A/N: Disturbing contents ahead. Read at your own risk.

"As a fellow business associate, Gina Aurora and I have nothing but pure professionalism between us. Concerning my martial status, I already have someone very dearest to me outside business realms who leads a simple life. I would like the media to respect my privacy and not believe further false speculations or rumours."

Shekhar Gagodia watched his son stand before the media, all regal and steel under his bold tone as he made an official statement. Though, taken aback by his action Shekhar was quick to mask his expression and succeed in covering it up. The move was sure an unexpected turn, much apart from the set of calculations he had calculated to be Aditya's moves.

Steel words and fury fire thrown needlessly against him as a defence- for sure, Aditya was good at what he was doing. Aditya had never spoke a word against regardless of whatever he had snatched and imposed on him. His words, actions and attitude says it all- Aditya would not abide to him this time, Shekhar concluded.

Amusement was evident in Sharmistha and Shafali's face. The consequences of Aditya's statement would lead to Shekhar play another ploy like how he had snatched away Aditya's dreams in a brutal away. But this time, Aditya would not accept the defeat and just like they knew there was a battle about to commence between the father - son.

Despite the extra lights that blared right on his face and limitless snaps of camera's filled his ears, Aditya's deep brown glared straight into Shekhar's stormy orbs like a sharp edged sword. Every word carefully chosen, coated in covers of professionalism and spilled in ease in front of the camera- Aditya knew how to play games after assisting his father for years and now running the empire all by himself gave him enough confidence. Looking into his father eye to eye he knew, the message conveyed was received by him.

Pavithra rooted on the very spot, her legs couldn't either move forward to see him nor backward to run away. She held back the gasp that was about to leave through her lips. Aditya- did he just confess all of that in front of so many media crew? She blinked in shock, her eyes stilled over her man who stood all calm and lethal. Does he even know the bomb he had dropped in her heart?

Aditya's gaze softened at his beloved who stood a little away from him, too nervous as his eyes that fell upon her came along with others attention as well. She looked a little too pretty for the night- a lovely white midi with pink floral patterns printed, matched with studs, her blonde hair braided and left on her shoulder.

The moment Aditya's eyes caught hers, Pavithra couldn't match herself to watch him... not when it brought too much of attention along. His words got her overwhelmed and shocked her enough to block away any other the thoughts to penetrate on his mind. Somehow he always left her speechless and thoughtless every damn time.

Nothing too classy to barg about but the simplicity and the ample amount of innocence her beautiful doe eyes carried made Aditya fall in love, once again. As he took steps forwarded directed to her, he witnessed her figure tensing up and her eyes wavering to everyone but not him.

Another series of heart attack followed by when she saw Aditya walk towards her. No, don't!- she screamed internally as Pavithra averted her eyes restlessly though she took little glance often of his arriving figure. Aditya had a teasing vibe written all over his face and Pavithra knew it, her Adi would leave no chance but to choose him no matter what.

Giving no heeds to anyone Aditya stood right in front of her and a hand lead out to get hold her fragile one. Though a little hesitant, Pavithra lended her cold hand only to be held by the warmer ones in the firm hold. Another round of snaps filled up their ears and this time Aditya pulled closer to his side with a proud smile.

The extra attention she had gained, flashes and camera made her uncomfortable but she felt much better with Aditya beside, her cheeks flushed crimson and her breathe still hitched. Aditya leaned a little, his lips brushed against her blonde right about her ear and he huskily whispered, "Breathe, Pavithra."

Inaudible whispers filled up the stilled air, endless snapshots of cameras and blaring lights were focused on only one corner. Swara's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion at the commotion. Reeling all her mind to find what was happening, Swara casted a look at the crowd of reporters and also heard one of them.

'The young bachelor in town Aditya Gagodia, heir of Gagodia's industries rubbishes the rumour of dating Gina Aurora but reveals that he is currently dating someone who doesn't come from any glamourous background- '

And everything suprised for Swara- the hushed voices, flashes, lights... nothing and it all zeroed at the place where she got a vague view of her brother and a lady owing to the over populated journalists surrounded. It took a minute for Swara to actually process the information she heard.

Frustrated much, Swara tip toed on her heel and that was when Jay located his best friend among the crowd who he was searching for. Jay took Swara to a safer spot and the moment she found her brother and the lady together, her lips parted and hazels widened in shock.

"She works in our school!" Swara had a clear remembrance of their encounter back in school months ago where she helped her to carry books. And the though of how she had always whinned to her best friends about not seeing her at all, Swara felt so idiotic.

"You like her?" Jay asked not wavering his eyes away from the couple. To be honest, Jay was actually very convinced about how Aditya chose Pavithra. The glow and the smile she brought from his brother was sure a delightful view. And for sure he knew Swara would actually like her too.

Her hazels melted in soft honey and moisture glassed her vision as Swara batted her eyelashes not so very often. Witnessing Aditya's cold and plain face on daily basis, this beaming smile and sparkling eyes on his face made her feel a sense of nostalgia. Years back, her brother would convey just by his facial expressions before he wore a cold facade only to never take it away.

"I guess." Swara tore her stare away from the couple to Jay and reciprocated with a brightest smile to his wide grin. She couldn't help herself but adore how gorgeous they actually looked together, Aditya stood all strong and powerful while the lady managed to pull out a smile, grasping warmth and comfort from him as their hands remained laced.

Not wasting any more time, Aditya started to move towards the entrance to exit with Pavithra. The place turned even more chaotic when media crew started to ask more queries. He had enough of drama for the day and he already wanted to catch up the lost breathe.

And when he saw Swara in eye, she quickly retorted her gaze away from him and fidgeted with her bag's strap. Aditya didn't want to leave Swara alone, for she too had to face their father who was raging in anger and he wouldn't think twice relish it on her.
He should take her along. Yes, that would be better.

Not wasting another second to ponder upon his thoughts and Aditya stepped further to grab her wrist and took her along with him. Swara though was much startled when her brother pulled her too along, didn't oppose but rather walked along obliging to his decision.

~

Good thing he reserved the entire cafe for the few hours of night. The intial plan was to take the entire household here after the party and introduce Pavithra officially tonight. But then everything turned complexed and though he had a purpose of renting it, nevertheless it was useful as a hide out.

Aditya unclasped his sleeves and rolled them to his elbow, the classic coat and bow tie were ditched already on the way and slightly unbuttoned his pristine shirt to let his skin breathe. He sat beside Pavithra who was already seated and dropped his head on the table.

Pavithra gently traced away the hair strands that fell on his forehead and passed a soft smile to him. Just brief glance closer, she could tell how his work had managed to tone down the glow of his face yet with that charming smile was enough to overpower all.

"Adi.. why this sudden public stunt?" Aditya pulled himself to straighten up, held Pavithra's hands in his and looked into her eyes, "I just advanced the plan, anyways it was meant to happen." He shrugged simply.

Pavithra knew Aditya always wanted to show off their relationship in public rather than keeping them in low profile. But then owing to the complexities that might rose later, they had to keep it down, "And you dared to advance even without any prior information." She passed a fake glare.

"Circumstances insisted it sweetheart. Trust me I had no other choice but to do it, for us." Aditya was very particular of not letting her know any other information apart from this cover. She would worry further and Aditya could not bear to see her that way.

"And you wouldn't tell what 'circumstances' caused you to do that?" Pavithra demanded an answer. There was something more to the scene the fact that Aditya hadn't completed giving a full picture like he used to do urged her to question.

"Don't you see the pros of it? We don't have to play hide and seek anymore." Aditya effortlessly wound his arm around her shoulders and placed a soft kiss on her crown, teasing her with glint of mischief in an attempt to get her off the detective mood. She did appreciate that, her cheeks shaded in hues of red, "Tricks would not work on me." but Pavithra would not be fooled.

"Fine! I'm busted but let's keep it for another day? My head aches terribly." Calculating and executing and bearing nonsense of others for the entire day had completely heated up his mind. He already wanted to drift back to an endless sleep. Retreating his hand back, Aditya leaned on her shoulder with eyes closed.

His cheek pressed against her shoulder and sleek hair almost reached up to her nose, Pavithra spoke not a word after his plea. Instead she elbowed her hand to reach the other side of his profile and let her hand warm his cold skin. Her touch was gently warm, a soft gesture he yearned after a long day- Aditya basked himself in peace. He was seeking strength from her silence, her gestures and she knew it too.

"Should I order some coffee?" She whispered, not wanting to be loud when he was already in ache, "Don't. I had a sip of wine." Aditya answered back and Pavithra hummed in response knowing how he does not intake anything after having wine.

A little away, Jay filled up the information to Swara of how after she had left, Aditya conveyed about already dating someone to which the senior Gagodia already refused to accept and things turned more complicated with words that Aditya landed up throwing an open challenge through media.

Why was his father hell bent on making it difficult, not even sparing his birthday as well? Swara sighed. Later when she joined the table, Aditya moved out to speak with Mr. Sharma in mobile.

An awkward silence filled the surrounding as Swara and Pavithra sat facing each other as they passed smiles occasionally. The only linker between both, Aditya was busy in call.

"You must be taken aback, right?" In a futile attempt of eradicating the awkwardness, Pavithra spoke. Swara who was drawing invisible patterns paused at that silvery tone, she looked up.

"I am." Swara admitted. Of course, she went completely blank for a minute and part of her still could not believe how everything happened so fast and she hardly had time to digest them, "You should be too." Even at that spot, Swara did manage to grasp her stunned expressions.

"I am still." Pavithra grinned and Swara joined as well. Everything felt like a dream for Pavithra but Aditya was all cool and unbothered about it. That reminds her again, he has to answer her question later.

"We met in school right?" She was confused of how to address the teacher lady who was now officially her brother's date. If god permits and situations turns a little more clearer, maybe she would actually end up being a part of them.

"We did." For sure she remembered the memory, after all she saw Swara for the first time in real. Aditya always created a beautiful imaginary figure to his sister and never disclosed her photos since wanted them to meet in real.

The conversation conversed further though they had abrupt silence that broke in between, otherwise it was all better between them. The time ticked faster than any other usual day- seconds fled to minutes and minutes ran into hours.

"It's getting late. Let me drop you back home." Aditya suggested as he once again gazed back to his wrist watch, It was already past ten. It would be better to atleast retire her back safely as for Swara and himself, sure they have a long night ahead when they return back.

Aditya payed the bills while Jay had already got the car key for them to get seated for the ride. To inform about their arrival back home, Jay stepped out the car and went a little away to speak to his father due to poor network issue.

As Pavithra sat in the backseat, her fingers automatically traced her wrist to reach her watch and realising it disappearance she quickly started looking for it. Swara who noticed her in search of something offered herself to help.

That was when Pavithra actually found her steel watch glimmer under the street lights as it laid on the middle of the road. She might have dropped it, "Swara it's on the road, let me get it." Pavithra was all set to move out but then Swara stopped her, "Let me."

Taking big strides, Swara confiscated the watch. In the mean time, Aditya who paid the bills walked out of the cafe and much to his horror when he saw the dash lights of the car the shadows all set to reach Swara in a nick of moment. The car awaited to hit her- no! he can't let that happen.

The moment Aditya catched his running pace, the sudden roar of the car startled Swara. In a swift, Swara took rapid steps to reach the footpath and by the time Aditya reached he managed catch her arms in a strong grip and pulled her.

But then, the car seemed to not stop still. The person in the car smirked more- ah, for sure if not the sister even the brother would do. Legs out of break and the acceleration on split speed, the car approached the duo once again.

Not giving second thoughts, Aditya pushed Swara roughly towards the footpath while her fingers that outstretched to reach her brother only managed to brush against his arms and not get hold them. For a second, her vision darkened with spots of blurred lights blinded her.

But then, when Swara managed to turn around she felt her breathe knocked out off her mouth and she froze. The vehicle dashed away Aditya and fled without any stop. His eyelashes flickered and immediately squinted at the blurry vision and the amount of pain that was slowly seeping through him.

The copper taste drenched in his mouth, Aditya had a hard time keeping his lips tight to not whimper so that the blood does not spill. Warm liquid smoothly glided from the gashes unknown to him, stained his pristine shirt in wet darkness. If there was one thought that made him welcome the ache was saving Swara.

The strikes, particularly on his right hand were radiating pain Aditya could not put on any syllable form. And the constant ache on was getting harder to keep himself away from the dark abyss he was unconsciously slipping into.

The light in his orbs turned awfully feeble with every minute that passed away, almost at the brim of giving up but a faint call of his name by Pavithra and fastened footsteps that drew closer along with the vigorous chime of her anklets made him to awake. Inspite of her tone that rung his ears, Aditya couldn't get respond for he was too weary.

Pavithra held him- the bleeding man in her arms, her doe orbs sparkling with layers of tears that threatened to fall. She shook her head, as if trying to get rid of the tormented trance but he was still withering and bleeding in her arms. Pavithra cradled him closer, allowing him to lean against her.

"Hold on Adi.. for me? please." Pavithra placed a soft kiss on his hair and let her tears finally fall free, unchecked. Aditya whimpered in an attempt to speak and ended up thin streams of blood to drip down his bloodied lips. The sudden wetness on her shoulder caught Pavithra's attention.

She gently pulled him away from her frame, balancing his weight with her hand supporting his nape and head and the other his back. His eyelashes fell back and forth rather in slow pace, "Aditya! Aditya look at me." Pavithra screamed.

Even with hazed eyes fixed on her crying figure Aditya could not bear to see her torned apart, it hurts to an extent that it felt like another physical ache. A ratted breathe left him, much more laboured than before. Aditya could no more apply pressure to hold on, he ran out of energy and he sooner surrendered himself to an unknown word of darkness that pulled him.

When Jay returned back, the scene had completely left him buffled. One side was his best friend completely frozen and on the other, a brutally wounded Aditya in Pavithra arms.

Pavithra frozed and would'nt have recovered if not for the shriek Jay gave to call her several of times. Rubbing away her tears in hasty move, with the help of Jay they moved the unconscious Aditya in the car.

Swara was frozen at very place, her hazels blurred in vision stilled at where the blood of her brother glossed on the road and ears still lingered the sound of the racing car, "Swara." Jay reached out to her and even with a glance he could say Swara was traumatised.

Her pale face almost brought back the past flash of episodes years ago where Swara had the same kind of reaction before she had passed out. Jay shook Swara calling out for her hoping to snap her away and bring her back to the reality.

Blurry vision unfocused and wide, Swara flickered her sight to Jay and the boy wrapped his arms around her unable to see his best friend devastated. It was all a dream, wasn't it? her petite frame shivered as realisation of what she had saw burned her heart and crushed her mind.

"Jay-- no--" The lump that made home in her throat absorbed away the rest of her vocals from her mouth. Swara stood up in a fix, shoulders tensed and the horror that swam in her eyes made Jay more afraid.

She held his arm in a tighter grip that Jay was certain it might leave marks, nevertheless he doesn't mind as long Swara would be okay. Even after blinking and trying to snap herself from the nightmare didn't seem to work.

Swara inhaled a rattled breathe, her lips slightly parted in order to grasp some air to fill her hurting lungs, "No! No!" Deep scratches on her palms bleed but nothing ached more than her heart did. Swara stumbled steps behind but then Jay held her on time.

"Jay... bhai... acc-ident.." She chocked as shook her head in at most dismay and clasped her shivering hands to her mouth to muffle her tears. The reel of memories kept flashing in loop that felt her heart race in rapid action, breathes turned in puffs and her knees lost strength hold her up straight anymore.

Jay managed to clutch her elbow and pull her towards him only to notice Swara's struggle for breathe and of how her eyes were drew more distant than ever. To all his suspension turning right, Swara blanked out in his arms.

Tears that he fought to stay at brim of his orbs finally fell free as he held Swara in his blood stained arms. Her fair pale skin were dropping in temperature, there was no warmth that she shuddered even in conscious state. Jay knew he had to act fast after all Swara had an anxiety attack.

Pavithra drove the car, sniffing and wiping away the tears often while Jay managed to inform the family members and look after the sibling duo- one who bleed profusely and another cold by anxiety attack.

A/N: Only chocolates, ice cream and donuts are allowed to thrown on my way. Others are accepted but I would hide myself to not receive then 😎

Hope you'll good, take care

Love,
Diya❤️