Arjun stood in the main hall with his head hung low as Radhika stood glaring at him, Dipil and Dadaji looked from her to Arjun , turning their eyes to each other they decided to leave the two alone. Radhika was still shaking in anger as her ears echoed with his his last words. Before she could show him the door, Mala interrupted.

''Choti, I know there are problems between you guys but that's not the fault of the kids. They have the rights on him and  he has equal rights as you do.'' Mala silenced Radhika with the lift of her palm, ''I am not interested but he will stay where is daughters are. They need their father.'' with that Mala walked off.

Arjun had never felt this uncomfortable all his life. he was looking like a nervous girl who had been made to parade in front of a prospective groom and family . Radhika took a step and he stepped back, she frowned but took another step making him retreat further, ''Listen to me Mr Mehra, I can't object on you staying here but, keep your hands off my daughter Anusha!''

He looked up , not able to believe what she just said. How could she ?

 Radhika walked off uncaring, she lifted Anusha up and left Anya in the bassinet for him to spend time with. His eyes followed her till she disappeared. With a sigh he made his way to his daughter who was busy in her own little world uncaring about her parents fight.

Arjun squatted and watched his daughter for sometime before lifting her in his arms. She kept on with her funny sounds making him chuckle, ''You look just like your mother , and please be like her and not your daddy. I have been a bad guy.'' Anya yawned , stretching her little mouth to the max. ''Am I boring you little one.''

''She seemed to get bored by everyone.'' Dada ji said sitting besides Arjun. ''She is just like choti, looking for listeners and when its her turn to be one, she goes all sleepy.'' Arjun smiled at him

''You don't have to be nervous all uncomfortable around us. I know you are good man.'' Dadaji tried to calm him but Arjun continued to look elsewhere. He understood and added, ''I know you helped Dilip with finances. Even after when choti walked out, you kept getting us business. We all make mistakes but accepting and trying to correct them is a tougher task. I am sure you will accomplish the task of winning Choti's forgiveness.''

Arjun looked at Dadaji with emotional eyes, before he could speak his daughter made a funny sound bringing attention back to her, ''Another trait of Choti, can't tolerate anyone ignoring her.'' They shared a laugh as Dadaji kept talking to Anya who responded all excited.

Nandini silently thanked the almighty for making a way for Arjun. She was sure he would win over Radhika in no time. She decided to thank Mala in person. She made her way to the guest room when her phone buzzed, the number on the screen made her chose the solitude.

''Did you get the details.'' The reply from other side made her relax. ''Fine, just hand it over to me in person. Just me and no one else.''

Radhika paced in the room cradling Anusha in her arms and a frown on her forehead. He eyes landed on her baby, ''Í know you don't like this cast. But can you smile for mommy.'' Anusha kept her eyes on Radhika as she was being pulled to mother's comforting embrace. The cast had made the baby uncomfortable and tired, turning her cranky and too quiet. While family worried about the quiet one, Radhika longed to see her daughter's one smile.

***

Neil had turned his phone off as he enjoyed his solitude at Arjun's apartment. Munching on the pop corns , he switched on the television to watch the latest cricket series. He knew his family would be worried but the point was, he wanted them worried. He wanted to punish them for taking a decision on his behalf. It was his life and he had all the rights to live according to own will. He was sure that Soniya would understand his situation but now having her family involved too had landed him into a mess.

Neil was aware that whole thing was his mother's idea so that he doesn't back out from it. He felt cheated as he had already told her that he didn't wanted to go ahead with Soniya.

Neil was mad at Sam too. Instead of standing and fighting for their love , she decided to a be wear crown of sacrificial one. He wanted to see if she was worried about him or not

The sound of door bell broke his thoughts . Neil answered to find the neighbour Arjun had warned about , smiling at him with a casserole in her hands. ''How may I help you?''

''I made this for Arjun. Is he home?''

''No, he went back to his wife...AND kids.'' Neil replied hiding the smile. Her expressions were a treat to watch. The girl was definitely smitten by his friend and he decided to have fun.

''But he never mentioned he was married.''

''Was he that close to you?'' Neil question came innocent . She nodded making him roll his eyes.

''Are you single?'' She asked making him blink

He thought for a moment , then replied, ''Its complicated. I have a girl friend and a fiance.''

''How do you mange two?''

Neil leaned across the door giving her a tantalising smile, ''I couldn't this is why I am looking for third.''

The girl blushed. She pushed the casserole into his hands before running away. Neil shrugged his shoulders and went inside. He took a bite of the snack she had bought for him , to spat it immediately, 'No wonder Arjun warned me.''

Leaning on the couch he kept flickering through the channels as a devilish idea cropped into his head, may be having a third one might solve his issue. He smiled to himself before settling down for a comedy show having his mood completely changed

***

''Have you heard on Neil?'' Sam asked Zubin. He just shook his head in refusal. Zubin could see lines of worry on Sam's face, he decided to cheer her up, ''Sam, we know why is he doing this. Just relax he will come out on his own.''

''I know! I am just worried that he shouldn't do anything stupid which would land him in a bigger trouble.''

''He won't, he has Arjun sir with him.'' Zubin replied

Sam was alert now, ''Arjun? With Neil? Are you drunk?

''No Sam! I saw them together at least twice. First time, it was in a coffee shop. You were away with Radhika and then few days back , in one of the apartment complex. I was there to see a friend.''

Sam processed the information imparted, ''This Arjun loves to trouble all around him. Now he has joined hands with Neil. Fine, tell me the apartment complex. '' Sam took the address from Zubin and decided to hunt Neil down. She had received a message from Radhika about Arjun moving back in. Sam could make out that Radhika super pissed about the same she kept cursing him left right center.

''But I am not sure which apartment.''

''I will figure that out.'' With that Sam walked out to give Neil a mindful .

Sam parked her car and decided to target directly the building outside which Zubin had spotted the duo. She walked straight to the security to show him the picture and ask about Neil. She then decided against it and asked for Arjun Mehra.

''And who you would be?'' The guard asked

Sam knew her real name would turn Neil alert so she used the other way, ''I am Sam. Arjun's wife's friend. He had asked me to pick few things, if you don't believe I will call him.''

The guard looked at Sam before allowing her in. She looked convincing. Plus , he had happened to face the sour mood of Arjun Mehra so many times that didn't wish to call the guy again.

***

Sam stood outside the apartment a little hesitant. Gaining her strength , she pressed the door bell and waited for it to get answered.

Neil danced under the shower, shaking and rotating his hips. Though he heard the door bell, he decided to ignore and enjoy his shower. He sang at full volume using hand shower as his mouth piece but the visitor seemed impatient. 

Neil cursed, pulling out a towel he wrapped one around his waist and another one on his head. Staring at his reflection he acted like a girl.

Humming the most recent number, he made his way to the door. He was sure it was the weird neighbour but his eyes popped out finding Sam at the door.

Sam had decided to break the door when it didn't get answered for long. She was about to call the security when a weird looking Neil answered it.She first blinked and then laughed. Neil looked like an actor who was being forced to perform the towel scene.

Neil turned red in embarrassment. He tried pulling the towel up, untying it in process. Sam laughed louder as Neil ran away to hide his nakedness. She moved in and locked the door behind her.

Neil rubbed his face trying to reduce the heat. He stared at his reflection and then smiled,. Though, it was an accident but whatever happened suddenly bought the small stupid  moments between him and Sam back.

He pulled up a pair of tracks and a t-shirt. Gently, moving his fingers through his wet hair he promised to show Sam what he felt for her. What they had between them! He knew the Sam who walked in the house will not remain the same when she walks out.

Sam gulped, as a very sexy looking Neil walked back looking super confident and a man on a mission.

She kept leaning on the couch as he kept leaning on to her, ''You want me to kiss you.'' Neil teased

''When did I say that?''

''Then why didn't you move away when I have been asking you give some place to me.'' He pushed her on the other end making himself a place on the couch. They stared at each other like enemies ready to pounce on one another

***

Arjun had taken one of the spare bedrooms. But before making his way to it, he had got baby monitor and alarm configured on his phone. His evening had gone playing with Anya and now he wanted to check on Anusha. He longed to hold her but he also wanted to avoid any confrontation with Radhika. She had just delivered and her emotions were running high. He didn't wanted her depressed or annoyed due to him at any cost. Moreover, he felt guilty about her going through her pregnancy alone.

Arjun checked the time, it was past midnight and he still couldn't sleep. He twisted and turned, kept the pillow on his eyes yet sleep eluded him. He huffed and decided to take a walk and just then his phone beeped. Arjun jumped off the bed as he ran to his kids nursery. He gently opened the door and heard the wailing sound of Anusha. Moving to her crib he lifted her up , rocking her gently, ''Its nothing my baby. I am here, don't cry.'' He adjusted her leg so she felt nothing and then gently patted her head holding her in one arm. She stopped wailing but would make annoyed sounds in between. Arjun decided to take her to his room, he didn't wanted Anya up at any cost.

Radhika fumed when she saw Arjun rocking Anusha . She was about to barge and snatched her baby when Mala held her back, ''Now, watch and then deiced.''

They watched as he kept talking to the baby and was able to calm her. Arjun walked out but missed his wife who quickly hid herself. She followed him to the room and watched mesmerised, as he lay the baby on his bed, talking to her he adjusted a small pillow under her leg and started massaging her small head. In no time he was able to put her to sleep. Radhika's eyes started filling up as he lifted the baby up placing her on his chest, ''This is your safe bed sweet  heart.''

Arjun's eyes fell on Radhika who now stood in the middle of the room, her eyes locked with his. He wrapped his arms around sleeping Anusha making his intention clear. Radhika glared at him once before walking away, she wasn't  going to make it easy.

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