Alex's POV

What just happened? I looked at Nathan as he left, all aggrieved. The doctor too sensed something was amiss and she excused herself.
I stood there confused for a moment.
"Ananya. What was that all about? How are you feeling now?"
I got closer to her and stood near the bed. She was still looking at the door where Nathan stood a while ago. She froze in that position.
I stroked her head gently, "Princess, you Ok? What did the doctor say?"
Suddenly as if my touch ticked something, she turned towards me and tightly clinged onto me as I stood there still figuring out what is it that happened.
She broke into tears and held onto me as tightly as she could.
I bent down and kissed her head gently.
"Ana, tell me what happened my dear. How can I help you?"

Dad has not come yet, I thought. He could go and speak to the doctor to understand what happened.

"Ana, I can help you. Please stop crying. I am here for you. Dad has also come with me."

Still no response from her and so I gave up. I made a little place for myself on her bed and sat on it. She was still holding me. I made her head rest on my shoulder now and she quickly wrapped her arms around my neck.

We sat there like that for a long time when I saw my Dad walk in through the door.
"Dad? You had a word with the doctor?"

Ananya's crying intensified. Dad came to where I was sitting and tapped gently on Ananya's head.
"Sweetie. We are here for you. You need not worry. Give all your worries to me. I am your father and I am still alive."

Ananya was deeply touched by what Dad had just said. Can't blame her, even I was moved.
She loosened the grip on me and held my Father's hand instead. I guess she needed that support.

I moved away from there and gave them that moment. My mind was still trying to fit in the puzzle together. And in a flash of a moment I picked up on what Nathan said.
Oh my God! Was she pregnant?
I was standing on the other side of the bed now, face to face with my father who looked worried as hell affirming my knowledge.

It was too much for me to handle. I thought Ananya wanted to hold on to all this till after marriage. What happened then? Why was Nathan so angry at her and looked at me with those accusing eyes?
So many questions just popped up in my mind and I had no answers to them. The only person who could answer wasn't even in a state to speak. I just sat on the sofa placed against the wall, still looking at my father.
Something inside me broke. Is this the end of my hopes of ever getting married to the love of my life, I thought. This realisation pricked my heart from within.
I closed my eyes and laid my head against the wall in a hope to wipe off these thoughts I have been having.
Uncertainty!

"Alex. Come outside son, I wish to speak to you."
I opened my eyes and saw my father standing before me. Instantly my eyes moved towards Ananya and I saw her sleeping there. She looked a little relaxed at least for sometine she would be.

"How long have I been off?" I asked as I wiped my face with my hand.

"What is it Dad?"
We were now sitting in the waiting room not far from Ananya's room.
"Son, you know what it is that Ananya was crying about."

"Dad, I am not sure why exactly she is sad. I mean I know she didn't want it to happen like this. But she has Nathan. I am also confused why Nathan reacted that way. He infact congratulated me."

Dad looked uncomfortable. He definitely knew something that I didn't. The silence was killing me.
"Dad. What is it that I don't know but you do?"

"Son, you need to promise me something. You will not react to this in anyway that will malign Lexstur name or affect Ananya in anyway."

"What is it Dad?" My heart beat slowed.

What Dad told me then  just blew my fuse.
How could he do that to her? I was furious and in a fit of rage I hit my hand on the glass coffee table.
My hand was bleeding but it didn't bother me even half as much of what I felt knowing what my best friend had gone through.

She trusted him and all he gave her was heart break. I cursed myself more for not being there for her.
"Alex, wait. Where do you think you are going?"
Dad tried to stop me but I was in no mood to listen. I just wanted to beat the hell out of that son of a bitch.

"Young man stop there right this instant. Ananya needs you right now. She wouldn't want you to be in the prison when she needs you the most."
My feet rooted on that spot. I let out a breath and turned around to face my Dad.

I walked towards him in anger. My wounded hand leaving a trail of blood behind.
"You can sit here while that bastard sleeps there in peace. I cannot. I love her Dad. And knowing what she went through because of that pig, I can't rest in peace even for a minute. I want to crush that bastard so bad, he will not even think about looking at another girl."

Dad firmly grabbed my arm.
"Your hand is bleeding Alex. Get the wounds dressed. This is the reason we never told you this. And you helped Ananya go back to work for him. You lied to me."

"I lied to you? You hid so much from me. I am your son and you knew she needed me. You still kept me in dark."

"Not a word more Alex. I want you to stay here with Ananya. You will not do anything. Have I made myself clear? One wrong step and it will declare to the whole world Ananya's identity. What do you think will happen if you go and beat the hell out of Nathan and press gets to know who did this and why? Do you wish to put Ananya in another danger? I hope not."
It made no sense to me. My thoughts were driven by anger.
But I know I couldn't do anything that would hurt Ananya.

I stood there panting, trying to contain my anger.

"Sir. May I help you with the dressing of the wound?"
A small figure appeared from behind me and offered to help.
Everyone knew Dad at the hospital and that was the reason no one dared to interfere between us. They waited for a signal from Dad.
Dad looked relieved when this doctor came forward.
"Please Doctor. Stitch him up."

He looked at me now and his sharp gaze told me I had no option but to obey.
"I have to go take care of something. Don't leave her side. Be there when she wakes up and bring her home. Wait. No. Go to the Donavan's. I have the guests to be taken care of too."
I had completely forgotten about the little event we had back at our mansion. Everyone was present there.
But that was the least of my worries.

How would I face Ananya when she will wake up, was what I was worried about.

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Ananya's POV

The chirping of the birds filled my ears with a pleasant melody. The greenery around was a pleasant sight.
I just couldn't stop smiling as I opened the picnic basket and set the mat on the grass which was slightly wet due to dew.
I set the small table in the middle and began setting the breakfast plates for the two of us.
I looked around and he was standing there looking at the rising sun from behind the mountains.
Life couldn't be more beautiful.
I opened the basket to get the bottle of milk.
"Come here little one. Don't trouble your mommy. You are just like your father, you will not let me sit at one place in peace."

I looked around and spotted my baby crawling towards his father on his fours.
I shook my head in contemplation.

"Oh boy! Aren't you too naughty already." I got up to bring him back.

Before I could reach him, he reached his father and began pulling his pants trying to stand up on his feat. I smiled as he playfully called onto his father. "Dadda!"

Nathan turned. He looked at me and gave me a smile. But the moment he looked at my baby his smile vanished.
"Go away you Bastard!!"

"Nooooo."
I woke up to a dark room, sweating heavily.  I was brought back to reality. I remembered where I was. The glimpse of what the future may have in store, crushed my soul.
I couldn't see anyone around, but beams of lights were oozing in through the window covers.
I was losing my mind and thinking about the harsh reality my child could face, my entire body was trembling.
I was pregnant and nothing could change that. Nathan was the father, and he was completely unwitting. He would never accept our child as his own.

I got off the bed. My feet were still shaky. I was disheartened. No way could I do this alone. Maa was not around. The realisation of it all was building up on me.
I stared at the darkness and it was mocking me.
May be God was punishing me this way.
A feeling of dejection crept through me. I was unwanted.
My entire past flashed through my eyes. I was nothing but a bad luck. I jinxed everyone's happiness.

My real parents didn't even think once before planning to kill me. Raj lost his life for me. The Donavans never got anything by helping me. Maa was suffering in a coma now. I could never reciprocate Alex's feelings the same way while he was always there for me. The Lexsturs gave me so much but what could I give them? I took away their only son from
them. I took away his happiness too.

My heart stopped at the thought of Nathan. He doesn't believe in love anymore. All because I couldn't persuade him of my love. He could never believe in love because I failed him.

I failed in everything I did till date. I hurt so many people. I disappointed everyone.
But not anymore.

I have to put an end to this endless cycle of pain and suffering. I couldn't let this baby suffer because of me. I might end up being a terrible mother.

I walked out of the door.
Each step I took became more and more shaky, but I was firm on my decision.
My whole body convulsed but I had one last desire to see Maa.

When I opened the door of her room, my entire body gave in. I lost all my strength seeing her like this. But I know Alex would take care of her.
I took the notepad lying on the side stand and wrote a note for Alex.
Even after trying so hard all I could manage to write was; 'Take care of her Alex.'
I left the note on the stand near Maa's medicines.

I didn't have the courage to bid good bye to Maa. How could I?
But this was all for good.

I closed my eyes and turned towards her bed. With so much pain in my heart, I opened my eyes and took one last look at her as warm tears swarmed my cheeks.
I kissed her forhead and turned towards the door.
I couldn't stay there anymore or I would have changed my decision.

I walked out of the door and went to the top floor terrace. There it was. My end.
There was no looking back I knew.

Climbing up the wide parapet wall, I stood there staring at the dark skies and the stars who were calling onto me.
I was the root cause of everyone's misery.
And it would end today with me.

I opened my arms as the wind embraced me whole heartedly.

'Sorry', I murmured to myself.

I took one deep breath and closed my eyes bidding good bye to the world forever.