Kabeer was shocked to see his sister. This was the last place he expected her to see. And what a coincidence! All this time, his sister was near him. He had no idea that his sister was the roommate Nia used to talk about.

Pari's expression looked like she had seen a ghost. After recovering from the initial shock of seeing her brother here, she shook her head at him, indicating to not reveal anything.

Kabeer smirked looking at her shaking her head. It was the same expression he had a habit of seeing when she used to hit him but didn't want him to complaint to their mother. One day, she slapped him hard and he cried for their mother, when mom came into the room asking what happened, Pari shook her head at Kabeer to not tell mom but Kabeer wanting revenge told their mother and enjoyed it a lot when Pari was being scolded.

But this time, he kept quiet and didn't reveal anything, yet. He forwarded his hand to greet her and she shook it lightly.

"Have heard a lot about you. It's nice to put a face to it." Kabeer said. He never for once thought that the person Nia described would be his sister. But sometimes, it was all there. Like in the beginning, when Nia had met Pari and Pari was all rude to her or when Nia used to tell him that her roommate's name doesn't suit her. She was not an angel but a witch or when Nia told him that she is from the same city as his and doesn't have a family. He should have once shown interest in the roommate girl who had no family and asked her the name!

They all sat on the table and began to talk but Pari's eyes were only on Kabeer. She didn't bother to hear what was the topic on the table. It was only when everyone got up, Pari looked at them. Nia signed her that they are going to the drinks counter. Kabeer told Nia that he will give Pari company and join them later. When they all left, Kabeer looked at Pari and saw her staring at him back. It was almost a competition between them about who would break the silence first. She hasn't changed much, the same arrogance and anger was on her face.

Suddenly, a guy in his early 20s, wearing a denim shirt, approached their table and tried making a conversation with Pari.
"Hey! I saw you from across. Can I get you a drink?" He asked smiling at her.

"No, she doesn't need one. Now, get lost." Kabeer was quick to reply. When the guy tried to argue, he glared at him to shut up and leave them alone.

Kabeer and Pari had an almost seven year age gap and due to him being younger, Pari was the one who usually saved him when required, whether from parents or from other kids. Him on the other hand, was a very carefree brother who knew Pari could fight for her own self. This was rare of him to ask the boy to fu*k off.

"Why are you with Nia? Is it some joke?" Pari asked him.

"Why are you here and not at your home?" Kabeer questioned back.

"I asked you first. And listen to me carefully, Nia is a good girl who has plans for her future. Don't ruin them. Let her be. Find yourself someone else."

Kabeer smirked at her words and his lips curled up in surprise. "Did I hear it correctly? My di is concerned for someone. My di who has no heart is concerned!  It will be fun ruining her then." 

"Kabeer!" Pari's eyes were wide in rage, "You are a grown up but not so much that I shy away from slapping you here. You are not going to keep any contact with her. That's it!" It was an order.

"Di, there is only one, actually two people who will listen to your demands, somewhat. You have lost me, so don't try to order me around. I will do as I please." He said with a sarcastic smile. 

"It's a talent really! How can you manage to get on my nerves always." Pari mumbled in anger only for him to hear.

They had a weird relationship of love and hate. Pari always felt that Kabeer took away all her parents attention ever since he was born. Whereas, Kabeer felt Pari mostly bullied him and didn't really look after him as an elder sister should.

"It's easy to irritate you, so no I am not the skilled one in this case." Kabeer replied.

She looked around to see if Nia was anywhere near them, then leaned close to the table and whispered to Kabeer, "If you blurt my location to anyone, it won't be good." She softened her rude tone and said, "Kabeer, if you have ever loved me, please don't tell him."

Kabeer was impressed. "Are you really my di? What has this place done to you? You are requesting me, emotionally blackmailing me. That is so unlike of you." He sighed and said, "I won't tell." She was relieved listening to this when he added, "But you will not threaten me or my relation with Nia. Ask me nicely, again, common."

As much as Pari wanted to smash his hand with a pan, she had to give in his demands right now. So, she asked him politely to not disclose anything to Salem and he agreed.

Nia and her friends joined them back and the table chatter went to normal. As it was time to leave, Raj thanked everyone for coming and cheering for him. He looked at his special lady and smiled at her and mouthed 'thank you.'

Kabeer watched their exchange carefully. Nia had told him about how Raj had a huge crush on his roommate but he never thought it could be his sister.

"Nia, how are you going home?" Kabeer asked out of nowhere.

"We are going to just walk home." Raj, Nia and Pari had their house in the same direction. It was a 20 minute walking road and at night time, they would not get any transport. Raj would have got his bike but then there were 3 people and one would be alone, so they thought walking is the best alternative. Plus, at night it was a beautiful and peaceful road.

"I am thinking of dropping you home. Mind if I join you on the walk?" Kabeer asked. Nia was excited with the idea of Kabeer coming to drop her till home but then it was Nia, she always has questions! "But you will have to walk again to the hotel."

"I will be okay. Just want to spend more time with you. A night time walk is romantic enough." Nia squealed with excitement. Kabeer used to come here only on weekends and often after their dates, he would rush back to catch flights. So, he never really dropped her home. It was a first! Nia thought they are making progress.

Pari told Nia that Kabeer is accompanying them and dropping her home. Pari's face became pale listening to her.

"Why is he 'dropping' you home when we are there? You are not alone." Nia ignored her thinking it was just her usual rude comments. How would Pari understand romance?

Nia thought it was a great idea since Raj will also get some time to woo Pari and she can get time with Kabeer.

But Kabeer didn't let it be a romantic time as he had said earlier. He didn't like Raj with his Di and didn't want them to spend time alone. So, he included Raj in conversation by asking him music questions and telling he is thinking to impress Nia by singing, and jokingly said that Raj should give him singing lessons.

It was mostly those three talking as Pari walked a step behind them,enjoying the quiet town. She loved late night walks. To her, the lamp lights were more like spotlights and she felt like a movie star under them. She loved these quiet roads and the lack of people around.

Raj's home came and he bid them goodbye not before blushing at Pari and shaking her head. Kabeer glared at him for his gesture but had to hide it from Nia.

Pari hated Kabeer accompanying them to the home but how can she even stop this?

They reached Mrs. Sharma's home and Kabeer took a good look at it and also the name plate outside of the house which has Sharma's written. He wondered how his Di landed up here? He couldn't recollect any Sharma being their friend or relative.

He hugged Nia a good bye and mumbled a bye to Pari. The way he looked into her eyes told her this was not over. It was not the last time he was going to come here. But she needed to protect Nia and she will, if his intentions are impure.

As soon as they reached home, Pari knocked on Mrs.Sharma's room, who  was shocked to see Pari walking into her room. Ever since Mrs. Sharma had told Riya to tell the truth to Salem, Pari only talked to her when needed and maintained distance. She asked Mrs. Sharma to lend her the phone as she wanted to talk to Riya. Mrs. Sharma was confused. It was too late to call Riya but she didn't ask her anything and gave the phone. Pari closed the door as she called Riya infront of Mrs. Sharma.

"Riya...Kabeer was here. He came to know I stay here." The moment Pari said this, Riya jolted up from her couch.  "What the fuck?" It was bad news.

"I have asked him to not tell Salem anything. But I don't know how long he will keep his promise."

"You really think he won't tell Sir?" Riya questioned.

"I don't have any other option but to trust his words. Please please find me a house soon."

"Have you gone crazy? You are not going anywhere, you will stay there." Riya said out a little too loud. Riya's house was the safest place for Pari. She explained to her that it was hard for to find a house so soon. Riya was truly frustrated as how neither her mother nor Pari is ready to understand that if Pari is moved to an unknown location which doesn't guarantee safety, Salem will hunt them for letting Pari get hurt.

Riya asked Pari to put the phone on speaker so that her mother could also hear. She told them that she is explaining to both of them for the final time that nobody is moving anywhere, at least not till Riya is assured that the new place is good for Pari. Atleast at Mrs. Sharma's house, Pari is safe.

*

For the next two days, Pari observed Nia and carefully listened to all her talks about Kabeer. She remembered Kabeer's words on how he would ruin Nia just because she cared about her. Pari didn't want Nia to be played with. She was a young girl with dreams that shone through her eyes. She would not let Kabeer take that shine away.  Pari thought a lot about it and went to Nia and told her what she felt.

"I just don't think Kabeer is the guy for you." Pari felt a little scared to be telling this to Nia. It is always hard to give a reality check to your friend, but thankfully, Nia was being rational and asked her the reasons to which Park mentioned some half baked reasons and the lastly told her the most important one - "I don't think he is serious about you and I don't want you to be heartbroken."

Nia thought for a minute before replying, "To be honest, we are just dating and in the initial stages, so...I want to see where it goes. And don't worry, I wouldn't throw tantrums and cry all day, like a devdas, even if he breaks my heart."

But Pari was persistent that she should find someone who is as much into her as she was. Nia just nodded and told her that she will think about it.

That whole night Nia didn't sleep a wink. She thought about Pari's words and her behaviour and came to a decision.

The next day, she called Kabeer and told him,"I don't think we should see each other anymore. We can be friends but nothing more." Kabeer was confused. The girl who blushes when he talks, she is saying this?

He asked multiple times about the reason but she kept repeating the same words. He knew there was more to this. But what was it?

He messaged her many times in the day to tell him the truth but she didn't reply.
Finally it clicked him of who could be behind this!

His sister was no less than a villain.

He didn't care if it was late in the night, he called Nia and asked if Pari was the reason behind all this. Her silence was the answer.

"You got influenced by her? Really? You don't even trust me?" Kabeer didn't believe that Nia could leave the person she likes on her friends opinion!

"Yes, Kabeer. I got influenced and yes, I trust her. Don't be upset, please. We should end it or just give each other some time." Nia calmly explained him and cut the call.

"Okay. Then, if you trust her so much and if she is really your friend, she should also tell you that I am her brother. But I am sure she must have hidden it from you, hasn't she?" Kabeer roared. He was furious at his sister for meddling in his business.

"You are her what?" Nia couldn't believe her ears.

"Yes, I am her brother. Her blood. Nia, trust me, she is not all that she seems to be."

Nia's eyebrows furrowed at the new found information and his words put her in more sleepless state than before.

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6/7/2023

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