Maya and Sahir enter the elevator. Maya remembered how Sahir always kissed her within the first minute of them being together. He just couldn't do without it. A part of her was deeply disappointed that Sahir didn't even make the effort to kiss her. So what if they had their differences. He wanted to end them right? Was there any other reason why he didn't want to kiss her.
She got slightly annoyed with her thoughts. It was good that he didn't make a move. She couldn't have been able to think straight and ended up being hurt again. Her mixed feelings in this whole issue was causing too much confusion in her own head too. What did Sahir want? Of course he wanted her by his side but was this to have her by his side as his wife or as a trophy.
She knew Sahir wasn't that heartless. He could be ruthless with the world but he was true to her in the times they spent together. He was standing opposite her, his head hung low, wearing a cap. She couldn't see his face clearly but she could swear she saw dark circles when he had hugged her.
The elevator came to a halt. She stepped out taking the lead between them. There was a big bouquet of flowers kept there along with a bottle of champagne and wine. The basket had some goodies too and a note. "Did he come up here to drop these things and when he didn't find me here followed me to the pool?" Thought Maya.
S: seems like you already had visitors this early (Sahir said, unable to hide the anger in his tone)
M: aren't these from you? I thought... (her voice faded and slightly annoyed with Sahir's tone. She flipped the note to see these were from Viren. There was a long note but she's read it later, in her own time)
S: Does it say my name?
M: Well, I now have established they aren't from you. Step in Sahir.
Maya looks at Sahir as he closes the door behind him. He notices Maya left the gifts just near the door. She only carried the bouquet with the note. She undid the note and put it on the table and fetched a vase to put the flowers. Something in his mind said the gifts were from Viren. A part of him wanted to read the note, the other part wanted to believe Maya still did love him.
M: Sahir... you wanted to talk right. Can you give me a few mins to shower and change. I'll feel more comfortable clothed.
S: hmm... yes please. By all means.
Maya noticed Sahir wasn't his usual self. There was something off about him. The romantic Sahir she knew would not want her to change. He'd at least kiss her once.
Maya steps into her room to change. Post a quick shower, she pulled out a Ted Baker Blue Lace dress and quickly changed into it. She fixed her hair and quickly applied some kohl and lip gloss. She glanced herself in the mirror and stepped out of her room, her hair still damp.
The moment Maya stepped into her room for a shower Sahir headed to pick the note. He knew it wasn't the right thing to do but hey! Viren wasn't playing this fair. Maya was his legally wedded wife and he left no chance to hit on her and therefore Aditya needed to know all that Viren was planning.

The gifts were indeed from Viren. Sahir just laughed at himself. Here he was trying to hold Maya with him and there Viren was trying every trick in the book to have her.
The note said:
Maya,
These flowers should learn from your smile on how to bloom. The twinkle of your eyes will make them bloom brighter and enchant our hearts. Your heart and mine. My heart will be happy to see you smile. So make my heart happier- have that champagne with me.. and do you know when will my heart be the happiest? When our hearts become one. Maya.. I know you are getting over your failed marriage and I don't care if the time is right or wrong, I just want you to know that you'll always have me by your side.
Viren

Sahir wanted to punch Viren's face. All in a good time. He needed to take things forward step by step and right now all his attention had to be on Maya.
Sahir turned, hands in pockets, seething in anger towards the window. He could see the splendid sea spread in front of him. He was feeling the sound of the ocean ease his stress. Just then, Maya stepped out. Sahir only had one word for Maya, Yummy!
M: why did you want to see me so early in the morning Sahir?
S: Is there something like early or late between married people Maya?
M: Estranged. That's our status.
S: Still Married. That is actually the status.
M: what do you want Sahir? I know I can never win against you.
Maya turned away from Sahir. Her eyes and heart in pain by looking at Sahir. He indeed looked pale. He looked jolted. The always suave and impeccable Sahir Choudhary looked fallen. She couldn't bear the sight of it. Somewhere she knew she was responsible for it. So the mighty did fall! But that is not where i wanted to see him. "how will i restore this, without compromising on my self-respect" thought Maya to herself.

M: Sahir.. I am waiting for you to respond. what is that you wanted to talk about.

S: In my head Maya, there was so much that I wanted to say. Say to the woman who still is my wife. I want to hold on to this Marriage. However, seeing the gifts at your doorstep killed the courage I had mustered from what was left after the party yesterday. I came here to talk to my wife. My wife. Not a woman who is not willing to honour the relationship she has with me.

M: Enough Sahir. I don't want to hear another word. I am the one who isn't honouring the agreement we had (with her hands quoting Agreement= she implies to their wedding). My work is falling because I couldn't pay enough attention to it. I am sitting miles away from home, away from my support systems because I spent all my time on you. I went through the humiliation in Switzerland, even when you flew without me and when your girlfriend did that Tamasha outside the hotel. I have been begging for you to give me my due as your wife. But clearly, Sonia is filling all departments. Including the bedroom. Why do you need me at all Sahir. So that you can constantly humiliate me? And please stop implying that I am stepping out of the lines of this marriage.

S: You think I flew across the continent for Business. If I didn't put you on the pedestal that you are at, I'd spent a minute chasing you. I never thought you'd treat yourself so ridiculously against Sonia. I don't deny Sonia was a part of my past but when did I ever not treat you right. You know the circumstances we got married in. I still did everything in my control to make you feel valued. Do you have any ideas how many demons I had to fight to allow my mind to acknowledge I love you. Do you have any idea how much I care? I left everything aside to buy you Glamour. I cursed every minute I spent leaving you in London and going to Zurich. I couldn't sleep until you were in my arms in Zurich.

Maya was like struck with lightning. Did Sahir Choudhary just confess his love for Maya? Did he just say he loved her? Maya melted like an ice cream. She couldn't be angry at Sahir. She immediately felt she was mad at him for no reason. She felt so mushy. All she wanted now was take those steps and take him in her arms (while he wouldn't fit) and demand him to kiss her.

S: You know what Maya; it doesn't matter anymore. I thought I will never let you go. I will hold you as mine- partly because you are my wife and partly because you were my obsession. I could never lose you. But I just realized that it takes two to tango, and here I am clearly not the one you want to Tango with.

Maya stares at Sahir and has a small smile on her face. Sahir looks at her perplexed.

M: Sahir stop saying things you will regret. You can't be confessing your love for me and hating me in the same breath.

Sahir opens his mouth to say something but realizes he did say the words he never thought he could say to anyone. He was in love with Maya. Happy realization Sahir!

Maya looked at Sahir trying to fathom what he said. He got quiet and took a deep breath turning towards the sea.

M: If you are done talking, I need you to shower and, in the meanwhile, I will fix us some breakfast. You can fight with me for all you want. But not like this. I understand our differences but since when did Sahir Choudhary did shabby?

S: You know since when I did shabby? You know I have no memory when I was as pissed drunk as I was last night. I dreamt of you wanting to divorce me. Fearing how frivolous your actions could be. Do you have any idea how mad I am at you and how angry, upset and disgusted I am with my own self?

M: Sahir, like I said, I want to talk like grownups. Not this way. Please groom yourself up. I will fix breakfast.

Sahir exhaling deeply walks to Maya and faces her. His immediate reaction was to put his hands on her shoulder but just before touching her, he withdraws. Earlier, the fear was of losing her to Viren. Now the fear was Maya knowing she could control Sahir. She could call all shots and he would happily perish under her spell. Sahir had for the first time ever in life confessed emotions as deep as love. He was losing it. Maya couldn't read his expressions. While she knew Sahir was a little stumped with his feelings coming out this way, but it did help Maya understand him better. It renewed her faith in the fact that Sahir could be a ruthless emotionless businessman to the world, but he was a man who'd do anything to keep his wife happy. His wife. Her. Maya.

M: Now you want me to walk you till the bath? There are fresh towels in the washroom but I'm afraid you'll have to change back into the same clothes.
S: Yeah, no. that's fine. Which way is the guest restroom?
M: You use mine Sahir. Go straight and to the left is my bedroom. You'll find it there.

Maya saw a sense of comfort on Sahir's face. Finally! Something put that man at ease. Sahir walked towards Maya's bedroom. It was tastefully done, and every inch of the room reflected Maya. There were Maya's pictures and he finally saw a picture of Maya and him. So, he had managed to earn some space on her favourite wall. There were a couple of pictures of them actually. One from the wedding in the court, the first time they'd met, got married and kissed. One from the dance floor from their reception, where Sahir was hugging Maya from behind and she was looking ravishing. He remembered how he'd felt seeing her then. He knew he couldn't resist her in that Indian wear. She was wearing sindoor. She'd become his. The third picture was from a business poolside lunch. Maya wore an Alexander Mcqueen white dress, her inspiration from Duchess Kate. She had walked in late after meeting his mother. When she walked into the poolside area, Sahir was picking his drink. It was a casual theme but being Brit they knew nothing meant casual for business. Sahir was sans a tie. He wore a crisp white shirt with a linen powder blue blazer. He had turned to see who people were ogling at. He felt hot seeing his beautiful wife walk towards him. She didn't look anywhere else. The second her eyes had spotted him, she just walked towards him knowing where she belonged. He could sense men acknowledging how blessed and lucky Sahir was to have Maya. Maya had walked into his arms and kissed him on the cheek. She'd smiled her best smile and that's when this picture was candidly captured. They looked so much in love. Sahir knew Maya did feel for him. But was it love? If she did love him back why did she not say anything at his sudden confession. This drama had to end up soon. Very soon. He undressed himself and stepped into her washroom. Maya had these trademark fragrances. She smelled a mix of lilies, roses and something citrussy. And at times a distinct jasmine. Right now, her washroom smelled a mix of rose and citrus. Just like Maya. His Maya. He stepped under the shower and inhaled Maya within him. It will be a long journey bringing this fragrance back into his life permanently.

Maya was in the kitchen fixing breakfast. She had quickly called her mother in law Arti to ask what Sahir preferred for breakfast as she didn't have an elaborate kitchen setup. She was happy that she had somethings available handy to set a good breakfast for Sahir. She quickly got some bacon and eggs ready and squeezed fresh orange juice. She mixed a salad and sautéed mushrooms and sprouts in herbs. Just as she was setting the table Sahir walked out shirtless only in his denims which were hanging dangerously low on his hips. She could see the perfect abdomen V. his damp hair all over his face. He had a stubble over his face. It took him 5 mins from looking sad devastated shabby to uber hot and sexy shabby. In fact, the way they were dressed, she looked more out of place within her home! Talk about getting comfortable. He walked past her and sat on the other side of the table. He liked his eggs slightly runny. He noted Maya did the eggs right. He walked into the kitchen and poured himself a cuppa coffee and sat on the countertop. He sipped on the coffee and with the sunlight on his face, he looked so edible.

S: It is warm here. Ill change soon.

M: that's okay. Come over let's eat. We can talk then.

S: thank you for fixing this breakfast butterfly.

Maya's heart just fluttered. Sahir always called her his butterfly when they were dangerously flirting. She spent an extra minute devouring him while he sat at the table now helping himself with the breakfast. He poured her some juice and like a gentleman waited for her to start with the meal. Post the meal Maya was clearing the table. Sahir offered to clean the kitchen while she poured some coffee for both. They stepped into the balcony and stood there looking at the sea sipping on the coffee. Sahir all this while had maintained his distance from Maya. He had not done anything to close the gap between them. Maya was somewhere expecting him to step ahead and she was slightly disappointed when Sahir made no attempts whatsoever. They stood there in the balcony, in silence. Once the coffee was over Sahir stepped inside and when he came back, he was wearing his tee-shirt. Maya looked at Sahir.

M: Now that we're both sated, we can talk

S: Well, I have told you what I needed to. I need to know what you want Maya.

M: What do you think I want Sahir?

S: Maya, contrary to what you think about me, I am no magician. You honestly want to know what I think? I think you have given up. You don't need me anymore in your life.

Maya could sense Sahir was irked.

M: Sahir, those are some serious allegations. What makes you say such things.

S: It's in the big and small Maya. Well let this be aside. I don't want to ruin your mood. I didn't come here for that. I came here to say what I wanted to. I have done that. I am thankful to you for giving me that opportunity. The decision is now yours. You need to decide if you want to be with me. If you need time and space to think, I can give you that. I am traveling to other places within India for some meetings and business. I will be away for about 10-15 days. I can prolong my trip in case you still need more time. I leave tonight. So, you have all the time in the world.

Maya stood in the corner see Sahir win the turf. She was still confused by what he meant by big and small. She wanted to hear everything from him, if they were clearing the air, might as well get on with it.

M: I want to know what you meant by big and small Sahir. What will ruin my mood?

S: Does it matter?

M: Yes, it does

S: I don't want to be blamed later Maya. I am happy keeping those things out of the picture.

M: Sahir why would I blame you? I am the one asking you to pour your heart out.

S: Well, I don't think I am ready to pour my heart out yet. I need to know if I can take that chance with you Maya. You wanted to know what I meant by the big and small? It meant the signs you are giving me. The only things I ever asked you to explicitly do, you hate them. You don't use your email id anymore. You don't wear the anklets I bought you anymore and you have given up on your wedding ring as well. I am still okay with these you know! But you need to know what signals you are giving to men out there. A man I am guessing who is neither your father nor your husband is sending you champagne, wine, flowers and notes. Is it friendly? Why would another man take the liberty to flirt with you Maya? You chose to seek help from other people when I am fully capable of helping your Dad and you with the business.

M: Sahir Viren sent me those, I am working with him. I want to do things on my own Sahir. I don't want the world to think I am some gold digger!

S: Is he your friend Maya? Don't you think that's overstepping the line. Given the history he has with me? Since when taking help from husband made women less independent or gold diggers as a matter of fact?

M: You are getting me wrong.

S: Then care to explain what this implies.

Maya gets silent. She does see a point in what Sahir is trying to say, but she isn't wrong in her stance. Things couldn't be as black or white. There is so much of grey here.

S: I know you don't have all the answers right now and I really didn't want to bring this up. But now that I have said these things, I will leave you to think about them. You won't see me for the next 15 odd days. Not that it made any difference while you have been away for 68 days to be precise since yesterday. I'll show myself out.

M: Sahir wait.

Sahir turns towards Maya. She gradually walks up to him and looks at him. He can see she wants to say something but is unable to.

S: Go ahead

M: I don't want you to leave upset when we are trying to mend things.

S: I am not completely upset. Slightly hurt, slightly angry.

M: why are you slightly hurt & angry

S: I broke some rules. I read that note. Have you read it yet?

M: No Sahir, while I know it is from Viren. Why are you making such a big deal about it?

S: There are certain things which are a big deal butterfly. I don't think I am overreacting.

Maya steps closer to Sahir.

M: Won't you kiss me before you leave?

S: No I won't. No matter how much it kills me for not touching you, I won't. I remember what you told me last night. I don't want to do anything that will cloud your mind while you decide what you want from your future. I want to let you know that your respect and honour are most precious to me. You do deserve better. At no point I want to hurt you or behave in a way you question your dignity and my behavior with you. I don't want you to regret anything about us butterfly. I will wait for you to come to me and be mine. I will patiently wait for you to willingly walk into my arms and stay where you belong.

With those words Sahir looks deeply into Maya's eyes. He exhales deeply and then steps away from her. He turns and leaves, softly shutting the door behind him. He doesn't turn. Sahir doesn't do turns. Maya stands rooted at the spot feeling incomplete and empty without Sahir once again.

Ye kahan ja rahi hai hamari zindagi.....the last thoughts on her mind.