Hi dr Lovelies,

Hope you all are doing well.

I'm really sorry for keep you all waiting for a long time. Some of my readers checked on me through messages. I was so happy and thankful for your concerns. Now enjoy your reading ☘️❤️

Long chapter ahead.....

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Continues...

I went near him by taking slow steps. Sometimes, I was feeling like turning and running away from here before he could see me. Wakening from his deep thought, Karthik lifted his eyes and looked around the place like he realised that he was standing in the kovil. Likewise, his pair of eyes collided with mine, and I felt that he went stiff for a minute, but immediately, he changed his posture.

But I couldn't be like him. It doesn't matter how hard I try but can't change my expression that immediately.

He tried to smile, looking at me, but that smile did not reach his eyes. It was like a warning bell to me, as it indicates something was wrong. Definitely Wrong.

" Karthik, what happened? Why did you ask me to come here?" I questioned him in a calm tone, controlling my inner turmoil.

" Today, I am feeling a little down, and my mind is filled with confusion. That's why I thought to come to Kovil after I thought it would be better if you also accompanied me." He said.

" Why? What happened? " I questioned him, but he just shrugged his head and held me and moved towards the indoor entrance.

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At night....( Author's POV)

After coming from Kovil, both of them returned to their respective bedrooms. As last time today also Karthik dropped Kayal a few distance away from their house. While Karthik was going to his room, Kavya called him and asked, " Karthik, why are you late today? If I'm not wrong, I saw Kayal also returned just a minute ago. " she asked, folding her hands near to her chest.

Frowning his eyes, Karthik asked, "So what?" He also imitated the same way.

"Karthik, for your good time, Appa is not at home, and Aarohi also taking a nap. Think about what would have happened if any one of them see you both like this."

" You are overreacting, Kavya." Shrugging his head, Karthik turned to leave, but Kavya's voice stopped him.
" You are not only risking yourself. It would not end up in a good way for Kayal, too." Her words abruptly stopped her brother's steps.

Karthik abruptly stopped on his way but didn't dare to look back at his sister. He just stood there thinking something, but eventually, shaking his head, he went to his room.

Kavya did not like what she saw and restlessly continued to look at the way of her brother's room. Because she knew very well that if her father got to know these things, it would be a disaster.

At midnight...

While Kayal was sleeping, she felt a present closer to her like someone snuggling. At first, she got tensed, but eventually, she was relieved to identify who might be it by the person's fragrance.

" Karthik, what are you doing?" She asked in a hoarse voice still half sleeping.

" Shhhh baby... Sleep. I have every right to be here with you" Kissing her head he told her in a small voice to did not want to disturb her sleep and both fell into a deep slumber in the peaceful presence of each other.

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The next day...

As usual, morning Kayal went to her work, but today also she could not concentrate on her work like yesterday thinking about what was happening in the house. Because today was the day Aarohi's parents were coming from their city to talk regarding Karthik and Aarohi's alliance.

Karthik also took leave from his office since his father had insisted him continuously.

But still, Karthik's assuring look when he gave her while coming out from the house, only helped her to in sane mind. Otherwise, she would have gone nuts.

Numerous times, she took her phone to message him and ask what was going on. But finally, she decided it would be better to get answers directly once she reached home or to wait until Karthik call her back.
But to relieve her mind, she talked with her friend Abi for some time before getting back to her next order.

Around the afternoon, Ruhi informed Kayal that someone had come to meet her. Thinking for a while, handovering balance work to her colleague, she went out to see that nothing other than Susila Aunty was waiting for her at the last table.

This was the first time she saw Susila Aunty after that tragic incident. Keeping aside her unsettling feeling, she thought to face reality and decided to find answers to her unanswered questions, which were nagging her for a long time.

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Kayal's POV...

While I was nearing her, she saw me and smiled at me, but that was not at all the smile I had seen from her until now. She looked pale and dull.

" Kayal..." saying, getting up from her seat, she gave me a tight hug. That felt a little odd because I did not want to make any scene in my workplace.

When she retrieved, there were unshed tears pooled at the corner of her both eyes. Holding my hand, she asked me to sit in the next chair to her.

After settling down, taking my both hands in her hand, looking at me straightly, she said, " Sorry, Kayal. I am really sorry about what happened to you because of my son. Even I feel disgusted to call him my son. But what to do, a pathetic mother like me, can not hate her son even though he was a sinner who committed an unforgiven sin." While saying those words, her harboured tears started to roll down.

" Aunty, please, you are not at fault. So please do not say like these things. And please stop crying." Saying I gave some tissues which we have kept on our table for customers.

She too, accepted it and started to wipe her face.

" I am sorry, Kayal. I do not want to disturb you, but in the same time I did not know where to meet you. Karthik was strictly told me to not to disturb you, but I just at least wanted to see you one time. That's why I visited here."

" But I will not blame him since I know very well how he was feeling at that time. He was correct. If he hasn't reach in the correct time, I could not think what would have happened to you. " saying she started to tell me what happened at the hospital when they came to see me.

" Aunty, just forget those bitter memories. Because it will only increase the pain and nothing is going to change. So it would be better if we moved on that past. "

She nodded, and I asked the question which I was been anxious to know.

" If you don't mind, may I know what happened to S...Siddarth?"

Her body went stiff and hesitated to answer. So, I thought to let down that matter and open my mouth to refuse my question, but before that, she opened her mouth.

" He is in a psychiatric ward."

What!

" Yes, now he is admitted to the psychiatric ward and getting treatment. His mental stability has collapsed after the breakup with his ex-girlfriend and the regular use of banned drugs.

That's why he behaved bipolar and his pented up anger, frustration, and depression; everything has led him to this point. So after bailing him out, we consulted him with my friend, one of the best psychiatrists in the city. Under her suggestion, only Sager and I made this decision. Otherwise, it would have led him to his own ending." Again, her tears rolled down from her eyes, and this newfound news made me dumbfounded.

I did not know how to respond or persuade her.

After talking with me for some time, she left, saying that she would visit me another time and told me to ask for any help from her without any hesitation.

What Siddarth had done to me was unforgettable, and it left a permanent scar in my mind. But even in my dreams, I did not think that his situation would be end like this. For his mistakes, his family members were the only ones who facing the consequences.

Once she left, I washed my face and asked Ryan to make a coffee for my current headache. He, Ruhi and Abhishek gave me a doubtful look but did not dare to ask anything, and I am so grateful for that.

There were no calls or messages from Karthik. So keeping aside my phone, I started to do my work saying small thanks to Annie, hoping that everything will be alright.

In the evening as last few days, Karthik waited outside of our bakery to pick me up. Through the way to our house, he did not talk with me. Even I did not start any conversation with him.

Lots of questions are eating up my mind and finally, I decided to ask a question from that list. I am sure he would not like that topic but my curious mind got the best of me.

" Karthik, did you...." my question was cutt off in the middle by the ringing tone of his cell phone.

Parking the car aside he answered it. But looking at his face one could tell that he was not in a pleasant mood by listening to whatever the person other side was talking to.

Just with 'hmmm and huhhh' he concluded the conversation and his face was showing that he was controlled from bursting out. Even his knuckles turned white due to the tight grip on the wheel.

" Kayal, what did you tell?" He asked suddenly but considering his changed mood I thought to postpone the topic.

" No...nothing important "

He looked at me for some time like he did not believe my words. Of course, he did not. But anyways he started the engine without interacting more. Oops...Thank God.

He dropped me at the usual place and when I arrived home, everyone was talking very happily and sharing sweets, but suddenly there was a pregnant silence the moment their attention turned to my side.

Looking at Aarohi's parents, with a little smile I said " Vanakkam uncle ", " Vanakkam Aunty" folding my hands together in front of me.

They too nodded their head but not in a pleasant manner. Their expressions talk loudly more than their words.

I too left the place, because I could not stand in front of those people who always gave me an undeserving and cheap look.

Kayal, cool..cool...don't mind about them...I started to repeat the mantra to avoid my inner damage.

At night I was confused as to whether I should make dinner or would they arrange dinner themselves.

When I looked at the clock it showed 7.15 pm. Debating for a long time I decided to go out and check with Kavya. But before I could open the door I was startled by the knocking sound.

Kavya was standing outside nervously and told " We all are going out for dinner. So Appa, asked you to get ready by 8' o clock. Don't get late " With that she left.

Dinner? The most shocking thing was Appa was the one who invited me... 🙄

Closing the door, I contemplated whether should I go or not. But I did not have the courage to go against his words. So I decided to get ready as fast as I could.

Don't think of me as desperate, I just didn't want to get scolded or humiliated by him in front of everyone.

Sticking to the simple costume and makeup I left the room before anyone could knock on my door.

Kayal's Outfit

When I came outside almost everyone was ready except Aarohi. Seeing me, Appa and Aarohi's parents gave me the same disapproving look but did not utter anything.

When my eyes moved towards Karthik he was standing there with a dashing look in his simple attire, dark blue jeans and white shirt which was hugging his body tightly and he had rolled the sleeves up to his elbow.

Kayal, stupid girl, what are you doing? Don't act like a pervert and behave properly. I started to scold myself and averted my eyes from Karthik. Although I didn't miss that unsettling look which I saw through his eyes when he saw me.

Didn't he like that I'm hanging with them or my attire is not good enough? While thinking deeply I heard heels clicking sound and turned towards the way to see, Aarohi was coming like a beauty queen.

Aarohi's Outfit

She looked awesome in her black bodycon dress and her shapes are perfect unlike me who was with extra muscles, belly fat and fat rolls.

When I looked at down my outfit and body, my consciousness went uphill and insecurities started to round up my thoughts.

Did I really want to go with them?

My thoughts were cut off when Kavya called me and then only I noticed another cab was there outside behind Karthik's car.

I followed Kavya and got into the cab and noticed that apart from Kavya and me,others landed in Karthik's vehicle. An important thing that caught me was Aarohi taking the passenger seat beside Karthik.

Whole ride my thoughts were only filled by Aarohi and Karthik. Which guy would say no to a girl like Aarohi? Because that was the reality. Every guy searches for the perfect girl.

Karthik is more perfect in every sense. Then he would prefer the girl who matches him in every aspect. Aarohi was the one who natured those all aspects. Not me.

When we arrived at the destination it was a five-star hotel and now I do not want to be there at all. I saw everyone getting down from Karthik's car and he gave the key to the valet.

Taking this as a chance I went near to Kavya who was paying for the cab at which we arrived.

" Kavya, I'm not feeling well. Shall I return to home by the same cab?"

" Why what happened?" That was not a question from Kavya but instead from Karthik who stood behind us. When did he come here?

Without saying a word I just shook my head. And avoided his stares which was making me more nervous.

" Kayal, I'm asking from you only ? " his cold voice made me look on his way but before I could answer him, Kavya scolded him saying, " Karthik everyone is looking on our way. So behave and please don't make any drama."

Next, she turned towards me and told " Kayal, after coming this long way if you return to home, it will cause unnecessary troubles. So just be here for some time and leave after that."

Due to my lack of response, Karthik gave me a hard look and started walk passing us like a raging bull. Then only I noticed Sager also standing with the rest of the family which was not mine. Sager looked my way for a minute and gestured to me with a small smile with a pitiful look. I understood why and wondered what he was thinking about the incident.

Kavya beamed with happiness and hugged him, running to him.

I felt overwhelmed looking at them. They did not need to hide their love or affection in public. They were so free without any barriers. Importantly everyone accepted their relationship and respect them.

But my relationship with Karthik was the complete opposite and irony for all these things.

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I saw already there was a family table reserved for us. This was the first time I was coming inside the five-star hotel and the interiors were looking soo elegant and extravagant. I wondered how much it would cost for a person to have dinner here.

But there was no doubt, definitely, Karthik could afford all expenses since he was a Chartered Accountant who gets paid highly.

Everyone started to place their order and when it comes to me I just ordered Fried rice, nothing different. Everyone looked at me differently like I was alien.

Karthik, Aarohi, Kavya and Sager ordered some different dishes with classy names. They too ordered for Appa and Aarohi's parents according to their preferences.

Frequently Karthik glanced at me and he was seated beside Aarohi who was taking a seat in front of me. Beside me, Kavya and the other side Appa had taken their respective seats.

" Anna( brother), we are so happy today..." Aarohi's mom said to Karthik's father and everyone's attention turned towards her.

" As parents, we were restless until today. Because every parent's only expectation is to get their children married in a good place.

Especially we are so lucky to get Karthik as our Son In Law, who is very perfect for our daughter, in every sense."

Listening to her words my saliva got stuck in the middle of my throat.

" Yes, Krishnan. Today, after fixing their engagement date and marriage date only I felt half relieved and once their marriage got over, I will be relieved completely. And after that, I and your sister have planned to go Shimla tour." Aarohi's father said with soo much happiness.

Until the moment now, I did not have any ounce of idea that things had gone up to this level. I did not know how to react to this revelation. I started to bite my lower lip to control my emotions because it seemed soo hard to pent up them inside.

Fortunately, the meals we ordered, arrived and everyone started to have their meals with small chit-chatting, which was filled with talks about engagement and wedding arrangements...

But I did not dare to look at anyones face, specially the one person whose continuous stares were making hole in my head.

" Kayal, food is for eating not for playing. So eat without writing patterns on your plate" I heard the mocking voice of Aarohi.

Yeah, that what I was in my whole life. Mocking thing or a play thing. I became a laughing material.

My eyes started to tear up and couldn't control anymore. So I acted like coughing and excused myself to go for restroom. In my whole way my eyes were down casted and followed the trail. When I felt that I came little distance I looked up and with the help of a cleaning aunty, I reached to the restroom.

Immediately going to an empty stall I started to cry but closing my mouth with my hands. Because I couldn't control my cries also I did not want to make any drama.

Closing the top of the toilet lid I sat for a while until I was feeling little OK. When there was no any sounds in out I came out from the stall only to find, Kavya was standing leaning to the wall.

Without minding her I went towards the sink and started to wash my face and taking some tissue paper I wiped out the water.

When I turned to leave, she called me " Kayal, what happened?"

" Nothing " saying that I started to leave.

" Look Kayal, please don't make any issue infront of everyone..." listening to her words my steps halted and my anger got the best of me.

Turning to her, I said " Don't worry Kavya. I won't make any drama. I always wanted all of you to be happy. So without stressing yourself and following me, you may go and enjoy the dinner with your family." I told her in mocking tone.

" I'm not following you, Karthik was the one who asked me to check on you. Now come, we have to return before anyone make the story."
Telling that she dragged me out holding my hands.

When we settled in our seats, Aarohi's mom started to ask me question about my sudden departure. I just made up a story that my wind pipe got struck down with some pepper pieces and that's why I started to cough continuously.

Almost everyone believed that and they changed their topic. Once paying the bill we all left the table and planned to go beach. But giving some excuses as I got sorethroat due to continuous coughing I decided to go home.

My phone was vibrating continuously and when I checked there were some text messages from Karthik. Avoiding his messages I put my phone in my handbag without reading them.

All I want now was some lonely time to free up my mind and wanted to cry my eyes out.

When Kavya was trying to book a cab for me, Karthik told ," I will drop Kayal at home and directly come to the beach. Sager also has brought his car, so you all can go by that."

" No, it's okay I will go by the cab. You all can carry on" I said looking at others avoiding Karthik. I did not want to face him. And I couldn't.

" Yes, Aththan, why are you stressing yourself. She is telling right, she can go by the cab" Aarohi started tell him hanging on his elbow with a pouting face.

" Yes, Karthik. She is not a baby. So don't bother much and spend some quality time with your soon to be fiance." Karthik's father told him in the hard voice and his each words pricking my heart so much.

Once cab was arrived I left the place without even looking at him, even though he tried many times to get my attention on him.

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Total words - 3670

So this is for today and hope you will like it. And updates will be little slow until mid of the August. I have to complete my final assignments and other side my work. Hope you all will understand and support me...

❇️ What are you thinking about today's chapter? Everything has changed now. What's gonna happen in future?😇✌️

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