"You need to relax a little bit..it's a simple dinner after all" Damini stated, observing her daughter's hasty behaviour. The dinner was held in the night but Meera had been apprehensive since morning, scuffling over silliest of things.

"Can't maa...it is a big deal for me" Meera interjected with a frown "I have to make sure everything is perfect...I can't afford to make any mistakes and disappoint her".

"Weren't you the one who said they love you irrespective of your present situation? Then why can't you be yourself and allow them to see you as you are instead of doing all these pompous arrangements?"her mother raised an eyebrow towards the dining table which was filled with expensive cutlery which her daughter had ordered online, even the napkin clothes which she had expertly folded on each side.

"Since they've accepted me as I am, can't I be a least bit generous and do something for them to make them happy? What's wrong in showing off anyway?" Meera didn't understand her mother's logic. What was the harm in living a life she craved?

"Your father used to say the same thing too..see where that got us" Damini sighed "we had to change our entire existence and come to a new place...if only..."

"Enough maa!" Meera snapped angrily "don't keep on blaming papa.. we were doomed because he trusted too much...not because he was ambitious..it's not a crime to aim higher and be successful".

Damini stopped herself from commenting "I only hope you don't mess up your life...I want you to be happy and contented with life...that's all".

"And I will be if you stop fussing too much and help me with the dishes and cooking" Meera giggled "I want to show them what a great mother I have". Damini spanked her hand playfully but did as she was asked to.

"Meera?"came a voice from the living room and she groaned "not now papa, I'm really busy!"

"Just one game beta!"her father yelled and Meera looked at her mother who rolled her eyes "it's okay..I'll manage".

Meera came to the living room to see her father already arranging the chessboard and the coins "I can already smell victory" he teased as she sat down next to him with a smile "be prepared to lose".

Meera didn't want to disappoint him as she started arranging the coins. He would ask her to play everyday as it would calm his mind and she never complained because that's what his therapist had told him; to keep his mind occupied with something he likes. Fearing another round of attack her father had endured, she had agreed to let him on without further questions.

The initial days had been hectic as he kept on having panic attacks and convulsions and it was then they had decided to leave the city, leaving behind the ghosts of dark past behind and starting a new life ahead.

Her dream of becoming a sous chef was left abandoned as nothing mattered to her more than her father's health. And by consistent perseverance, he slowly became almost normal.

"You know I always win..and yet you don't relent" Meera patted his arm playfully "maybe we should switch to some other game...scrabble perhaps".

"It's boring" he shook his head "anyway, tell me more about this guy you're going to marry". She blushed slightly "papa! We haven't yet planned...he's only coming to see us with his mother". Unlike her mother, her father was lenient regarding her personal life and encouraged her to be independent.

"I'm sure they love you" his eyes brightened "there's no one in this world who wouldn't love my daughter". She beamed at that as they started playing the game, even for the shorter period.

◇◇◇◇◇

It was past nine and there was no sign of him. As it was time for her father's medication, she gave it to him "I think he's probably late...I'll wake you up if they come" she lied to him, knowing he wouldn't wake up due to the strong dose of anti depressants which made him dizzy and delirious. He nodded and retired to his room.

"Why don't you call him? I think he must be stuck in work" Damini said by way of consoling her. "I called him twice...his phone's switched off".

"Then he must be out" her mother smiled "you should stop worrying.. we'll wait for some more time". She nodded, although not convinced entirely.

Soon, it was ten and yet there was no sign of him. Her heart raced rapidly with worry; what if something happened to him?

"Do you have their home number?" Damini asked calmly as she could sense her daughter's fear. Meera bit her lip "I don't think so...we never talk from home".

"Why don't you try his office? Maybe you'll get some information" Damini suggested with hope. Because she had no other option left, she called his office number, feeling frantic. His number went straight to voicemail and she hung up, distraught.

"I've a bad feeling maa" she cried slowly on her mother's shoulders "I think I'll go to his place and find out".
Damini looked at her "it's too late beta...I can't send you alone". Meera wouldn't let go "I'll take my usual cab...there's nothing to worry..I promise I'll be back soon..please let me go maa...I can't stay without knowing if he's alright".

Finally, after giving too much thought, Damini gave a nod "I'm coming with you....you're not going alone there".

They took the cab and reached the destination. Please God! Let him be alright, she kept praying mentally as they got down from the cab and made their way towards the gate entrance.

The security guard stationed at the gate saw them and stopped where they were "do you have an appointment?"he asked. Meera looked exchanged a worried glance at her mother "I...want to see Yash..tell him Meera is here". He walked inside to make the call as they waited.

"They're not here" he said, looking at them "they've gone to the airport".

◇◇◇◇◇

"I can't believe he stood me up" Meera cried for the umpteenth time as they were back home. There was nothing more to be said as they both didn't know what to do at the moment. His phone was still switched off "why couldn't he just inform me? And where the hell did he go?"

Damini stroked her hair "are you sure he didn't leave you a message at least?" Meera shook her head frantically "I would have known maa...he didn't even tell me anything...he said he's coming today that's it...there was no other calls from him...and I was do busy preparing for the special day that I didn't bother to call him in between thinking he had been sure!"

"He must have had a last minute urgency to leave like that" Damini consoled her "I'm sure he'll call you in the morning and explain".

Meera wiped her tear stained eyes "I hope so...in my heart, I know he wouldn't hurt me intentionally..but I was waiting for this day with so much expectation and it all went to drain".

"He must be feeling terrible too" Damini said in a matter of fact tone but feeling a little anxious herself. What kind of a man would leave without even informing? This sounded a little fishy but she didn't dare point it out to her daughter. Meera was very sensitive and she knew she would break down if she voiced her doubts.

"I'll go to his office in the morning and find out what happened" Meera said firmly "he owes me an explanation".

Damini didn't say anything and simply nodded. She could only wish for good to happen since a lot had been lost along their way.

◇◇◇◇◇

Yash sat across Mr Ahuja with whom he was supposed to have dinner. It was a last minute decision and he couldn't avoid it. And here he was, regretting every minute of it.

His thoughts went to Meera and his heart lurched a little. She must hate him, after what he had done to her. But it had to be done; he knew he had no future with the company if few sacrifices weren't made. He relied on Mr Ahuja's capital very much before the company went bankrupt and his reputation went to drain.

He also knew it was all his half brother's doing who was hell bent on destroying him but he wouldn't let him do that. He would do anything in his power to break the bastard, and sacrificing his love was a small price to pay which he was ready, like his mother said.

It was she who insisted he wouldn't tell Meera to cancel the dinner "trust me, it's the easy way" she advised him when he protested to that. "I owe her the truth mom...that's the least I can do" he had retorted but Shalini wouldn't listen "if you tell her, it's not going to be easy. You have to be discreet and watchful when dealing with her...you know it's for our own good".

Although the advice sounded bizarre, he realized there was no way out. If he wanted this to work, he would have to break up with her, that too in a pleasant way rather than a fight.

"You haven't answered my question Yash" Mr Ahuja looked at him with firm determination "I have already decided to make the deal with you.. but I need to know the financial details of the two chemical plants in Nasik...I've heard the reports that they're going to close..."

"You heard wrong" Yash temporarily warded off the thoughts of his girlfriend and gave a charming smile "I never give up on my projects...those plants will continue to run as planned...as for the labour and investments, we'll soon start with the development once we sign the deal... I assure you we will never let you down...you have my full confidence".

The older man finally gave a brief smile which somehow made Yash a little hopeful..after all this meeting was supposed to be fruitful. And that was the reason he had flown all the way to Bangalore to set up the meeting far away from Mumbai...no one would know...and no one would spy and tell on his asshole brother. Yash could almost smell the success.

"For once, you reminded me of your father...he used to instill confidence in the same way" Mr Ahuja gave a reassuring nod "I'm happy with the way you've never given up on your company...let me make you a proposition...why don't you come home and have dinner with us? We will discuss the remaining matter in the seclusion of my lounge".

Yash gave a sheepish grin "I couldn't agree more...I've heard you keep a rare collection of vintage souvenirs..I want to know if that's a boast or real". The other man laughed "I like you young man...I would love to show you as well..or rather my daughter would be very happy to guide you...she takes a lot of pride in my collections".

Yash beamed inwardly; his mother was right. This man had an only daughter whom he adored more than anything. He had to seal the deal.

This was probably the time...

◇◇◇◇◇

Meera sauntered into the hallway of the Prime Corp headquarters, her footsteps heavy but faster. She had to meet him and ask for an explanation. She even took the day off because she was angry, not to mention frustrated and bewildered at his behaviour.

The receptionist at the main desk stopped her "excuse me...may I help you?" Meera gave a stern look "is Mr Yash Sehgal back?"

"Yes...but do you have an appointment?"the girl eyed her in a suspicious manner. Meera nodded "tell him it's Meera..he will understand".

The girl, although reluctant called the extension while she waited and hung up looking at her with the same way "you can go in".

Feeling a little triumphant, Meera walked inside the office room with "chairman" carved outside the door.

Yash was seated on his usual leather chair and was going through the documents as soon as she entered. His eyes raised up to her with surprise "hey" he smiled at her.

"Hey? That's all you can come up with?"she yelled, loud enough for him to get up from his chair and walk up to her with haste "I know...I can explain"he took her hand but she pushed him away "how could you Yash? You embarrassed me in front of my parents...why did you even agree when you didn't even want to meet me? You could have atleast said a word and I would have been okay with it but you chose to make me look like a fool" there were almost tears in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry" he said with a small face "no amount of apologies could make you feel better, I understand that. But this was an emergency Meera!"he stated "we had to leave immediately and to top that, I lost my phone". She stared at at him in disbelief "you're lying".

"I know you won't believe and I can't make you" he explained "but it's true...I didn't even have time to come and meet you and explain everything...I swear I would have cancelled if it wasn't so important".

"What emergency was it?"she demanded, although her anger dissipated a little because he sounded so genuine. He clasped her hand "I had to land this last minute deal with a new investor we met...and it's finally to be a reality...I'm so happy Meera...I only wish that you weren't so angry that you could celebrate with me".

She gazed into his innocent yet charming face and realized that her love was too strong to hold any grudge against him "you know I'm happy for your success..I love you Yash" she wiped a small tear "but sometimes all this scares me...please promise me this won't happen again".

He nodded and kissed her hands "it won't....I promise". She finally smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck "I'm relieved now..you won't believe what scary thoughts crossed my mind when you didn't turn up with your mother...I couldn't sleep the whole night".

He removed her hands from his neck slowly "this is my office sweetie...we can't be seen together in public". She smiled and nodded in understanding "I'm sorry...I missed you that's all".

"If I ask you for a favour, will you do it for me sweetheart?"he asked, making puppy eyes at her. She beamed "you know I would do anything for you".

He gave a broad smile "that's why I love you so much...you're very understanding" his voice lowered "I'm going to be very busy these days...so I won't even time to socialize with anyone...the next few days are going to be very hectic" his eyes were downcast "so we can't meet for another couple of days...I hope you understand...it's for our own good..I'll never stop texting you but we need to keep a low profile for the next few days".

She didn't like the plan at all but she knew she had to think about him too. "I'm not that selfish Yash...I understand your commitments and I'm ready to wait...even if it takes a lifetime".

"Thank you so much Meera...this is all I wanted...a little bit of trust and faith". But in his heart, he was crying inwardly for having to break her heart and wondered how hard was it going to be.

He had no idea about the events that were about to conspire after...

◇◇◇◇◇

Nidhi was in her room, arranging her jewelry box when her father walked in "can I have a moment with you?"he asked softly. She looked up and smiled "of course papa...I was simply pushing time".

"How's your jewelry design going on?"he asked, occupying a seat next to her. "Great...I have this new plans for my next store...I'm planning something huge this time" her eyes brightened "so you mustn't discourage me and support me this time".

"I'm not discouraging you" he sighed "I only wish you would be this serious about settling down as well...". She frowned "I am settling down...this is all I ever wanted".

He stared at her "I'm talking about finding a good life partner and getting married". She rolled her eyes "here we go again".

"I'm serious beta...it's time you think about it...I even have someone in my mind you know...and I've invited him home for dinner tomorrow...why don't you meet him and get to know him? I won't force you but I'm sure you'll like him".

"Really? You're that confident?"she snorted. He shrugged "I'm confident of my choice...let's see if he matches yours".

"Where did you find him? Matrimonial site?"she teased and he glared at her mockingly "he's my soon to be business partner..he's smart, handsome and very ambitious...I knew his father well...trust me...this is going to be good".

She held his hands "fine...if you're insisting so much, I'll meet him..but you will never force me or make me do something silly". He beamed "I promise I won't...it'll be all your decision to make".

Nidhi smiled lightly, wondering about the guy she was going to meet for dinner.

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