You....there?" her voice stuttered and that brought me back from my thoughts.

"Yeahh..... Sona? What's wrong? Did anyone say anything to you?" I asked as too many questions clouded my mind.

Why did her decision change so suddenly? Did someone say something? Did anyone force her?

"No....no one said anything. I just want to move in there....please. I can't get any sleep here" she whispered as all the drowsiness in my eyes were gone. A smile eternally stained upon my lips. I was trying to focus on her words, but my attention were all drawn towards her sexily-sleepy voice! Damn hormones!

"Ok, relax. I will bring you here tomorrow." I said as a smile spread through my lips unknowingly.

"Thanks..." she replied trying to end the conversation.

"hmm.....so...." I dragged, trying to extend the speech. How much I missed her...

"So...?"

"Mrs Sonakshi Dixit missed me, huh?" I asked mischievously as there was a pause from her side.

"No....I didn't say that." she said as I could feel her voice getting defensive slightly.

"Hmmm.... Let me guess... You saw a cockroach, right? Or wait.... Maybe some ghost or stuff..."

"Haww you are so mean! I didn't see anything like that. I am...black belt in karate ok? I am actually a dangerous person.." she said while I chuckled, throwing my head behind.

"Ouh really? Then I have the whole night tomorrow to check how dangerous you can be..." I whispered as I heard her gasp loudly.

"You are underestimating me Mr Dixit..." she replied softly as I could sense her smiling through the phone.

"Hmmm.... Are you trying to tell me that I don't know my wife properly?" I fake gasped as she giggled adorably.

"Trust me Sona....I know about you better than anyone else.......inside and out" I said as she sighed.

"Hmm....Now I kind of regret my decision of coming there"

"Awww too late baby! If it's not 3.40am now, I would have come there and scooped you off the minute you called me! I need my cuddling bear back!" I said as I heard some shuffling sound at the back.

"Gosh you are sooo cheesy"

"Too bad. You fell head in heals over this cheesy guy!" I grinned.

"Tell me something that I would believe please..." her voice came out embarrassed. I could bet that her face would be bright red by now. My shy Sona.

"Something you would believe..... Let me think. Hmmm, like we kissed for 54 times a-"

"God!!!! Stop! Pleaseeee.......I will put the phone down!" she begged and I burst out laughing. I was laughing so hard till I couldn't stop. I waved my hand in the air as my flag of apology but little did I realise that she couldn't see them. I didn't know why, but the waves of laughter kept coming. Probably because I hadn't laughed this much for a long time.

"Ok fine...I was kidding." I managed to catch my breath and spoke. But there was no reply.

"Hello? Sonakshi?"

"............"

"Are you angry?"

"............"

"If you don't speak up now, then I will narrate to you our suhaag raat story!" I said and I heard her gasp loudly.

"My god! You are soooooo mean!" she whined while I giggled.

"I am not.... Anyways your doctor told me that I should often remind you of our old memories you know......"

"Enough! I am putting down the phone right now!" she said for the second time and I chuckled at how she was saying it repeatedly, but wasn't putting down yet.

"Sorry.... I was just kidding...." I yawned as I realised it was really late.

"I am sorry for disturbing your sleep. You should get back to bed now." she whispered apologetically.

"Instead of apologising, you could say 'love you" everytime you feel sorry... That should make it up for me."

"Dev!"

"Okok fine....Goodnights darling. You should go to bed now. I will see you tomorrow. Just be ready" I said as she hummed in response. Once the phone line went off, my entire body felt like it was in fire.

SONA IS COMING BACK!!!!!!

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

"Are you sure Sona...I mean are you sure about your decision of going back? You don't have to force yourself..." Pooja asked as Sonakshi looked at her sceptically.

When she called Dev last night, she made the decision of moving in with him in haste. But now, she herself didn't know whether she was ready or not. She was extremely uncomfortable with him yet his presence made her feel warm.

She felt lonely even though she was with her friends. No matter how much they tried to entertain her, she didn't feel peaceful. She felt as if she was missing an important part of her life.

Sona's POV

"I just want a change of environment Pooja. I just thought that maybe.....if I move in there..... I might recall something from my past?" I told as Pooja gave me a straight face. There was no expression on her face. She looked like she was in deep thoughts.

"Look... It's your decision. I don't want you to move in there just because you think that it's fate. You can give yourself some time. Try going out with Dev and then maybe....urm....try talking to him. You know he can be really sweet at times. After getting comfortable, maybe you can move in with him? Because right now, you are really confused.....and he is another confused soul. I don't want to leave the both of you together when you guys are completely confused about each other..." Pooja blabbered while I gawked at her.

Damn she really talks too much. Yes, the Pooja I knew once was a sassy, bold and fun girl. But now, she was so talkative. Of course, she is matured and understanding too. But she talks a little too much.

"God Pooja! I took the decision in haste but I don't regret it. I kind of really want to know him. If I don't feel comfortable in his house then I would give you a call.... Phew.... Do you think he would judge me if I change my decision?" I asked as Pooja looked at me and smiled.

"Oh, come on! You know....There was a time when you were crazy about him. Both of you were madly in love with each other that the whole world was invisible. I doubt you would ever want to return back once you go there." she winked.

"Plus....You guys wouldn't even stop chatting unless you guys went to sleep..... and Dev. You know how much he loves you? It's far from whatever you can ever imagine. He died every single day when he were in the hospital! There is nothing more precious for him more than your happiness. He would never judge you Sona! You should really stop thinking too much!" Pooja said when the doorbell rang.

"You get ready....I will just come" she said as she walked away to answer the door.

What was happening to me? Why did I call him last night? Yes. The answer was..... I missed him.

Yes. I couldn't stop thinking about him. I don't know what had gotten into my head. And I hate the fact that he can mess up with my mind just so easily. To be honest, I was afraid of love. I was afraid of the feeling of someone occupying my heart, making me wondering all night whether he had feelings for me too. But Dev was different.

There was something about Dev that made me feel young inside, but not in a childish way. He wakes the pure side of me, indeed the best side. The side that required love to be healthy and whole. Our energies vibrate in such a unique way, complimenting each other. I met him only a handful times, but his smile alone burnishes my soul into a beauty that it could have never achieved on its own. Why did I feel so attracted to him? Was it because of our marriage bond?

I was still sitting in the room, contemplating my decision, when I heard the sound of footsteps nearing my room.

He is already here....

He walked in slowly inside the room, as our eyes immediately connected, and I felt a strange feeling run through my body. It was as if my whole body was on fire. I quickly averted my gaze as before giving him a small smile.

God....how are you going to live with him?

Dev's POV

It took a few minutes for her to get ready. Meanwhile I was just staring at Jatin who was staring at Sonakshi with a confused expression.

"Excuse me...." I coughed and he looked at me. "That's my wife you are looking at, mister!" I said as he rolled his eyes.

"Dev! I don't know what's wrong with her.... From morning she looks so dull. The last few days, I have been noticing that she wakes up extremely early. I don't even know whether she is sleeping properly or not. She looks so weak. I think you have an extra job of taking care of her very carefully." He spoke.

"It's not my extra job. But my only job! Don't worry, I will keep you updated!" I told as I saw Sona walking out with Pooja. I quickly carried the bags from Pooja and walked to my car.

Once we were settled, I started the car after bidding our goodbyes. The driving was a silent one while I was thinking what would happen if Sona comes to my house. Will she start recalling her horrible past? Will she hate me?

Maybe today she will get to see the life I am living in that house. Lavish and luxurious with the lack of love and affections. Just hatred and darkness. Maybe after Sonakshi's arrival, things might change... But will they change me? Was I wrong to be expecting love? I definitely wanted someone who would really care for me. Someone who misses my presence, someone who points out my mistake and someone who would genuinely care for me without expecting anything return.

I had the wealth and health a man could ask for. But there was no peace. I spent sleepless nights thinking about Sonakshi. I felt lonely without her. She was always there to support me and save me. But I lost her. I lost her would be a correct statement. I lost her because I trusted others too much. What did I get for trusting others? Betrayal?

Just thinking about those days made my blood boil in anger. I felt so suffocated as I started to increase the speed of my car. Just then I felt heavy as well as something feathery soft on my shoulder.

I turned to find the source and it was none other than the love of my life. My Sona... She was leaning on my shoulder. I swear she would regret her move when she wakes up. But right now, she is more than enough to calm my tightening nerves.

I slowed down my car when we reached my house. I parked it in a corner and took my time to scan her face. She looked like a baby when she was sleeping. So innocent and beautiful. Her long eye lashes kissed her cheeks while I caressed her cheeks lightly. She looked really tired.

I wanted her to sleep peacefully but we had to go inside the house. I tapped her shoulders lightly and she immediately woke up with a jerk.

"Woah.....easy....its just me!" I said, raising my hands in surrender. I could sense her calming down and giving me a firm nod.

I quickly woke up from my seat and lent her my hand to get up. Thankfully, she accepted it and walked in slowly. But the moment we reached my house gate, she stopped.

Her eyes widened and she looked pale. She kept gazing at the door and her grip on my arms tightened. Her eyes clenched shut and opened just to give me a pleading look. I held her tightly by the waist and gave her a questioning look.

"I thought....I remembered something...something not very pleasant..." she whispered as my heart sank.

"What do you remember?" I asked swallowing my fears.

"It's blur....but I remember this house..... I was crying outside.....one night. I didn't know why...." Her voice choked as I gripped her waist harder and aligned her face with mine. But before she could answer anything, my father and Neha walked out, welcoming the both of us.

"Areeey Sonakshi beta! Come in na both of you. Why are you standing outside Dev?" my father exclaimed as I relaxed and motioned Sonakshi to step in. But she still looked like she was traumatised. She slowly loosened the hold on my arms and looked at Neha.

Once she saw Neha, her face brightened and she looked like she had pushed away those dreadful thoughts from her head. But for how long? I slowly ignored my thoughts and walked in behind Sona, carrying her bags. Just as we stepped in, we saw the only person whom I didn't want to see that day.

My mother....

Sonakshi looked at her and examined her face for a good five minutes before turning to me. Her face held confusion which clearly means that she didn't recognise who she was. Thank god!

"Don't worry, she is not an important person whom you need to know!" I replied rudely before dragging away the confused Sonakshi.

Neha looked at me with her jaws dropped while my dad just shook his head tiredly. More than them, Sonakshi looked at me with a weird look. She was clearly offended with the way I treated my mum. But what could I do? I didn't want my mother anywhere near Sona and that was final.

"W-where....are we going?" she stammered as I brought her towards the stairs.

"We are going to our room. It's upstairs" I said without any emotions.

"Upstairs?" she asked quietly while I nodded.

"Um.... If you don't mind...." She started as she started playing with her fingers.

"What Sonakshi? What's wrong?"

"Can I sleep with Neha for a few days please?" she asked as my eyes widened!

What the hell?

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Sorry if you found this chapter boring. But it's the best I could do in a few days time. I will try and give faster updates....Till then merry Christmas!

Precap:

Spoilers: You hug me too tight...till it fits back my broken pieces together.💗💗💗