Ankush unlocked his apartment door with great difficulty; the food festival in his restaurant had kept him on his toes. He hadn't slept for weeks. The festival which lasted a month, had showcased and served world's best cuisine. The over flowing crowd had kept the staff running and busy. Today being the last day, they had celebrated after pulling the shutters down. His Boss had given him a handsome hike and Ankush had decided to save it to pay Arjun back. The mere thought of the man sent his temper soaring, he was dead worried about his baby sister. He just wanted to pull her out of the mess.

He entered the dark apartment past midnight, moving his tired hand over the wall for the switch. He was drowsy and hardly could stand, he just wanted to change and crash on the bed. Ankush dropped his bag carelessly in a corner , his hand finally found the switch as he switched it one he lost all his sleep. In the center if the room stood Manya with a cake in her hands, her eyes glowing in happiness, ''Happy B'day Ankush.'' He gulped the dryness, he himself had forgotten. Work hadn't permitted him to take calls from home, he had been on toes. He took steps to her , ''Thanks!''

''I made it, come lets celebrate.'' She excitedly lit the single candle , her eyes watched him expectantly waiting for him to appreciate her work. Ankush made a small cut , pulling out a small piece he lifted it to her, ''You are skeptical about tasting my cake first.''

Shaking his head, he quickly kept the piece in his mouth, ''No, just wanted to thank my amazing friend. Its just too good.''

''I want to be more than a friend.'' This is what he feared. He knew she loved him, but his broken and bruised heart was scared to commit. Ankush took a deep breath, ''Manya we aren't good match. You are even younger than Radhika.''

''But I am an adult. Why do you have to compare my age with your sister.''

''You are getting carried away. Like me , you too are looking for affection. It happens when one misses their family. Gradually you will be over it.''

''Why do keep comparing me with the one who forgot you with distance ? I am not her.'' She pleaded

''I am scared'' he accepted. Manya moved a little closer. She cupped his face, ''I am not forcing, just asking for a chance. I really love you Ankush, and I won't love anyone ever again.'' He just kept staring at her face, she added, ''Watch me like that and I ll fall deeper. Let me make one thing clear , I am not leaving even if you push me out of this house.''

''Why would I do that?'' He asked confused

''because I have moved in.'' He was about to retaliate but she stopped him, ''I am not going to rape you, we will stay as friends till you fall for me. ''

''What will you parents think?'' He tried to reason

''Did they think before pushing me away and leaving me alone in this country, and I not telling them.'' He watched her stubborn face.

''Fine, I will sleep on couch.''

''But we both can fit on the bed perfectly'' She reasoned. It was time for him to raise a finger, ''I accepted your condition , you accept mine. Deal!''

''Deal!'' She chirped. Ankush walked off to freshen up and Manya patted herself for success of her first step.

***

When Radhika opened her eyes, she found herself in Arjun's arms. he had cocooned her like a baby. Last night they had broken another wall, she reintroduced herself so did her. they shared experiences likes and dislikes. When they reached the bed, he asked if he could hold her . After thought she allowed him to. She watched his sleeping face, he looked calm like a child. Removing his hand she slowly left the bed a smiled plastered on her face. She quickly got ready and pulled her bag out, the strap of BS ID hanging took her attention and a part of her heart broke. Closing her eyes she controlled the emotions, she had taken a decision and had decided to stick to it.

''You are up? WHat time is it?'' Arjun asked stretching his arms.

''Its 8!'' He jumped off the bed . ''I missed my work out, okay I will be out quick. We will leave in 10 mins.'' With that he ran off to the wash room to get ready. Radhika closed her eyes, 'you will have to do this Radhika.'

***

''Chashni, I am happy for you but I am going to miss you. Looks like Karma is punishing me for all my bad deeds. First Neil and now you, I will be so alone.'' Her voice cracked. Radhika hugged Sam and held her as Sam lowered her guard, crying her pain out.  

''Sam, can you promise me something?'' Radhika asked 

''Anything!''

''Whenever  anything goes wrong in your or my life. Before anyone, we will be the first one to update each other. ''

''I Promise. I hope the problem comes soon, so that I can be with my Chashni.'' The girls just chuckled trying to lighten the moment.

Radhika knew, she had minimum chances of setting things right. But for once she wanted to trust Arjun for once. Marriage had tied the threads rather too strong for her to break them and move ahead. She had no doubt on his feelings towards her, but she feared his revenge was ay stronger than his love. It was her test, his test. If he fails, she too will fail everything around them will crumble. The dreams of happily ever after which slowly had made a place in her heart after lot of resistance would break forever. But not without her giving the best shot.

Arjun smirked watching two girls bonding emotionally, it had been hard for him to achieve his goal with these two together. Now with the condition , things would get smooth. He never wanted Radhika to get involved in any matter around BS. He didn't wanted her worried bothered or stressed about people he hated. Or in other words, he didn't wanted her to see his bad side. He loved her , truly and madly. Losing her was out of the picture, he had dreamt a life with her and he was determined to have it at any cost. For now, he had to lie low, pretend to be have reformed. Once Radhika leaves, he had decided to bring down BS pieces by pieces. He wasn't planning to stop at that, he had a more sinister plan for Sam. The one he hated the most.

Neil had drowned himself in his mother's business. She full filled all demands Soniya had towards him , but he just couldn't love her. It was difficult , no impossible for him to let go Sam. He still remembered the kiss they shared the last day. She had tears streaming down her cheeks, he held his head in his hands lowering it a bit on the table. Closing his eyes he once again replayed his moments with her, from the beginning till the end. After a minute he jerked up, ''She loves me, I love her then why am I incurring this pain. All I have to do is make Soniya understand the situation, I will bed for her forgiveness if required but I can't live without Sam.'' Straightening his back he made a decision, little did her know that things were simpler in mind than in action.

But he had decided one thing, he knew Sam was working hard to bring BS back in game. He decided, if not directly he had decided to it hidden form the world. He wanted her out of all kinds of tensions before he decides to take the next step

He dialled Radhika who answered in 2 rings, ''Can I meet you?''

''Why?'' She sounded annoyed

''Because I am your friend and I can demand to see you anytime.'' He replied without a glitch

She smiled but kept her voice stern. God had heard her voice, she needed a friend for her backup plan. Neil was perfect for it, ''Fine, meet me at the nearby cafe at 3:00 PM"

***

Sam had discussed with Radhika in detail about the current situation in BS. They both had chalked out a fair plan to deliver it before the due date , that would give BS some support to face any kind of hurdle. Sam was worried for Samrat, he had been going weak constantly living the fear to lose BS.  It was his dream, his hard work and his life. There was a time when he sacrificed his family life and his marriage had reached on the verge of divorce. Sam anyhow wanted to bring back BS's glory.

Radhika moved her eyes  from the screen and looked around. Arjun was busy in his cabin, strangely he hadn't stepped out since morning. She found Sam too busy with her work, it was perfect time to sneak out. She turned phone on flight mode and walked out to meet Neil

''How are you Chashni?'' He asked as soon as she approached the table.

''As if you are worried, where were you all these days.?'' She asked making a child like annoyed face. 

he smiled, ''I am sorry''

''Just sorry? Wouldn't you explain or justify your actions? Why the hell only I get non talkative friends and people in my life.'' She whined

''Because silence is golden and you can speak for rest of the world.''  They shared a laugh and then Neil came to the point, ''I need your help. I now all Sam is focused is on bringing BS back to its glory. I ant to help her, she wouldn't accept it if I go directly to her. I need you to help me.''

Radhika stared at Neil, she was happy and relieved that neil will be there around Sam when she wil be gone, atleast she hoped that she would be gone. She didn't wanted to give any kind of importance to the nagging feeling in her head.

''I have 2 months.'' Her reply made Neil frown and she narrated everything. Even the details she kept it form Sam. There was a silence, ''What have you gotten yourself into. You have fallen for him, haven't you? You are doing all this so that he gives up his revenge but do you think he will?

''No! But I still want to give him a chance. I might be able to free him of this negativity and someday I might see you guys again.'' She tried to sound hopeful

''I don't want to comment. Fine, 2 months. Chashni, I have a taken a franchise of a luxury salon.  I need a good promotional and advertising plan for it. I will approach BS through one of my executives and offer a big amount. Just don't let Sam refuse. '' She nodded

''What about Prerna Aunty?''

''She isn't aware of my expansions, so chill''

Radhika looked at her watch, ''I should leave''

''Chashni, I am and always will be your friend. Come to me if you face any trouble.'' He said . She smiled and he noticed that it didn't reach her eyes.

''What if, it still backfires?'' Neil asked. He was sure that it would, As much he had understood Arjun , he had full faith on Arjun breaking Radhika's trust. Pumped up with power Arjun had turned blind to repercussions. Neil knew, that Arjun was sure that he had gained Radhika for life but he knew his little friend too well. She was only fragile and soft in appearance, in reality she was as strong as a mountain.

Radhika looked at him, ''Then he will pay the biggest price of his life. I will stay in touch.'' She took her leave walking away and neil watched till she disappeared from his eyes. He sat there for another half an hour, making the list of contacts who could help Sam.

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