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Krithi's POV :

There stood Manik with a girl, both holding each other's hands and strolling through the different sections in the mall.

I turned to see tapaswi scowling at them and started murmuring -- who's that girl?! I was about to answer her but she cut me off with her murmuring.
-- I checked his whole Instagram but didn't see her atleast in one picture.
-- May be his new gf or what?
-- Actually It's my fault I shouldn't have delayed expressing my feelings.

I thought she asked me a question. But guess not.

"Umm, Tapaswi I think we should go and talk to him, like that we can know who she is!" I told her.

"Shh krithi, lower your voice. They can hear us," she said.

We were atleast 10 meters apart. How can he hear us?
Stupid girl.

"We should follow them secretly and then know what they are to each other. If we go and ask, there is a chance of them telling a lie to us, " she reasoned stupidly.

"Why will they lie?" I asked confused.

"Because they doesn't want any disturbance in their relationship. They know, if they tell me, I'll surely ruin their relation. And look at her, she is a gold digger. I can smell it from here!!" she said glaring at that girl.

"But what if it is true love?!" I asked her.

She glared at me -- "So you are saying that their love is true love and mine is not!! You are supporting them but not me.You have changed krithi. You changed a lot!!!" she started making sad face.

God!!!!! How did you create this defective piece??

"Tapaswi, I said 'what if', I used the clause 'if'. Ok? I'm not saying their's is true love. I didn't even say they are in love," I replied hastily.

"Hello ladies!!!" we heard a voice.

We were so busy in talking that we didn't see Manik coming in our direction and right now standing in front of us smiling.

As soon as tapaswi saw him, she turned and literally ran away from here.

But I couldn't go like her right? That is childish and he would surely tell Hruday and it will not look good.

That's why we gave her the nick name 'stupid'.

Whatever the situation may be, she will do complete justice to the name.

"Hi Manik, how are you?" I asked him embarrassed.

"Hi Krithi, I'm fine. How are you?" He answered still confusingly looking in the direction in which stupid ran away.

"I'm good and...... who is this sweet lady beside you?" I asked turning to that girl.

"She is Amna, she is....." and he turned towards her.

"I'm his girlfriend!" she cut him off.

He stiffened beside her, "Umm Amna,this is Dr.Krithika, Hruday's wife!" Manik introduced me.

"Do you mean Hruday Aurora?!" She asked frowning.

Even I frowned at her question and Manik said yes to her.

"Oh my god!!! How lucky of you. He is my school mate and I always had a crush on him. He is always oblivious to me. Nevertheless we had something between us, he'll always deny the fact that it happened," saying that she winked at me.

"Though I should envy you, I couldn't come up to that because you seem sweet and I have Manik now!!" saying that she clung more on manik's arm.

What did she mean by having something between her and my husband? I instantly developed hate for her.

"Anyways, why is your friend leaving with so much urgency? Is everything ok? Or any fight with her boyfriend like before?" He asked.

So he still remembers?
I think even he is interested in stupid.

"No, it's not that. She just... Umm wanted to go....to washroom!!" the words slipped even before I could stop.

You are such a great friend krithi!! Nice covering my brain commented.

"And about her boyfriend, they broke up. He is not a good man as we thought and he betrayed her, " I said making a sad face.

"Oh that's very bad.I know how it feels, I have already gone through that!!" He said.

"Don't worry Manik, you have me now. I'll never betray you," she sugarcoated each word.

"Well, Krithi. If you don't mind can you give me her number. I think I can help her cope up with the situation!!" Manik said without reacting to her words.

I smirked internally.
Well, my plan actually worked.

"Sure......" saying that I gave stupid's number to Manik and smiled sweetly at Amna for which she scoffed.

Hahaha!!!

But first of all I should tell my plan to stupid.

After that I called stupid to tell that Manik left the place and she came out of a corner taking relieved breaths.

Once I revealed what I told to Manik she jumped up and down taking me into a bone crushing hug.

"Now I should prepare my conversation when he calls according to the lie" we smirked like evil witches and fell into our shopping again.

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I'm very excited about today's party!!!

The hospital is completing its silver jubilee and I'm very happy about it.

Actually this hospital has a history!!

My in-laws started this hospital when Hruday was like three years old. Till then dad worked in some other private hospital.

They started this hospital in a very small place with four rooms one for O.P. and other two for wards and one for O.T.

Later they gained good reputation for their treatment and now it stood as a proud five storied building with modern equipment for diagnostics.

They worked day and night to bring the hospital to this stage.

Though I hadn't done any thing to contribute to their hard work, I'm feeling proud to be related to this family!

Almost every doctor from Mumbai along with many big business magnets who sponsor for medical services are invited.

I'm really very happy for the party but the only thing is my parents couldn't make it for the party as they went to visit my grandparents.

Today morning sweets are distributed to every person in the hospital including patients and sugar free sweets are especially ordered for diabetic patients!!

At present I'm standing in our room in front of the mirror and adjusted my skirt with my hands. I twirled around to see how am I looking?!

Not bad!
I'm looking good enough for the party!

I didn't come across Hruday this whole day. He didn't even come to the room to change his dress?!

Wonder where he is??

I left the room to see Dad sitting in the hall. I wished him and he complemented my looks.

"Dad, By the way, where is Mom?!" I asked him my eyes searching whole time the surrounding.

"I'm glad that atleast you came on time. Otherwise I'm completely bored as your mom is still preparing for the party!Hruday is a lucky guy to have a wife like you who can get ready so fast!!!" and he smirked at me.

The similar smirk.
Genes!!!

I smiled at him and we talked about random matters and time flew like that and within no time Mom is standing in front of us in all her glory!!

We stood up and started towards the car. But all this while one question is nagging in my mind.

Where is Hruday?

I wanted to ask them but my internal conflict did not allow me to ask.

"Are you ok krithi? You are looking like you are lost somewhere. May be in your husband's dreams!! Don't worry too much! He will be present at party if that's what you are thinking about!!" Dad said with a playful smirk.

What happened to dad!
I'm the target for his jokes today!

If Hruday is here he will be the target and I would have been spared!!!

A smile formed on my face imagining Hruday's red face with embarrassing dad's words.

Or will he behave as if that didn't effect him?

He is hard to understand!

We reached the venue where the party is being conducted and all my colleagues are already at the entrance gate to welcome Mom and Dad.

Actually all the PG's are supervising the arrangements of the party.

I came out of the car immediately before my in-laws and ran towards my colleagues to invite the 'founders' of the hospital!!!

Hihi!!
None other than Mom and Dad. Since I'm a PG I should behave like one right!

After that we lead them into the hall and made them sit at the central round table and we screamed unitedly -- " Congrats, Dr.Arjun and Dr.Avanthika for the completion of Silver jubilee of your LIFE hospital!!! "

With that they blasted a glitter bomb where glittery papers are spread in the air flying in all directions. Some fell on my head too.

My eyes searched for his presence but no, I didn't come across his face!!

We actually gave this contract to an organizing company and they are delaying the serving of welcome drinks.

So I went towards the organiser head to know the reason for the delay!

I saw him talking to someone and smiling in between.

My rage got my best and I rushed towards him to give him a good scolding.

Once I reached him I scolded him that -- " Guests have already arrived and all you are doing is smiling instead of concentrating on your work! Should I.. "

My words are cut in between when the person opposite to him spoke -- " They are already served Sweet heart! " and when he turned his head,I'm shocked to see Hruday.

Sure I want to see him!
But not in this situation!
My cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

All this while I can't divert my gaze away from him and I'm completely stunned by the way he is looking!!

He is looking very handsome and I'm drowned in his brown orbs after a long time.

On keen observation I noticed the fact that we both are actually wearing matching dresses.

I averted my gaze away from him when I heard a throat clearing which is none other than Hruday himself.

I composed myself and looked at the hall where mom and dad sat to see that drinks are already being served to them by the waiters.

When I'm about to excuse myself from them to return to the hall Hruday came to my side and placed his hand on the small of my back.

I looked at him to see him giving some instructions to the organiser and soon escorted me to the hall with a heart warming smile playing on his lips.

I'm feeling a little uncomfortable when all eyes turned in our direction.

I'm not used to having this much attention and I'm feeling quite awkward seeing Hruday behave like this!

We never acted like this in front of our colleagues.

By the way what's the inner meaning behind his gesture?
He is continuing his acting since we are in front of people?

But we stopped our acting soon after that day!
Why now suddenly?

I can see that the smile he is flashing is from inside and not a mere show!

When did you start understanding him this much krithi?!!

All our colleagues had already taken the places at other tables and Hruday took me to my in-laws table and he sat beside them and I sat beside him!

Dad is looking at Hruday questioningly and Hruday gave an assuring smile towards him!!

What's going on here?!
That too in between them?

I silently sipped my welcome drink and there an AV is arranged showing the pictures of hospital then appearance and Dad is looking quite handsome then!!!

Whereas Mom is also looking stunning herself!
No doubt dad fell for her!!

She is standing there holding a baby and at first I thought may be the baby whom she delivered for the first time in her life but once I looked at it keenly, I recognized that it is non other than Hruday!!

I can't stop myself from making the sound -- "Awww, how cute!!"

But I didn't know that it is loud enough to be heard by the person sitting beside me.

He looked at me directly in the eye and smirked proudly.

I'm embarrassed again.

This is the second time I'm embarrassed this evening and I don't know how many more are written in my fate!!

After that my in-laws are asked to speak few words about their journey till here...

Soon after that cake cutting is done and everyone got their plate of cake.

They told that there will be a surprise announcement for all of us.

After all the standing and rushing I'm feeling quite tired. So I sat at a table in the corner.

But it's too early to be tired!!!

So to boost my energy I asked a waiter for an Orange juice.

Everyone seems to be so happy talking, joking, laughing.

I'm observing the crowd satisfactorily when I felt someone sitting beside me.

I turned to see my handsome husband,with a glass of juice?

He offered me the drink which I ordered and I took it without questioning.

How does he know?

I slowly sipped the juice with different questions running in my mind.

We remained silent for a while then Hruday informed me that it would be good if we personally invite the other guests.

I nodded and after completing my drink we headed to invite remaining guests who are yet to come.

It had been an hour and still guests are arriving.

Mom and her friends are busy in engaging the guests whereas Dad, Hruday and Me are busy inviting the guests.

I'm surprised that even being so high in profession, Dad is still down to earth and inviting everyone as if their own.

It's like this party will end tomorrow night, not today.

Hruday got a call and excused himself from us. Just then a royal blue colour Rolls royce arrived.

As soon as it came to a halt, the front door opened and driver came out from it and rushed to open backdoor.

I wonder who will be the person?
May be a Business magnet or a politician.

There comes a man with straight face and confident looks.

He adjusted his blue suit matching his car and made his way towards us, giving a small smile to dad.

I wonder whether I noticed it or I imagined it?!

I expected that he would hug dad like all the other guests before, but he surprised me by bending and touching dad's feet for blessings.

There are still people in India who'll bend for blessings? That too in Mumbai?

"Dhanuj!! My champ, how are you? Just yesterday you were playing with toys and see how grown up you are now." Dad said with admiration in his eyes.

Maybe family friends.

They started to talk about his parents, why they couldn't come, and other things whereas I'm observing both of them trying to figure out what exactly is their relation.

He suddenly looked at me and I don't know what to do.So I gave him a awkward smile.

I don't know why but this fellow is giving me different vibes.

"This is my daughter, Dr.Krithika,our Hruday's wife." Dad introduced me.

"I know uncle and you know that I know everything about Hruday's life, " he said and looked at me.

Forwarding his hand he introduced -- "I'm Dr.Dhanuj, Enterogastric Surgeon." I took his hand and shook it.

Maybe he and Hruday are best friends. But I never knew Hruday had a best family friend.

"You look beautiful!!" He said.

I just smiled and took away my hand. He is still looking at me, as if studying me when suddenly I was pulled sidewards.

I turned to see Hruday. He is holding me way too possessive than needed.

I felt awkward as everyone can see us, so I tried to move away for which he only tightened his grip on my waist.

I know it's waste of time to fight when it comes to Hruday's grip. So I let him,we are a couple anyways.

I waited for them to give manly hugs to each other and start talking about stupid silly childhood antics.

But nothing came out.

What all I can see is two men having a war with looks.

I'm sure if looks can burn, these two will be ashes by now.

Dad cleared his throat and both the men averted their look to dad.

Poor fellow!!! Now it's his turn to burn alive.

"Why don't we just go inside and enjoy the party, " dad said.

"Thats better" saying that Hruday went inside, or should I say he dragged me in along with him.

We entered the grand hall and Hruday let go off my waist.

I didn't question him because seeing his face I can sense something is wrong.

After a while, Mom and Dad once again stood up, looked at each other and announced that -- 'So the surprise for you all is that we are conducting a camp to serve freely for the poor on the occasion of the completion of 25 years since foundation of hospital.So please interested people give names to Dr. Sravya. She is taking the responsibilities for the camp.'

We are very excited with this declaration.

It will give us a chance to see and know the people who fear or neglect to visit a doctor and suffer the diseases like It's their fate to succumb.

I'm about to stand up for giving my name when hruday extended his hand for me, standing.

I placed my hand hesitantly in his and he smiled at me in return and led me to the table where Dr. Sravya's seated.

Don't you think he is smiling much more today??

We reached there only to see Dr.Dhanuj already enrolling his name. After that he turned towards us and looked at me with a broad smile.

I can feel Hruday's hand tighten around mine. I don't know what to do so I just replied to Dr.Dhanuj with a small smile.

Hruday's hand tighten around mine further that it started paining slightly.

I tried to wriggle out of his grip
but Hruday caught my wrist tightly and started pulling me, I don't know where!!

Not wanting to create a scene I just followed him as fast as possible.

He took me to a corner area and covered us with a curtain that is there for decoration purpose.

What is he doing?

Before I could protest he caged me between his arms.

What's wrong with him?

All these days he acted as if I didn't exist and now what?

"You better stay away from him," he stressed each word filled with anger and bitterness.

I looked at him quite surprised!!

"You hadn't asked dad to stay away from him but you are asking me to stay away from him?! What's your problem?" I asked him furiously.

He looked at me silently with a calm look on his face no intention of stopping me! So I continued -- "It's not like Dhanuj is my bestfriend. We barely had our introduction few minutes earlier! Is there any problem between you and Dhan... " he stopped me with his index finger on my lips.

"Don't take his name again in front of me!!! " he whispered with hard look in his eyes.

His hand slowly went to my hair as he adjusted them behind my ear and I felt his hand wandering there for sometime.

"Hrud.. "
"Shhhhh" he silenced me.

I looked at him questioningly through my eyes and he showed me his palm..

That's when I noticed a glitter paper in his hand.

'Hehe...'I smiled sheepishly in my mind.

I thought something!!

Romantic?
My inner voice asked.

Well...

Suddenly we heard a loud voice and once I understand what that person is telling, I can't stop myself from shivering.

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How's the chapter?

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Till the next update, stay tuned!!

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