"  It is surprising to notice that even from the earliest age, man finds the greatest satisfaction in feeling independent. The exalting feeling of being sufficient to oneself comes as a revelation " -Maria Montessori  

The stars seemed to align with her thoughts that night, they weren't shining brighter than usual, no that wasn't normal, but they did seem to be hovering over her flat. Like the numerous thoughts rotating in her mind.

"Are you sure, you want to do that?" she could hear mom talking to someone , just standing close to her bedroom door.

"Maa", she called out "You can come in you know".

Her mother took a peek inside the room , as if afraid to disturb the ambience "I just wanted to make sure , you are okay".

The stoic appearance that she had been holding until then melted immediately , "Maa you know".

"I know its one of your projects and I don't want to disturb you", her mother cut her off " but your brother is about to step up".

Shanaya kept on staring at the wall for a moment , trying to calm her anger, which could bubble out any moment now "this is strictly off his business Maa," she scowled

Rathi Sahani was a woman who would remain undettered by the strongest of storms , but this was her daughter, much more adamant than herself "He is trying to protect you , beta".

"I don't need to be protected maa," she walked up to her mother who was standing close her bed, fire in her eyes, but her voice didn't give anything " you know that much better than him, please ask bhai, to back off"; she said through gritted teeth.

Rathi simply nodded her head, she didn't want to trifle her angry princess "I don't want him messing up things than they already are".

"Did you see him today?" she asked her daughter calmly, "does he look well".

A smile crept up her face, "he is the same arrogant git , he was years ago ", she then patted her mother's shoulder " don't worry maa, he didn't recognise me".

"Probably he doesn't even remember", she muttered more to herself .

Meanwhile in one of the busiest pubs of South Delhi

"Vikram why don't you stop it?" his friend scowled

"Vicky what do you think you are doing?" Kairav scowled." Trying to gulp down your worries is not going to help you".

Kairav and Vikram had been best buddies since high school, they had been with each other through weak and strong moments. Though Kairav had become a bit reserved for the past one year, Vicky continued being the debaucher he always had been. Kairav's wife was one of the reason he had to remain in control of his actions.

"Rav we are just visiting the pub", Vikram smirked deviously as he pulled his friend through the entrance of the exclusive pub 'Red' meant only for the elite brats of the city.

Both of them took their seats near the wine bar and ordered for two shots of vodka each.

"Tell me what is the problem?" Kairav asked him sensing the tension on his nerves.

When the bartender passed them their shots , he took both shots individually and felt his nerves loosen up.

"A new PRO has been selected for me", he pouted "and I wasn't even present for the interview".

His friend couldn't control the amusement and started chuckling "Man that hurts", when he sobered up a bit he asked "But there is something else ticking your brain".

"There is", Vicky nodded his head " I met a girl today and felt a sense of déjà vu with her, as if I know her".

"Hmmm", his friend was quite for a while " Was she one of your one-nighters".

It was Vikram's turn to laugh now "No she definitely didn't look and behave like one, though I can't remember, but I know I met her"; he felt himself smiling , just by thinking about her brown orbs "The connection seems to run deep".

Vikram patted his shoulder " My , my Vicky if hadn't known , I would have said you met your soulmate".

Vikram scowled for a second and then joined his friend in his uncaring laughter.

He stopped laughing suddenly as another pressing thought entered his mind "Vijendra bhai".

Kairav looked up at him seriously "What about him?"

"He was all dramatics today, talking about responsibilities and such".

"He has been the only constant in your life , since you grew up", Kairav reminded him.

"I know man , but there is something he is not telling me and only time will tell what it is", the former wondered.

Hello everyone:-
I am really sorry for the late update. I hope it's not a long one and I have tried to edit this chapter as much as I could. If you have any suggestions, feel free to put them forward. I am open to that.See u soon.