After half an hour, she again tried to call him. After a few rings, the phone was received.

Sanyukta (crying): Hello Randhir....where are you? I am trying your phone since last half an hour.....are you fine Randhir?

Receiver: Hello....madam

Sanyukta immediately recognized that it was not Randhir!

Sanyukta: Hello....aap kaun?(Who are you?)

Receiver: Madam....myself Inspector Joshi......yeh jinka phone hai na usko custody main liya hai humne!.....(the owner of this phone is in our custody right now)

Sanyukta (shocked): What?

Inspector: Ji.... aap sec-23 police station aa jaiye.... (Please come to sector-23 police station right now)

Sanyukta (trembling): Ok.... I am....am coming!!

Inspector: Ok....

Sanyukta: Sir.... Randhir...I mean the owner of this phone.....he is fine right?

Inspector: Aap khud hi aakar dekh lijiye! (Come and see for yourself!)

He hanged up the phone after that while Sanyukta took support of the chair to keep standing. She had to go to the police station right now! She didn't know what to do at that moment. For a moment, she considered waking up his parents and explaining the entire situation honestly, but the very next moment, she thought that it might increase Randhir's problems as he already had an argument with his mom in the evening. Moreover, his mom was of very high values and would be very angry at Randhir. She had to manage this problem alone.

At this moment, Sanyukta cursed herself for not learning driving. She felt very helpless. The very idea of taking a cab at this time in the midnight scared her to hell as all the bitter memories of her molestation came in front of her. She just caught her forehead because nothing was working out for her right now. She went and stood in front of the small temple of her house and prayed to God. It seems like right now only God could help her and he did help her. Sanyukta heard a ping on her phone. It was a message from Saanjh and she had just sent her the exam schedule. Sanyukta immediately thought something and called her.

On Call

Sanyukta: Hello Saanjh....

Saanjh (surprised): Sanyukta....you are awake at this hour? Did my message wake you up? I am so sorry yaar.....you know na that I have this habit of working late night but I didn't mean to disturb you....I thought you must have slept and would send me the finalised schedule tomorrow....

Sanyukta (interrupting her): Saanjh....Saanjh just listen to me! (stammering and trembling with tears in her eyes) Saanjh....I .....I need your help!

Saanjh (concerned): Sanyukta....What's wrong? Is everything alright?

Sanyukta (closing her eyes and trying to calm herself): Saanjh....just listen to me and please listen carefully. I....I need you to take me to sector-23 police station. Please don't ask me anything else right now....I will explain you everything on the way......Please help me out....I beg of you!

Saanjh: Sanyukta.....calm down...OK....I will be there at your house in 15 minutes...OK?

Sanyukta (sighing with relief): Thank you so much Saanjh.....but be careful while coming....OK?

Saanjh: Yeah....you be ready....I will be there in 15 minutes!

After that they both hanged up the call. Sanyukta went to her room and washed her face and got up with a determined face. She kept her wallet and one ID proof in case of need. She was ready. She came down with slow steps, grabbed her house keys and locked her house very carefully. She came on the main road and saw Saanjh sitting in her car. She went and sat on the passenger seat and Saanjh began driving the car.

In the car,

Saanjh (driving the car): Now tell me Sanyukta.....what's going on? Why do you need to go to the police station at this time of the night?

Sanyukta (looking out the window): Saanjh....actually....a friend of mine needs my help right now so....

Saanjh (interrupting her): Let me guess.....this friend of yours is none other than Randhir Shekhawat.....isn't it?

Sanyukta (looking down): How do you...

Saanjh (interrupting her): It was not that difficult to guess Sanyukta.....looking at your tensed face and you going out of the way to help somebody....then it has to be none other than Randhir. You always go out of your way and beyond your ethics to help him out....just like you did to help him during that Simran's obsession fiasco.

Sanyukta didn't say anything and just looked out the window. The whole way, she was just praying in her heart that Randhir should be fine!

After half an hour, they reached the sector-23 police station. It was a very small police station and so Saanjh parked the car across the road. They came out of the car and started walking across the road. As soon as they reached the entrance of the police station, Sanyukta saw something and her feet froze.

Saanjh (shaking her shoulder): Sanyukta....what happened?

Sanyukta (pointing towards a direction): That car bumped with the electricity pole....that's....that's Randhir's car!

It was then Saanjh noticed that a black car was rashly bumped with an electricity pole near the police station.

Saanjh: Sanyukta....let's go inside first....OK?

Sanyukta (trembling with fear): Randhir.....he would be fine na Saanjh?

Saanjh (Consoling her): Yeah....he would be fine Sanyukta.....come on lets go inside!

Sanyukta just nodded her head and they both entered inside that small and cheap police station. Sanyukta felt nauseated on entering inside. The last time she was in a police station, she came to lodge a complaint against her molesters but at that time her family and Randhir was with her, but today she felt very alone. Since the police station was small, so the jails were facing the gate only and all the criminals could see all the visitors. Those petty criminals were seeing both Saanjh and Sanyukta with a very dirty gaze. Sanyukta fearfully adjusted her dupatta and went towards a police inspector sitting on the front desk.

Sanyukta (stammering): Ins...Inspector Joshi?

The inspector looked up and saw two young girls standing in front of him.

Inspector Joshi: Yes.....I am inspector Joshi.....you are?

Sanyukta (adjusting her spectacles nervously): I am....am Sanyu....Sanyukta Aggarwal.....I am here for Randhir Shekhawat....we had a conversation on his phone....about an hour back.

Inspector Joshi (sitting comfortably and checking her out from head to toe): Oh....so you are Ms. Sanyukta.....you are here for that rich spoilt brat?

Sanyukta (ignoring his gaze and trying to locate Randhir): Where is Randhir? Is he fine?

Inspector Joshi: Turn around and see yourself.....how is that rich spoilt brat. He is sitting on that bench with two other brats like him!

Sanyukta turned and saw Randhir sitting on a bench with Parth and Ayesha. They all were looking very drunk.... especially Randhir. Randhir also had a little blood coming out of his forehead. Seeing him, Sanyukta ran towards him.

Sanyukta (caressing his cheek while crying): Randhir....Randhir are you fine? How did...how did all this happen?

Randhir (drunk): Chashmish.....(touching her cheek and smiling unconsciously) Chashmish....you are re...really here? Like Sachchi mein (really)?

Sanyukta (crying): Randhir....!

Randhir (wiping tears from her cheek): Chash....Chashmish....don't cry....I hate seeing tears in your eyes....

Inspector Joshi (clearing his throat to break their trance): Uhhmmm.....madam....meet him afterwards...first you need to talk to me.....he is a criminal.

Sanyukta (turning around): Cri...criminal? What has he done?

Inspector Joshi: Madam it's a case of drink and drive.....did you see the car bumped on the electricity pole outside the police station.....that accident has been done by this spoilt brat. In fact, instead of that electricity pole, a beggar child would have been there, but I guess he turned the car at the right moment....

Sanyukta (Shocked): What...Ran...Randhir can't do something like this?

Inspector Joshi: Madam.....come here...(bringing out a breathalyser)....Look at this breathalyser carefully madam....

Inspector went towards Randhir and ruthlessly clutched his collar and made him stand

Inspector Joshi (keeping the breathalyser in his mouth): Aye....you brat.... breathe in this....let her also know how much you are drunk.

Randhir breathed in the breathalyser and it showed 0.16-0.19%

Inspector Joshi: You see these figures on the breathalyser madam....you understand what it means.....this means that he is drunk to the level of intoxication....right now he is not even in his proper senses....he might be seeing two of you!

Sanyukta was just astonished seeing Randhir so drunk. She closed her eyes and tears came out of her eyes. She remembered the party night....

Flashback

One waiter came and offered wine to them. Parth and Vidushi picked one glass of wine each and Parth insisted Randhir also but he denied and took Sanyukta towards his parents and ordered orange juice for all of them.

Sanyukta: Randhir.....you can drink if you want to.....I won't mind!

Randhir: Chashmish.....as the dating guru.....I will give you one tip.....you should never do something that your date doesn't like.....it ruins the mood.

Sanyukta: Really? Now that's one solid tip....

Flashback ends

Sanyukta (in mind): Maybe....I am not that important for you anymore Randhir.....that's why you got drunk to such a level!

Inspector Joshi: Madam....are you listening to me?

Sanyukta (coming out of her trance): Ji sir?

Inspector Joshi: I have to file a case against him.....(taunting him) two days in jail will bring this brat on the right track....he is an actor right....people look up to them....and see what an example they set for their fans. (Smirking) They should get more harsh punishments.....so that people get to learn a lesson from their experiences!

Sanyukta (joining her hands): No....no sir....please....please don't file a case against him...please....I beg of you!

Inspector Joshi (looking at her joining hands in front of him): Madam....why are you joining hands for this guy....and you are his?

Sanyukta: I am....I am his friend!

Inspector Joshi: Friend? .....(looking at her and examining her from head to toe) It doesn't seems that you are friends with these guys.

Sanyukta: Ji?

Inspector Joshi (sitting back on his seat): I mean you seem to come from a good family background...I hope you are understanding what I am saying....so you being friends with these spoilt brats seems a little tough to digest for me!

Sanyukta (Still joining her hands): Sir, please....I request you to not file a case against him....please sir...his career will be over.....please sir...

Inspector Joshi: Madam....looking at you I can say that you are educated...so you must be knowing that drinking and driving is a crime!

Sanyukta: Sir, I understand that its wrong but....but please don't imprison him....I will pay the fine for it....but please don't file a case sir!

Inspector Joshi (standing up and coming near Sanyukta): Madam....vaise chakkar kya hai? Iss ladke ke liye itne haath jod rahi ho? Aisi bhi kya dosti haan? (touching her shoulder with bad intentions) Humaari bhi dost ban jaiye......(Madam, what's exactly going on between you and him that you are begging for him? What kind of deep friendship is this? Be my friend as well).

Seeing the inspector touching Sanyukta inappropriately and talking to her in double meaning terms, Randhir's blood boiled. Already, he was drunk and so he came and pounced on the inspector.

Randhir (angrily catching inspector's collar): How dare you touch her haan?

Inspector Joshi (angrily freeing his collar and pushing Randhir): How dare you raise hand on a police inspector....you bastard!

Inspector Joshi picked up his stick and came towards Randhir.

Inspector Joshi: Do Dande padenge na....saari garmi nikal jayegi teri.....( I will beat you to an extent that all your young blood will calm down)

He came towards Randhir and was about to beat him, when Sanyukta came in between and the stick hit her arms forcefully.....

Sanyukta (hurt): Ouchh....!!

Sanyukta got a deep mark of the stick on her right arm.

Inspector Joshi: Madam...you get out of the way....otherwise you will get hurt along with him!

Randhir(angrily): You.....!

Before Randhir could move forward, Sanyukta hugged him tightly.

Sanyukta (hugging him tightly and trying to control him): Randhir...please!!

Randhir (angrily pushing her): Sanyukta....leave me....I will not leave him today....this bas...

Sanyukta (hugging him tightly): Randhir.....you have swear on our friendship.....you won't do anything!

Randhir (Frustratingly pushing her): Fine...!

Sanyukta (joining hands in front of the inspector): Sir.....sir please I apologize for his mistake.....he is not in his senses....please sir. I will pay the fine!

Inspector Joshi (finally listening to her): Fine madam....just because you seem to be a good person, I can leave them but.....(smirking) fine cannot fill our stomachs right!

Sanyukta (confused): Sir....I didn't understand...what are you trying to say?

Saanjh (coming near Sanyukta and whispering in her ears): Sanyukta....he....he is asking for bribe!

Sanyukta: Bribe....but taking bribe is not right!

Inspector Joshi (laughing): Hahahaha....madam....drinking and driving is also not right....so lets not debate on right and wrong right now....!

Sanyukta just held her head down. She was a person of very high values.....already supporting Randhir in a situation when he was clearly at fault was against her principles but now bribing a police officer.....she was stuck in a very tough situation right now.....but she knew that right now....nothing is important than Randhir.

Sanyukta (closing her eyes for a moment and sighing): Fine!

Inspector Joshi: Good!.... also, I need you to write an application as their guarantor. I am leaving them on your guarantee madam. Also give one of your ID proofs as a copy of it will be attached with that application.

Sanyukta wrote an application and handed her id proof to a constable to get its copy done. She signed the application, collected her original ID back and attached the copy with its application and handed it over to inspector Joshi.

Inspector Joshi (examining the application written by her and then keeping it in his file): Good....I am releasing them on your guarantee madam....so if I find them goofing around in this area again, then you will be going to jail with them!

Sanyukta just nodded her head at inspector Joshi's words. The constable came with the fine machine and took out a slip of Rs. 2000/- fine. Sanyukta was about to pay by cash, when inspector Joshi stopped her.

Inspector Joshi: Madam.....keep the cash safe for now....and pay the fine by card.

Saanjh: Sir, if you are charging fine on us, then why do we need to bribe you?

Inspector: Madam....you don't interrupt in our work. This fine will go to the government, how will we get anything from it?

Sanyukta paid the fine through her card and collected the receipt.

Inspector Joshi: Now madam ji.....take out cash for us!

Sanyukta took out Rs. 2000 and handed it to the inspector.

Inspector (taking the note): Madam what is this? Are you trying to make fun of me....? I am not a waiter at some party that you are tipping me with mere 2000 rupees.

Sanyukta took out the remaining cash that she had in her purse and handed it over to the inspector. The total amount that she had given to the inspector was Rs. 5000/-

Inspector Joshi: Madam how many times will you insult me now?

Sanyukta: Sir, that is the total cash I had with me....if you want, you can check my purse.

Inspector Joshi (looking towards Saanjh): Why don't you ask your friend for some cash?

Saanjh: I am really sorry Sanyukta, but I forgot my purse while leaving the house in hurry....

Sanyukta: Its OK, Saanjh....you don't need to apologise. (looking towards the inspector) Sir, I will come tomorrow and pay you the rest of the amount.

Inspector Joshi: Alright madam....then you can take your friend also home tomorrow only.....

Sanyukta (joining hands): Sir please....

Inspector Joshi (looking at her face): Ok....if you are insisting so much, then you can give me something else. You know what.... its my daughter's birthday after 2 days and she would love a pair of gold earrings...

Sanyukta understood what he was asking for and immediately took out her earrings.

Saanjh (holding Sanyukta's hands): Sanyukta.... what are you doing? Your dad gifted these earrings to you when you got your job.....don't they hold any value for you?

Sanyukta (releasing her hand and handing over the earrings to inspector Joshi): Right now.... nothing is more important than Randhir for me, Saanjh! (Wiping her tears) Not even these earrings!

Inspector Joshi (happily): Thank you madam.....now you can take these brats with you! (handing a set of keys) And take his car keys with you!

Parth, Ayesha and Randhir got up from the bench. Out of the 3 of them, only Parth was a little sober. Randhir was feeling headache and was about to fall forward, when Sanyukta saved him from falling down. She took his hand on her shoulder and wrapped one hand around his waist to help him walk.

They came out of the police station and Sanyukta somehow made Randhir sit in the car. She was about to go sit on the passenger seat but Randhir tightly held her hand.

Randhir (drunk): Chash.....Chashmish do....don't go please!

Saanjh: Sanyukta, I think you should sit with him at the back seat only!

Sanyukta was about to sit when Parth called her!

Parth: Sanyukta....I don't know how to thank you....!

Sanyukta: Just do one favour on me Parth! Book a cab and drop Ayesha to the hotel safely. I can't ask Saanjh to go in opposite direction at this time of the night and please call Randhir's driver and ask him to pick his car from here and get it repaired tomorrow. I would have done it myself but I don't have the driver's contact number. If you could do this much, then that would be enough for me.

Parth (guiltily): Sure!

Sanyukta: Thanks!

Sanyukta sat on the back seat with Randhir and Saanjh started the car.

In the car,

Randhir (sitting close to Sanyukta and keeping his head on her shoulder): Chashmish....I...I

Sanyukta was feeling nauseated due to the smell of alcohol coming from Randhir. She might have saved him from the wrath of police, but she was feeling disgusted at him right now. She just controlled herself from crying while in the car in front of Saanjh. She just wanted to run home and cry her heart out digging her face in the pillow.

Randhir (digging his face in her neck): Chash....Chashmish....I didn't do anything.

Sanyukta felt hurt and disgusted on seeing Randhir out rightly lying to her, even in his drunk state. She just wanted to go away from him right now. She looked at his face and saw blood coming out of his small wound on the forehead. She immediately pressed a corner of her dupatta on his forehead to stop the blood flow.

Sanyukta: Randhir.... let's talk at home! Please sit properly for now!

After a ride of half an hour Saanjh stopped the car in front of Sanyukta's house.

Sanyukta: Thank you so much for helping me out today Saanjh....if you wouldn't have helped me, I don't know what would have happened....

Saanjh: Sanyukta.... now you will be formal with me? Then I should also thank you for all the times when you helped me by giving your full month's salary to help me pay for my mother's treatment haan?

Sanyukta: Saanjh!

Saanjh: Yeah....as far as the hypothetical situation of me not coming to help you is concerned, then I can say that even then you would have carved a way out to help Randhir. Because I have seen it clearly today that when it comes to helping Randhir, you don't think about anything else for even a second. You are a Psychology lecturer Sanyukta.....I would like you to ask yourself this question that- Isn't it maddening what you did for Randhir today? I said "maddening" because it was so out of character for Sanyukta Aggarwal to bribe a police officer in the midnight to save a drunkard spoilt brat! As far as I remember, you are one of those persons who would herself want such people to be punished with imprisonment.....but it seems that Sanyukta loses all her rationality and thinks only from her heart when it comes to Randhir Shekhawat. Isn't it?

Sanyukta (not meeting her eyes): Saanjh....I

Saanjh: Save it Sanyukta! I know you don't lie....and believe me I don't want you to break another one of your principles for this guy just to answer my question. Just introspect yourself on these lines because I clearly know the answer of my question.... Its you who needs to find them out....and accept them!

Sanyukta helped Randhir to come out of the car and kept his one hand on her shoulder and her hand around his waist to support him while walking.

Sanyukta: Thanks Again Saanjh! Bye!

Saanjh: Goodbye Sanyukta!

Saanjh drove away her car while Sanyukta helped Randhir walk. They reached the door and Sanyukta took out her keys, unlocked the door and entered inside with Randhir. She locked the door from inside and carefully took Randhir towards his room. They were near his room when Randhir started staggering on his steps.

Randhir: Chash...Chashmish....!

Sanyukta kept hand on his mouth when Randhir's hand touched a vase kept near the window in the corridor. The vase broke and Sanyukta immediately entered Randhir's room, scared that someone might wake up and see Randhir in this condition. As soon as they entered Randhir's room and Sanyukta closed the door, Randhir's mom came out of her room.

Randhir's mom (rubbing her eyes): What was that noise?....(looking towards Randhir's room) Is Randhir back....? I should go and check upon him. This boy never listens to me.

Randhir's mom walked towards Randhir's room and saw a vase broken on her way. She looked at the vase and then saw the window open. She thought that the vase might have fallen due to the wind. She closed the window and again moved towards Randhir's room.

Inside Randhir's room

Sanyukta was taking Randhir towards his bed but Randhir was behaving a little stubborn. He was getting a little sober.

Randhir (pushing her a little): Chashmish....leave me!.....I can wa...aaaalk on my own!

Sanyukta (holding him in place): Randhir.....keep quite for god's sake!

They were walking when Randhir's foot slipped on his slippers which were kept carelessly in his room. Due to this Sanyukta couldn't manage to hold his weight and she fell right on the bed with Randhir upon her. Sanyukta was trying to push him but Randhir held her hands and tightly pinned them on the bed. Sanyukta was scared but at the same time she was feeling nauseated due to the smell of alcohol coming from him. She could feel his breathes on her lips.

Randhir: Chash....Chashmish listen to me for once!

Sanyukta (Struggling to free herself): Randhir I don't want to talk to you.....Leave me!

Randhir (coming near her ears and whispering): Shhhh!!!

Sanyukta felt shivers and closed her eyes due to their proximity.

Randhir: Chashmish...I....I didn't...

Before Randhir could say something more, they heard a knock on the door. Sanyukta opened her eyes widely. Randhir was drunk but she was in her full senses. She was scared to death on even thinking about the possibility of their parents seeing them in such a situation. She closed her eyes and tears started flowing.

Randhir's mom: Randhir....? Are you back?

Sanyukta had tightly closed her eyes when she felt Randhir wiping her tears and heard him replying to his mom.....

Randhir (Slurring a little): Yeah....yeah mom....I...am back...

Randhir's mom (Concerned): You are fine na Ron....?

Randhir: Yeah mom.....I am just sleepy.

Randhir's mom: Ok beta....good night!

Randhir: Good night mom!

Randhir's mom went back to her room and listening to her fading footsteps, Sanyukta sighed in relief.

Sanyukta (pushing him): Randhir leave me...!

Randhir was getting a little headache and so his grip on Sanyukta became a little loose. Thus, Sanyukta pushed him and got up from the bed. She was about to go when Randhir held her wrist from the back.

Randhir (holding his head): Chashmish....listen to me just for once!

Sanyukta (Angrily): Randhir....leave my hand!

Randhir: Chashmish...I didn't do anything.....! I swear!

Sanyukta (angrily releasing her hand from his grip and turning around): Enough Randhir!....you have done enough to hurt me tonight but (joining her hands in front of him) I beg of you....please don't lie to me! I can't believe that you are lying to me even in this drunk state of yours....

Randhir (pleading): Chashmish....I swear I am not lying....I didn't do anything!

Sanyukta: Enough Randhir......stop lying for god's sake! You know I hate your drinking habit and this lying habit of yours.....you know what....(crying) You disgust me Randhir!....I Hate you!

Randhir's head was bursting because of the pain already. The alcohol, the stress, the anger, his dilemmas.....everything was causing him immense pain and Sanyukta's words added oil to already burning fire.

Randhir (angrily holding her shoulder and pinning her to the wall): I "disgust" you now? You "hate" me haan?

Sanyukta (crying in pain): Randhir, leave me.....you are hurting me!

Randhir (he held her hair from the back of her neck): I am hurting you haan? Then why the hell you don't go away from me....haan? Why don't you just leave me alone! Why are you embedded in my system haan? Stop coming close to me Sanyukta.....I don't wanna lose myself because of you....!

Sanyukta (crying): Randhir!

Randhir (pushing her with force): Just go away from me!

Randhir pushed her with so much force that Sanyukta fell down and her forehead got hurt by the side of the corner table. Randhir held his forehead tightly. His head was bursting with pain and everything was getting blurred from his vision. He staggered towards the bed and fell on it unconsciously. Sanyukta immediately got up and checked him. She realised that he fell unconscious due to drinking. She settled him properly on the bed and removed his shoes. She slyly went to her room and brought a first-aid box. She carefully wiped his forehead injury with Dettol and cotton and then put a band-aid on his wound. She covered him properly with a blanket and went back to her room.

Sanyukta was completely exhausted. The last few hours had taken a toll on her. She went inside the washroom and splashed water on her face. As soon as she splashed water on her face, she felt a burning sensation on her forehead. She looked in the mirror and saw a little blood coming out of her forehead. In healing Randhir's wound, she had totally forgotten that she was hurt too. She somehow put a band-aid on her wound and wiped her face with a towel. She looked at the clock and it showed 4:30 AM. Sleep was far away from her eyes because of the whole day's happenings but she sat on her bed, closed her eyes and tried to search for some mental peace which has left her mind from the moment Randhir started behaving coldly with her.

Next Morning, 7 AM, Sanyukta's room

Sanyukta was sleeping on her bed facing the wall (so her forehead wound was hidden in the pillow) and her mom was trying to wake her up.

Sanyukta's mom: Sanyu....wake up beta.....its already 7 AM. I have to leave for hospital beta!

Sanyukta: Maa...I will get up in a few minutes

Sanyukta's mom: Are you fine beta?

Sanyukta (digging her face in pillow): Maa.....I couldn't sleep properly last night.

Sanyukta's mom: Ok.....I am leaving for hospital now. You sleep for sometime....I will prepare the breakfast and leave!

Sanyukta: Maa you must be getting late. I will prepare breakfast for everyone....OK?

Sanyukta's mom: Are you sure beta?

Sanyukta: Yes mom!

Sanyukta's mom: Ok bye beta...

Sanyukta: Bye mom!

After her mom left, Sanyukta immediately got up and got freshen up. She wore a full sleeve kurti with leggings and wrapped a scarf around her neck. She immediately went down to the kitchen and prepared a glass of lemonade. She entered Randhir's room and saw him sleeping peacefully. She kept the glass of lemonade on his bedside table. She cleaned his room a little bit and kept all the things at proper places.

Randhir (sleepily with his eyes closed): Umm....ahhh....my head!

Sanyukta immediately went out of his room and went to the kitchen and started preparing breakfast for everyone! She prepared the breakfast and started setting the dining table. Randhir's mom came downstairs and saw Sanyukta setting the table.

Randhir's mom: Good morning beta! Do you need any help?

Sanyukta (greeting her with a smile): Good morning aunty!

Randhir's mom (Concerned): Beta what happened to your forehead? How did you get hurt?

Sanyukta: Its just a small wound aunty....nothing to worry about!

Randhir's mom: Take care beta!...Do you need any help?

Sanyukta: No aunty...everything is done!

Soon Randhir's dad also joined them for breakfast on the table.

Randhir's mom: I will call Randhir....this boy can wake up at 5 AM for workout but when he wants to sleep, he can keep sleeping till 10 AM

Sanyukta: Umm....Aunty don't call him.....actually I went to his room a few minutes back. He was sleeping then. Let him sleep....I will serve him later.

Randhir's mom nodded and took a seat. Sanyukta happily served them breakfast.

In Randhir's room

Randhir (holding his head): Ahhh...my head will burst with this pain.....why did I have to drink so much? That bastard Parth!....Ahhh

Randhir reached his hand for his mobile to see the time, when his fingers touched a glass. He turned and saw a glass of lemonade kept there. He immediately got up and drank the lemonade. After drinking it, he felt a little bit relief. He was about to get up from the bed when he noticed a gold bracelet on his bed. He picked the bracelet and looked at it carefully. As far as he remembered that bracelet belonged to "Sanyukta". How did Sanyukta's bracelet fall on his bed. Randhir couldn't remember anything clearly. Thinking this he wondered that who dropped him home and in his bedroom. He thought that maybe Parth would have dropped him at his house...but Sanyukta's bracelet? He was getting really confused now!

He got up and went to freshen up. When cold water from the shower hit his head, it was then that he began having flashes of the previous night. He had flashes of how he went to the club, had shots with Parth.....danced with Ayesha. Then the things went a little more blurred. He remembered sitting in the car and getting hurt on the forehead. He realised that he had a band-aid on his forehead. Then some flashes of him sitting in a police station. After that, things went a little more blank for him. He opened his eyes and calmed himself down. It was always difficult remembering things for him after a hangover, but he knew that he will remember everything by the end of the day as soon his hangover will get over. He sighed and wore a white shirt with blue denims. He changed his wet band-aid and went downstairs.

He saw his parents getting up from the dining table after having their breakfast.

Randhir: Good morning mom....Good morning dad!

Randhir's mom: Good morning Ron....(seeing a band-aid on his forehead) what's this Ron? How did you get hurt?

Randhir: Ummm mom...its nothing big!

Randhir's mom: You children just keep hurting yourself unnecessarily and then say that its nothing big.

Randhir: Mom...

Randhir's mom: Let it be Ron.....just have your breakfast now!

Randhir's dad just patted his back and moved to his room while his mom went to make a call.

Randhir sat on the dining table. He was looking for Sanyukta but she was nowhere in sight. A house help came and started serving him breakfast. Sanyukta came out of the kitchen with a jug of fresh juice. Randhir noticed her. She was wearing a full sleeved kurti with a scarf around her neck. Randhir felt a little weird seeing her in a different attire. He clearly remembered that Sanyukta didn't carry scarves usually. Moreover, she used to wear three-fourth sleeves, then suddenly full sleeves kurti. Randhir was thinking all this, when he came out of trance with his mom's voice. He mentally slapped himself for pondering upon Sanyukta's wardrobe so deeply. He thought that he has simply lost it because he is pondering upon Sanyukta's wardrobe as if it's a script for his show.

Randhir's mom: Sanyukta beta.... you also sit and have breakfast. You didn't have it with us....at least have it now!

Sanyukta: Umm aunty...

Randhir's mom: No...no excuses...come I will serve you breakfast...sit.

Sanyukta sat down and Randhir's mom served her breakfast lovingly. It was when Sanyukta sat down that Randhir noticed the injury on her forehead. He wanted to ask her about it but somehow, he couldn't gather the courage to do so after yesterday's fiasco. Randhir was about to take a sip from his glass of juice when he noticed a medicine kept near it. It was an Advil tablet (medicine for headache). Randhir now understood that Sanyukta knew about his hangover and she only kept lemonade in his room in the morning. Maybe she was the one who put a band-aid on his forehead but her bracelet on his bed was still a mystery for him. He gulped the tablet with juice and continued having his breakfast. Sanyukta slyly saw him having the tablet and sighed in relief. They were having their breakfast in silence when Sanyukta's phone rang. It was an unknown number.

On call

Sanyukta: Hello....

Caller: Hello Sanyukta....Parth this side!

Sanyukta (sternly): From where did you get my number?

Parth: Sanyukta please listen to me!

Sanyukta felt a jolt of anger on hearing Parth's voice. She was about to cut the call but stopped hearing his next words.

Parth: Sanyukta please don't cut the call....I want to talk to you for once. Its regarding Randhir and yesterday night's fiasco...please!

Sanyukta: I am listening...

Parth: Sanyukta.... can we please meet and talk? Please.... I am at the park near your house. I came to drop Randhir's car but I won't be able to face him right now....so please!

Sanyukta: Fine....I will reach in 15 minutes!

Randhir heard one-sided conversation and he didn't know who was on the call. Sanyukta got up and went to her room and then left from the main door after 5 minutes. Randhir wanted to ask her where she was going but then again, he didn't have the courage to do so. He picked out her gold bracelet from his pocket and caressed it. He had to face Sanyukta to return this bracelet at least. He will return it as soon as she returns home. Right now he needed fresh air to clear his mind.

City Park,

Sanyukta reached the park on time and saw Parth standing in the corner. She went towards him.

Parth: Hi Sanyukta....how are you? I just wanted to thank you for saving us yesterday night. I don't know how to thank...

Sanyukta (Coldly interrupting him): Save your pleasantries Parth!!....just come to the point.

Parth (sighing): Ok....Actually I wanted to tell you the truth about yesterday night.

Sanyukta: Truth? What truth? That how you guys were so much drunk and how Randhir bumped his car into an electricity pole near the police station at night. I am well aware of that Parth!

Parth: There is more to the story than what meets the eye Sanyukta!

Sanyukta (raising her eyebrows): What do you mean?

Parth: I mean that.... this is what exactly happened last night...

Flashback

Randhir and Parth had a drinking competition. Both were very drunk. Ayesha had also taken a lot of shots, so she was also very drunk. She took Randhir on the dance floor and was clinging to him. Randhir pulled her closer for a moment but then his phone started vibrating....

Randhir (looking at the caller Id): Chash...Chashmish is calling me.....I have to ....have to go home!

Ayesha (Snatching his phone): Just leave it and let's enjoy Randhir...come on!

Randhir (stubbornly): NO...! Giv....give my phone back. Chashmish needs me.....she ....she must be worried about me....

Ayesha (pulling him from his collars): I need you Randhir...let that behenji go to hell! What's so special in her haan...? I can satisfy you Randhir....!!

Randhir (getting out of her grip): Jus....just leave me Ayesha....! I wanna go home!

Randhir pushed her and went towards Parth.

Randhir: Parth....give ....give me your phone....I nnneeed to call Chash....Chashmish.

Parth handed Randhir his phone. Randhir dialled her number and even in his drunken state, he dialled it correctly but battery of Parth's phone went out and so the call couldn't get through.

Randhir: Parth....I wanna go home....

Parth: Ok bro....lets go.

Randhir and Parth came out of the club and went towards his car. Ayesha came running behind them.

Ayesha: Parth....please drop me as well...how will I go to the hotel alone?

Parth: Ok...let me call the driver...(realising something) Oh shit....my phone is dead....I don't remember the driver's number....

Ayesha: Randhir can drive us na....(in mind) and maybe he can give me company in my room as well.

Randhir: Nooooo....noooo!!!! Chashmish.....she would be very angry on me. She says that we should not drink and drive! So, I wont drive!

Ayesha (cursing in mind): That bloody behenji....

Parth: Yeah, let me go to the club and ask the manager to book a cab for us. If we get caught by the police then we will be in trouble. Its better to book a cab.

Ayesha: Oh cut the crap Parth....if you guys aren't men enough to drive a silly car then I will do so.

Randhir was already sitting in the passenger seat. Ayesha took the driver's seat.

Parth: But Ayesha....its not right!

Ayesha: Parth...you wanna come or not. Otherwise, I am happy to leave with Randhir....

Parth sighed and sat in the backseat. Ayesha put on her seat belt but Randhir did not have his seatbelt on as he was not conscious enough to do so. Ayesha started driving the car and since it was night, she started driving the car in speed. However, when they reached sector-23, there were no street lights and everything was getting blurred in front of Ayesha's eyes as the alcohol began taking over her mind. She took a sharp right turn and their car bumped into an electricity pole.

Since Ayesha was wearing seat belt and Parth was on the backseat, they didn't get hurt but Randhir's forehead got hurt because his head went straight towards the dashboard. Ayesha saw a policeman coming towards their car. She was very scared because she was already drunk and moreover, she didn't even have her license with her.

Ayesha: Parth, we have to put Randhir on the driver's seat. You have to help me!

Parth: Are you out of your mind Ayesha? Its you who has caused this accident, then why do you want to put the blame on Randhir now? It was your idea to drive the car in drunken state. I and Randhir were completely against it and now you want to put the blame on Randhir. I won't help you in this....!!

Ayesha: Fine then!!....when that policeman will reach here na then I will start crying and howling and tell that policeman that you guys were trying to molest me in drunken state. Then you both will go to jail not only for drinking and driving but also for sexual harassment. How about it Parth? Will you help me now?

Parth: You know what Ayesha?...you are a bloody....

Ayesha: mind your words Parth and help me.

Parth got out from the car and helped Ayesha in shifting Randhir on the driver's seat and then Ayesha took the passenger seat and Parth sat in the backseat. So, when inspector Joshi found them, he saw Randhir on the driver's seat and so he became the culprit for the whole incident.

Flashback ends

Parth: After that you had a conversation with inspector Joshi who told you about us and then you came to the police station. You know what happened next clearly so....and as far as getting your contact number is concerned then when I charged my phone today, I found your number in my call log as Randhir had tried to call you from the club yesterday. And Randhir drank so much because we instigated him.

Sanyukta: I can't believe this. Randhir is not a child Parth that he got instigated by your words. He is at fault for drinking so much and for making friends like you. You guys call yourself Randhir's friends! Didn't you feel ashamed of yourselves? Don't you guys feel guilty on cheating Randhir in this way Parth?

Parth: I am really very guilty Sanyukta but Ayesha had put me in a very hard position. I was scared....

Sanyukta: You were scared....but you didn't think for even a second about Randhir. What if the inspector had put him in jail. His career, his reputation....everything would have got over in a second but it doesn't matter to you....does it? Because if you were his true friend, you wouldn't have cheated him like this.

Parth (guiltily): I am sorry Sanyukta....(handing her some money) please take this....I know you had to give a big amount to that inspector for us!

Sanyukta (throwing his money on his face): Keep your money to yourself Parth.....I don't need it and if you want to apologise then apologise to Randhir and not me. I am disgusted by people like you.....!

Saying this Sanyukta turned around, while a soul felt guilty on seeing her selfless and unconditional loyalty and friendship towards him. Randhir had come to the park to get some fresh air. He was just walking when his eyes fell on Sanyukta and Parth talking to each other. He went to a nearby tree and heard each and every word of their conversation. He felt disgusted at the people he thought were his friends. While he felt a deep gratitude towards Sanyukta for being such a true friend to him.

He moved out of the park and went home. He sat by the window of his room and started thinking about last night's incident. Now, his hangover had gone and listening to Parth talking about last night, things started becoming clear to him and he started remembering the last night incidents. He remembered how the inspector took them inside the police station, tested their alcohol level. He remembered Sanyukta entering the station with a friend at night. He remembered how the inspector had checked her out with his dirty gaze, how he tried to attack him and how Sanyukta came in between them and controlled the situation. He remembered that how the inspector asked her for bribe and how she took off her earrings also to pay him.

Randhir felt guilty and disgusted at himself because he was the reason for which Sanyukta had to go through so much. He was feeling suffocated right now. He took his car keys from the driver and went out for a drive to clear his mind and to find his breathes because the guilt was suffocating him.

Aggarwal Mansion, 7PM

Sanyukta was sitting in her room and was feeling extremely guilty. She was feeling guilty for not trusting Randhir when he kept repeating last night that he didn't do anything. She was sitting beside the window and was reminiscing last night and Parth's words. A tear fell from her eye on recalling everything. She was just lost in her thoughts when she heard a knock on her door. She wiped her tear. She turned and saw her father standing at the door of her room.

Sanyukta (elated): Papa....

She ran and hugged her father. Her father hugged her back lovingly.

Sanyukta's mom: Hmmmm.....all love for Papa haan....no one loves me...huh!

Sanyukta: Maa.....papa is back after tour na....so extra love for him.....

Sanyukta's dad: See Anjana....I am her favourite!

Sanyukta's mom: Huh....

Sanyukta: Papa....!!!!

Sanyukta's dad: Ok...I won't tease your mom! Come lets sit.....

They sat on Sanyukta's bed but her father got a call, so he went outside for a while. Sanyukta was drinking water when her mother started talking to her.

Sanyukta's mom (Concerned): Sanyu....are you fine na?

Sanyukta gulped the water and was silent for a few moments, when she heard her father's voice.

Sanyukta's dad (entering the room with his hands behind his back): What happened to my princess?

Sanyukta just kept silent and kept looking down.

Sanyukta's dad: Ok Anjana....if princess is not talking to us, (bringing out a chocolate ice cream tub) we will eat this chocolate ice cream alone.....right Anju?

Sanyukta's mom: right Amar....!!

Sanyukta immediately came and snatched the ice cream tub from her father and started eating from the tub itself.

Sanyukta: Dad....ice cream is not good for your health....and so for your well being, I will eat this ice cream tub alone!

Sanyukta's dad: Oh really?

Sanyukta (teasing him): Yes!

Sanyukta's father suddenly noticed band-aid on her forehead.

Sanyukta's father (caressing her forehead): Princess....how did you get hurt?

Sanyukta was about to say something when her dad's phone rang again and he went to take the call. Sanyukta sighed in relief.

Sanyukta's mom: Sanyu....you didn't tell....how did you get hurt?

Sanyukta started hogging on the ice cream quickly.

Sanyukta (with her mouth full of ice cream....almost choking herself): Mom...I...fell in the bathroom......and got hurt.

Hearing Sanyukta's words, the person standing at the door of her room was shocked.

Randhir (in mind): Chashmish lied.....the Sanyukta Aggarwal lied! Sanyukta lied for me!

By now Randhir clearly recalled each and every moment of last night. He clearly remembered that he had pushed Sanyukta and she got hurt because of him. Randhir had come to apologise to Sanyukta and return her bracelet. However, seeing her sitting with her mom, he was about to go but he was shocked seeing her lying to her mom. He remembered something seeing Sanyukta lie for him.

Flashback

Randhir: what do you hate the most Chashmish?

Sanyukta: jhoot!!

Randhir: what?

Sanyukta: I hate lies.....and I hate liars....jhoot chahe kitna bhi chhota kyun na ho aur usse bolne ki wajah kitni bhi badi kyun na ho...at the end of the day a lie is a lie.....it is a web of betrayal.....in fact ek jhoot chahe kitni bhi momentary happiness kyun na de......in long run...it only hurts....and mind it..it hurts much more than a bitter truth......lying is never the solution of anything............trust is also built upon the foundation of honesty........whatever relation is shared between two persons...be it brother- sister, parent- child, husband-wife or even friendship.....agar uss relationship mein honesty nhi hai.....then that relation will never have a long life...it will be like a castle made up of cards....which will scatter away with flow of lies...........

Flashback Ends

Randhir came out of his thoughts on hearing her mother talking to her.

Sanyukta's mom: Sanyu!.....When you know that you can't lie then why do you even try lying and that too in front of me? I am your mom beta....I know you better than you know yourself. Your habit of hogging upon food and almost choking yourself while lying is not a new one. This is your childhood habit. You remember, when you were only 5 years old and you broke my favourite vase by mistake. That day also you lied to me like this. But later you felt so guilty that you yourself came and told me everything honestly by the evening. Its fine that you don't wanna share your problem with me now. I know there must be a reason behind it and I also know that you will yourself share everything with me at the right time. Ok?....so you don't need to choke yourself to lie to your mother. I am always there for you Sanyukta.....

Saying this her mom got up and left, while Randhir hid himself behind a pillar.

Sanyukta (talking to herself): I am sorry mom....this time, I won't be able to tell you the truth!

Sanyukta got up and threw the empty ice-cream tub in the dustbin and went to wash her hands. She came out wiping her hands when she heard a knock on the door. She turned and saw Randhir standing at the door of her room. Their eyes met.

Randhir (Softly): Can we talk?

Sanyukta: Yeah sure....come in!

Randhir hesitantly stepped in her room and closed the door lightly. He was feeling very guilty and nervous at the same time. He didn't know how to apologise to her for his rude behaviour. He was just looking down.

Sanyukta (Clearing her throat): You want to say something?

Randhir (nervously scratching his nape): ummm.....yeah....actually I want to....I want to....

Sanyukta (understanding what he wanted to say): Its OK Randhir!......you don't need to apologise to me!

Randhir (looking in her eyes): How did you...

Sanyukta (interrupting him): We don't always need words to understand each other Randhir. At least I have reached a level of understanding with you where words are not always important but sometimes they are significant to just express yourself....even if the person in front of you understands you inside-out.

Randhir(not meeting her eyes): I know you understand me.....but I still want to apologize to you.....I am sorry Sanyukta....(closing his eyes for a moment) I am sorry for everything....that happened yesterday.

Sanyukta (smiling sadly): It's Ok Randhir....but I would have preferred the reason behind your irrational behaviour yesterday, rather than your apology.....

Randhir: Actually....all that proposal fiasco just took a toll on me and...

Sanyukta (interrupting him): I know that 'We are not meant to be' Randhir, but is Loving me or being Loved by me so bad that you reacted in such an irrational manner?

Randhir was shocked at her question. He didn't have any answer. He was out of words. He realized that how hurt Sanyukta must have felt with his behaviour yesterday. He knew what he meant when he said that they were not meant to be, but he realized now that how Sanyukta must have felt listening to those words and by his cold behaviour. Unintentionally, his words had put a question mark on Sanyukta's self worth. He could have dealt with this issue in a much better manner but all he did was hurt Sanyukta in all this without any mistake of hers. He never meant to hurt Sanyukta but somehow fighting with his own emotions and mental stress, he had done exactly that.

Randhir (gulping and trying to control his emotions): I just....just wanted to return this to you (handing her the bracelet).

Seeing that bracelet, Sanyukta reminisced the close moment shared by them the previous night.

Sanyukta (hesitantly taking the bracelet): Thanks!

Randhir just nodded his head and left her room without saying anything, while Sanyukta kept looking at him going away from her.

Randhir's room, 11:30 PM

It had been more than 3 hours since he confronted Sanyukta and apologised to her. He was sitting by the window and looking into the oblivion. Again and again, Sanyukta's words were echoing in his ears...... "I know that 'We are not meant to be' Randhir, but is Loving me or being Loved by me so bad that you reacted in such an irrational manner."

Although he himself said that "They are not meant to be" but listening to the same words from Sanyukta hurt him deeply. The flashes of last night were coming in front of his eyes. He was feeling disgusted at himself because of the way he treated her last night. He remembered how she fell and got hurt. He felt the need to see her and ensure that she was fine.

He went out of his room and reached Sanyukta's room. The lights were switched off and Sanyukta had slept. He switched on the torch of his mobile and reached her bedside table. He switched on the night lamp and saw her serene face with closed eyes. He switched off the torch of his phone. He sat down near her bed. Sanyukta was wearing a cotton t-shirt and tracks right now, so Randhir saw a dark stick mark on her arm. He remembered how she came to protect him from getting beaten by that police officer. He very softly touched that mark and Sanyukta hissed at even that soft touch. This showed that how much that wound hurt. Randhir looked around and saw the first-aid box kept on her table. He opened it and found an ointment. He opened it and very softly started putting the ointment on her wound. He felt his eyes filling with tears on seeing her in pain. After putting the ointment, he changed the band-aid on her forehead very carefully. He was just putting the band-aid when his eyes fell on her neck. He noticed a few marks on her neck behind her few hair strands. He very carefully removed her hair strands and saw a few dark finger marks on her neck. He put a little stress on his mind and remembered how he had stretched her hair and kept his hand on her neck while talking to her last night. Now he understood that why she was wearing a scarf and full sleeve kurti today- to hide her wounds. He felt immensely guilty for the way he had manhandled her. He carefully put the ointment on those marks as well and then properly covered her with a blanket, switched off the night lamp and went out of her room.

Randhir went back to his room. He went to the washroom and splashed water on his face. He felt so angry on himself for treating Sanyukta like that. He went back to his room. He started punching the wall with the same hand with which he hurt Sanyukta. He punched the wall till the time blood started coming out of it. Somehow feeling pain himself and healing her pain gave him satisfaction. He roughly treated his hand by putting a medical band-aid on his hand.

Randhir (in mind): I am not good for you Sanyukta.....I have to go....go away from you!

Next morning (Friday), 9 AM

Everyone was sitting at the dining table and having breakfast except Randhir. He was not at home. His mom called him.

On Call,

Randhir's mom: Hello Ron.....where are you?

Randhir: Mom....I am out for some work....I will be late.

Randhir's mom: What work do you have so early in the morning Ron? And What about breakfast?

Randhir: Mom, I will have something from outside. I am busy now, so will call later. Bye!

Before his mom could say anything else, Randhir hanged up the phone.

Randhir's mom (looking at her phone): This boy is always in a hurry....!!

The whole day went like this. It was 10 PM. After dinner, everyone was having dessert. Randhir entered late in the house.

Randhir's mom: Ron, have you seen the time?

Randhir: I am sorry mom....but the work was important. Also, I wanted to tell you that I have cancelled our tickets to Mumbai for Sunday.

Randhir's mom: What? Why?

Randhir (looking at Sanyukta): We are returning to Mumbai tomorrow itself mom. I have to join the shoot on Monday.

Randhir's mom: But Ron....

Randhir: I am sorry mom, but I felt that its better to reach early as I have to do some paper work on Sunday....so we have to leave tomorrow. The flight is at 2 PM in the afternoon. So, we will leave for airport by 11 AM.

Sanyukta felt really hurt on realizing that Randhir will be leaving tomorrow. She was dreading this moment when Randhir will return to Mumbai but that time she didn't thought that their equation would be so different.

Everyone went to sleep in their respective rooms. Sanyukta was about to sleep when she received a reminder email about the meeting scheduled with the dean and complete staff tomorrow at 10 AM. She immediately called Saanjh.

On call,

Sanyukta: Hello Saanjh....I received an email reminder for a meeting tomorrow. When was this meeting scheduled?

Saanjh: Calm down Sanyukta....breathe. This meeting was fixed last week only. Don't you remember? And why are you getting hyper?

Sanyukta: Is this meeting important? Can I skip it?

Saanjh: What's wrong with you Sanyukta? The meeting is regarding Final exams schedule. Of course, it's important. You have always been a professional and you are talking about skipping the meeting? In fact, you should be excited. I think you will get an additional bonus for coordinating with the Sadda Haq team. Leave all that.....you are the HOD of psychology department Sanyukta....you have to be there! I hope I will see you tomorrow at 10 AM?

Sanyukta (sighing): I will be there!

Saturday Morning, 9 AM

Everyone was having breakfast at the dining table except Sanyukta. Randhir was looking for her but she was nowhere in sight. He wanted to ask her mom about her but then he couldn't gather the courage to do so. However, his mom asked about her.

Randhir's mom: Anjana....where is Sanyukta?

Sanyukta's mom: She had an important meeting in the college today. She just left 15 minutes back.

Randhir (in mind): Chashmish won't even bid me goodbye? ....Why would she?.....after the way I behaved with her, she wouldn't even want to see my face....!

They somehow finished their breakfast, got ready for the airport. Randhir had already returned his rental car and so Sanyukta's parents were dropping them.

St. Xavier's College, 11:30 AM

The meeting had been going on for an hour and Sanyukta was continuously looking at her watch. She wanted to leave and reach the airport ASAP. She could hardly concentrate on the meeting.

IGI Airport, Terminal-3, Delhi, 12:30 PM (Afternoon)

Randhir had reached the airport with his and Sanyukta's parents. He was looking around in hope of seeing Sanyukta. Somewhere his heart was saying that she would at least come to see him off. But when he couldn't spot her anywhere, his hopes broke apart.

Please tune into the song from the film Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna while reading further.

https://youtu.be/WQTSbVqiQIM

Credits: Kabhi Alvida na kehna film, youtube

It was already 12:45 PM and they had to enter the airport now, because usually the check-in takes time and the boarding gate closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time. He closed his eyes and sighed.

He touched her parents' feet and they blessed him. His mom hugged her mom and all of them bid each other goodbye.

Taking each step was becoming difficult for Randhir. Finally, they reached the entrance and showed their ID proofs at the gate.

Randhir (standing at the entrance and thinking in mind): You didn't come Chashmish!

They entered inside the airport.

On the other side, Sanyukta reached the airport through cab. She ran towards the entrance and tried to find Randhir. She immediately called her mom.

On Call,

Sanyukta (huffing and looking around): Mom.... where are you guys? I am at the airport!

Sanyukta's mom: Beta Randhir and his family left....we are on the way back home.

Sanyukta's heart broke on listening that Randhir left without even saying Goodbye to her. Tears started flowing out of her eyes realizing that she had lost him today.

Sanyukta's mom: Hello Sanyu....you there beta?

Sanyukta (coming out of trance and wiping her tears): Yeah...yeah mom!....I will be back home soon. Bye!

Sanyukta came near the glass wall through which the inside of the airport was visible. She came near it in hope of having just one glance of Randhir, probably for the last time.

Sanyukta (seeing through the glass wall and whispering): Randhir!

Its as if God heard her, because Randhir turned around and looked towards the glass wall. He felt as if someone called him. He was collecting his boarding pass at that time. Its true that Sanyukta only whispered his name but still Randhir turned around because the voice of her heart reached his heart clearly. He saw the glass wall and saw Sanyukta standing there. For a moment, he felt that she was his illusion. He came near the glass wall and they both saw each other clearly. They both had tears in their eyes. Sanyukta's hands touched the glass wall and Randhir also kept his hands at the same place where Sanyukta's hand was placed. They were so close yet so far!

Soon Randhir's mom called him and he had to go. He caressed that glass wall as if caressing Sanyukta's hand and turned around. Sanyukta also turned around. They both wiped their tears and went their Separate ways!

In Flight,

Randhir (caressing Sanyukta's pic in his phone): Goodbye Chashmish!

His flight took off for Mumbai taking Randhir away from Sanyukta.

Two weeks Later

Randhir and Sanyukta missed each other a lot but neither of them called the other. However, Sanyukta used to message Randhir sometimes and Randhir used to reply her formally. They had to move forward in their lives.

In the first week after returning to Mumbai, Randhir was not really himself. He used to go for shooting and return back home monotonously. Parth tried to talk to him. He apologised to Randhir. Although he was very angry at Parth but later he forgave him. He thought that the void that he was feeling could be filled by his friends. Ayesha also apologized to him but Randhir was adamant on not forgiving her. However, due to her tantrums on set daily and the drama she created everyday, he forgave her just for his own mental peace.

One day, Ayesha threw her birthday party after finishing shooting schedule for that day. Although Randhir was hardly interested in going, but Ayesha nagged him to the point that he agreed. They went to City Club.

City Club, Mumbai (11 PM, Night)

Everyone was enjoying the loud music with food and drinks.

Randhir: Ayesha, I need to leave now.....

Ayesha (drunk): Randhir....(slurring) pleeeeeaaaase its my birthday today, please don't go.

Randhir (showing his phone): Ayesha my mom is calling me....I have to go.

Randhir was talking to her when a waiter mistakenly spilled drink on his shirt.

Ayesha (angrily scolding the waiter): Hey you!!...don't you have eyes?

Randhir (keeping his phone on the table): Ayesha....please don't create a scene here...I will just go to the washroom and clean this stain.

Randhir went to the washroom while his phone began vibrating on the table. His caller Id showed "Chashmish" calling.

Ayesha (looking at his phone): This behenji is still behind Randhir....(rejecting the call and smirking) not anymore!

However, his phone began ringing again.

Ayesha: This pile on behenji will not leave Randhir alone like this....I have to do something now!

Sanyukta called 3 more times but every time her call was getting rejected. She left 15 messages for Randhir.

Ayesha deleted all her messages and call logs from Randhir's mobile and blocked Sanyukta's contact number from his phone and kept Randhir's phone back on the table.

Ayesha (smirking): Goodbye Ms. Chashmish...Goodbye forever from Randhir's Life.

While Sanyukta kept dialling Randhir's phone desperately for the whole night. Maybe it was Goodbye Forever....A Bitter Goodbye!

MY POV

"Goodbye!": Good byes are always emotional. Goodbyes represent separation but most of them represent separation with a hope of meeting again but it seems that bitter Goodbyes represent only Separation like in the case of Randhir and Sanyukta.

Is this the end of Randhir and Sanyukta's story? Is this the end of their friendship? Will Randhir and Sanyukta meet again? Will destiny bring them together? Can people fight the force of destiny? Will blocking Sanyukta's contact number from Randhir's phone block her from his life as well? Is it Goodbye Forever? To know the answer to all these questions, you guys need to read the next part!

This part is around 10,500 words long. I know that I am very late guys but it was a very long part and I worked really hard on it. Hope you guys really enjoy this part. Thanks for the lovely response and special thanks to my super-awesome commenters. 

Special shout-out to my commenters

@SarithaDonthireddy, @PranjayNigam, @lavanya564, @jesreeeenak, @Labdhishah3, @Madhubhojwani, @Tuhinanshu0209, @MinalShah308, @arvitha, @ranu0405, @shiwangey, @Shirshaa1, @Aishami, @Pearbhi_1029, @dreamysangable. 

Sorry if I missed somebody. I love reading your comments. I would love to know what you guys think of my story. Your comments motivate me to write more. Please try and comment more. Please vote, comment and continue reading my story. Have a great day and stay safe guys!!