Dedicated to MeghatheBaaka

Following numerous pleadings, Bhargavi was allowed to go home, a cab was booked for Bhargavi's mother, Bhawani and Mr. Banerjee while Bhargavi, Prabir and Vishwesh were to return in Mr. Banerjee's car.

Bhargavi's mother, Ms. Nalini at first did not like this setup of transportation, but Mr. Banerjee convinced her. Prabir urged Vishwesh to slowly pick up Bhargavi in his arms and carry her to the back seat of the car. Bhargavi looked at Prabir with sharp glaring eyes, but gave in when he pleaded with his eyes.

Prabir sat next to Bhargavi on her right, and Vishwesh was behind the steering wheel. Prabir placed his left palm behind her head and pulled it close to his chest. She mumbled softly, " You are not injured badly, are you?"

He replied with a heart-warming smile when she looked up at him,
"No.... Don't be scared. I am alright.
Bhargu..."

"Hmm"

"you didn't scold Bhawani right? It was not her fault."

"No... Where's Paru?" She asked concernedly.

"At home, with Mr. Ghosh. I called her up Bhargu...she's okay now."

They reached Prabir's house and soon enough, Bhawani was again cuddled up in Vishwesh's arms, feeling extremely uncomfortable but she chose to remain silent.

Prabir rushed to his room, changed his blood soaked shirt and came running downstairs. He held up Parul in his warm embrace for sometime and then, requested all to gather up near the table where the cake was placed. He insisted Ms. Nalini to cut the cake, urging Vishwesh to click photos and then he exchanged positions with Vishwesh. Everyone happily sang the Birthday song clapping hands, except Prabir who couldn't clap.

With Prabir so cheerful and happy, Bhargavi felt as if she needed nothing more and wondered if she was just in a casual dream. Ms. Nalini was overwhelmed with emotions, she was filled with gratitude and tears rolled down her cheeks, as she smiled through the tears.

Parul and Bhawani were given the arduous task of serving everyone with the delicacies prepared by Prabir. These were wonderful and happy moments for each person present there. Vishwesh ended up picking up a fight with Parul, as he demanded more and more number of Gulab Jamun with every serving.

Mr. Ghosh, who had also been invited to the party, enjoyed these happy moments after a very long time. He deeply missed his family, and loneliness haunted him for years now. He was smiling from ear to ear.

Bhawani was helping Parul in the kitchen, as Parul had never washed a single plate in her life and here, the sink was overflowing with dirty plates and dishes.

It looked like a thanks giving ceremony, as Ms. Nalini started to thank Mr. Banerjee and Mr. Ghosh, after dinner was over, Vishwesh was gestured to again envelope Bhargavi and drop her in her room at the Ghosh residence. Bhargavi felt it unbearable and flinched with the thought.

What was going on in Prabir's mind? Why was he doing this?

She blurted angrily," I can walk."

Prabir placed his left hand on her head and whispered," Easy! Easy! You have gone through a lot today Bhargu."

"But,"she began and even before she could complete the sentence, she was already enfolded in his arms. Prabir took the keys from Bhawani and led their path.

Bhargavi was gently placed on her bed, and Vishwesh turned around to leave. Prabir caught his arm and said, "Vishwesh please wait for me in the living room, I'll be there in a few minutes." Then as Vishwesh left, Prabir smoothly closed the door behind and stood leaning his back on it.

"Bhargu...after all you have gone through today, I know I am being rude but...you could have at least thanked Vishwesh. He did a favour to me... I asked him to envelope you in his arms and carry you to your room.

Do you even know Bhargu...how you reached the hospital today, when I wasn't here?

Paru had no idea, regarding how badly I was injured and what Baba might be going through. When you did not regain your consciousness, she had called Vishwesh in distress. Vishwesh did not want Baba to know any of this, and lied to him. However, managing to take the car keys from him, he rushed back... to take you to the hospital.

You told me once Bhargu.. that I trust people easily, I'll insist you.. that from now on you should start trusting people too.

I'll bring in Vishwesh, please thank him... at least for me Bhargu," He said in a calm and composed manner, but she felt like his words ripped her heart apart. Without another word, he turned around, and walked away leaving the doors wide open.

Vishwesh walked in followed by Prabir, Bhargavi said sweetly," Vishwesh ...I am really grateful for what you have done for me and I am really sorry for being rude." She was instantly forgiven as he said," It's okay ! Bhargavi relax! You don't have to feel sorry or thank me. Goodnight. Rest well. Take care."

Vishwesh left the room, nodding curtly looking at Prabir.

Prabir knew his words had hurt her deeply, it was natural for her to not trust Vishwesh because she hardly knew anything about him. She had been put through a lot today. He knew how it felt exactly to lose a loved one. Though, he was alive and well, standing right beside her hospital bed,Bhargavi had gone through the immense trauma of thinking that she had lost him forever and would never be able to feel his touch or hear his voice. She had been terrified to see his blood soaked shirt, when she opened her eyes a few times regaining consciousness for some seconds.

Prabir moved forward and held her in a side embrace mumbling softly," Bhargu. It's okay! I am right here baby."

"Prabu...you don't feel jealous when.." she couldn't even complete her question as he cut in, " No! Why would I be jealous? when I am the one proposing him to...", he chortled,
"Bhargu, when someone helps you, when I can't, I shall always feel grateful and not jealous.

I know how much you love me and I trust you with all my heart."

She was awestruck as soon as these words parted his lips. His presence so close to her, always felt magical. She was lost somewhere in his beautiful eyes. He did his best to protect, Bhawani, her family, not even considering the dangers that he was being shoved into. He was the most mature person, she had ever seen. He was not a jealous...possessive person.

Then he began again,
"In your unconscious state, all the time you were blabbering like a little child 'Prabu....please don't leave me...please. I won't survive this."

She glanced at him and quizzed, " Did I say that aloud?"

"Yes!" he kissed her forehead and then tugged her again in his arm, " no one could decipher your constant blabbering at first, when I placed my hand on your face ... you were responding to only my touch and voice. So the doctor insisted only me to stay with you. I..I..was the only one to hear these words. Bhargu...I had never seen you shed a sole tear, but in your unconscious state today, you drained your eyes."

"I was so close to losing you," she said with a trembling voice and kissed him passionately, cupping his face in her hands, intoxicating a feeling of infinite happiness for both of them.

She always amazed him, with her bold attitude but this...this was unexpected. He responded back after a few seconds, and deepened the kiss. He parted his lips, breathing heavily, she looked up at him to meet his gaze. Her heartbeat had skyrocketed.

Running his fingers tenderly on her face, he whispered," Bhargu...I love you baby...I love you...Now don't think about anything and sleep like a good girl.....okay!.. it's bedtime... Goodnight...Bhargu," then he pecked her cheek with a mischievous smile and left.

When he walked out of the room, he found Vishwesh blocking Ms. Nalini's way to Bhargavi's room saying pretty vague things, " Umm...um aunty have you ever been to a hill station??

Once I had to travel to a hill station with my family during a vacation, it was an amazing place with serene atmosphere and picturesque landscapes. You know aunty....there I was bitten by a snake. But you know, snakes are such beautiful creatures."

When Prabir place his hand on Vishwesh's shoulder, out of relief he gasped," Phew!" Then Prabir and Vishwesh both left saying goodnight.
As they left the house both chuckled looking at each other, then bid goodbyes as Vishwesh left, it was already 11.30.

Bhawani was about to leave when, Prabir held her arm and said thoughtfully," Bhawu...don't worry about Mayank, I won't let him harm you, okay! Now go and sleep, you have school tomorrow," as he tenderly stroked her head.

This is what it feels like to be pampered by an elder brother, she thought as her heart swelled with happiness.

"Where's Baba Paru?" Prabir enquired.

"He returned to his room just a few minutes ago," she replied.

Parul was swiftly pulled in his arms, and he kissed her head gently, again and again comforting her and whispered," I am so sorry Paru....you might have been so scared today. Goodnight baby. You go to sleep, I'll lock the doors and come in a minute."

Mayank kidnaps Bhawani....to be continued...

A/N: So here's the end of chapter 21, hope you liked it.

Thank you all so much for supporting me and encouraging me.

I will always..always be grateful to all my beloved Readers.

Love you all!