It was only Naina and Sanya in the cafe that day as Dhruv and Vedika had gone to the factory and Farhan was on leave.

Naina had become used to the gang's chatter which she was missing today, "Aaj kitna shaant lag raha hai. Mazaa hi nahi aa raha. Sabke saath achha lagta hai. Aaj..."

Vikas's annoying voice boomed from behind, "Toh aaj hum company de dete hain. Aap jaisi pretty girls ko akele rehna chahiye bhi nahi."

Sanya, who wasn't aware of his intentions but disliked him still, said drily, "Thanks, but humein meeting ke liye kuch details sort out karni hain. Immediately lunch ke baad meeting hai. So please excuse us."

Naina didn't glance up at him as he stood next to their table, looking from one to another. She was sure she would lash out at him... a person who fibbed in such a callous manner about his parents was not someone she could tolerate around her.

Vikas softened his voice, "Oh no problem. Aap log bohot dedicated ho. I like that. Main bhi yehi maanta hun ki sabse important work hai... after all iss job se hi humein sab kuch milega. You guys carry on. I won't disturb you. Bye Naina, bye Sanya."

Sanya was a little softer in returning his 'Bye'. Naina just nodded, apparently busy in the charts displayed on her phone screen.

"Yeh ladka samajh nahi aata. Kabhi itni sweetly baat karta hai kabhi roadside gunde ke jaise." Sanya whispered once he was gone.

"Go with the second one. Meri gut feeling bhi kuch achhi nahi hai iske liye. Let's not talk about him. Chal khaana order kar dete hain." Naina tried to shake off the boiling anger.

After lunch, she pondered over what Vedika had said. Though they didn't have any proof, she couldn't sit still and let a dirty minded person swindle the company and deceive such decent people. If not Mr Maheshwari, probably she could tell Rohan... they had become quite comfortable with each other.

"Haan, bata dena chahiye. Uske baad woh log khud find out kar lenge jo proof chahiye. At least mujhe guilty feel nahi hoga ki maine chup rehke yeh sab hone diya." She made a decision.

Rohan was working on his laptop when she knocked.

"Yes." He gave her a quick glance and beamed, "Oh Naina, come come. What a perfect time for your entry. I need your help."

She walked in. And next one hour was gone in work before she realised why she had come here.

"Thank God time pe ho gaya. Abhi papa aur nanu ne bulaya hai. Mujhe toh laga tha main kar hi nahi paunga meeting ke time tak. But thanks to you, it's all in perfect order. Chalo ab main jaata hun. Aur haan, if I get delayed, tum nikal jaana. As I've said before, you need not wait." Rohan quickly gathered the laptop and left.

"I think Rohan pe bohot pressure hai sab kuch time pe khatam karne ka. Kuch dinon mein usse jaana hai. It won't be right to burden him. I think mujhe Mr Maheshwari se hi baat karni chahiye. Unhone kaha tha starting mein ki koi problem ho toh unhe bata sakti hun. Meri personal na sahi par problem toh hai na. Haan, yehi theek rahega. I'll talk to him after this meeting gets over today. Vedika nahi hai toh aaj hi better rahega nahi toh woh phir rok legi mujhe." Naina was determined now.

But she didn't get a chance. The meeting hadn't got over till it was time for her to leave... and she couldn't stay longer. She had no option but to postpone her revelation.

Sameer had been successful in avoiding Naina for two days. It wasn't easy for him. First thing he looked for when he reached office was her car in the parking area. And it was always at the designated place. Naina was punctual, no doubt. He did not visit the cafe except for a ten minute quick lunch break at the beginning of his lunch hour, lest he came across her group again.

Next morning, however, as he drove towards the parking, he saw her stepping out of her car, along with Sanya. Rest of her friends were waiting near the building entrance. Since he was alone today, Sameer decided to remain seated in the car so he didn't have to come face to face with them. His eyes did not move away from Naina though. She smiled and gave a hug to Vedika. With the two guys, she just shook hands. Sanya, however, gave a side hug to all three of her friends. This type of greeting was very common and acceptable amongst friends these days. Naina's gesture seemed a little offhand but Sameer didn't find the guys feeling offended by it. They all seemed to talk with each other with the same warmth that he had witnessed earlier. A few minutes later, they moved towards the lift. Once they were gone, Sameer let out the breath he was holding. Seeing her had again seared his heart with the memory of the day in the cafe... when she had lovingly talked about the person she was so much in love with. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried to push away the thoughts. Only distraction could be to drown himself in work. He picked up the bag and walked out to the lift.

Naina's decision to talk to nanu again had to wait as he didn't come to the office that day. She got to know from Rohan that he would straight go to the factory where Rohan and Vivek would be joining him later during the day.

"Kal Friday hai. Agar kal bhi baat nahi hui toh yeh poora week nikal jayega. Uss Vikas ki baaton se lag raha tha woh jaldi hi kuch plan karega. Kahin aisa na ho main sochti hi reh jaun aur woh apna game khel ke gayab ho jaaye. Nahi, lekin agar Maheshwari sir mere liye free nahi hain toh uske liye bhi free nahi hain na. Right, he'll have to wait. I'm sure woh Maheshwari sir se hi baat karega... Sameer sir ko toh khadoos bol raha tha. I think I'll wait for tomorrow. Warna Rohan ko hi bata dungi agar kal bhi Maheshwari sir se nahi mil paayi. Yeh log weekend pe apne aap discuss kar lenge ghar pe baith ke." Naina was relieved after this decision.

It was after lunch that she needed a few old samples which were on the lowest floor. Naina entered the lift, only to find herself alone with Vikas.

"Hi Naina. How are you?" He grinned.

"I'm good. Thanks." She said without a smile.

"Kuch tension hai kya? You can share with me." Vikas narrowed his eyes in concern.

"Mujhe kya tension hogi, Mr Vikas... main yahan kaam karne aati hun aur jo kaam mujhe diya jaata hai usse poore dedication se karti hun." Naina said in a scornful voice.

Vikas didn't understand who the spite was for, and nodded in sympathy, "I know these people well. Hum dono ka similar job hai toh samajh sakta hun yeh bosses kitne painful hote hain. Iss Sameer ne mujhe bhi pareshan kar rakha hai. Inke baap ki company hai toh yeh khud karein na mehnat, humein kyon pelte hain... humein toh wohi fixed salary milegi."

Naina opened her mouth to respond but decided to keep quiet as the lift opened at her required floor. To her annoyance, Vikas followed her out.

"Uh Naina. Ek minute." He took a quick step ahead, blocking her way.

Naina stopped, her eyes narrowing.

"Woh tumne kaha tha na help ke liye... ki tum help kar dogi. Toh iss Saturday free ho kya? Mujhe thodi help chahiye thi." He stared at her.

"Excuse me." Naina couldn't believe his audacity.

"Ek ghar dekha hai maine. Soch raha hun mummy ko yahan le hi aaun, jisse unki sewa kar sakun. Mujhe toh kuch pata nahi hai isliye socha tum woh ghar dekh lo mere saath... aakhir tum ek ladki ho toh samajh sakti ho kya kya chahiye hota hai." He tried to sound sad but his eyes gave away his dirty thinking.

"Ghar mein kya kya required hai yeh aapko bhi pata hona chahiye... paida hue tab se ghar mein hi rehte honge na." Naina glared at him.

"Par ghar toh ladies ka department hai... hum ladkon ko yeh sab kaise pata hoga. Isliye pucha tumse. And don't worry, iss favour ke badle main tumhe achhi jagah dinner karaunga. Tum haan toh karo ek baar." Vikas could not hide the lecherous glint in his eyes.

It took all her will power to not slap him. She pursed her lips and looked him into the eyes, "I'm busy... abhi bhi aur Saturday ko bhi."

Vikas shrugged as she stepped aside and walked away.

Naina was fuming throughout the day. His filthy stare, his crude talks, his entire mannerism was repugnant for her.

Sameer checked his phone and realised it was time to leave. Since nanu was at the factory, he had to go back alone. Except the morning glimpse, he had again spent a day without meeting Naina. It was stifling but this was the only way to step back. He loosened his tie a bit as he stood in front of the lift.

And there she was, alone... when the lift opened at his floor.

Sameer almost forgot to enter. When the doors started to slide towards each other did he realise that he needed to get in. He stuck his foot to push open the doors again and entered, his eyes on her.

But Naina didn't see him, even though they were the only people in the lift. She seemed to be lost somewhere. The frown on her face indicated that she was tensed about something.

"Hello, Miss Naina." Sameer initiated, eager to know what was bothering her... his resolve of staying away once again under threat sensing her discomfort.

"Huh... oh, hello sir. Sorry, I didn't see you." Naina seemed to flinch for a second at his voice, then relaxed.

"All well?" He was more concerned.

"Ye... yeah. All good." She gave a forced small smile.

Sameer nodded and turned towards the door, his eyes fixed on a point right in front of him. There was something troubling her for sure. He hadn't seen her this stressed till date.

"Nahi batana hai toh zabardasti thodi puch sakta hun. Hua hoga iske uss... uss babu baby ke saath koi jhagda. Mujhe kya!" Sameer could not silence his mind voice.

Just before the lift reached down, he glanced at her one more time. She was chewing her lip, as if in some contemplation.

"You sure sab theek hai. Aap kuch pareshan lag rahi hain." He couldn't help asking again.

Naina opened her mouth, as if to say something, then shut it again, giving a slight dip to her head to convey that she was fine.

The lift opened at the ground floor and they walked out. Sameer watched as she went towards her car, lost in thoughts. His eyes were still stuck on her when she turned abruptly.

"Sameer sir, mujhe aapse baat karni hai." This was the last thing Sameer expected to hear. He almost dropped the bag he was holding.

Naina took a few quick steps to come closer, "Please sir, just two minutes. Bohot urgent hai."

He gaped at her with open mouth. Naina looked around, and noticed Vikas coming out of the building.

"Sir, can we please get inside your car. Fast." She implored.

Sameer couldn't believe what was happening. He wanted to ask but Naina was almost running towards the passenger side of his car. Coming to his sensed, he rushed along. The moment Naina heard the beep, she opened the door and got in. Sameer halted on the way to open the door for her, then turned and went back to his side to get inside the car.

His already thumping heart started to hammer so hard against his chest that he was sure Naina could hear it in the silence that prevailed in the confined interiors of the car. But her attention was not on him. She seemed to be searching for someone outside. He pressed his lower lip under the teeth. Having her seated so close, all alone, was a disaster for the control he had kept on his feelings in last three days. All he could see was how beautiful she was, and all he could think was how hopelessly he loved her, even though she could never be his.

"Sorry sir, maine iss tarah aapko disturb kiya." Naina finally looked at him.

And he wondered if she could read his thoughts too.

"Sameer sir, main aapse Mr Vikas ke baare mein kuch kehna chahti hun." Her voice was somber.

Sameer recalled the day she had been all smiles for Vikas. Probably he had asked her to put in some good words for him. Instantly, Sameer burned in the now familiar jealousy.

"Sir, Vikas jhoot bol raha hai. Woh aap logon ko dhoka de raha hai. He's a cheat."

The fire doused with the same swiftness at which it had leapt up.

Taking the surprise on his face to be the one for her revelation, Naina continued, "Main jaanti hun bina proof ke yeh sab nahi kehna chahiye par main aur wait nahi kar paayi."

She narrated the entire phone conversation of his that she had overheard. If Sameer was shocked at her actions till now, he was stunned at the cheek of the man who had the nerve to lie so blatantly. But for now, he was worried for her.

"Aap... aapko dekha nahi usne?" He asked nervously.

Naina shook her head, "Nahi. Main partition ke peeche thi. Sorry sir, I know iss tarah kisi ki baatein chup kar nahi sunni chahiye par usne shuru mein jo kaha uske baad main wahan se jaa nahi paayi."

Sameer gulped, recalling that it was the exact same place where he had hidden himself when he had eavesdropped on her conversation with her 'Ayush'.

"Concentrate." His mind voice admonished him before he could go back to the same grouse.

"Vikas ne uss company ka koi naam bola jahan woh dusri job karta hai?" He asked.

"Nahi. Bas itna pata chala ki woh Meerut mein hai. Uska plan dono companies se bada loan leke gayab hone ka hai." She informed.

Sameer took a deep breath. He always found Vikas unnerving. Now it was proved that he was a rogue.

"Miss Naina, apni mom ke liye jo usne bola woh toh galat hai hi par jhoot bolkar ek saath do jobs karna against the law hai. He can be sent to jail. Loan ka fraud abhi tak usne kiya nahi hai par abhi bhi hum usse police ko handover kar sakte hain. Lekin agar usne koi chalaki ki aur iss baat ka proof nahi mila toh woh dangerous ban sakta hai." Sameer said after a serious thought.

"I'm sure. Itna ghatiya insaan kuch bhi kar sakta hai." Naina spat out, remembering his afternoon proposition.

Sameer's eyes shot up. The hatred in her eyes made him shudder.

"Did he... did he misbehave with you? Koi badtameezi ki usne?" Sameer asked through clenched teeth. Vikas was definitely asking for broken bones if he had as much as laid a finger on her.

Naina swallowed, "It's okay, sir. Main handle kar lungi. Main bas aapko uske intentions batana chahti thi. You all are so considerate... aise logon ko uski wajah se koi nuksaan pohoche yeh mujhse dekha nahi jaata."

Nothing registered to Sameer, except her first sentence... his hands fisted as he asked again, "Kya kiya usne? Kya kaha aapse?"

Naina didn't want her name to be brought into this matter. Though she wasn't scared of Vikas, but she didn't want unnecessary trouble either... such people could get down to any level, and she had Ayush to think about too.

"Mujhse kuch nahi kaha. Bas yeh sab jo maine suna yehi batana tha. Koi apne parents ke baare mein iss tarah ki baat kaise bol sakta hai, sir? Usne apne papa ko... his father is alive. Sirf paise ke liye itna bada jhoot! It's disgusting." Naina fought back the painful lump in her throat.

Sameer saw the fleeting wave of pain in her eyes before she looked away. He wanted to hold her hand, comfort her, tell her that she shouldn't be scared, he would make sure Vikas didn't come anywhere near her... he wanted to tell her he would always be there to protect her.

"Sorry sir main yeh sab Mr Maheshwari ko batana chahti thi par aaj woh office aaye hi nahi, aur Rohan itna busy hai ki usse tension nahi dena chahti thi. I didn't want to bother you par mujhse aur wait nahi hua. Chaar din se yeh baat mujhe pareshan kar rahi thi ki Vikas aap sabko dhoka de raha hai. Aaj aapko dekha toh I thought aapko hi bol dun. After all, he works with you. Hope you didn't mind." Getting a grip on herself, Naina turned towards him again.

"Aap... aap kabhi bhi mujhse kuch bhi keh sakti hain. I'm not bothered... I mean I'm not bothered by what you say... I mean I'm bothered... matlab... uhh... let it be." Sameer fumbled yet again, lost in her.

Naina gave him a confounded look, "Sir, aapko meri baat pe vishwas nahi ho raha? I swear main sach keh rahi hun. Maine khud suna Mr Vikas ko yeh sab kehte hue."

Sameer wanted to hit himself. He gave a quick shake to his head, "No, no, I believe you... of course I believe you, Miss Naina. Aapki baat pe vishwas kyon nahi karunga... I trust you."

Naina was a little relieved. She nodded, "Thank you, sir. Ab main chalti hun. Ayush ko pick karna hai. Late hua toh woh gussa karega."

Sameer sat like a stone in the car as she opened the door and went out to her car, driving away two minutes later... to pick her 'Ayush'.

Next update on Monday