"Did you do well in your exams?"

"It was okay".

"Really? Your teacher said you're the best in class and that she's proud of you".

"She says that to everyone".

"I don't think so..she said you write essays very well...and you have a very good imagination".

"I don't even know what that means".

"It means you're a great thinker...and you'll do great in life".

A brief silence followed this statement and Dheeraj glanced at the eight year old Daksh who was looking out of the window with a quiet expression.

"Your brother's waiting for you already...I told him you're coming today" Dheeraj said with a smile. Daksh didn't "can I ask you something?"he looked at his father this time.

Dheeraj nodded in curiosity and Daksh leaned in "why do I have to stay in hostel? Why can't I stay at home with you and mom? If Yash can stay why can't I?"

Dheeraj peered at him through his glasses "because he's younger than you...once he reaches eight years, he's going to residential school as well.. trust me, it's the best school there is... you'll emerge as one of the best and the successful".

Daksh somehow didn't agree with him "I don't want to be successful or great..I want to be with you, mom and Yash". Dheeraj felt his heart warm at his words "only few more years and then you'll be back, I promise". This time, Daksh gave a small smile and glanced outside the car window again and Dheeraj felt a stab of guilt for having to lie to him.

It was Shalini's suggestion that he had to admit the boy to a residential school. Daksh was only three when his father brought him home, having no recollection of his mother or anything else for that matter. Whenever Dheeraj asked about his life back with his mother, he would stare blankly at him and look away as if he had spoken anything at all. And Dheeraj felt a mixture of sadness but mostly relief; because of reasons best known to him. And he had made sure no one else knew...except one person.

Soon enough, Daksh was able to settle down into the new family, calling them as his own parents and when little Yash was born, he was the happiest. He adored his brother who was only three years younger to him and yet he treated him as if he was very older.

No one knew who he was as Dheeraj had come up with the story that he was an orphan and the son of one of his best friends back in Dhanbad who had promised to take care of his son before dying.

His brothers Sandeep and Sharat had believed the story although Dheeraj could feel their suspicious looks but ignored most of it. His mother was furious and sided with Shalini "you shouldn't have got him home...should have sent him to a good orphanage and raised him from there...how will Shalini feel? It's not even her child and you can't just rub it on her suddenly" she chided her eldest son "it's not easy for any of us to accept the kid...and it's not good for our family reputation".

"I won't let anything happen to our family" Dheeraj consoled her "as far as my wife is concerned, she is very understanding...she will accept him just the same". It seemed he was wrong.

Of course his wife had been understanding but accepting the boy was another matter altogether. No matter how hard he tried, he would never melt her heart regarding the kid and finally he gave up; his love for her was far more important. He couldn't afford to lose his wife amidst all the chaos and decided to wait. Maybe a time will come when she'll accept him as her own.

"Finally we're here!" Daksh yelled excitedly, breaking his father out of his reverie "can't wait to get home". Dheeraj ruffled his head "I've a surprise for both of you..don't tell your brother yet". Daksh glowed at that "okay but what is it?"

"You'll know tomorrow" Dheeraj said with a smile "now go...I'll catch up with you guys later...I've to get to the office immediately". Daksh nodded and walked out of the car.

Everyone were happy to see him, even his grandmother who gradually had warmed up to him. Well, everyone except Shalini.

"Dad has something planned for us" Daksh waited for no time to tell his excited brother that night when they were going to sleep "he said we'll get to know tomorrow".

Yash ran next to him "really? I thought he would take only you...mom said he's taken you somewhere". Daksh shook his head "why would he take me alone? I won't go anywhere without you". Yash broadened his dimpled smile.

"Yash? Are you awake yet?" Shalini peered in through their bedroom. "Just about to sleep mom..." Yash said, scooting close to his brother.

"You're supposed to sleep in your own bed beta" she said, walking in and settling down on his bed "come here".

"No..it's been long..I want to sleep next to Daksh" Yash said simply. Daksh looked at her "it's okay mom..I don't mind really...he can..."

"You're spoiling him" she said in a stern voice "you're here only for few days...he'll get used to stay here without you anyway...don't make him stubborn than he already is".

Daksh watched in silence as Yash came back to his own bed and she cuddled next to him, softly reading to him the bedtime story.

As she slowly got up and walked away, he called out "mom?" She looked back "what is it?"

"I'm not feeling sleepy" he said softly "can you read to me?" She didn't deter "you're not a child Daksh...you're eight now...".

"I know..but I can't sleep" he said in a hopeful voice. "Then you should have stayed in the hostel" she quipped.

"I don't sleep there either" he said innocently, never understanding why she was always cold towards him "I didn't tell dad because I didn't want him to scold me".

She walked closer to his bed and sat next to him. Feeling elated, he sat up straight and took out a book from the shelf. She kept it down and pulled the covers over him "you're the oldest Daksh..no one will come to coddle you...not me" she stated "you'll have to take care of yourself..don't expect others to come for you" with that, she walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.

He blinked at the closed door, unable to get the hidden meaning.

◇◇◇◇◇

Vaidehi stared at the mirror for a long time, raking an index fingers across the left side of her face, her pale reflection looking back at her.

"You should stop doing that you know". The familiar voice jerked her attention and she turned back with an easy smile "stop what? Staring at the mirror?"

"No...reminiscing the past" Daksh said, settling on the nearest chair. She gave a brief snort and fixed a firm glance at him "have you?"

He didn't reply just like she thought he would "it's been what? Five years is it?"he stated instead. She pulled her messy hair and tied it back "five years and five months to be precise".

"Time heals everything" he said, almost in a mocking tone "that's what they say...easier said than done". She gave a brief nod and sat next to him, her eyes concentrated on his.

She had never seen him in his worst dressed moment. He was always dressed in his best and mostly in an impeccable custom made suit stitched from the best designers in the city. Sometimes she would wonder whether he was a lost royal prince.

"What are people saying about us this time?"she said, taking a pillow and clutching it near her chest. He stared "does it bother you?"

She shrugged "no...but it's fun to know". He almost smiled and she wondered if he looked more handsome now or before. That was the thing with Daksh, she thought with a sardonic smile; he even smiled like he was hiding something from the world. And she knew what it was.

"Let's see" he pretend to think for a moment "there's rumour that I made you pregnant". She laughed, knowing he was joking "wow! That's real fast!"

"Come on! It's been long, let's give them some credit" he drawled. She pulled the chair close to him "doesn't it bother you? People talking?"

He patted her arm in affection "I don't let my emotions cloud over some immature and below average gossips". She clasped his hand and they looked above the sky, letting the silence speak for them.

She closed her eyes, letting her mind drift into their very first meeting. As much as she had come to know Daksh Sehgal, she had never fallen in love with him; the reason she never really understood although she assumed it was because he hadn't let himself. Sometimes she pondered if he had ever fallen in love but never dared to ask him and lose whatever beautiful relationship they shared.

"I've to go" he interrupted her "Shlok's waiting for me". She watched as he got up swiftly and buttoned his suit "what are you going to do? About your brother?"

He avoided her gaze "a lot of things.. but right now I've to deal with an important project of his".

"It's been a long time...can't you just leave it alone?"she knew it was a vain question and she was right. He paused and walked closer to her "do you need anything?"he asked, completely ignoring the question.

"Yes..." she said softly "I need you to be happy...and lead a normal life". He raised an amused eyebrow "am I abnormal?" She chuckled "I meant a life full of happiness...with someone you love".

He stroked her hair "love is the only luxury I can't afford..." he whispered "and I don't want you take up this topic ever again".

She didn't say a word and quietly watched as he sauntered out of the room.

◇◇◇◇◇

Nidhi stepped out of her SUV and gave the car keys to the valet. Since he had chosen La cirque, one of the luxurious restaurants for dinner, she took care to dress in her best.

He had already reserved the seat and was waiting for her when she walked in which was surprising. Meera always complained that he never came for anything on time.

"Thank you for coming" Yash gave his charming smiles and her heart melted in a guilty way. Almsot above six feet tall and a dashing personality,
he could almost be passed off as a model, she always thought. Those dimples on his cheeks added to the charm and made him more appealing.

"How come you're on time today?"she couldn't help but ask as the waiter appeared with the order.

"Let's say I'm on the road to recovery" he teased. She laughed "Meera always hated your late arrivals".

"Let's not talk about Meera" he said in a serious tone "I want to talk about us". She stared at him in confusion.

"I know what you're thinking...that I'm a jerk who's hiding things from his girlfriend and seeing someone else behind her back" he sighed.

"We're not seeing each other" she shifted uncomfortably "we're just having a friendly dinner".

She noticed his expression darken as he moved his chair an inch closer. She felt her heartbeat quicken when he took her hand in his "are we really having a friendly dinner?"his eyes bore into hers.

She blinked quickly "of course...you said you needed a friend and that's why I'm here...don't get any ideas".

"I will if you stop lying to me...and to yourself" he drawled. She gulped for breath "I don't know what you mean". She felt her hands cold in his but good..and secure.

"You know exactly what I mean" he shrugged "I don't like to beat around the bush Nidhi..." his voice dropped to a silky whisper "I want to be honest with you...my mother is dead against the idea of me and Meera...she says she'll leave me if I choose my love over her..." he explained slowly choosing the words "I'm helpless...but I can't choose Meera over my mom.. she's been there for me since birth.. it's not right".

"You must try to convince your mother" Nidhi suggested "make her understand how much she means to you". Yash looked crestfallen "you don't think I tried? I told her in every possible ways that I love Meera but she's adamant...she knows about Meera's past and she doesn't want our family reputation to go in drain".

"Did you discuss this matter with Meera atleast now?" Nidhi asked, wondering how Meera might take this; she would probably throw a fit, of that Nidhi was sure.

"I will...that's not a problem" Yash said simply "but that isn't why I called you..." he looked at their hands which were still intertwined. She noticed hastily removed hers.

"You know about the huge project your father and I are undertaking... he's very happy with the way things are turning out" he explained "but he doesn't just want me to be his partner..he wants us to get married".

Nidhi stared at him "I already told you to reject the proposal...and I thought you did". He nodded, wiping his brow "I couldn't tell it to his face...that was one reason...the other being I really want to consider it".

She gaped at him in disbelief, thinking he was teasing her but he looked serious "I'm not joking Nidhi....you have to think about it..our parents very much want us to get married.. since we don't have much choice we need to..."

"It's not possible Yash!"she said firmly "we can't betray Meera...she'll be devastated...I understand your reasons for breaking up with her but I can't do that to her...we're best friends..she'll hate me forever".

"I know Meera...she'll be angry but she'll come around..you can't keep sacrificing your life just for her sake... and we're close friends...we know each other well...why don't we give us a chance?"he pleaded softly "let's move on instead of thinking about the uncertain possibilities".

Nidhi was in a dilemma; part of her whooped with joy at the thought of Yash as her life partner. She could see herself being Mrs Yash Sehgal and the envious looks of everyone in their social circle. Any girl would gladly jump in to be his wife and yet...he asked her. But the other guilty part of her thought about Meera...she had gone through a lot in her past.

"I don't know Yash" she said sourly "I can't break her heart...she may be smart and bold but she's naive and sensitive. She'll never forgive me".

He inched even closer and clasped her hand in his "I understand...but I want you to think about it...we'll make a great couple honestly..trust me..everything will work out for good" he looked into her eyes with warmth and she could feel herself melting in them "don't deny your happiness for anyone...why don't you decide for yourself rather than your friend? We're not doing anything wrong...we're only obeying our elders' decision and that's not a crime..for once put yourself first instead of others".

His hands were warm in hers and she felt a sense of relief; he was right. They weren't wrong entirely....

"Yash? What a small world!" Nidhi gave a small start of surprise at the strange tone and looked up to see a pretty girl standing next to them, with a tall and lanky man who looked equally surprised as her.

"Hi Tanvi" Yash said without much interest and Nidhi could feel he was irritated by the interruption.

"So...you finally got time to socialize?" Tanvi piped, her eyes on the other woman. Yash didn't faze "we are humans too Tanu...but I'm really surprised to find you here...are you tired of hanging out in pubs?" Nidhi seized the instant dislike between the two.

Tanvi smiled "as a matter of fact I'm here on work...this is my lawyer Aditya" she introduced the other guy who gave a stern nod which Yash returned with half enthusiasm.

"Guess I should leave you two love birds alone then" Tanvi looked at him with a fake smile. Yash only nodded, without correcting her. Nidhi watched them go and take another seat far away.

"Lawyer my ass!" Yash swore "he must her new boy toy". Nidhi chuckled "who is she anyway?" Yash gave a small shrug "a family friend unfortunately...and she's bad news, better steer clear from her".

"Why didn't you tell her we're just friends?"she asked and he smirked "I didn't feel the need to..anyway will you give the thought to what I said?"

She looked at him in the eye "there's no need...I've decided what to do".

◇◇◇◇◇

Tanvi absently stirred her glass while Aditya quietly observed her for a while.

"I don't know what to do...I thought the chapter was closed" she said, after sometime "and please stop saying 'I told you so'. I'm sick of hearing it from my father and I don't want to hear it from you too" she added with chagrin.

"How long has he been pestering you?"he asked calmly. She kept the glass aside and faced him "since few days...I want to get rid of him".

"Wasn't everything settled during the hearing?" Aditya asked, taking a sip of his usual mojito "I thought you guys separated on mutual terms".

She shifted guiltily "we did not...I kind of coerced him because he wasn't ready to..and now he's getting back at me...I want to get rid of him somehow".

"What is he blackmailing you with?" Aditya stared at her with intent eyes but she looked away "I can't tell you that...it's too personal".

"Jeez Tanu! I'm your lawyer, you're supposed to tell me everything!"he demanded in an irritated tone "you should have told me everything during the proceedings".

She shook her head "he didn't do anything back then and I never thought he would resort to such a thing...I can't even tell dad anything.. he's already wary of me".

Aditya patted her hand "I want to help you but only if you tell me everything about him...I need to know the truth".

She looked at him with a defeated expression and finally blurted out slowly...

Hi everyone!!
Hope you're all doing well...
So I'm back with a looongg gap with a new chapter....(I know most of you must have forgotten the plot by now 🙈🙈) and I'm sorry for being so late...

Please vote and comment...
Have a great day ahead ♥️♥️♥️