Since she couldn't go to work, she called Tiyasha and asked for three more days off. Shreya couldn't understand how Naveen became a favorite boy to her parents after what happened that night. He had been visiting her house more often since he brought her home from the hospital. Trishna became extra careful towards him. Although her father was still more on the conservative side, he wasn't showing his discontent when Naveen was around. He even bought her medicines and some food supplements.

Once, Shreya had the chance to talk with him separately. It had been difficult because whenever he came over, one or both of her parents would be there to accompany them. It was one late afternoon when her parents went out to buy the groceries when Naveen came. He had just returned from his office and came right to see her. It was then when she asked him about the bills. He dismissed her confusion by saying it was perhaps the restaurant. Partially, they were responsible for the attack, as they couldn't provide proper security and the goons were able to break it. So, they had to pay the compensation, anyway.

Shreya's wound has almost healed after three days when she decided to remove the wrapped around bandage and put on a small piece of gauze and tape on her wound. Trishna helped her put it on. It was a great relief that her parents were around instead of being at Guwahati. Because Trishna wanted to relocate there and if it wasn't for their regular clash, she wouldn't have postponed their journey.

Meanwhile, she actually started to look past Naveen's flaws because of the way he had been taking care of her. He wasn't bad after all. He might as well look after her like this if she went with him. Wouldn't he?

13th October

She didn't know frozen ice and cotton candy could make a great combination.

Because that was the first thought that came into her mind when she first met Mr. and Mrs. Roy. Beautiful, sweet and light-hearted Mrs. Priyasha against cold, brooding and reticent Mr. Abhiraj Roy. When Shreya reached the Isha mansion, the Roys had been gathered in the hall except. Tiyasha, Dev, Mr. & Mrs. Roy. Also, there were Mr. Vijay, Rishi and two more men she didn't see before. The siblings were nowhere to be seen.

Mrs. Priyasha did a lot of praise to Shreya saying she could actually see a lot of improvements in Dev. Shreya was in fact glad to have met Priyasha. She was a jolly person and her motherly aura reminded Shreya of her own mother. She honestly could not see any dissimilarities between Trishna and Priyasha. Rishi, Ritu and Tiyasha also consented that Dev found himself a perfect nanny.

However, Mr. Roy did not say a lot of words. He mostly kept quiet except when talking with Mr. Vijay and the other men.

Shreya's mind drifted towards Abhimanyu and Gyan naturally. The very last encounter with both the brothers were not something she was very pleased about. Especially Gyan. She didn't even know how he would behave around her now that they had kissed. It didn't matter that it was because of some stupid game. They kissed nonetheless.

Hopefully, it wouldn't be too awkward to face him.

And Abhimanyu.

Well, she had no clue what communication they had had before she woke up with that horrible headache.

While she was having a conversation in her head with herself, Mr. Roy said, "Vijay, we mustn't delay the issue of tea gardens anymore. I think I will leave for Darjeeling on Thursday."

"Yeah, I was thinking the same. Just yesterday Chetan called me and informed me about the state of the hills. Mingma is not the only trouble we have there, he has backups. If we want to solve the dispute with Chetris, then we have to arrange for a meeting with them immediately."

"I'm well aware of that. That's why I was thinking of paying a visit to the hills. The workers too were demanding a raise. I need to discuss the matter with Chetan and Thapa."

"Uhm- Roy, I was thinking, why not send Abhimanyu and Abhigyan to solve this. I mean they need to understand the work of hills as well. Although, Abhimanyu is quite efficient in his work, I want Abhigyan to learn the business from now on. He'll soon graduate, so he needs to have some knowledge beforehand. And if required, we will also go some days later. What do you say?"

Rishi intervened, "Roy Uncle, if you want, I can accompany them as well. I mean, we are all apprehensive of the clash..."

"Rishi-" Vijay's tone was reprimanding.

"No. It's fine Vijay." Abhiraj stopped Vijay. "He isn't wrong. Gyan is getting out of hands. I want him to understand his responsibilities and also I want to learn what is so problematic for him to make amends with his family."

"Abhi-" Priyasha placed a soft hand on her husband's knee. "I told you to be easy on him. He's still young."

Abhiraj made a quick eye contact with his wife before glancing over to Vijay. "I'll have a talk with Gyan. For now, you send Abhimanyu. I think he'll be sufficient to handle the job. At the hills, Chetan is also there to guide him. Besides, the air around here is still hot. He will be safer if he stays away from here. This is the third time he got away from a major accident because of his luck."

Shreya overheard their words. What accident?

She eyed the elders when Abhiraj added, "And I want Rishi to make arrangements with Ravi for a quick audit."

Rishi and one of the other men nodded.

~~~

It was around 9 p.m. when Tiyasha came in. Shreya was feeding Dev. Not that, she was actively doing so. Because, Dev nowadays could eat all by himself.

"Shreya, I need your help one more time," Tiyasha said as she rushed into the room.

Shreya stood up quickly as she noticed her. Tiyasha came and sat beside Dev who was eating from the food tray kept on top of a small bed table. She gave kisses to both of his cheeks before her eyes shifted to Shreya who was standing opposite to them.

"Please sit down. You don't have to be formal with me anymore," Tiyasha made a hand gesture as she said that.

Shreya smiled and sat down on the other bed where she slept.

Tiyasha continued once she settled down. "Mannyu has pushed me straight into trouble."

Shreya raised her eyebrows, not understanding what exactly it was all about.

"He asked me and Dev to accompany him on his business trip to Darjeeling. Since his Kaushani tour has been cancelled which he had promised Dev," she pointed toward Dev with side eyes before rolling her eyes, "he wants us to go with him to Darjeeling. And let's be honest, I cannot go with him."

Shreya waited for her to continue anticipating her next words. She could literally hear her next words.

"One, I have my work here and two..." She huffed before saying, "It'll be practically smothering. It's no fun touring with him. I'm sorry I'm saying all these bad words about my cousin but I don't know how he's so business all the time! It might make me look like a bad cousin but..."

Shreya suddenly said aloud, "No-no. You're not. Don't worry. I'm not judging you."

Tiyasha laughed aloud. "I know. You also think the same about him. That's why you're siding with me. Good thing, we're on the same page regarding at least one topic."

Shreya smiled, even though feeling the pinch of her dual meaning words. It depicted the differences between their social statuses.

Tiyasha continued, "So, help me out. I don't want to send you. But at the same time, I can't say no to him either. You know, he's got power in his hands. I don't want to be on his bad page and bring bad luck regarding my monthly allowances, which is, well, a lot. Nevermind!" She waved a dismissive hand.

Shreya wasn't surprised at all. In fact, she saw that coming.

Spending several days in close proximity with AR. The Abhimannyu Roy. She was equally thrilled and terrified. Her mind flew off to places she didn't even know existed in less than three seconds. And all the possibilities!

She brought her mind back when Tiyasha asked, "So, you're going with Dev. I'll just confirm it with Mannyu. Don't worry, it isn't a long tour. Just a week or even less."

Shreya raised her eyebrows again knowing the duration. She had a long conversation with her parents. And perhaps, Naveen too. Somehow, he had managed to look like a part of her family now. Especially to her mother.

She nodded her consent. "It's my job to look after Dev. However, you may want me to serve, I'll do it because I'll be paid for it."

"Oh yeah, of course. You'll be paid extra. That's a given." Tiyasha reached out and placed a hand on her. "Thank you so much. I promise, if it's possible, I'll try to come a day or two before your departure from there. Just inform me the date. Okay?"

Shreya just nodded. She had plenty of thoughts going inside her head to say anything. God helped her, why was she feeling so nervous? No matter how much she was trying to think as a professional, her thoughts and emotions were running wild. She was excited and intimidated at the same time.

But why? It was just her employer.

~~~

It's been three hours since she had the conversation with Tiyasha and still, her mind was restless. She wanted to talk about it with someone, but she didn't know who and why would she even want that. She had never visited anywhere outside of her hometown and Kolkata. Also, she didn't even know many places in Kolkata. She had always kept it short. Home to school/college and back home. When Naveen and herself got engaged, he took her to some local places because she had always borne the fear she had for Trishna's wrath and Naveen obliged.

So, when she realized she got to see a place of beauty she had never seen before, she got enthusiastic. Darjeeling is known as the Queen of Hills, she had read that in her general knowledge textbooks when she was little, but she had never dreamed she would actually visit there someday. It was beyond her dreams to be honest.

She kept thinking about the various places they might be visiting there and the activities they would be engaged in. What would it be like? Would there be snow?

Thoughts like these clouded her mind when she remembered she forgot to make the overnights oats porridge for tomorrow's breakfast. These days, Dev was enjoying his porridge more than her previous anticipation. She slowly got up without making any sound, because the kid was soundly asleep beside her.

She went straight to the kitchen and met an unexpected individual. Gyan was sitting on the kitchen top and gobbling down a loaf of bread. The container of butter was sitting wide open beside him.

He looked startled for a quick second before gaining a poker face and looked at her with his brooding hazel eyes. She broke eye contact and said nothing. As she entered the kitchen, the air inside thickened. She could sense the pair of eyes moving along with her.

Shreya crossed the kitchen and went to the cabinet. As the container was kept on the upper rack, she had to pull herself on her tiptoe to get to it. While she was bringing the container down he called her name. "Shreya."

She could sense her heartbeat was increasing and she was feeling hella nervous to face him. Technically, it was her fault. So, she didn't know how he'd behave with her now. It'd be better if she just apologized. Because as the original work ethics said, she shouldn't displease her employer's family. However, she didn't know how much work ethics was actually applicable in her employment. "Gyan, look I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that during the game. I don't know why I-"

He got down quickly, closed the distance between them and stood before her, "Sshh... I know. Don't be bothered about that. I am sorry too. I should've received your call." He looked away. "I thought I lost my self-respect after what happened that day."

Shreya looked at him in confusion. What was he talking about? Why would he lose his self respect for just a kiss? She thought she had embarrassed herself by approaching him eagerly. She wasn't even thinking straight. She was intoxicated.

Gyan continued, "But truthfully," He looked into her eyes. "I enjoyed what happened between us."

Now he was confusing her.

"I didn't expect dadabhai to barge into my room and ruin our moment."

What!? When did that happen? What happened exactly? She remembered nothing after that kiss.

"AR-" She couldn't complete her sentence when Gyan suddenly grabbed her waist and pulled her closer, surprising her. "Gyan! What are you doing?" She pushed on his chest but he stayed put as he said, "I heard you are going along with dadabhai. But you are my friend. Why are you going with him?"

She stopped moving and stared at him. Was he kidding her right now? "Gyan, what's wrong with you? You cannot tell me that. Your own cousin has asked me to go with her son. She's my employer but you're not. As a matter of priority, I have to obey her because she pays me."

He shook his head frantically. "No- no. You aren't understanding. You just cannot go with him. You are my friend. You belong to me. I promise I'd do anything...for you to stay friends with me, I'd do anything. You just - you cannot leave me. Besides, why are you prioritising didiya? She isn't the one who pays you. It's my papa's money. So, you're not obligated to her in any way."

"Gyan! Think before you speak. Don't talk like an immature. My job is to take care of Dev. I am not here to be your friend. And please leave me. You're crossing the line."

"No I'm not. You promised me your friendship. Didn't you?"

"Yes I did. I am still your friend. But it doesn't mean, you'll ask me to do something unreasonable."

He looked frantic. "No- no. You're my friend. I cannot lose you. I- I have a premonition, and it's - it's bad!"

Shreya grabbed one of his arms and placed her other palm on his cheek. "Gyan, listen to me. You need to calm down. Go to your room and take some rest. We'll talk about this in the morning. Okay?"

He closed his eyes and it looked pained. A moment later, he released her then took a step back. An unintelligible whisper left his mouth. She couldn't make out the words. Before she could ask him, he took a few more steps back.

He didn't look at her again as he turned and left the kitchen, leaving her standing there, pondering on all the scenarios they might have encountered after the kiss. Why couldn't she remember anything? Abhimanyu was there. Gyan talked about his fear about losing his self respect. Exactly what had happened?

She'd have to directly ask Gyan tomorrow.