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Varsha.

I winced as the alarm went off.

I was confused at first, Then I remembered what happened yesterday.

Aditya held me tightly when I was crying!

I tried to move and Registered the difference in my bed.

Oh my God

No...

I slowly opened my eyes...

-And stared straight at him.

We slept like this!

"Good morning, Varsha" Aditya murmured as he touched my forehead affectionately and smoothened my eyebrows.

I struggled to get up.

"Before you start to freak out and explain anything, Varsha, You don't have to feel bad or burdened," He said. "Just think of me as a wooden board or ...a pillow, Now, That sounds better," He said to himself and turned to me. "Anyway, Just treat me as a Non-living thing, So you don't have to explain anything," He told me.

I stared at him.

"Aditya-"

"Varsha, You can use me" He cut across me. "Use me as a stress reliever and think nothing of it, I give you my permission," He said.

"Aditya, You are a good person, You deserves-"

"I am glad that you acknowledge that I am a good person" He yawned, Stretched and got up. "Then we have a deal" He smiled and walked out while I stared after him.

Arjun.

I opened my eyes and stared straight at Sanju, Who was wrapped in a bathrobe and pacing up and down the room.

She looked fresh out of the shower.

"What..are you doing?" I sit up on bed slowly and stretched.

She turned to me.

"You are awake! I..You know what you did yesterday..." She dragged off as I raised my eyebrows.

Her face flamed and I chuckled.

"You mean, What we did yesterday?" I asked her.

She brought me her pyjama top.

"You see this! The buttons are gone! How can I wear it now!?" She exclaimed. "My clothes are in the east wing-Arjun!"

She exclaimed as I pulled her down to me.

She landed on my lap while I wrapped her inside my hands and inhaled her scent.

"Mm...You smell delicious" I kissed her neck and murmured softly, She put a hand between us.

"You seriously are not going to do this now-"

"Why not?" I opened my eyes and looked at her.

"You have a private meeting with your directors from palace group, Did you forget already!?"

"Yea...I know" I said. "But we have enough time-"

"Karan called me already, He especially asked me to send you back on time"

"Now, I will have a word with him-"

"He's worried that you are behaving out of your normal self and the others will doubt something," I said. "He said normally you won't leave the headquarters if something comes up-"

"That was before, Now I have a wife," I said matter of factly.

"Arjun, Be Good," She said and I looked at her, Amused.

"What!?"

"It's the first time someone is lecturing me"

"Get used to it" She retorted back. "I am not an easy woman"

"You too" I pulled her to me and pressed my lips to her. "Get used to me"

"Ar..jun.." She tried to move back. "We need to see my friends before you go back, you have a meeting and This is the only day you are free "

I nodded.

"I know.."

"But I don't have clothes here"

"Are you seriously worrying about clothes now?"

"Arjun!" She exclaimed. "Be serious"

I smiled at her, I am actually feeling so much happy today.

I can't believe that Sanju and I are together finally.

"Okay," I nodded and let her get up. "I will ask your friends to-"

"No! You should ask Varsha to help me, Ask only her to come here" Sanju told me and I laughed again.

"They will know soon enough," I said. "Take everything and move in quickly"

"Mm...They already know that I am accepting our relationship"  She said. "Anyway, I will take one of your shirts-"

She stopped at the door of my wardrobe didn't open.

"It's locked? I want a shirt or something to-"

"It's not locked, try to open it," I said.

"Actually I am scared to move around your place, Last time I tried something from your apartment, The alarm went off, I don't know what will be inside this time, knowing you, I won't be surprised to find a bomb inside" she murmured as she opened the door.

"Now, Am I really that bad?"

...........

After I was freshened up, I walked to where the gang was staying.

"Arjun!" Aditya said, Setting his coffee cup down. "I thought you were coming today only"

"I reached yesterday," I said and they nodded.

"Did you see Trisha? She was working in the project room" Shahid asked and I nodded.

"I saw her," I said and looked around.

I spotted Varsha.

"Oh...Sanju wanted only you to go there and help her bring her things" I said.

Everyone stared at me in silence for a moment, Then all of them started to crack up.

"Bring her things? She's moving?" Aditi asked.

"She's moving in with me," I said. "Don't let her stay with you anymore"

"Well...She was living in that project room all these days" Shahid said. "Only her things are here"

I nodded while Varsha walked inside to take her things.

"What about karthik?" I asked.

"He said he's staying with his parents for a couple of days," Aditya said. "I dunno how long"

"But he asked shyam about places to visit in Dreamland, I thought he is here with you," I said, confused.

"Places in dreamland?" Shahid looked confused. "Why?"

"I thought you were going for a picnic," I said. "There's a ranch nearby"

"But we don't know when he will be coming"

"He said he is coming today," Aditi said slowly and Everyone turned to her.

Varsha stopped on her way and turned to look at her.

Uh...Is there something I should know?

"Um...I informed about..about Arjun coming here today" Aditi said quickly, She looked embarrassed to find everyone's attention on her.

"You agreed to have a date with me, Aditi"

Everyone turned around to the doorway as Karthik came inside. "Arjun" He nodded. "I was about to contact you," He said.

"Whoa! You are very early" Varsha said.

"Mm...Aditi finally agreed to go on a date with me, I can't be late" He said while walking straight to her side and taking a seat beside her.

Aditi's face turned red while everyone looked shocked.

Well...I get some idea now.

"So, Let's go?" Karthik asked.

"Karthik!" She exclaimed. "I didn't say that I will go for a date with you! stop joking around"

"I am completely being sincere now," Karthik said. "You said you are not ready for a relationship now, That sounds like you were asking me to wait-"

"Karthik!" she exclaimed again.

"Now, How did this happen?" Aditya asked.

"It's like we are outsiders all of a sudden" Varsha teased. "And Aditi? Not puppy?"

"It's not like that!" Aditi turned to her friends.

"Guys...give it a rest," Shahid said, Apparently feeling pity for her.

"I am happy for you Aditi!" Varsha said and Aditi gave her a glare.

"Wait for me, Let me bring these stuff to Trisha first"

"Let me take it" I walked to her and got the small trolley bag from her. "Let's meet at the conference room in fifteen minutes" I nodded.

Trisha.

I dressed in my comfy jeans and a white shirt while Arjun took his tie.

A wave of worry passed through me.

He has to go back to the Surya headquarters today.

"Arjun" I walked to him and took the tie. "Let me do it," I said and he allowed me to tie it.

"You are tensed" He stated.

"I am worried about you going back there," I said. "Here...All well now" I said and took a step back.

Both of us looked at each other.

"I will be safe," He said.

I nodded.

"I know, but I still don't like it," I said truthfully. "Before you decide to do something dangerous, Always think that someone is waiting for you here," I said. "I won't forgive you if you put yourself in danger" I added.

Arjun wrapped his hands around me and pulled me to a hug. I wrapped my hands around him slowly.

Both of stayed like that, Hugging each other.

"When will your meeting end today?" I asked him. "Will you have time after meeting with the directors from the palace group?" I asked him.

"Sanju...I will be going back after that" He said and I nodded.

I couldn't hide the disappointment out if my face.

"You should Trust me, Sanju," He said.  "I will come back to you," He said, He unwrapped his hands around me, took my hands in his and moved back to look at my face.

"Surya group is in a crisis, There's an emergency shareholders meeting, I don't know when I can contact you," He said.

I nodded.

"Don't contact me unless it's very urgent" I said. I don't want him to get in trouble or expose his identity.

"I am more worried about you, Sanju, You are emotional and impulsive, Don't get into trouble" He said. "Promise me, Don't do anything without discussing with me, Don't go out of Dreamland" He said.

I nodded.

"Arjun, I will be safe here with my friends" I nodded.

"That's a promise" Arjun reminded me and I nodded.

Karthik.

All of us were gathered in the conference room.

Arjun was discussing about the situation at Surya group while we listened.

"Soon I will be meeting with Shyam and other directors of Palace group and We are going to sue Surya group too" Arjun said. "Because Surya group tried to push the blame to palace group after killing...." He stopped slowly, looking at varsha.

"I know, They tried to make it look like Palace group killed my papa" She said. "They tried to use my dad's death to get more power and it backfired, Now it's time for them to pay" She said.

Arjun looked at her.

"I am sorry Varsha, I know it's difficult, But Thank you" He nodded.

"I am glad that I can be a part of dragging Surya group down" She said.

"I am about to finish decrypting the case files" Shahid said. "What do you plan to do after decrypting that?" He asked.

"I am following my initial plan" Arjun said. "After decrypting it, I will sent it to Ajith sir, The files are his to begin with" He said. "I don't know how often I can contact you, So I will leave you a locker details where you can leave the files when you complete it" He said and Shahid nodded.

"There's a mole inside the Special Task Force" I said seriously. "What if the files end up in his hands after all these trouble?"

"We are aware of it" Arjun said. "Ajith sir is already working on it" I said.

"So what's next?" Aditya asked. "Is there anything new? Why did you ask for me to go through the autopsy reports?" He asked Arjun, His face serious.

"That's why I am here today" Arjun said slowly. "Now that Abiram is on the run, We need to take the next step, We need to capture someone" He said.

Trisha.

"Capture someone?" I asked and everyone looked at Arjun, Who looked at Aditya.

"What did you find about the cases?" He asked and Aditya looked serious.

"I saw the connection well" He said slowly. "Those were murders done by the same person" He said slowly. "But.." He hesitated and looked at Arjun.   

"Yes, The guy who killed the Dhyani family and attacked ACP suresh kumar" He said slowly. "The same guy who killed my family and caused the death of..CEO Hariprasad...We need to get that guy" He said and a stunned silence followed his announcement.

"What do you mean!?" Karthik asked as I was still processing what he said.

"But he's already inside the jail" Shahid said.

"So...it was true.."Aditya whispered.

"My..My dad is..killed inside the..jail" Trisha said. "During the fight between the inmates"

"He's Narayan's deadliest man, His trump card, He is still serving his time inside for..murder case"Arjun turned to Aditya and Aditi. "He's also famous as the psycho killer who wiped out an entire family" He said.

"But..He's already inside"

"Yes, He's serving his time inside and only comes out when he's needed" Arjun said.

"You mean" Karthik started, Looking murderous now. "That surya group has a way to let him get out for their dirty deeds?" He asked. "He's supposed to be a top prisoner, They are letting him out?" He asked and Arjun confirmed our worst fears.

He nodded.

"His name is Antony, He is someone who enjoys killing people" He said. "He started working for Narayan a long time before, His first known victims were my family"Arjun said. "My mom, My dad and my 8 years old sister"He stopped.

"But..that lorry driver who confessed to the crime was then...?"

"They switched him that time" Arjun said "I have clearly seen his face that day and I will never ever forget him the rest of my life" He said. "If the police had arrested him then, A lot of people would have been safe" Arjun said. "He was caught and jailed after Dhyani murder case"

"So..He's still getting out of the prison whenever he need to finish someone!?" Aditya looked murderous. "And here I thought that he was done for good"

"So he was the one who killed my dad too?" I asked and Arjun nodded.

"As you already know, The fight inside the jail was well planned"

"Letting someone like that outside is too dangerous" Shahid said. "What do you think we should do?" Shahid looked at arjun.

"Lure him outside and catch him red handed" Arjun said. "Let's make narayan bring him out" he said.

"when he's out, We will capture him" Karthik said. "I have a debt to repay him anyway" He added.

"How can we lure him out?"I asked now.

Arjun looked around.

"We need to bait him" He said and silence filled the room again.

"Bait him?" Shweta asked. "But how can we bait him?"

"Now that Abiram is forced to hide, Narayan will be super careful" Arjun said. "So the higher the risk we take, the more chance for him to bring out the killer"

"You mean.." I started.

Arjun nodded.

"I was thinking about you guys" He said and silence filled the room again.

"That is, If you feel okay with the plan" He added. "I am not asking you to compromise your safety, I am asking you to use your names"He added.

"Let me get this clear" Karthik said. "You want to use our name to lure out the killer?" He asked.

Arjun nodded.

"Mahesh and Abiram is already out of the picture now, Surya group is at the worst position and If it comes to light that Narayan actually employed a psychopath killer to do his bids, It's game over for him"

"That's right, If the bait is us, Narayan will do anything to get hold of us" Aditya nodded.

"The problem is, How can we just use our names? They won't fall for it" Shahid said.

"We will find a way-" Arjun started, But Aditi,who was silent all these time, cut across him.

"Why don't we make it real then?" She asked. "Let them see that we are in front of them, They cannot resist that, Right" She said. "After all, We are their worst fear now"

"Aditi!" I exclaimed "What are you talking about?"

"You meant to say, To show ourselves as a bait?" Karthik turned to her. "So that they have no way, But come for us?" He asked again.

She looked surprised for a moment.

"Yes" She said. "But we will trick them" She said.

"I don't like it" Arjun said instantly. "That's too dangerous" I said.

"Compared to the stunts you pulled all these time, It's not even half dangerous" Aditi told him as everyone else was thinking about it.

"But things are..different now" Arjun said. "I don't want to put all of your lives in danger" He said firmly.

"But it's the only way we can assure that Narayan will bring out that guy" Varsha said. "If we get hold of the murderer, It will be worth it" She said.

"I too think that they will not fall for the fake alarm, We need to make it seem genuine" shahid said.

"If surya group is really bringing out a psychopath to deal with their problems, We need to get him by all means" I said.

"But-" Arjun started.

"I think that's the only way now, We should place ourselves as the bait" Aditya said.

His sound hardened as he said that.

"What do you think about this?" Arjun turned to karthik who was silent.

"I think we need to get that guy" Karthik said. "But we will plan everything meticulously" He said "Don't worry, We will do it without placing everyone in danger" He said.

"One wrong move and all of you will be trapped" Arjun said. "Let's think of something else" He added.

"This is the only way we have now" Shahid said.

Arjun's eyes stopped on me.

"I think we should plan first" I said "Let's see how it can be done without danger" I said.

"Let me think of another way, Let's not confirmed it yet" Arjun said.

"But the only way we can catch him is while he's on action" I said.

"Now that the commissioner and half of the Surya group officers are suspended and waiting trial for ACP suresh Kumar's case, I don't think they can bring him out easily" Arjun said. "I just want you to know about this, When the time comes, We will go after him, Don't do anything now"

"When the time comes? When will it come?"

"We will decide it after this Shareholders meeting" Arjun said firmly. "I will try to use this meeting to get into power" Arjun said.

Everyone looked at him.

"You are going to take the CEO position?"

"No, I am going to take Surya group" He said.

"But Narayan will never allow it!" Shahid said.

"If I have enough directors with me, I can move forward and dismiss the current chairman" Arjun said. "But it cannot be done easily"

"What are you planning?" Karthik asked.

"I will find some investors for Surya group" I said. "Narayan already knows that it's the only way for the firm to survive" Arjun said and looked at his watch.

"I need to see the directors from palace group now, I will leave now" He said and got up.

"Listen" He said and looked around. "I don't know if I can contact you or not" He said. "But whatever happens, Don't do anything that will risk yourselves" Arjun said firmly.

"Are you going to be in danger?" Varsha asked.

"I will take care of myself, whatever happens, Don't put yourselves in danger" Arjun said again. "Do you know what's your greatest strength?" He looked at us and all of us stared back at him.

"Your friendship" He said. "Unfortunately, That's your greatest weakness as well" He said. "So I want you to think twice before acting, Be safe"

Arjun's eyes stopped on me.

I understand what he's asking.

Even if something happen to him, We shouldn't put ourselves in danger.

"Surya group is already in a crisis, They cannot harm us now" Shahid said. Trying to dissolve the sudden tension. "Of course, we will be careful and safe"

.......................

As soon as Arjun left, Anjali came to visit.

"Ready to have some fun?" She asked us and all of us turned to her in surprise.

"Arjun asked me to take you out" Anjali said.

"Daddy!" Izzy came to the room, Excited and ready. "She said she will take me out to see the horses!" She exclaimed.

"Horses?" Shahid asked, Then looked up at Anjali. "You are here to take us to the ranch?"

Anjali nodded.

"I will take you for horse riding today" She said and all of us cheered.

"Excuse me?" Karthik said. "But I thought I am having a date with my puppy today! Don't tell me that you guys are tagging along too, That's really thoughtless!" Karthik complained.

"I never said I am going on a date with you!" Aditi said.

Karthik raised his eyebrows.

"So you do admit that you are my puppy!?" He smiled.

Everyone laughed while Aditi looked shocked at the slip.

"I don't mean...I mean..I was not-"

"It's okay" Karthik said. "Don't worry, We are not going for the "date", We are going for a "picnic" " He smiled sweetly.

Aditi seemed to have decided to not respond.

"Well...I am going crazy with decrypting the files, I really need to get out or my brain will be overheated" Shahid said and all of chuckled.

He was indeed busy with the files all these time.

I too want to take my mind off all the bothering things, So all of us got ready.

Soon, Uncle Ravi packed us some brunch and all of us went to the spot.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the neatly kept natural area in a high level.

"whoa!" Karthik exclaimed as soon as we reached there. "The view is breathtaking" He said, Looking around.

"I knew that you will like it" Anjali smiled. "There is a peak to the west, that is the highest place in Dreamland, You can see all the city from the cliff" She added.

"Hey puppy, Want to join me?" Karthik asked as he walked to the horse and she looked back.

"I don't want to get killed" She said.

I smiled at that.

"She knows riding" Aditya said. "She was a part of a club in school" He added and karthik looked surprised. "Really?" He asked "I don't think so"

For some reason, I thought he's provoking her.

Sure enough, Aditi walked straight to stable.

"You can really ride?" He asked again.

She gave him a challenging look and walked to the caretaker and started to talk to him.

All of us gathered around to see her.

I was all ready with my camera while Aditi stepped up confidently and mounted easily.

Even the caretaker looked surprised at the way she was handling the horse, Finally, After a round, She came back.

All of reached near, Cheered and surrounded her.

She started to mount back and suddenly, The horse started to fidget.

"Hey...it's okay..calm down" Karthik patted the horse and it slowly calmed down.

"Can I join you for another round, Aditi?" Karthik asked and before she could answer, He mounted behind her.

Aditi looked at him in shock

All of cheered and I snapped their picture before they started to move.

"Wait!" Aditi was trying to say, But the horse was already moving.

Aditya.

All of us watched as Aditi and Karthik disappeared from sight.

"They will be alright, Right!?" Varsha asked worriedly.

"Now it's your turn, Varsha" I told her and at the same time, lifted her up.

She screamed in surprise and clutched me around the neck.

I froze and she too stilled.

"I...I..I..am afraid of horses!" She whispered. "I have never gone anywhere near them" She said, Still clutching me.

"Then it's a perfect time to try" I said wickedly as she started to hit me.

"No! Aditya! I can't..I really can't!" She screamed, then when there was no use.

She looked far ahead where Shahid and Anjali was discussing something seriously.

"Shahid! Help me...SHAHID-" She screamed for help as Trisha was laughing at her and was too busy with snapping pictures.

"Uncle! Put her down!"

A tiny voice demanded and I had to look down to see the person.

"Izzy-" I started as she put both of her hands on her hips and looked up at me rather seriously, Making me laugh.

"Now!" She demanded and I slowly put varsha down.

"Wow!" Shahid ran to us and gave a high-five to Izzy. "That's my girl!" He said while he got back up. Anjali laughed while Varsha gave me an evil look and I chuckled.

"But there's someone who really need a distraction today" Shahid said and all of us turned to Trisha, She was zoning out and looked shocked while we moved towards her.

Trisha.

Aditya and Shahid was approaching me with their evil looks as Varsha and Izzy was the only people who was asking for them to stop.

Anjali, on the other hand seemed enjoying the show.

"Uh..I am not afraid of horses" I said quickly and they stopped.

I walked to the stable and started to check the racing horses.

I patted them and They looked friendly. My confidence level raised a bit and I stopped near one.

"wow! He's really beautiful" I said as I touched the darkest black horse that stand out from the rest. "what's his name?" I asked the caretaker.

"Midnight" He said. "He's a bit mischievous" He added. "He likes only Arjun sir" he added.

Only Arjun sir!

I raised my eyebrows at that.

We will see..

"I want to ride him" I said.

"but-"

"I want to" I stressed again.

So five minutes later, I was already on top of midnight.

"See..he's not that bad-hey!" I shouted as the horse started to run out.

"Trisha!" I could hear the shouts from others behind me.

"Ma'am, loosen your grip or he will go faster!" The caretaker was shouting, but I was in shock.

Then I heard the loud whistling sound the horse ran straight to that direction.

"Stop!"

Someone ordered and the horse came to a stop.

I was still clutching him for my dear life and I immediately started to climb down as I felt someone else mounting on the horse, Just behind me.

Even without opening my eyes, I could feel who it was.

Arjun's hand came around me and I was tucked inside his hands.

"Ar..jun..Let..let me down" I trembled and he chuckled.

"You wanted to ride him, Right?" He asked and I heard the laughter around me.

"you traitors! Help me down!" I shouted at my friends, Still angry.

Arjun turned around the horse and I was pressed to him.

"You guys enjoy, Don't wait for us" He said and we started to move forward.

What's that supposed to mean!

But I was hanging for my dear life and I couldn't ponder on it more.

"Relax" I heard Arjun's voice. "Lean back to me if you are scared" He said.

After a while, I got the hang of it and I slowly relaxed.

"Why are you not at the meeting? I thought you went to meet the directors from palace group?"

"I talked to CEO Gangadhar and Shyam, They will take care of it" He said.

We soon passed the bare land and entered inside the trees.

"Whoa!" I looked around, This is beautiful" I said.

"This is a man made forest area" Arjun said while he stopped the horse.

He mounted down and helped me down.

"Come on, Let me show you something" He said.

Aditi.

Karthik was too close and I felt his hand snaking around my middle while we changed the direction.

I stiffened, Now realising that I am too close to him. Our bodies were touching and I could feel the warmth and strength of his body against me.

"Aditi..I missed you" He murmured, I felt his breath fanning across my neck and I was helpless.

"stop" I said

we came to a stop.

"Open your eyes and look" He said and I opened my eyes slowly.

"what!" I screamed.

We are at the end of the cliff and I think my heart just stopped at the sight.

"Move back-"

"Sure, But I need to know if you missed me too" He said playfully.

What the heck! He was only gone for a couple of days to visit his parents.

"Karthik!" I shouted.

"Tell me Puppy" He said. "Or do you want me to go a step forward again? It will be more beautiful there-"

"I..missed you too" I said.

"How much?"

"A lot, Everyday, Every second" I said. "Now can we move back?"

He chuckled.

"Me too..I missed you like crazy.." He said. "So can I get my kiss now?" He asked again.

"what!?"

I can't believe him now.

"Kiss me Aditi" He sounded serious.

"We are at the tip of the cliff!"

"We are not" He said. "There still is a good five feet difference"

"Karthik!"

"Kiss me"

Fine!

I turned around and realised that his face is too close.

I closed my eyes and pressed my lips on the right side of his chin where I could reach.

My lips tingle and my stomach fluttered as I felt his slight stubble against my lips.

"Now, Move back!" I whispered, Trying to look unaffected.

"That's really sweet, Puppy, But what I meant is a real kiss" He said.

"What! I will die of heart attack now-"

"If I don't get my kiss, I won't go back"

"I really am scared Karthik" I pleaded.

"Okay" He moved the horse two steps back and I sighed in relief.

"Aditi..My kiss-"

"Karthik-"

"Okay, I will move forward ag-"

"wait!" I said quickly.

I turned around slowly and looked at him.

My stomach fluttered and my heart hammered inside me as I looked at his lips.

I raised my head slightly and he lowered to me, I pressed my lips to him and Realised that initiating a kiss is really different.

I could feel my heart going crazy while he pulled me against him more securely while leading me.

His hand moved up and rested on the curve of my neck while he deepened the kiss.

The kiss was terrific, Probably due to the hint of danger and adrenaline rush, Or maybe just because I was missing him like he said.

When I finally moved back, I couldn't even look at him in the eyes.

"Wow!" He said slowly. "Now this is what's called a welcome home kiss" He said "I will look forward to it from time to time"

When I am safely back on the ground, I am going to kill him!

"I want to get down" I said. "Can we stay here for sometime?" I asked him, As nicely as I could.

"Sure" He said and we moved away from the edge of the cliff and he helped me down.

"Thank-" I stopped midway, My eyes landed on the pen in his shirt pocket and realisation dawned.

What the heck! He used that special fountain pen to stun the horse!

Karthik followed my eyes and his eyes stopped on the pen.

That's why the horse was fidgeting!

"Uh..puppy-"

"You! I am going to kill you!" I screamed as I lunged at him. "You used it on the horse! That's why it was behaving weirdly-"

"Um..I just wanted to ride with-"

But I was already busy with attacking him while he started to block me.

Finally I was locked Inside his hands, My back pressed to him while both of us were breathing deeply.

"Let go" I ordered.

"This pen is useless in a real fight, Aditi" He said. "The person who's going to attack you will get you before you have time to take it out"

He let go of me while I looked at him.

"Is that why you were keeping it?" I raised my eyebrows.

"I will tell you the real magic spot to knock out someone" Karthik took a step closer and touched the side of my neck, Just below my ear. "Here" He said. "It works like a real taser, You don't even have to use much force" He told me.

"Really?" I asked and raised my hand. "Like this?" I strike him hard.

Karthik blocked me in a flash. I lost my balance and Started to fall backwards while he took my hand and pulled me to him.

I hit his chest and clutched him for support.

"You forgot that I am a STO" His breath fanned across my ear and I froze. I felt his lips pressing in my neck and I trembled as butterflies swarmed inside my stomach.  "The spot is here, Puppy" He whispered.

I am going to kill him now!

Trisha.

We walked through the trees and Soon, We reached a cabin. I looked at Arjun, Who smiled and knocked on the door.

Few minutes later, Someone opened the door.

I stared at the old man infront of me in Shock.

"Arjun sir" The old man greeted him respectfully while he just gave me a polite nod, Not recognising me.

Maya's Father fixed his eyes on Arjun again.

"This is..?" He asked.

"My wife" Arjun said pleasantly. "You know her, Reporter Trishana" He said.

For the life of me, I couldn't move or say anything.

The old man turned to me, looking surprised, At the same time, Happy.

"Reporter..Trishana!..I am sorry..I didn't recognise you, You look..different.." He touched his palms together and greeted me. "I..I always..wanted to see you and Thank you..you went to a lot of trouble for us" He said. "We are sorry..we disappointed you at the end of the trial.." He said.

I blinked back my tears and looked at Arjun who nodded.

"Maya case...She changed her statement at the last moment because her family was under threat" He nodded. "I..promised her to keep her family safe for her" Arjun told me. "If She had..won that case against Mahesh then, She would have been dead" He told me.

I wiped my eyes.

Now I understand it.

Maya's Family didn't go missing overnight, Arjun hide them!

"Come in..come in.." The old man invited us inside and We moved to the small cabin.

"Uncle...Maya.."

"She's working in a big company as a business girl" He said proudly. "Arjun sir helped us settle the fine and She only was jailed for..three months" His voice trembled as he told me. "But now she's working for a big company and happy"

"She's the HR manager in the subsidiary of Palace group" Arjun explained. "She's qualified and Smart" He told me.

I know that, That's why she dared to sue Mahesh. She is a strong willed woman.

Uncle nodded.

"She's very proud of her job, She even has a two room flat in the city, She want me to come there and stay with her, But I don't like cities, I am more at peace here, taking care of this ranch" He continued while pouring us black tea that he prepared for us. "She will be so glad if I say that I met you" He added and I smiled.

Soon we said our goodbyes and walked back, Both of us were holding hands and silent.

"I was...Stupid" I said. "I just..wanted to win the case against Mahesh..I didn't even think about the consequences" I said.

"You are wrong" Arjun said. "If you hadn't interfered in her case, Mahesh would've taken care of her quietly" He said. "He didn't kill her because you exposed it" He added.

I looked at him sideways.

"Are you consoling me?"

"I am stating the facts" He said. "Even though you made things difficult for me, There were times where you did things exactly like I wanted" Arjun said.

"You must've enjoyed fooling me" I said, "You must've-"

"It was torture, Sanju" He said. "I wanted to meet you, But I couldn't do that, There were times when I even went as far as stalking you" He said.

"The car accident" I nodded. "Karan told me that you helped me" I said and turned to him. "I never loved anyone like this" I said. "I am getting greedy, When I wanted to destroy Surya Group, Nothing mattered as long as I got my revenge, Not even my life" I said. "But now, I don't want to die, I don't want you to be in danger too, I don't want to see my friends suffering because of this, I am worried about everything that didn't mean anything before..Love, fear, Loneliness..." I said and Arjun hugged me.

"Sanjana" He said. "I started this alone" He said. "But when I met you, Everything changed" He whispered. "For me, you are more important than my revenge now" He said. "But as you know, I am already deep inside, If We want to live peacefully like normal people, This has to end, Surya group has to disappear"

I nodded.

"I know" I nodded slowly. "Let's survive this together..You, Me..the gang..Let's survive this and Start afresh" I said while Arjun tightened his hands around me.

After a few minutes, I let go if him and took a step back.

"Everyone will be Waiting for us, Come on" I took his hand again.

So we turned back and came back to were the gang were already arranging the lunch in a tree shade.

To my surprise, I spotted Shweta and Shyam too.

"Shweta!" I exclaimed, Noticing her for the first time. "when did you come!?" I asked.

"When you were riding the horse" She smiled. "You were too busy to notice me" She said and my friends laughed at that.

How dare they gang up against me!

"I invited her" Arjun said. "I thought everyone will like a free day" He added.

So it was him who arranged all of this?

I watched him sideways, He was helping the others set everything.

Izzy was placing the plates for everyone with Shahid, Shyam and Anjali was taking out the food, I joined Shweta, Varsha and Aditya.

Aditya looked at the watch.

"Karthik and Aditi is not back yet" He said.

"Look!" Varsha exclaimed. "That's their horse!" She said. "But they are missing"

Everyone tensed.

"Let's wait for them" Arjun said. "Don't worry, I have caretakers inside" He said. "If their horse abandoned them, It will take some time for them to walk back" He added.

Even though I took out my phone, there was only poor network connection.

Aditya.

Arjun was right.

After about a good 30 minutes, Karthik and Aditi came back.

Aditi looked tired and breathing deeply while Karthik looked unaffected.

"I offered to carry you, puppy, You were the one who refused" He said.

Aditi gave him a bone chilling look.

Whoa! What happened.

"Really Karthik! What are you made of ?" Varsha asked.

"I used to run in my full uniform that weighed nearly 40 kilos" He shrugged. "This is nothing"

"I don't want to sit with him!" Aditi said as the only remaining seats were next to each other.

"I am sitting with my wife" Arjun smiled, Indicating that He won't move as he was the one nearby.

"Me too" Shyam added.

"That settled it" Karthik actually sounded happy.

"Do you guys know why that horse was getting weird earlier!?" Aditi still looked angry. "He used that special fountain pen!" She exclaimed while taking her seat.

"I already calculated the electric current that would pass, It was only a tiny bit" Karthik explained. "Besides, You already attacked me for that" He showed the bruise on the elbow.

"I should have just pushed you off at that cliff..." Aditi dragged off and her face flushed suddenly.

"Here" Karthik gave her his glass of water. "I will let you do that the next time" He said and Aditi gave him a look.

"Next time..?" She said rather threateningly. "I am not coming anywhere near you"

Shweta.

I looked around.

I am so glad to be a little part of this gang.

The people around somehow gave me warmth and hope, The feelings I never got for the past 25 years.

"Here" Shahid served me the side dish. "I know that I have promised you a dinner" He said. "I will treat you as soon as I am free" He added.

I smiled.

"I will look forward to it" I said.

"Daddy didn't know cooking" Izzy said from in between us. "He learnt when Izzy was too small and was inside my mummy's belly" She said. "Mummy said Daddy wanted to help but it was..dis..dista...um...really bad" She said.

""Disaster"..Izzy" Shahid said. His tone changed and a dazed expression filled his face. "She was pregnant with Izzy and we were alone, I wanted to help her.." His voice trembled slightly. "Jasmine.." He stopped.

I can't forget the love and longing in his face whenever her name was mentioned.

Jasmine..

And on every happy occasion, Shahid always remember her.

This guy is still so much in love with her...Even if Jasmine is no more, She is alive through Shahid...

"Then, How did you learn cooking?" Karthik asked from across us. "No matter how much I try, That's the only thing I am..um..not very good at" He said.

"The word is disaster, Karthik" Trisha laughed. "Just like Shahid Said" She said.

Karthik gave her a look and she smiled innocently.

"It was not because I was bad at cooking" Shahid said. "Jasmine's taste buds just took a complete 180 degree turn, It was because of her cravings" He explained. "And There were moments when I had to play along.." He chuckled. "The combinations were really terrible, But I had to deal with that" he laughed.

Even though we never saw her directly, Jasmine has become Someone very familiar and close to us, Like one of the friends here.

"That means you don't have any hope, Karthik" Trisha translated.

"Sanjana saxena.." Karthik looked at her. "Do you want me to start-"

"Uh...no" She said quickly while others laughed.

I watched as everyone was having a happy time.

Aditya was talking to Varsha and She was listening intently.

"Here, Take it" Arjun said while serving Trisha. "you like sweets" he added.

I never thought Arjun can be considerate and loving, I guess miracles happens after all... I can't believe that he is the same cold and calculative person who stayed in Surya group as my brother.

My eyes moved to Aditi, Who was trying her best to ignore Karthik, But it was difficult as he was stealing her food from time to time, Just to make her angry.

Then Shyam and Anjali, laughing at them.

Shahid, wiping Izzy's lips, His eyes tender and Caring...taking the role of both Mom and dad.

I hope they all will stay this way..I hope this love and affection won't ever disappear...I want them to win this fight...I hope...That my family won't touch them or make them suffer...

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Hey guys,

This chapter is the longest chapter I have ever written!

Do tell me what you think 😊